Howard Payne University’s Summer and Young Scholars programs are slated for July 15-19, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the HPU campus. The annual programs are designed to provide intense, fun and academically stimulating summer camp programming for children entering grades K-6.

This year, programming will include a class specifically for students entering kindergarten. The kindergarten class will be self-contained and will admit up to 15 students.

“For several years we have had parents requesting a program for students entering kindergarten, and this year we are excited to introduce the class,” said Dr. Julie Welker, chair of the Department of Communication and director of the programs.

The theme for this year’s programming is ‘Nature Explorers,’ which will focus on students learning about all things outdoors. Each student will receive a Field Notes notebook to record experiments throughout the week. Students in grades 1-3 will experience a rotation of classes in math, English, art and PE. Students entering grades 4-6 will engage in STEM classes and PE.

“The goal is to challenge school-age children academically, with innovative teaching in a variety of subjects,” said Dr. Welker. “We like to focus on the core subjects in a fun and engaging way, challenging students to dig deeper in each subject area.”

One of the strengths of the Summer and Young Scholars programs is the high quality of the instructors.

“All of our instructors are either professors at HPU or award-winning, experienced educators,” said Dr. Welker. “Each instructor offers hands-on, creative applications of their disciplines in each class.”

The registration fee for the program is $150 and includes tuition, promotional items, daily snacks and supplies. Students may purchase a t-shirt for $12. The deadline for registration is Friday, July 5.

Registration is online at www.hputx.edu/summerandyoungscholars.