Exploring academics, enhancing social skills: Young Profs Exploration Camp to host 16 students

From building bottle rockets to conducting science experiments to creating ceramics to presenting their own news casts, 16 youngsters with high functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome will explore various academic fields—and enhance their social skills—during Rowan University’s fourth annual Young Profs Exploration Camp.

Presented by Rowan’s Academic Success Center and Disability Resources, the camp runs Monday, July 28-Friday, August 1 on the University’s Glassboro campus. Campers, who range in age from 10-15,  spend each day at Rowan learning about various academic disciplines—and engaging in fun activities—in sessions led by University professors and professional staff. Rowan students and alumni also serve as volunteers and camp counselors in the program.
Students will create and paint clay pots and tiles under the leadership of Art Professor Skeffington Thomas, build and launch bottle rockets in a session with Engineering Technician Chuck Linderman, conduct science experiments with Chemistry Instructor Behrooz Nazer, and enjoy fitness and team building activities led by Health & Exercise Science Professor Theresa Cone.

They’ll also have the chance to produce their own newscasts in the television studio of Bozorth Hall under the guidance of Chris Winkler, television production coordinator for the College of Communication & Creative Arts. A few radio/television/film majors will assist the Young Profs in their work.

College of Education instructor Amy Accardo will lead the Young Profs in a yoga class, which is new to the camp this year.

This year’s campers were the recipients of seven scholarships so that they can attend Young Profs. Four of the scholarships were provided through a grant from the Autism Speaks Baker Summer Camp Program. Three additional scholarships were presented by Jay Kuder, chair of the Department of Language, Literacy and Special Education in the College of Education.