Colony’s week-long Summer Enrichment Program begins on June 3 at the Tom Bevill Library at the Colony Educational Complex. (Tribune file photo)
COLONY – The Town of Colony is undertaking an ambitious summer camp program for its kids. When the Town’s week-long Summer Enrichment Program begins on June 3, Tom Bevill Library at the Colony Educational Complex will house desktop computers to run a digital cutting machine, 3-D printer, swing-away heat press and laser engraver.
And all this tech won’t just be for show and tell. According to Town Clerk Patricia Ponder, this will be a hands-on event, allowing teens ages 13-18 the opportunity to create their own designs and manufacture items onsite. Most of the software is free and downloadable, so students with access to computers or smart devices can even familiarize themselves with the programs and get started on their designs ahead of the class.
Ponder is providing the equipment from her personal tech gear collection, and told The Tribune, “I wanted to do something different, and not just have it be coloring pages and glue sticks. I have the personal technology, and I enjoy it. Maybe it’ll spark interest.”
The project is supported by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, with Sister Margaret Mary Liang serving as coordinator. Last year, the sisters secured a $1,000 grant for Colony’s two month long summer enrichment program, which suffered a drop in attendance in its later weeks. This year, the program will consist of a one-week summer camp from June 3-7 for which, according to Ponder, the Sisters are seeking an $800 grant.
Ponder said, though, that if the interest and participation levels are high, she may continue to make the equipment available through the summer and would consider offering sessions during the Christmas holiday and spring break.
Colony will provide materials including cardstock, vinyl, transfer tape and heat transfer vinyl for use with the digital cutting machine, PLA filament for use in the 3-D printer and wooden disks and/or blocks for the laser engraver.
Volunteers and participants will receive a T-shirt with a Colony logo on the front. During the week, students will design a logo to be applied to the back.
For the elementary-age group, activities will focus on Colony's unique history and its historical sites. The students will take a walking tour, have a hay ride and have lunch in Vivian B. Allen Park.
Each day will begin with breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by 45-minute work sessions at 9:30 and 10:30 with a 15-minute break between. A snack will be served at 11:30. Dismissal is tentatively scheduled for 12:30.
According to Ponder, the program will be available only to pre-registered participants. Class size is very limited and registration closes at noon on March 22. Anyone interested should contact Colony Town Hall for a registration form as soon as possible.
Stuff for younger kids, too
During the week of the Summer Enrichment Program, Councilwoman Ethel Alexander, who coordinates many of Colony’s community outreach activities, will supervise classes that focus on the history of the town and Alabama’s Bicentennial celebration, for students ages 5-12.
At a glance
Colony Summer Enrichment Program – Tech Camp
June 3-7, 2019 at Tom Bevill Library/Colony Educational Complex, 151 Byars Rd.
9 a.m. breakfast, 9:30-11:15 work sessions, 11:30 snack
Pre-registration required. For more information or to register, visit Colony Town Hall at 65 Byars Rd. or call 256-287-1192 or 256-287-1131.
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