Campers' games came alive as they intercut elements in Video Game Design class.
As Summer Academy campers eagerly began a new day of learning, they couldn't stop talking about Wednesday's exciting trip to Disneyland. Conversations ranged from which rides were the favorites to how many rides they each got to go on and how they couldn't wait to go back again!
Los Angeles resident Damon Jackson was one of the many kids who lost their voices from all the fun had at Disneyland, which made asking the teacher questions a bit challenging. A huge thank you to everyone from Disneyland who helped provide the kids with a day of fun they will never forget!
Cory, who travelled all the way from Oklahoma, learned a lot in Comparative Zoology while examining the different parts of a goat's heart. The enthusiasm in his voice as he explained how each part of the heart functioned showed how confident he was in all that he has learned this week. From the sounds of things, it looks like we may have a doctor in the making!
Over in Video Game Design, the campers' games were beginning to come alive as they added more intercut elements and levels to their games. Twelve-year-old Justin always loved playing video games, but he never dreamed he would be able to create his own. On Thursday, he sat in class at the Learning Center playing the video game he created all by himself.
Outside, Golf Academy campers had the opportunity to use the Tiger Woods: My Swing App, which uses video analysis to help golfers improve their stance and technique. The app also allows students to watch videos of Tiger swinging each club and compare their swing to his. After only three days, beginning golfer Edgar from the D.C. Learning Center was already able to hit the ball straight about 100 yards!
On Thursday, campers were able to share what they have been learning and the exciting projects they are working on with some of the generous donors who made this week possible.
During lunch, the Learning Center welcomed representatives from Disneyland Resort, The Boeing Company and The Employees Community Fund of Boeing California, Hood & Burch Inc. CPA's and Building Engineering & Science Talent (BEST), along with individual donors Carmel Stevens, Greg Jones, Roy Stills and Sandy Barry. While out on the driving range, Stills, who works for State Farm Insurance and personally sponsored one of the campers, talked about how great it was for young people to have golf in their lives, as it gives them a focus and keeps them on the right path. He went on to say that sponsoring a Summer Academy participant "was definitely money well spent."
On Friday, campers will finish up their projects and prepare for the family showcase, at which they will get to show their parents what they have been working on all week.
