Summer Camp Helps Incoming 9th Graders Connect at CVU
by Duncan Wardwell,
May 20, 2010, page 6.....

The CVU Summer Camp is based on providing a smooth transition to high school. The adventure begins when incoming 9th graders sign up for interest area groups led by experienced CVU student counselors. Counselors serve as mentors to challenge the campers to develop high school skills, make friends and work in groups. The adventure never ends as CVU students learn to connect with CVU in different ways from high school to beyond.

Anthony Jordick is completing his CVU Graduation Challenge project based on personal experiences as a camper and counselor. “Campers exhibit characteristics representative of everyone, and they provide a useful learning experience. Lessons about making friends, managing your time, and using the resources available to you are all things that we can learn from, as an adult and a learner.” Anthony created a handbook for students to use this summer and during the school year. “Making connections with the school is equally as important.” Anthony makes good connections to campers as he promotes group dynamics and CVU-savvy.

The camp provides many ways for incoming 9th graders to connect with academics, clubs, sports and CVU culture. Andre LaChance, a CVU English teacher, challenges Summer Academy campers to know their teachers. “It’s nice because I work with a smaller group. I make quick connections with each student and challenge them to interpret literature and write with revision techniques.” The activities at the camp provide the initial connection, but it often expands into the fall, winter and spring. “I often see them later in my English classes or help advisors and teachers plan for success.” Other interest area choices provide ways for campers to orchestrate success at CVU. The students that sign up for CY CVU explore how to improve personal assets through clubs, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Campers choose ways to connect to CVU with a technological, artistic or athletic talent. LaChance also observes how CVU counselors implement skills that transcend CVU, “I mentor counselors as they facilitate a community environment.”

The counselors learn how to implement CVU skills to the world in front of them. Callie Stewart, another experienced camper and counselor, explains that, “As a counselor, I found the camp to be fun and very helpful because I was able to work on my leadership and organizational skills.” Callie confirms that “these skills are valuable when you need to work in a large group or have a long project, like Graduation Challenge, you need to complete.” The planning and leadership requirements of Camp counselors provide ways to explore organizational strategies and job skills. Ellen Snyder explains, “As an experienced counselor, I really enjoy planning lessons, acquiring materials, and teaching art skills to campers to allow their creativity to flourish.” The counselors develop leadership skills and experience responsibilities that transcend high school.

“Five years ago I had to search for counselors carefully,” says Camp Director Duncan Wardwell. “Nowadays, CVU students realize what a great opportunity this is. I choose between the best of the best.” There is always room for an incoming 9th grader to join the camp because the staff can handle diverse learning opportunities. “Each counselor contributes a unique talent yet is diverse enough to lead many activities. We provide many ways to discover success at CVU.” A generation ago, summer school smelled only of hallway wax, but today there’s lunch. This summer many current and former CVU students will connect with content and community resources.

To find out how to enhance your CVU connection, check out the CVU Summer Camp website at cvuhs.org or call Duncan Wardwell at 482-7194. Spaces are available for incoming 9th graders in both sessions, all interest areas.

Duncan Wardwell is CVU Summer Camp Director.