Course Examples

The courses listed below on this page are a sample of courses offered over several years.
They may not all be available during the upcoming camp year.

Students will be provided with a list of approximately 30 courses that will be offered.
Students will choose the courses they would like to take.
They will take the same four courses each day while at camp.

39 Clues

Based on the popular series of books created by Rick Riordan, there is a secret lurking on the campus of Ohio Wesleyan University. Scattered throughout the campus are a series of 39 clues that, when put together, will unlock a mystery. Students will compete in the teams from the Ekaterina, Janus, Lucian, and Tomas branches. Each day, these teams will search a different area looking for clues. These clues are in code, so they must solve the riddle in order to discover the clue. Once all 39 clues are put together, they will reveal a profound wisdom.

Anatomy 101: Introduction to Body Systems through Fetal Pig Dissection

Interested in learning about the body?
Welcome to Anatomy 101.
Where learning about body systems is incredibly fun.
I will teach and you will learn.
Therefore, a privilege you will earn.
Using scissors to dissect,
Fetal pig body systems you will inspect.
With laboratory safety always in use,
Only the non-squeamish we need to recruit.
Calling all campers! Please jump in!
Anatomy 101: Body System Dissection …Let's begin!

Baking Basics

If you have an interest in baking at all, this class is for you! We will learn how to read a recipe, identify, use, and compare leavening agents, discuss safety in the kitchen, prepare baked goods from scratch without the use of preservatives and additives, and provide recipes for students to take home to encourage their continued baking experience. This class encourages students to work together in collaborative small groups. Campers should not select this course if previously taken.

Chess, The Game of Games

Do you already know how to play chess and would you like to learn to play better? Opening strategies? Middle game tactics? End game strategies? If your answer is yes, then this is the class for you. This class will be for players who already have some background in chess and at least know how the pieces move. It will also be helpful if you are familiar with algebraic chess notation and have some experience playing timed games using a chess clock. This class will help you become a better player, develop a greater appreciation of the game and provide a brief glimpse into the rich history of chess.

Fun With Polymers

Come explore the fascinating world of polymers. Make slime, super balls, and artificial snow. Experiment with super absorbent polymers that can absorb 800 times their weight in water. Dissect diapers and clean up oil spills. Learn all about the chemistry of plastics, rubber and Silly Putty while making different polymers every day.

It's Greek to Me! Greek Mythology from A to Z

Grab your toga and join us for a week-long exploration of glorious ancient Greece! Learn about the birthplace of theatre and democracy, rub elbows with the gods and goddesses, visit its architectural wonders, debate the differences between Sparta and Athens in the Agora, and compete for the olive wreath crown at the original Olympics. Students will learn all about Greece with dynamic, hands-on activities.

Model Rocket Madness

Calling all beginner rocket scientists! You can learn basic aerodynamics as they pertain to model rocket design when you construct and launch your own flying model rocket.  We will discuss Newton's laws of motion and how they impact rockets in flight as well as solid fuel engine design and function.  Mix in a flurry of glue, cardboard, sandpaper, paint, rulers and pencils, then top it off with a field trip to an undisclosed scientific launch site (school soccer field) … and this is Model Rocket Madness!  The best part... Taking your rocket home after a successful flight!

Murder in the Chemlab

There's evil lurking in the lab, murder most foul and you've been assigned to the case! Come and solve this chemical "whodunit" by performing experiments and analyzing patterns in chromatography, chemical reactions, flame tests, pH tests and invisible inks! Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple, or Hercule Poirot… who knows? You just might be the world's next great detective!

Ultimate STEM Challenge!

Unleash your inner scientist and engineer by competing in daily STEM challenges. You will be placed on a team and must test your skills in a variety of tasks like creating marble runs and launching marshmallows in a catapult. Work together with your team to be the best in every challenge and walk out as the champion!

Writer's Workshop I: Comics

Already mastered the basics in Intro to Creative Writing? Join the Writer's Workshop to take a deep-dive into comics. Whether you're dreaming up the next great graphic novel or Marvel's newest superhero, this course will give you the tools you need to take your story from idea to full-color comic. Not an artist? Not a problem! We'll try out all the different aspects of comic creation, including scriptwriting. And who knows—you might find a new favorite method of storytelling!

You're on Trial

A crime has been committed, or has it?  In this course, you will take part in a trial in which you will play a role as a witness or an attorney. You'll have the facts as you see them, but a jury of adult volunteers will pay attention to court proceedings and will render a verdict. Witnesses must learn their facts and keep them straight under cross examination. Lawyers must prepare a summary of the case and questions for witnesses and think on their feet during the trial.  We will review the case, assign roles, and practice in class. The last two days of class will be in court, where you will take part in the trial!