KIPA’s 2019 summer middle school program is ideal for the student aged 12 – 15 and in grades 6 – 8.
Our students explore and develop key concepts in computer technology through hands on activities while expanding their conversational English skills.
This year’s morning program will explore two areas; Cyber Security and Robotics. The technology camps are run by Dr. Ellen Cavanaugh, a leader in STEM Education in the Pittsburgh region.
The afternoon program will be filled with English language learning (ELL) taught by Professor Mark Petrovich of La Roche College. Mark’s years of experience teaching language to young people here and internationally ideally prepares him to increase your child’s English competency in a fun way, going beyond the classroom to hands on projects.
Students will develop skills in the areas of critical thinking and problem solving while learning to work collaboratively with others. Our camp includes native English speaking middle school students to inspire and challenge your student to grow their English language capabilities.
The 2019 Summer Camp runs from July 7 through July 27.
Students will arrive to the United States via Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) on Sunday, July 7 where they will be met by KIPA staff.
Mornings Technology Adventure
Week One: Cyber Security
Cybersecurity careers are skyrocketing. Cybersecurity specialists are in high demand amongst employers not only within the government but also within every healthcare system or private corporation that keeps private digital information. This week is designed to introduce students to career opportunities, cyber ethics, online safety, how computers work, and cyber threats.
Virtual images representing operating systems will challenge students to find cybersecurity vulnerabilities, harden the system, and simultaneously maintain critical services. Windows 10, Linux, and Ubuntu 16 file protections, auditing and monitoring will be introduced.
The learning experience will be both fun and relevant!
Week Two: Robotics
This curriculum will challenge each participant to understand how robots move (actuators), sense the environment around them (sensors), and understand what to do (programming). Roboticists will experience robot design by building a robot.
They will also explore the many fields opening up in robotics on the land, sea, air, and space!
The camp is ideal for students who like the mechanics and engineering of making things work. As students have fun building robots and competing in robotics missions, they will lay a strong foundation for future study in computer engineering, math, mechanical engineering, and other STEM subjects.
Daily Afternoon English Language Learning Experience
Our ELL program focuses on primarily developing oral fluency. We strive to activate the passive knowledge participants have previously learned in traditional classrooms. Our student-centered approach allows students to gain confidence in using their English. Each day will feature a hands on project, experiment or challenge which will be conducted entirely in English. Students use their English for a clearly defined purpose, which reflects authentic communication. Other classroom activities include games, role playing, and discussion centered around STEM topics. Evening activities and outdoor exercise are also included.
When students do not fear making a mistake, but instead focus on authentic communication, great strides can be made in speaking English. Past participants have seen continued improvement upon returning home due to their newfound confidence in English.
All Work and No Play…
…will not happen at the KIPA summer camp! Students will not only study but enjoy some of the recreation activities that Pittsburgh has to offer.
An outing to Sandcastle Water Park is always a welcome break from the hot summer days. Nestled in the wooded rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania and next to a boardwalk overlooking the calm scenic Monongahela River, Sandcastle features a wave pool, a lazy river and multiple water slides. It is a fun memory-making day.
Kennywood is America’s finest traditional amusement park. The park offers a unique mix of classic rides and modern thrills, including six rollercoasters and several attractions not found anywhere else. Kennywood provides an unforgettable Pittsburgh experience.
Finally, no trip to Pittsburgh would be complete without a tour of Pittsburgh’s premiere technology university, Carnegie Mellon. A private university guided tour will be given to whet the appetite of your STEM driven student.
Finally…
Week Three: Travel to Washington DC and New York City
This year KIPA is delighted to offer its summer students a travel experience in two of the USA’s most exciting cities, Washington DC and New York City. Both destinations offer historic, educational, and recreation venues. We hope to combine all of these into a trip your child will always remember.
Touring will begin in the United States’ capital city, Washington DC. Students will have the opportunity to visit the US Capitol, the Air and Space Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, and have a fascinating opportunity to watch money being printed at the Federal Reserve, to name only part of the full agenda.
Your student will then travel by passenger van to New York City for an educational and fun-filled conclusion to their stay in America. Visits to the 911 Memorial, Time Square, the American Natural History Museum, a cruise on the Hudson River to see the Statue of Liberty, shopping, and a Broadway theatre experience are only part of the activities planned.
Your student’s NYC visit wouldn’t be complete without a tour of famed New York University (NYU). NYU offers endless opportunities for talented scholars. This is a unique opportunity for your student to visit this internationally renowned institution in person.
Students will depart from the United States out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Saturday, July 27.
Accommodations
During weeks one and two campers will reside in a secure residence hall, with full amenities at nearby Geneva College. Geneva is ranked 6th in the top 25 most beautiful Christian colleges in the U.S., and recognized by U.S. News and World Reports as a “top 3 best value school” out of all north regional American universities. While at Geneva’s beautiful campus, we will have access to a full range of resources including up-to-the-date multimedia classrooms, a full-service cafeteria serving three healthy delicious meals a day, and athletic facilities.
Your child will be supervised at all times by KIPA’s counselors who are dedicated to the safety of the children in our care, and who have obtained all safety clearances recommended by the State of Pennsylvania. Our staff will also include a Chinese-English translator. A van will be provided for transportation to activities outside the campus.
While traveling, your student will be accompanied by our counselors and well chaperoned at all times. Travel arrangements will be furnished by New Jersey based, IATA accredited travel agent, Bing Zhao, who has a five-star rating. She is well-versed in international student travel needs and is part of the Travel Leaders network.
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