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A few spots remain available for the 2025 summer camps organized by Polk County educators for rising 4th-9th grade students. These educational camps, funded by the Polk County Community Foundation, offer unique opportunities for local youth to engage in hands-on learning experiences during the summer break.

Students may register for one camp only, and with limited spaces available, families are encouraged to secure their spots soon. Registration can be completed online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3vJ_J7hr7kI0k1zUB3p5a_JvxgmW-1fAwBSOt6LcuJlEZ1A/viewform?usp=header

The following camps still have openings:

Creative Cultivators

• Instructor: Ginger Rackley
• Location: Saluda Elementary School
• For: Rising 4th-7th Graders
• Dates: July 14-18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

This camp offers a week of hands-on creativity where baking, gardening, art, and science intersect. Each day will feature activities centered around different food items, with students engaging in baking, planting, creating art, and conducting experiments.

Drones – Learn to Fly

• Instructor: Leslie Rhinehart
• Location: Polk County Middle School
• For: Rising 6th-8th Graders
• Dates: July 14-18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Participants will learn drone basics, including parts identification, propeller replacement, onboard camera operation, and navigating obstacle courses. Students will master fundamental flight skills and have the opportunity to race against their peers.

Crime Buster: A Deep Dive into Forensic Science

• Instructor: Elisa Flynn
• Location: Polk County Middle School
• For: Rising 7th-9th Graders
• Dates: July 21-24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

This camp introduces students to the world of forensic science and crime scene investigation. Activities include learning about fingerprinting, chromatography, and impression evidence. Students will study DNA dynamics and how various scientific techniques help solve crimes, working together on mystery scenarios like “Who Robbed the Bank” and “The Crazy Cookie Caper.”

Parents are reminded that each student may attend only one camp, and registration should be completed promptly as spaces are filling quickly.