Columbus State University’s 100-plus summer programs prove that learning continues beyond the school year for local youth ages 4 through 18. Each summer, more than 1,000 school-aged children visit CSU to explore their favorite interests, sports and hobbies through Activ8 and athletics camps offered by the university. Coordinated by the Department of Continuing and Professional Education, these programs provide parents with engaging summertime choices for their pre-K through high school-aged children.

“Every summer, our goal is to provide kids with a unique educational experience they'll always remember,” said CPE Director Samantha Gurski. “For the kids, we promise discovery, fun, creation and imagination. For parents, we offer a convenient schedule, as well as a safe and secure setting where their children will learn from engaging instructors. It’s like recess, but with intentional learning outcomes!”

Most of Continuing and Professional Education’s summer camp programs occur on the university’s Main Campus and are based out of its Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center headquarters. Athletics camps occur in the university’s Main Campus sports facilities, while others are exclusive to the university’s RiverPark Campus facilities. All are categorized by primary interest area, age, or both.

Gurski noted that space in many of the camps is limited to foster counselor-camper interactions, and those limited spaces fill quickly. She said registration for most camps is open until the day before the camp session begins. If a specific session is full, Gurski said her department maintains a waiting list and will contact parents as spaces become available.

Activ8, pre-K through eighth grade

CSU’s widely popular Activ8 programs provide students with a wide array of hands-on and focused experiences in high-demand areas like art, athletics, cooking, robotics, science and other STEAM fields. Each infuses engaging, hands-on experiences and projects that allow participants to deepen their understanding and knowledge.

Camp experiences officially begin at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m., but before- and after-care arrangements are available. In addition, camp options change weekly, and many are scheduled as morning- or afternoon-only activities that can be paired with other camps to create a full-day experience.

Sixth through eighth graders benefit from specialized and advanced BeTween 2 Teen Activ8 programs. While these programs fall within the six themes previously mentioned, they dive deeper into specialized topics and advanced skills like anime, art, costuming and sewing, cybersecurity, emotional health, esports, forensics and sleuthing, robotics, sports and other academic disciplines.

Specialized academic camps, 3rd through 12th grade

For advanced learners, Columbus State offers specialized camps geared toward campers with specific academic or athletic interests. These include space and robotics camps through the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, the Summer Arts Academy in partnership with the Department of Art, ballet programs through the CSU Youth Dance Conservatory, and music camps for pianists and guitarists in partnership with the Schwob School of Music.

Athletics camps, pre-K through 12th grade

CSU’s summer athletics camps are offered in partnership with Columbus State Athletics, are led by CSU’s coaching staff and are staffed by student-athletes. While all offer participants the opportunity to learn from college-level athletes, prospect camps for high schoolers provide the added benefit of interacting with and being evaluated by CSU’s coaching and recruiting staff. 

The sports are as diverse as Columbus State’s 13 NCAA Division II sports teams and include baseball, basketball (male and female), cheer (male and female), golf (male and female), soccer (female) and softball. Some focus on general skills and fundamentals, while others on specific team positions like basketball shooting or soccer goalkeeping.

They also range from one-day to week-long camps, as well as half-day, full-day and evening formats. Campers can sign up individually or with their entire middle school or high school team.

For year-round youth and adult learners

CSU’s Continuing and Professional Education programs are not limited to youth. CPE offers a full range of year-round educational activities for adults looking for a new career, to learn additional skills or to add a new hobby. They range from single courses for personal enrichment to certificate and continuing education (CEU) programs that help learners get and stay ahead in their careers. CPE programs are offered in in-person and online formats depending on the course material.

In addition, Continuing and Professional Education oversees other year-round programs serving learners of all ages. These include the English Language Institute, CSU Youth Dance Conservatory, Rankin Photography Center, and Empowered Youth of CSU, as well as customized training and conference services.

For more information on the full portfolio of summertime and year-round Continuing and Professional Education’s offerings, visit the department’s website, call 706.507.8070 or email [email protected].