Campers work together to develop their own stop-motion short films. Photos courtesy of Classroom Antics
An avatar takes four steps, then turns right. The pre-programmed sound effects blare at just the right moment. With a few typed commands, a robot steps forward, raises its arm and blocks a mini soccer ball.
For the seventh year in a row, Classroom Antics is bringing its technology-based summer camps to the Dublin area. Campers ages 7 to 13 learn the basics of stop-motion animation, computer programming, robotics and video game design.
Husband and wife Toby and Tara Foote founded Classroom Antics in 2007. Tara says it has been a great way to combine the couple’s love for kids with Toby’s background in information technology. While the tasks campers learn may seem complex at first, Tara says she has been amazed at how easily campers pick up the skills.
“When you don’t see it firsthand, you’re like, ‘Really, can they do it?,’” she says. “Children understand multistep processes. They’re very creative as well. When students blend that step-by-step process with their creativity… they start to put things together very fast.”
Campers pose for a group photo after a week of fun, educational activities
“I was amazed with what they were doing,” says Dublin resident Zhanna Mikulik. This is the third and fourth year of camp for her two sons, Anton and Kim.
Tara says when kids get a chance to create, their enthusiasm motivates them to be quick learners. They can’t wait to see the end result of their hard work.
“It’s like solving a mystery to them,” she says. “That passion to see what happens next is really what drives them.”
In addition to getting kids to think both logically and creatively, this hands-on learning experience teaches campers to be problem-solvers.
“When their computer program doesn’t work, they are the first ones to start digging in there and going, ‘What’s wrong? What step did I miss?’” Tara says.
Phil Stoll, who has taught Dublin camps in the past, says the community has always been very enthusiastic.
“We usually end up doing two (weeks of) camps (in Dublin) because it’s always filled up,” says Stoll. “The people we work with (at Dublin Community Church) are always very accommodating to us.
Time constraints prevented Classroom Antics from offering two rounds of camp this year, Tara says. As a result, all of this year’s Dublin camps are sold out.
A Classroom Antics camper tests his robot to see if it is built and programmed correctly
“I think parents in our community realize that learning never stops,” says Andy Hatton, one of the directors of curriculum and instruction for Dublin City Schools. “As an educator, I believe learning never stops at the closing bell or during the summer.”
“Kids learn better if they enjoy what they are doing,” says Mikulik. “Children are curious by nature, they like to try something new, so it is important to have different programs which will be educational, but also fun.”
Katie Ellington is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
