Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs, "Oh my!"

Pine Technical College will offer two sessions of Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® manufacturing summer camp this year for high school students who have completed grades 9 – 11. Designed to help inspire the next generation of inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs and manufacturers, the camp is a technical, hands-on experience to introduce students to 21st century manufacturing technology and basic entrepreneurial skills. Two week-long sessions will be offered in June – one June 7 through June 11, and one June 14 through June 18. The first (June 7) session is open to both boys and girls. The second (June 14) session will have priority registration for girls only through May 21; boys will be accepted on a space-available basis after this date.

"Participants use technology to create a product from start to finish, providing them practical experience to build their confidence and set a foundation if they choose a career in one of the trades," said Dr. Robert Musgrove, Pine Technical College President. "There is an ever-increasing demand for highly skilled professionals who can design, program and operate technology, and this camp allows students to learn about these opportunities."

Meeting from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday at Pine Technical College, participants will explore entrepreneurship, computer aided design (CAD), computer numerical control (CNC) programming and machining, automation, robotics and more, while emphasizing product creation, problem solving and team building. Visits to area manufacturers will provide an up-close look at products being made as well as career advice and inspiration from the entrepreneurs who run the companies.

For parents/guardians interested in having their child participate in the local camp, the registration fee is $50, which includes daily lunch, a camp T-shirt, instruction and materials, and transportation for all field trips to local manufacturers. One college credit will be awarded for successful completion of the camp. Scholarships are available for those with demonstrated need to help cover the registration fee and transportation to and from the camp. Because of the hands-on nature of the program, space is limited. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The priority application deadline is May 21, 2010.