BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Over a dozen different summer camps will be hosted at Lake Michigan College through its Department of Extended Education, and registration is now open.

High school music students can improve their skillset through camps offered by Lake Michigan College Visual and Performing Arts (LMC VPA) at LMC's Mendel Center and taught by college faculty.

Besides performing arts, students can choose from Fab Lab camps, in which LMC says will provide hands-on projects that spark creativity and allow participants to develop collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Organizers say students will explore a variety of tools in a supervised setting, including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC routers, Adobe Creative Suite, embroidery, sewing machines, and more.

Fab Lab camps will be held in the Hanson Technology Center on the Benton Harbor Campus under the guidance of college faculty and staff, with opportunities available for campers as young as six through high school.

Performing Arts Camps

VPA Brass Chamber Camp: June 24 to 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., grades 9 to 12 in Fall 2024

Price: $150

Register here by June 7. You can receive a $10 early bird discount if you register by May 1.

Organizers say this opportunity for high school students will open their ears to new and familiar experiences like Brass Choir, Brass Chamber Ensembles, and Music Theory.

Part-time Faculty Brass Instructors Danny Lopez and Ruth Livengood share their 40-plus years of combined experience in performance and teaching to provide a week of musical achievement and growth.

The camp culminates in a performance recital on the Mendel Center Mainstage. A skills placement audition video is required. Students must bring their instruments to camp.

VPA Recording Arts Camp: July 15 to 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., grades 9 to 12 in Fall 2024

Price: $100

Register here by July 1. You can receive a $10 early bird discount if you register by May 1.

Organizers say this camp will explore setting up and placing microphones, recording, and editing in Pro Tools and MIDI, integrating music and video, and applying basic mixing and mastering techniques.

Fab Lab Camps

Summer Fab Lab Boot Camp: June 10 to 13, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., ages 8 and up

Price: $165

Register here by June 3.  

Summer Fab Lab Boot Camp: Aug. 12 to 15, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ages 8 and up

Price: $165

Register here by Aug. 5.

Students will make different items with 3D printers, computer-aided design, sewing machines, laser cutters, woodworking tools, and more.

Organizers say students will experiment with ideas and do as many projects as possible during the 12-hour camp.

Summer Sewist Fab Lab Boot Camp: June 17 to 20, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ages 8 and up

Price: $149

Register here by June 10.

Students will learn how a sewing machine works, how to read and customize patterns, measure the body, create seams, do alterations, and more.

LEGO Animation and 3D Design: June 24t o 27, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., ages 8 and up

Price: $159

Register here by June 17.

Students will improve their LEGO abilities by learning to use them in stop-motion animation. Students will be introduced to the Blender program to make the LEGO come to life.

Build Your Own 3D Printer: July 1 and 2, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ages 12 and up

Price: $350

Register here by June 24.

Students will start with a 3D printer kit and finish with a functioning 3D printer. Along the way, students will learn how to maintain and operate the finished creation.

A kit and one roll of filament are included in the price of the camp.

Create, Program, and Design Your Own Video Game: July 8 to 18, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., ages 8 and up

Price: $249

Register here by July 1.

Students will create a custom video game during this two-week camp. Students will create menus, overworld maps, and characters. Students will also make characters speak and fight, plus add music and sound.

Arcade Building Summer Camp: July 8 to 11, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., all ages with at least one participant 16 or over

Price: $450

Register here by July 1.

Participants will build a tabletop arcade machine for at-home gaming fun. This camp is great as a family project or for the do-it-yourselfer looking for something different.

The registration fee is good for up to three participants building one arcade machine.

Health Discovery Camp: July 22 to 25, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., ages 10 and up

Price: $139

Register here by July 15.

Students will use Fab Lab machines like the 3D printer, laser engraver, vinyl cutter, design software, and more during this medical-themed camp with the College’s Health Sciences faculty.

Each participant will go home with various projects created on the machines.

Summer Fab Lab Junior Makers: July 29 to August 1, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., ages 6 to 10

Price: $149

Register here by July 22.

Students will experience four days of crafting and decorating projects while exploring the Fab Lab. Students will be shown how the 3D printer, lasers, vinyl cutter, and sewing machines work.

This is like the Fab Lab Bootcamp but designed for a younger crowd.

Wood Turning Summer Camp: July 29 to August 1, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ages 10 and up (at least 4 feet 6 inches tall)

Price: $165

Register here by July 22.

Students will explore woodturning basics using the Fab Lab mini lathes while learning the fundamentals of lab and tool safety.

There will be a different project every day, each building on skills learned the day before and leading up to a fun and creative ending on the final day of camp.

Buggin’ in the Fab Lab Summer Camp: August 5 to 8, 9 a.m. 12 p.m., ages 7 and up

Price: $149

Register here by July 29.

Students will explore Fab Lab machines like the 3D printer, laser engraver, vinyl cutter, design software, and more during this bug-themed camp, offered in coordination with the College’s Natural Sciences faculty.

Escape from Fab Lab: August 5 to 8, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., ages 10 and up

Price: $159

Register here by July 29.

In this camp, students will create escape room challenges.

Students will learn about the types of puzzles used, create brain teasers, and test out the escape rooms created by fellow campers.