Hunterdon County Polytech Resumes EXCITE Camp this Summer

Students entering sixth through ninth grades in September are invited to spend a week over the summer exploring a potential career. Hunterdon County Polytech Career & Technical School will resume its summer EXCITE program, running July 11-15, with educational and hands-on learning experiences in the fields of animal science, auto body, automotive technology, cosmetology, digital arts, early childhood education, health care, information technology and law enforcement. The cost of the five-day camp is $175.

“We are thrilled to resume our EXCITE summer program to help middle school students begin to explore career options,” said Dr. Todd Bonsall, HCVSD superintendent. “Our classrooms mirror real-world work environments, providing students with unique opportunities to test out what a career could be like. There is no better way for them to discover a passion and learn what energizes them. That discovery period is perhaps the most important step they will take toward finding career success and fulfillment.”

Students also will leave EXCITE with a better understanding of the career exploration and training programs available at Polytech for high school juniors and seniors. More broadly, they will begin to start identifying courses of study and electives they need, or want, to take in high school.

“It’s never too early to start planning for the future, and an important part of that planning is making the most of high school to support post-secondary and career goals,” said Tanya Nalesnik, director of grant management, admissions and security for HCVSD. “EXCITE helps middle school students realize they have a range of options for focusing their high school experiences in a way that matches their interests and ambitions.”

To sign up a camper, complete the registration form at polytech.hcvsd.org by June 5.

Read on for a full list of summer 2022 offerings by campus and career focus.

EXCITE programs at the Bartles Campus (8 Bartles Corner Road, Suite 201, Flemington, NJ) include:

Child Care 101 – Youth who love helping children will learn how to provide excellent care and early education for this younger age group. Students will earn a participation card for American Heart Association instruction in Friends and Family CPR for Child and Infant. They also will walk away with fun and exciting activities and projects that will prove helpful when babysitting.

Allied Health/Hospital Camp – Participants will get a glimpse at life in the medical field as they learn the fundamental skills for nursing procedures and patient care. They will practice monitoring vital signs, examining X-rays and more. They’ll earn a participation card for the American Heart Association’s instruction in Friends and Family CPR.

Information Technology – Participants will dive into the basics of computer science by exploring hardware and software, coding and cybersecurity. They will put both their creativity and newfound knowledge to work, designing their own apps and working through cyber threats.

Studio & Digital Arts – Creative minds will use drawing, painting, mixed media and modern technology to explore traditional and digital art to create animations, illustrations, graphic design, and package design. Participants will learn the latest tools and techniques used by artists and options for using their talents to make a living.

Law Enforcement – Youth who are interested in serving and protecting others will enjoy learning about a range of careers in law enforcement. In addition to learning about police procedures and departments, including the K-9 Unit, participants will learn about law enforcement professionals who work the scene and in labs as forensic scientists.

At Polytech’s Central Campus (10 Junction Road, Flemington, NJ) EXCITE programs include:

Extreme Makeover – Youth who experiment with hair and makeup will get style tips from a professional while learning what it takes to turn their interests into a paycheck. Participants will learn the latest trends in hairstyling, makeup application, nail care and nail art. They also will learn about skincare and nutrition for healthy hair, skin and nails, as well as how to interact with customers to deliver exceptional service.

Overhaulin’– Car enthusiasts will learn the basics of auto body refinishing and gain hands-on experience using tools of the trade. Each participant will work on two personalized welding projects and use the paint booth to create a custom-painted mailbox.

The Pit – Up-and-coming drivers will gain hands-on experience in auto care and maintenance to learn how the average automobile works. This workshop delivers valuable lessons for any driver, not just those interested in a career working with cars. Participants will get their hands dirty working on engines, brakes, tires and more.

At Polytech’s Califon Campus (37 Hoffmans Crossing Rd., Califon, NJ) EXCITE includes:

Animal Science – Animal lovers will spend a week making new two- and four-legged friends. Interacting with real animals, participants will learn how to handle and care for livestock and pets. They will leave with enhanced knowledge of basic animal nutrition and agriculture, in addition to careers in both areas.

For additional information, contact Nicole Craven, marketing coordinator, at 908-788-1119, ext. 2024, or email ncraven@hcvsd.org.

Hunterdon County Polytech Career & Technical High School is the largest component of Hunterdon County Vocational School District (HCVSD). Polytech is the district’s shared-time high school that prepares students for a seamless transition to college and career paths. HCVSD also operates an Adult & Continuing Education school and three science-based high school academies: the Biomedical Sciences Academy, the Computer Science & Applied Engineering Academy and the Environmental Sustainability & Engineering Academy. Learn more at www.hcvsd.org.

All pupils will be given equal opportunity for enrollment in programs operated by the Hunterdon County Vocational School District regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status (34 C.F.R. Part 100, Appendix B, Section IV-A). No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity which receives federal financial assistance, et seq (34 C.F.R. Part 104.4(a)(b).