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Featured image: Three students work on a carpentry project at the Young Builders Camp. (Photo by Rich Keen.)
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Every summer, young minds from across Western North Carolina come to the three Blue Ridge Community College campuses to participate in the Summer Academy camps.
Each of these Summer Academy camps offer fun, affordable, high-quality learning opportunities for elementary through high school students. Learning from local subject matter experts, students gain valuable hands-on skills and problem-solving experiences.
ArcStrong, a one-day introduction to the world of welding for high school students, emphasized gas metal arc welding (MIG) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Students not only learned new skills but also took home a project.
Automotive Refinishing Technology (ART) middle school students learned the many phases and processes of refinishing a car. They practiced these skills on a camp-provided model car and training panels.
Camp CARE (Creating A Radiating Experience), a one-day introduction to the world of healthcare for middle schoolers, explored multiple healthcare opportunities, including hands-on activities with mannequins and one-on-one interaction with medical equipment.
C.A.R. (Cool. Automotive. Repair.), a one-day introduction to the world of automobiles for middle schoolers, introduced students to automotive maintenance basics through a review of car design, roadside safety, and basic car care. Students got to change the oil, check tire pressure and identify important car parts. To wrap up the day, students competed in a Pit-Crew Challenge.
Grow & Gather, a one-day introduction to the world of farming and vegetable production, taught elementary students various aspects of farming including starting seeds, planting crops in the garden, identifying insects and learning which are beneficial, tending crops, creating compost, equipment usage and harvesting.
Hair Art and Design, a one-day camp introducing high school students to the creative world of beauty, was full of fun, design and creation. Campers explored techniques with hands-on mannequin work and one-on-one interaction.
Shark Tank, a three-day camp introducing high school students to the world of entrepreneurship, explored what it takes to start a successful business in a fast-paced and fun atmosphere. Students worked through idea formation, decision making, business modeling, marketing, planning and presentation skills. They also got to hear real-life success stories from local entrepreneurs.
Young Engineers Experience (YEE), a two-day STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camp introducing students to the world of engineering for middle schoolers, was filled with fun, hands-on activities designed to promote problem solving and teamwork. Projects and demonstrations introduced robotics, electrical circuits, electronic soldering, hydraulics, roller coaster physics and balsa wood bridge building.
Young Builders Camp, a one-day introduction to the world of carpentry for middle schoolers, provided a hands-on discovery of carpentry. Guided by skilled instructors, participants immersed themselves in the world of woodworking, learning essential carpentry skills and safety protocols. From measuring and cutting to assembling their own small project, students gained a practical understanding of craftsmanship.
Registration for the 2026 Summer Academy will be available in Spring 2026. Learn more at www.blueridge.edu/summer-camps.