Contact Ann Holmes, Administrative Specialist, if you have questions or would like more information.
Bennett Hall Dean's Office
740.774.7239
Kids in College
Summer Hands-On Learning For Grades K-8.
Kids in College
Kids in College is a summer enrichment program for students in kindergarten through 8th grade, who are interested in science, art, languages and history. This hands-on programming is staffed by a variety of enthusiastic, imaginative instructors, business owners and college faculty.
For over 40 years, Ohio University Chillicothe has offered this opportunity to highly motivated students as a way to reinforce the knowledge and instruction they receive in school during the academic year.
Registration opens soon and closes at 5 p.m. on May 18, 2026.
Costs and Fees
The cost per class is $38, and some classes require additional material fees. Please check the class description for additional fees.
If your child is registered for a morning and afternoon class in the same week, you have the option to register for your child to bring a lunch and eat in our supervised lunch room, where a family-friendly movie will be shown. This is not a drop-off for afternoon classes, but only for students who will be on campus all day. You must choose the option when registering for the program.
Course Overview and Registration
Kids in College is offered for two weeks in June. Each week, a new set of courses are offered in morning and afternoon sessions.
- Morning Session: 9:15-11:15 a.m.
- Afternoon Session: 12-2 p.m.
Week 1: June 1 - 5, 2026
Morning Session: 9:15-11:15 a.m.
Click the course title view course descriptions and additional information such as grades the course is offered for, material fee, room location and instructor info.
Art Exploration
Jump into the exciting world of art! Each day brings a brand-new creative adventure as students paint, build, draw, and explore different art styles. This class is packed with imagination, hands-on projects, and lots of fun!
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $8
Instructor: Taylor Bonner
Fun with Fairy Tales
We will spend the week diving into popular fairy tales, taking time to discuss the characters, settings, and the lessons behind each story. We will then do a craft or STEM activity related to our story for the day. Each day, the class will also have the chance to choose their favorite character and reenact the fairy tale!
Grades: K-2
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Justine Ralston
Mixed Media Makers: Create, Layer, Express
In this hands-on mixed-media art course, students will explore simple but powerful art techniques using a variety of materials and creative tools. They’ll learn foundational skills such as layering, texture-building, composition, and color application — then apply what they’ve learned to create two original works of art. This class encourages experimentation, creativity, and personal expression while building confidence in artistic decision-making.
To celebrate their work, student artwork will be featured in the Stevenson Center Art Gallery in a special end-of-course display, where pieces will be exhibited for two weeks for family, friends, and the community to enjoy.
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Landon Moonstar
Music Makers
Students will explore the exciting world of music through fun, hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and confidence! From experimenting with instruments and rhythm games, to learning the basics of music theory and active listening, participants will discover how music works, and how it makes them feel. This interactive experience encourages students of all skill levels to create, move, listen, and grow in their appreciation for the art of music.
Grades: 6-8
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Stephanie Clemmons
Plant Creators Lab: Art, Nature, and Kindness
In this creative science and art class, students will paint story pots, build terrariums, and explore air plants through hands-on projects. They’ll learn how plants grow and how ecosystems work, while creating their own mini gardens. The final project is a Kindness Garden gift, where kids share a plant and a kindness note with someone special.
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Nikki Warner
Sprinkle and Swirl: Cake Decorating Fun
Get ready to mix, swirl, and decorate! In this sweet and creative class, young bakers will learn the basics of cake and cupcake decorating while exploring fun colors, shapes, and edible designs. Students will practice simple decorating techniques like spreading frosting, piping swirls, and adding sprinkles and toppings to create their own delicious masterpieces. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, creativity, and kitchen skills while having lots of fun designing treats they can be proud of.
Grades: K-2
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Stephanie Parke
STEM Plus Art = STEAM through Literature
In this exciting class, students will explore the world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) through the magic of stories. With colorful children’s books leading the way, kids will investigate big ideas, create fun projects, and turn stories into exciting learning adventures. Every day encourages curiosity, creativity, and joyful discovery.
Grades: K-2
Material Fee: $7
Instructor: Jenni Domo
Afternoon Session: 12-2 p.m.
Click the course title to view course descriptions and additional information.
Cartooning Lab: Draw, Design, Create
Bring your imagination to life through cartoons and comics! In this creative class, students will learn the basics of cartoon drawing, character design, and comic storytelling. They’ll explore how artists create expressive characters, action scenes, and speech bubbles while developing their own unique comic strips and mini comic books. Through drawing, storytelling, and plenty of creativity, students will discover how cartoons combine art and humor to tell fun and engaging stories.
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Stephanie Parke
Fun with Fairy Tales
We will spend the week diving into popular fairy tales, taking time to discuss the characters, settings, and the lessons behind each story. We will then do a craft or STEM activity related to our story for the day. Each day, the class will also have the chance to choose their favorite character and reenact the fairy tale.
Grades: K-2
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Justine Ralston
Funny, Fearless, and Creative: Finding Your Voice
This interactive course helps students build confidence in expressing themselves through speaking, humor, and creative activities. Through engaging games, storytelling, and short presentations, students will learn to communicate their ideas clearly, connect with an audience, and speak with confidence—all while having fun in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Grades: 6-8
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Hope Striving
Glow & Grow: Teen Skincare & Wellness Studio
This hands-on workshop blends skincare science with confidence-building self-care practices. Students will learn how to nourish and protect their skin using safe, natural ingredients while exploring topics such as hygiene, healthy habits, and developing positive routines. Participants will create customized skincare products and gain knowledge that empowers them to make informed decisions about their personal wellness.
Grades: 6-8
Material Fee: $15
Instructor: Adrienne Russell
Mixed Media Makers: Create, Layer, Express
In this hands-on mixed-media art course, students will explore simple but powerful art techniques using a variety of materials and creative tools. They’ll learn foundational skills such as layering, texture-building, composition, and color application — then apply what they’ve learned to create two original works of art. This class encourages experimentation, creativity, and personal expression while building confidence in artistic decision-making.
To celebrate their work, student artwork will be featured in the Stevenson Center Art Gallery in a special end-of-course display, where pieces will be exhibited for two weeks for family, friends, and the community to enjoy.
Grades: 6-8
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Landan Moonstar
Plant Creators Lab: Art, Nature, and Kindness
In this creative science-and-art class, students will paint story pots, build terrariums, and explore air plants through hands-on projects. They’ll learn how plants grow and how ecosystems work, while creating their own mini gardens. The final project is a Kindness Garden gift, where kids share a plant and a kindness note with someone special.
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Nikki Warner
STEM Plus Art = STEAM through Literature
In this exciting class, students will explore the world of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) through the magic of stories. With colorful children’s books leading the way, kids will investigate big ideas, create fun projects, and turn stories into exciting learning adventures. Every day encourages curiosity, creativity, and joyful discovery.
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $7
Instructor: Jenni Domo
Week 2: June 8-12, 2026
Morning Session: 9:15-11:15 a.m.
Click the course title to view course descriptions and additional information.
All Things Art: The Portagree Pottery Kids in College Experience
Students will learn step-by-step instruction in each technique while also being encouraged to express their own creativity and ideas. Each day builds new skills and confidence as they move from shaping raw clay to completing beautiful finished pieces.
What we’ll explore:
• Hand-building with clay
• Introduction to the pottery wheel
• Glazing and surface design techniques
• Crushed glass art
• Canvas painting & mixed-media projects
Grades: 5-8
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Tabby Allagree
Marine Biology: Amazing Ocean Life
Dive into the fascinating world beneath the waves! In this hands-on class, students will explore amazing ocean animals and the unique environments they call home. We’ll learn about creatures like sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and coral reefs while discovering how marine life survives and adapts in the ocean. Through fun activities, discussion, and interactive learning, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the ocean and the incredible life within it.
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Tandice Strausbaugh
Nature Detectives
Put on your detective hat and head outside! In Nature Detectives, students will investigate the natural world through observation, exploration, and hands-on discovery. From examining leaves and insects to creating nature-inspired art projects, students will learn how to ask questions, make discoveries, and appreciate the environment around them.
Grades: K-2
Material Fee: $5
Instructor: Neysea Dixon
Storytime Creations: Stories, Crafts & Snacks
Join us for a week of stories that come to life! Each day, students will explore a new book, talk about the characters and adventures, create a themed craft, and enjoy a snack connected to the story. It’s a fun way to spark imagination, creativity, and a love for reading.
Grades: K-2
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Jillian Snyder
Wild Wonder Lab: Nature Scientists and Investigators
This class invites students to become real scientists and investigators as they explore the Ohio University Chillicothe campus. Students will lead their own discoveries. They will closely observe insects, animals, plants, and natural patterns, ask their own questions, and research what they are most curious about. This experience blends science, creativity, and social-emotional growth to build confidence, focus, and a genuine love for learning.
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $8
Instructor: Alli Boggioni
Afternoon Session: 12-2 p.m.
Click the course title to view course descriptions and additional information.
Find Your Funny and Take the Stage!
In this engaging, beginner-friendly workshop, students will explore the basics of stand-up comedy, including what makes people laugh, how to write jokes, and how to build a comedy routine. Participants will learn age-appropriate comedy techniques, develop their own original material, and practice performance skills in a supportive environment.
By the end of the week, students will perform a five-minute stand-up set, building confidence, creativity, and public speaking skills while having fun and finding their unique comedic voice.
Grades: 6-8
Material Fee: $0
Instructor: Lori Graves
Little Creators Studio: Art, Music and Movement
Creativity comes alive in this multi-sensory class for young learners. Students will rotate through hands-on art projects, music activities, and movement-based games that encourage imagination and self-expression. From painting and crafting to dancing and rhythm play, each day offers a new opportunity to create, explore, and have fun.
Grades: K-2
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Lauren Miller
Mindful Movers and Thinkers
Get ready to move, play, and recharge! In this fun and active class, kids will explore yoga-inspired games, songs, poses, teamwork challenges, and creative activities. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, practice focus, and learn simple tools for managing big energy and big feelings. This welcoming class celebrates different ways of learning and encourages every student to move, grow, and have fun together.
Grades: 3-5
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Linda Phillips
Storytime Creations: Stories, Crafts and Snacks
Join us for a week of stories that come to life! Each day, students will explore a new book, talk about the characters and adventure, create a themed craft, and enjoy a snack connected to the story. It’s a fun way to spark imagination, creativity, and a love for reading.
Grades: K-2
Material Fee: $10
Instructor: Jillian Snyder
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Questions?