From welding to robotics, CMU Tech offered dynamic summer camps that sparked curiosity and taught real-world skills
Colorado Mesa University Tech (CMU Tech) hosted a variety of camps throughout the summer for individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether someone was trying to sharpen their skills in an existing hobby or learn something completely new outside their comfort zone, CMU Tech created those opportunities. Students from around the western slope and surrounding cities collaborated and individually created projects, learning more about their favorite hobbies.
Automotive
Middle and high school students with ambitions of working in the automotive industry or those who simply want to learn more have multiple opportunities through two camps organized by CMU Tech. In the shop, campers learned more about automotive mechanics, and, new this year, can also learn about EV (Electric Vehicle) and hybrid mechanics.
“I ask them on the first day to come up with a goal they want to master by the end of the week. The purpose behind the camp then is to guide students in a way that helps them reach that goal,” said Technical Instructor of Transportation Services Mike Carsten.
CMU Tech offers hands-on experiences for campers to gain a real insight into future careers. With the automotive industry growing and constantly evolving, campers enjoyed getting their foot in the door with Carsten.
Welding
The first female Technical Instructor of Welding at CMU Tech, Giovanna Martinez, was eager to teach students the fundamentals of welding and introduce the artistic aspect. There were three camps put on by the welding department, including Basic Welding 101: A Beginner’s Guide, Strike an Arc, Welding Art Camp: Ignite Your Creativity with Metal and Women in Welding: Sewing with Fire. These three camps created a safe environment for entry-level and experienced welders to practice their skills.
“My camps are the definition of the broader mission of CMU Tech. They provide high-quality career and technical education...preparing students for in-demand jobs and contributing to the economic growth of the region,” said Martinez.
With campers ranging from eighth grade to high school, these sessions explored the trades, specifically a career path in the welding industry. This hands-on experience allowed campers to take home not only a small piece of art but also a lifelong skill that can be applied later in life.
Another CMU Technical Instructor of Welding, Crimson Moriarty, shared how parents and the local community responded to their series of camps.
“Every parent who drops their kids off asks if they can come and weld or asks if there’s an adult program they can take.” Moriarty continued, “We have had so many parents beg us to open an adult camp.”
Babysitting
The Babysitting 101 summer camp introduced not only babysitting techniques but also a series of certifications related to health and safety. At the camp's end, participants earned their American Heart Association Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification. CMU Tech supports providing suitable babysitters for families, and the Technical Instructor for the Early Childhood Education Department, Stephanie Stelljes, prioritizes safety.
“I hope participants come to appreciate the significant responsibility that comes with caring for children, leave the camp with both the confidence and skills necessary to guide and ensure the well-being of those under their supervision,” said Stelljes.
Robotics
As the world slowly advances toward improved technology, campers looked to sharpen their skills in robotics. Mechatronics and Automation: Build Your Own Robot, focused on electrical wiring, electronics, industrial automation/instrumentation technology, coding and robotics. Middle and high school students kindled a new skill in the technical trades by creating their own functional robots.
Technical instructor of Mechatronics Robbi Grimm is passionate about hands-on opportunities for his campers.
“The main goal is to expose students to robotic technology and basic motion control concepts through hands-on activities,” Grimm stated. “Students build, program, test and customize their own robots.”
Design and Art
Art and design camps offer the most depth at CMU Tech, with a large array of camps available. From animation to voice acting and mural paintings, CMU Tech covered all aspects of art and design. For over 15 years, Technical Instructor of Digital Filmmaking Sundial Hoffman has taught numerous summer camps. Hoffman focuses on applying real-world careers to the classroom and his camps. However, with the industry constantly evolving and changing, CMU Tech utilizes proper programs and tools that are identical to those used by industry professionals. It is not just the campers learning; Hoffman looks forward to teaching camps that are up-to-date and unique.
“Even though I’ve been doing this for 15 years, I still feel like I’m discovering something new every year,” Hoffman commented. “Every summer feels fresh.”
For an entire week, campers explored further into the art world. Giselle Genova helped students create a four-foot-by-eight-foot mural.
“The kids at the end of this are walking away with more appreciation for large-scale public artwork, because it was so hard,” said Genova, encouraging her campers to not just learn, but to step outside of their comfort zone. “Try new things. Fail at them. And then try them again.”
Fire Science
Technical Instructor of Health Science Technology, Darren Oxford, hosted a Fire Science summer camp for the first time at CMU Tech. The Fire Science camp was affordable and supported CMU Tech’s mission of hands-on learning. Numerous donors supported the camp by providing equipment, props and more.
Students in 6th grade through sophomores in high school experienced what it takes to become a firefighter by learning about creating and sustaining fires, the different tools and equipment used, and fire prevention. Campers were even allowed to spray water.
“Along with the new skills they took away, my hope is that [the campers] learned and retain just one piece of knowledge they didn’t know before,” Oxford said. “And that one piece of knowledge was enough to make them want to crave more.”
Culinary
CMU Tech’s culinary camps provided campers with a professional kitchen to learn and improve their cooking skills. Campers aged 11 to 17 were given recipes tailored to their skill level; these ranged from simple, easy-to-learn recipes to more complex ones that posed a greater challenge.
The camp went over a six-week period. This includes two weeks of chocolate recipes, two weeks focused on breakfast and two weeks exploring savory foods. Campers who participated in the summer camp walked away with new skills to take to their home kitchens and a potential career path in the trades.
“I aim to foster a sense of adventure and self-reliance in the kitchen,” said Culinary Instructor Danielle Wolbert.
Music
There were numerous summer camps hosted by CMU Tech that explored various instruments. From guitar to the keyboard, students took on a hands-on experience of learning new instruments or sharpening their skills on what they currently play.
Camp Instructor Eric Nohe ensured his campers walked away from CMU Tech with a new passion or something they could implement in their schools.
Expanding Passions
CMU Tech Youth Program Specialist Amy Carlton finds joy in students discovering a new passion.
“I walk through the culinary kitchen, or I walk through the welding lab, or I walk through to check on these camps...It’s the pride that these kids have. Like ‘I did it. Look what I did. Look what I made,” said Carlton.
CMU Tech’s summer camps were an eye-opening experience for many students. Elementary, middle and high school students are discovering a passion that they never thought would be possible. From welding to mechatronics, young kids are igniting a spark or sharpening their skills through CMU Tech.
“Every kid needs to experience something that will click their interest,” Carlton said.
Looking Forward
New this year, CMU Tech is launching an exciting new initiative, offering year-round programs after school and weekend workshops. As summer camps have gained popularity, structured activities beyond the summer months allow students to embrace CMU Tech’s mission of promoting hands-on learning, building valuable skills, and exploring personal interests. Instructors from both CMU and CMU Tech will continue to teach many of the classes; however, community members are invited to share their careers or hobbies through teaching a class in this new program.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact the Community Education Center at 970.255.2800.
To learn more about all camps offered by CMU Tech, visit coloradomesa.edu/camps.