Reprise of 'My Tomorrow' camp doubles down on opportunity

Friday, July 14, 2023

Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; and Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor

Middle-school students were shepherded through a second week of My Tomorrow day camp (July 10-14) by one of Penn College's defining qualities: the rock-solid path to insight and fulfillment. The program, sponsored by the Soars Family for the third exciting year, followed the same framework as last month's opening iteration by introducing students to the boundless career possibilities represented in the college's classrooms and labs.

After learning how to properly gown up for the operating room, a participant tries to match surgical tools with their names (with a small assist from Elizabeth S. Gizenski, clinical director of surgical technology).

Using the tools of a laparoscopic surgeon, a participant places balls atop tubes.

Paramedic Programs Coordinator John A. Nappi teaches participants how (and when) to provide hands-only CPR and use an automated external defibrillator.

In the Paramedic Lab, a participant places the electrode pads of an AED.

From paper planes (through which campers investigated aerodynamics) ...

... to real planes, such as this inspiringly wrapped Boeing 727, My Tomorrow participants explore a wide range of future goals.

They also surveyed the depths of the 727's cargo hold!

Participants eagerly vie to share what they know about electricity during a hands-on experience in the Electrical Technologies Center, provided by Eric L. Anstadt, instructor of electrical technology/occupations.

The ingredients for a “parent annoyer”: an electronic buzzer, a switch and a battery – plus a pill bottle to contain the apparatus.

Participants join components before soldering.

In a college chemistry lab, young scientists examine the pH scale.

Ionic illumination, courtesy of a conductivity tester, is a “highlight” for these campers.

A young artist colorfully draws an under-the-sea scene in a graphic design session.

Blair D. Soars (right), president of Pneu-Dart Inc. and My Tomorrow sponsor, enjoys visiting youngsters with Kyle A. Smith, senior executive director of college relations.