BASE Camp has added a community service twist to its popular MLK Day camp on January 18, 2016, a Monday off from school. The K-8th campers will immerse themselves in projects:
- Creating a robotic arm…like the ones used for amputees.
- Building a bridge with LEGOs…to transport aid.
- Constructing and decorating a miniature house…for our feathery friends.
- Making a blanket, hat or scarf…to donate to kids in need.
BASE Camp Build 4 Good offers kids hands-on projects with a socially conscious outcome in recognition of MLK Day, a national day of service. On this day, Americans celebrate Dr. King through service projects that strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers, and create solutions. In that spirit, OPEF has partnered with outside organizations to add a real-world, community-service component to BASE Camp’s fun, hands-on activities.
“We’re excited about delivering camps with innovative building projects that help students think and give back to their communities,” said Lindsay Bruce, BASE Camp coordinator.
For example, 6th-8th graders participating in the Build Bionics camp will first get a hands-on look at cutting-edge robotics with a visit from Jim Lipsey, Engineering Manager from the world-renowned Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Mr. Lipsey, a District 97 parent, is volunteering his time to teach the kids about latest innovations in physical medicine – bionic arms, prosthetic limbs, and more. The kids will then work with students from Triton College’s Engineering Technology Department to actually build their own robotic arm – constructed of wood and powered by hydraulics.
In the Coding Field Trip camp, another group of middle schoolers will travel to Microsoft Woodfield where they will participate in a YouthSpark coding experience. As technology becomes an integral part of people’s daily lives around the world, there’s a growing demand to teach young people not only how to use technology, but also how to create technology to help them become the innovators and drivers of growth and opportunity in their communities.
During one of their four 90-minute sessions, our K-5th grade campers will make fleece blankets, scarves and hats with local partner Giving Artfully. The handcrafted winter warmers will be donated to Project Linus and The Kids’ Kloset. The kids also will participate in three other sessions: LEGO Leaders, Team Players, and Build for Birds.
Read more details and register for the Build 4 Good camps.
Want to see an MLK Day BASE Camp in action? Check out the story and pictures from Build Day BASE Camp 2015.