Renaissance Kids 2016 Builds Stage Sets

Unique spin on summer day camp gives kids intro to architecture

Renaissance Kids participants learn the ropes from Professor Mark Moreno as they prepare to undertake their architecture project for the week. (Photo by Austin Ho)

Andrews University School of Architecture & Interior Design invites the community to register soon for its annual Renaissance Kids summer program. This unique day-camp style event gives kids ages 5–15 the opportunity to engage with fun, creative and educational hands-on activities relating to architecture. Space is limited and the first session begins Monday, June  13.

Among other on-campus build activities,  the main theme this summer is “Design Stage Sets,” and attendees will work to design sets for the Twin City Players and will learn the intricacies, challenges and excitement that come along with designing and building efficient, attractive pieces that will be used on-stage for entertainment and education. Renaissance Kids participants are encouraged to use their imagination to problem-solve, draw and build throughout the program. Additionally, the kids will engage in design and construction of a 20-foot blimp for a Mendel Center main stage production by Citadel Dance and Music Center.

“I look forward to the annual challenges of developing a new and unique curriculum for the sessions of varied age groups,” says Mark Moreno, associate professor of architecture, and developer/director of Renaissance Kids.

Renaissance Kids aspires to provide a fun array of creative hands-on projects through which children learn together about the architecture of cities, buildings and places.  All activities center on gaining understanding of people, history, culture, sustainability, design concepts, the architect’s tools, construction, materials and more.

The camp will be held at the architecture building, located at 8435 E. Campus Circle Drive on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. The event schedule is as follows:

Session 1: June 13–17, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., ages 5–7, $160

Session 2: June 13–17, 1:45–5:15 p.m., ages 10–12, $160

Session 3: June 20–24, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., ages 7–9, $160

Session 4: June 20–24, 1:45–5:15 p.m., ages 7–9, $160

Session 5: June 27–July 1, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., ages 10–12, $160

Session 6: June 27–July 1, 1:45–5:15 p.m., ages 5–7, $160

Session 7: July 4–8, 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m., ages 10–12, $160

Session 8: July 4–8, 1:45–5:15 p.m., ages 7–9, $160

Session 9: July 11–22, 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m., ages 12–15, $365 (two weeks all day; excludes Saturday and Sunday)

Please note that Sessions 3 and 4 can be combined for an all-day option. Some sessions are also repeatable; only sessions 4 and 8 are identical.

“Renaissance Kids is an absolute joy to operate,” says Moreno. “My staff and I get to watch the kids imaginatively create designs and take on educational challenges all while having fun. The kids get to draw, build and create in a friendly environment. Together, we get to build lasting memories and produce artifacts in the community landscape that could last for generations.”

For more information and registration forms, visit andrews.edu/go/renaissancekids. If you have questions about the camp, contact Moreno at mmoreno@andrews.eduor 269-932-5055.

For more information about the Twin City Players, visit twincityplayers.org.