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Olney Central College is offering a variety of immersive and engaging camps for young learners this summer as part of the Ignite Curiosity program through Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. Designed to spark interest in high-demand careers, healthcare, science, music, and the skilled trades, the 2025 lineup features eight diverse camps for students ranging from first grade through high school.
The summer kicks off with two welding camps. The Girls Welding Camp takes place June 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and the Boys Welding Camp follows on June 3 at the same time. Both camps are open to students who have completed grades 7–12, cost $45, and are led by instructor Curtis Marshall in the OCC Welding Building. Students will learn about welding safety, practice MIG welding, and complete a take-home project. A lunch sponsored by the Welding Department is included.
On June 6, OCC hosts Jazz for Young Musicians from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the OCC Band Room (Wattleworth Hall 216). The camp is open to students who have completed grades 5–12 and costs $35. Participants will explore jazz styles and techniques under the direction of Wade Baker, OCC’s Director of Bands.
Pathways to Healthcare will be held June 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the OCC Theater. This freeform, interactive camp introduces students who have completed grades 6–12 to a variety of healthcare careers. Led by Dr. Alani Frederick, the day features hands-on medical activities, including triage, simulated emergency scenarios, and career rotations with professionals from Carle Richland Memorial Hospital. Lunch is provided and sponsored by the Illinois Area Health Education Center.
Younger learners can step into the world of healthcare with Plush Pals Hospital, a fun, imaginative experience for students who have completed grades 1–5. Two identical sessions are available on July 10, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. or 12:00–2:00 p.m., in Wattleworth Hall 115. The $35 fee includes hands-on experiences in nursing, lab work, radiology, and more as students treat a plush pal diagnosed with “Fluff Deficiency Syndrome.” The students get to keep their plush pal patient.
On July 30, high school students can attend Yikes, Parasites! Gross Pathology and Medical Lab Science from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Wattleworth Hall 211. Open to students who have completed grades 9–12, the camp costs $25 and is led by Dr. Sarah Bergbower and Chris Matthews. Participants will explore parasitology, microbiology, and hematology while solving real-world case studies. Lunch is included.
Finally, a general Welding Camp will be held on August 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Terry L. Bruce West Richland Center in Noble. Taught by Maverick Fisher, the camp is open to students who have completed grades 7–12, costs $45, and provides hands-on experience with MIG welding and safety procedures. Participants should check in at the West Richland Center and are asked to wear appropriate welding attire.
All camps are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration materials, including emergency contact and liability forms, should be submitted to the Olney Central College Student Services Office in Wattleworth Hall. Submitting paperwork by mail does not guarantee a spot.
More information about these and other Ignite Curiosity camps across the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges district is available at iecc.edu/summercamps.
