Learning Locally to Succeed Globally

Blog Banner Nicholas Baird

My name is Nicholas Baird, and I’m currently studying mechatronics engineering. I graduate in spring 2025.  One of the biggest reasons I chose Kent State University to pursue my degree is because it’s right in my hometown. Growing up here, I was familiar with the campus, the community and the resources available, so staying local made a lot of sense for me. Not only did it allow me to stay close to my family and support system, but it also gave me the chance to attend a university that’s well-regarded for its engineering programs.Kent State’s engineering programs are ABET (Accreditat...

Week 8: July 28 – August 1 | Theme – Tidal PEAK Week

  • Description: Cool off with a week of water-filled fun! Campers will enjoy water relays, slip-and-slide races, water balloon games, and other refreshing activities. They'll learn about water safety and teamwork while making a splash to close out the summer.
  • Learning Objectives: Understand basic water safety principles in a fun, supervised environment, and develop teamwork skills through water-based cooperative games.

Week 7: July 21 – July 25 | Theme – The PEAK of Talent

  • Description: It’s showtime! Campers will discover and showcase their talents in music, art, dance, and performance. They’ll participate in creative workshops, friendly competitions, and a talent show at the end of the week, celebrating self-expression and creativity.
  • Learning Objectives: Build confidence by performing or sharing talents in a supportive environment, and encourage creativity and self-expression through arts and performance activities.

Week 6: July 14 – July 18 | Theme – Super PEAK Week

  • Description: Unleash your inner superhero! This week, campers will participate in heroic challenges that test their strength, speed, and kindness. They will also get to meet real-life heroes from the community, as we are expecting a visit from the Kent Fire Department.
  • Learning Objectives: Learn the value of bravery, teamwork, and community service as they interact with real-life heroes and gain insight into their roles.

Week 5: July 7 – July 11 | Theme – Innovation at its PEAK

  • Description: Dive into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math! In collaboration with our Design Innovation Hub, campers will participate in hands-on activities that spark creativity and problem-solving, from building cool contraptions to exploring innovative tech.
  • Learning Objectives: Enhance critical thinking and creativity through hands-on STEM projects.

Week 4: June 23 – June 27 | Theme – A PEAK Beyond the Stars

  • Description: Blast off into a week of space exploration! Campers will explore the wonders of the universe by creating fun planet crafts and learning about the mysteries of space. They’ll also have the chance to visit our planetarium for an out-of-this-world experience.
  • Learning Objectives: Foster creativity and imagination, and develop critical thinking skills through space-themed activities.

Week 3: June 16 – June 20* | Theme – PEAK Around the World

  • *No camp on Thursday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth
  • Description: Take a trip across the globe without leaving camp! Throughout the week, campers will "visit" different continents, learning about unique games, traditions, and cultural activities from around the world.
  • Learning Objectives: Gain an appreciation for different cultures through interactive activities, and playing traditional games from various countries.
Rising Scholars’ NASA HUNCH Culinary Team Enters Competition for Second Year

Rising Scholars who participated in this year’s HUNCH culinary competition included (from left) Madison “Vixx” Mohrbacher, Alivia Zepernick, Megan Luli, Victoria Jackson and Karrin Diegdio.

A team of Rising Scholars from Kent State Columbiana County cooked up a recipe trying earn a spot in the finals of the NASA HUNCH culinary competition at the Johnson Space Center in Houston later this spring, but the team’s score was not enough to advance this year. Each year, NASA provides a new theme for its culinary challenge and this year it required students to create a pasta dish. Following months of research, testing and perfecting its recipe, the team of five Rising Scholars presented a spicy turkey and portabella pasta dish. NASA’s strict dietary and nutritional requirements led ...

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