Big Bend to host virtual youth spring and summer camps

MOSES LAKE — Big Bend Community College’s Center for Business and Industry Services is bringing the camp experience online again this year, with the second annual Virtual Vikings STEAM Camp.

The online camp is offered in partnership with national tech education provider Black Rocket.

Virtual Vikings STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Camp features weekly, live instructor-led classes on a variety of topics including coding, game design, eSports, virtual reality and more. Some courses are specific to popular games such as Fortnite and Pokemon.

Courses are open to youth age 7 to 14. Parents have the flexibility to sign their kids up for courses individually, to accommodate interests and schedules.

Two spring break classes, Minecraft Modders and YouTube FX Masters, are scheduled for the week of March 29 and April 5.

Summer classes kick off June 7.

Big Bend CBIS program coordinator Regan Cardwell said the online camps will help keep kids connected, and learning, while at home for the spring and summer breaks.

“Virtual Vikings STEAM Camps provide kids an engaging online learning space, which they are becoming used to, and an opportunity to be social and develop new skills at the same time,” said Cardwell. “These class options are fun and relevant to what our youth are already familiar with online but taking play to a new level. Children can get connected, learn about topics they are already interested in and explore career possibilities for their future. After receiving great reviews from local community members from last summer, we knew children and families deserved the opportunity again this year.”

“Grant PUD with our High-Speed Network is excited to sponsor this Big Bend program to bring this spring break and summer camp opportunity to kids in our community,” said Annette Lovitt, Grant PUD’s Community Relations Coordinator. “This is the camp kids are wanting for a great STEAM experience, while hopefully also inspiring them on their future education and career journey.”

Virtual Vikings classes start at $135.

Attendees can complete their camp experience with a Virtual Vikings Black Rocket Box, which includes their class registration and swag such as earbuds, USB drives and other curated tools to enhance their online play.

For more information, including individual course descriptions and schedules, or to register, visit the BBCC Black Rocket webpage. Parents can also email cbisinfo@bigbend.edu.