Challenge, a summer academic pre-college experience for students in grades 6-12, will be held at Saint Vincent College again this summer. The 24th annual program is designed for highly motivated students who are interested in exploring new academic areas and developing their creativity and talents.

Two one-week sessions are scheduled: July 6-11 for students entering grades 6, 7 and 8, and July 13-18 for those entering grades 9, 10, 11 and 12.

The Challenge program will combine a unique series of educational experiences, recreational activities and social interactions. The traditional strengths of the Saint Vincent academic program and its personalized approach to education are an important part of the program. All instructors are professionals in their fields and the residence hall counselors are responsible adults.

Course offerings for 2008 include: A Star on the Stage, Brainy Explorations, Video Magic, ¡Challenge, Contemporary Painting, The American Revolution, Internet Technology, Photography, Sim-Soc, Mock Trial and the Justice System, The Chemistry of Cooking, Chinese Culture and Calligraphy, Chinese Lifestyles, Language and Customs, Math Puzzles Me and The Art of Music.

A Star on the Stage will give students a unique opportunity to participate in an incredible acting experience as students prepare for a production to be presented to other Challenge students and staff.

Brainy Explorations explores multiple intelligences in an edu-tainment course...great fun while learning.

Video Magic offers students an opportunity to study studio-style broadcasting linked with how to be writers, camera operators, sound technicians plus actors and directors.

¡Challenge gives students the opportunity to participate in Apple’s iLife revolution and apply music, video and picture to create a website advertising their Challenge experience.

Contemporary Painting offers the chance to explore the ideas of visual culture in relationship to the works of selected “New American Painting” artists as students create their own contemporary acrylic painting.

The American Revolution gives students the opportunity to experience life during the Revolutionary War.

Internet Technology is a course designed to teach students the latest technical language and be taken well beyond their current level of computer knowledge. Problem solving will also be a key component in this course.

In Photography, students will enjoy learning how to gain the perfect photographic shot when it comes to landscapes, sunsets and nature’s beauty.

Sim-Soc, which is an acronym for simulated society, has students creating their own functioning society within the realm of the classroom.

Mock Trial and the Justice System has students playing the roles of judge, jury, attorneys, witnesses and defendants as the structure of our court system is explored via simulated trials conducted in the classroom.

The Chemistry of Cooking presents chemical concepts as they relate to cooking and using that knowledge to explain what is happening to food. Various “food happenings” will be experienced by participants.

In Chinese Culture and Calligraphy, students will learn about Chinese customs, language and lifestyles and experience the art of Chinese calligraphy.

Chinese Lifestyles, Language and Customs introduces students to the Chinese language and various topics linked with the lifestyles in China, such as Chinese paper-cutting and paper-folding.

Math Puzzles Me allows students to “twist their minds” with some exciting Math puzzles. Participants in this course will work together to solve various kinds of Math challenges.

In The Art of Music, students will enrich their musical talents as they learn about orchestration and composition.

Students will have an opportunity to use the Saint Vincent campus facilities, including the indoor swimming pool and campus basketball courts.

Any student currently enrolled in grades 6-12 may apply for the Challenge Program. Early application is advised since enrollment is limited. Check the website for more information regarding early bird registration ($600/$500) and regular registration ($635/$535). No deposits are necessary.

Brochures may be obtained by contacting the Challenge Program, Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650-2690 or phone 724-532-5093, challenge@email.stvincent.edu. All students must register on the Challenge website www.stvincent.edu/challenge.

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