“What makes these programs unique is the fact that kids can experience things that are usually reserved for the enrolled college students at UVU,” said R.J. Willing, senior director of Community Education at UVU. “So, being able to come and utilize the planetarium, the herbarium, the crime scene lab, and the nursing lab. We even do a rookie firefighter challenge where the high schoolers get to take on the challenge of experiencing a day in the life of a firefighter and do all of that cool stuff — put on the gear, run up carrying the hose, then putting out a fire — all, of course, while under the safe supervision of our excellent trainers and faculty.”

Willing said UVU hosts between 2,000 and 2,500 K-12 students every summer for educational camps and nearly that many more for athletic camps.

“It creates a vibrancy and a buzz during the summer, which is typically a slower time for the traditional classes,” Willing said. “It’s fun to see the buzz that’s there when we bring all of the youth to campus.”

UVU summer camps are available at the university’s main Orem Campus and the Lehi and Heber satellite campuses.

Emi is a mother of five children. She has enrolled her children in summer camps for the past five years.

“I love that they have something that is entertaining for them, but they also learn,” Emi said. “They love the learning, they love the activities, they love to be involved, and I love that when they come home, they share everything that they have done with me and that they are excited to share it.”

Emi said the camps cure summer boredom, keep her children mentally engaged and prepare them to think about their future education.

“My kids are still pretty young, but my 13-year-old and my 11-year-old, they go to campus, and they’re like, ‘Oh, this isn’t as intimidating as I thought it would be,'” Emi said. “They feel right at home with these camps. The teachers make them feel welcome, all of UVU makes them feel welcome, and they love the atmosphere there, and that’s a great way to get them started on the college route.”

According to Willing, community education is not just for youth but also for those who may be young at heart.

“We are also offering over 100 courses for our adult and lifelong learners, and it’s the same thing,” Willing said. “What is unique about their experience is that they can come and take classes and courses in the university setting. The way I explain it is these are all of the classes that they always wanted to take when they were in college — all of those fun electives that you never got around to taking because you had to focus on your major. Now is the chance to come back to campus and take all of those fun ones that you always wanted to take — you know, pottery, ceramic making, woodworking, watercolor, dancing. The sky is the limit.”

Willing also said the sky is the limit for those seeking to improve their current employment situations. UVU offers certifications year-round through its executive education program. These programs assist people as they seek to level up and take advantage of Utah’s robust economy and job market.

For more information about Utah Valley University’s Community Education programs, call 801.863.8012 or visit https://uvu.edu/communityed/.