2024 SCATS Courses
1. Acting – Julie Roberts Boggess
Learn various acting techniques, from method acting to improvisation. Free your creativity
and become more comfortable in front of an audience. Learn to break down a script
and prepare a monologue. Through imagination, improvisation, vocalization, and movement
activities, you will have fun and become prepared for the stage.
2. Actually, It IS Rocket Science! – Ecil Miller
Learn all about rockets the fun way – by building them! You will build compressed
air rockets and solid fuel rockets during the week, and our launches will help you
learn to calculate things such as acceleration rates, G-forces, air resistance/drag,
thrust, and more. Oh, and during all of this, you’ll need to keep your astronaut alive.
It is always a good day to be a rocket scientist.
3. Appalachian Studies: The Real District 12 – Jessica Cox
Are you captivated by Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games series? Ever pondered the possibility
of District 12 existing? Step into our class to uncover the intriguing parallels between
the fictional District 12 and the authentic region of Appalachia in the United States.
Explore the rich history, cultural heritage, societal challenges, and unique aspects
of Appalachia, where you may uncover surprising resemblances to the somber District
12.
4. Applications of Geometry – Nick Skaggs
Join this class to learn about applications of geometry concepts in the real world.
Through instruction, class discussions, and engaging activities, you will explore
angles, geometric figures, the Pythagorean Theorem, and more to see how these mathematical
concepts can be applied to everyday situations. You will begin to see math all around
you in the real world.
5. Applications of Statistics & Probability – Nick Skaggs
Statistics and probability are the focus of this math course. You will explore data
representation, applications of statistics, and how to use probability to make predictions
for future events and assist in real-world situations. We will learn through instruction,
class discussion, and engaging activities and gain deeper knowledge of the mathematics
applied in the real world.
6. Aztec, Inca, and Maya In-depth – Marti Frank
Human sacrifice, manmade islands, pyramids that rival Egypt, and Indiana Jones-style
suspension bridges? That is what you will discover when taking Aztec, Inca, and Maya
In-depth this summer. You may know the basics, but what about how these ancient cultures
live on? What were they really like? Explore these questions through historical analysis,
creativity, and minds-on, hands-on activities.
7. Bigfoot: Real or Hoax? – Sharley Davis
Prepare to dive into the enigmatic world of Bigfoot through scientific investigation
and comparative analysis with other well-known cryptids. This exploration will entail
an examination of the folklore surrounding Bigfoot, a study of Bigfoot's distinctive
traits, and brainstorming new ways to hunt down this elusive cryptid. Gear up to make
your case: Is Bigfoot real or just a hoax? Let the cryptid capers begin!
8. Clowning – Nick Wilkins (“Broadway the Clown”)
Study the art of clowning with an emphasis on clown history, clown skills, and the
different types of clowns. Learn about clown makeup application, costuming, improvisations,
gags, slapstick comedy, stilt walking, unicycle riding, balancing, prop building,
juggling, magic, and balloon sculpture – all from a Ringling Brothers-trained clown.
9. Dolls and Stories of Russia – Ekaterina Myakshina
Have you ever seen a Russian nesting doll? These famous dolls originated in Russia
and are called matryoshka. Their smiling faces show a different face for Russia than
you might hear on the news. Join this class to meet matryoshka and learn the basics
of the language her creators have spoken for centuries. You will also explore (virtually
of course!) some beautiful natural sites of the country and get to know some of Russia’s
most well-known fairy tales. Students will not only read these stories and create
their own Russian folktales but will also paint their own matryoshka dolls.
10. Double Threat: Writing and Performing Original Monologues – Julie Roberts Boggess
If you are a writer and a performer, this is a class for you! Throughout the two weeks,
you will create two original monologues: one comedic and one dramatic. You will work
on improving your performance skills and feeling more comfortable in front of the
camera. This class is perfect for any skill level and is sure to help you grow as
a writer/actor.
12. Fairy Tales, Folktales, and Fables: Patterns in Storytelling – Kenzie Morris
Think of your favorite book or movie. What makes it your favorite? What makes it unique?
Common threads run through and lie at the heart of many stories we know and love,
the stories that define our childhood. Over this two-week course, you will look at
how myths, fairy tales, and folktales are the prototypes of all storytelling. After
exploring the patterns across cultures and time within these stories, we will flip
what is expected to develop an original story that breaks the mold of traditional
storytelling.
13. Greek Out – Jessica Graham
Explore the world of Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes and discover their purpose
and impact on society today. Learn how ancient Greek mythology continues to influence
modern culture and daily life through some of the most interesting myths as we dig
deep. You will study Ancient Greece, Greek myths, authors, and their influence on
today as we "Greek Out" on Greek mythology.
14. Introduction to Technical Theatre! – Doug Tatters
The show must go on! While singing, dancing, and performing may be what attracts someone
to a musical production, many things occur behind the scenes. Putting on a production
takes a lot of brain power, communication, and many individuals with specific jobs.
This course will cover a few specific technical theatre elements such as set design,
costume design, and performer makeup design. This is an introductory course; previous
theatre experience is not required.
15. Musical Troupe – Beth Pope
Do you enjoy music? This vocal arts class will include the study of the singing voice,
understanding the fundamentals of how it works through the practice of singing songs,
choral music, and exercises. You will enjoy singing as a chorus, and there will be
opportunities (for those who wish) to sing individually in class. Plans are to sing
various genres of music including foreign language with styles old to new, and you
will brush up on music reading skills. At the conclusion of SCATS, we will perform
for the campers.
16. Nazi Germany & The Holocaust – Ron Skillern
The Holocaust, the persecution and murder of six million European Jews and millions
of other victims during World War II, was a horrific event in history, and its causes
and consequences remain relevant today. Through critical reading, research, and discussion,
you will examine the implications of the Holocaust in your life. We will explore the
nature of indifference, racism, and genocide as well as our roles as citizens of a
democracy. The course will include an introduction to the Holocaust, Nazi propaganda,
antisemitism, and documentation of victims.
17. Pattern Power – Katheryne Patrick
Patterns serve as the language of order in a chaotic world, guiding our understanding
and shaping our experiences. In this course, you will delve into the mathematical
underpinnings of patterns, exploring concepts such as sequences, symmetry, and fractals.
But that’s not all! You also will immerse yourself in the cosmos to investigate patterns
within the solar system and will investigate how patterns drive technological innovations.
18. Structure in Our World – Jordan Whitaker
Buckle up, future world-changers! This class is all about cracking the code of structures.
We're not talking just about buildings; we're also talking about the frameworks that
hold everything together, from how our government runs to the way our society functions.
We will dive into types of governments, then see which one reigns supreme in an epic
class debate. We also will become architects of the future, learning from past societies
to design a utopian dream world. Finally, we will analyze real-world structures and
put your building skills to the test by designing and constructing your own physical
masterpiece. This isn't just about memorizing facts – it's about understanding the
world and shaping the future!
19. Symphony of Patterns – Rasema Hodzic
Dive into the world of patterns through the enchanting lyrics of Taylor Swift's songs
and the captivating verses of poetry. Join us for an immersive journey where creativity
meets structured learning, exploring the intricate patterns that shape both words
and melodies.
21. Legends Exposed: Unraveling Urban Myths - Samantha Newsome
Are you ready to uncover the truth behind spine-tingling tales that have baffled generations?
If so, join us this summer for a thrilling journey into the heart of urban legends,
where mystery meets investigation. From the haunting legend of the vanishing hitchhiker
to the spine chilling Slenderman saga, we will delve into the psychology behind these
stories, unraveling the patterns and common elements that make them so captivating.
Get ready to debunk myths and become a master of the unknown while delving into the
world of fear and folklore.
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