Kids Stuff
Cartoonist Eric Teitelbaum draws for a summer class.
It’s more than fun and games
It’s never too early to go to college. More than 500 kids, ages 8 to 18, will get a taste of campus life this summer in Continuing Education’s Kids Stuff program. Whether your child is ready to build a robot, fly a drone or become a fashion designer – there are lots of choices and new offerings this summer. Kids who love comics and gaming can develop their creative muscles in a variety of classes.
Back by popular demand is Eric Teitelbaum, one of the co-creators of the Pink Panther Comix and a cartoonist for Bottomliners and the New Yorker.
“Kids are interested in finding out how a professional creates their characters, such as the Pink Panther, which are often based on simple geometric shapes,” said Teitelbaum. “I always explain that if you’re good at math, you’ll be a better cartoonist – so practice drawing, and do your math homework assignments.”
He adds, “I cover creative writing skill sets as well as drawing. Being able to write is a key ingredient for making inroads in any profession. I have seen an immense amount of talent in the summer classes I’ve conducted at SFCC. It’s great to see kids develop creative skills and have fun doing it.”
Another top professional – Scott Saltsman, a Los Angeles-based designer and former art director for Stan Lee, creator of Spiderman – offers a fun-filled, intensive workshop on video game design with tips on creating characters, developing a story line, and effects.
Ultimate Drone Games: Speed, Skill and Acrobatics and Drone Flying, Search & Rescue will introduce kids to drone operation, safety, the social responsibilities of flying drones and more. The program also offers a range of outdoor adventure classes that combine fun activities with education. “It’s great for kids to to develop academic skills while having fun,” said Director of Continuing Education Kris Swedin.
New this summer is the four-week course Up with Words. Students will spend the morning exploring books and the afternoons scaling the college’s Ropes Challenge Course. Kids wear a full-body harness and helmet as they participate in “challenges by choice” on the zip line, single and dual shaky pole and the climbing tower.
Budding scientists will find a wealth of fun classes that challenge and teach computer, design and building skills. Robot building, computer programming and the interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Explorations are just some of the offerings.
For a complete schedule, visit sfcc.edu or pick up a schedule from the new Continuing Education office in Room 131.
