Social Work hosts Pflugerville school children's summer day camp, Kids University

September 1, 2009

AUSTIN, Texas - A day camp designed to promote higher education for 31 homeless/at risk children was hosted by The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work August 3-6. The children, from Pflugerville Independent School District, are part of a program called Kids University.

"Kids University is a creative and innovative program that gives youth valuable experiences on a university campus with college students as counselors and guides," said Kathy Armenta, clinical associate professor of social work. "This event provided the children with enrichment activities and curriculum that showed possibilities and expanded horizons."

Kids University banner thanks School of Social Work for hosting summer day camp.

While at the University, the children participated in workshops on robotics, "mad scientist" experiments, arts and crafts, dance instruction from the University Dance Team, and many more experiential activities throughout the week in the School of Social Work and around campus.

The children also met several university football players, toured the stadium, and participated in a ropes course through the Georgetown Parks and Recreation Department. The ropes course is an outdoor event that teaches problem-solving and team work, said Armenta.

The camp is directed each summer by Vicki Esparza-Gregory, lead school social worker at the Pflugerville Independent School District, with assistance from Pflugerville school social work staff and faculty. This year, several graduate students from the School of Social Work served as camp counselors.

"It was a great experience for these youngsters in grades 3 through 8 who discovered a lot about their strengths, about possibilities, and about a university campus in one week," said Armenta.

On August 6, a joyful "graduation" was held with family, friends and caregivers. Several of the adults attending the ceremony shared an excitement about their child's dreams of becoming a Longhorn one day, Armenta said.

For more information, contact:
Kathy Armenta
Clinical Associate Professor
512-471-8230
karmenta@mail.utexas.edu