By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Children at Helena Elementary School got an in depth look at how to use technology in a variety of ways at a creation station summer technology camp the week of June 20.

Campers learned how to create and make their own short movies, learned how to code, used speedometry hot wheels and did a variety of activities using a program called Osmo.

Helena Elementary School first grader teacher Jenni Shackelford helped lead the camp and said the kids have responded so well to the camp that she may offer a form of the camp during the school year.

“I think what’s so important about this camp is I saw a statistic where 65 percent of future jobs for this generation haven’t even been invented yet,” said Shackelford. “The more hands on learning they do with coding and using other technology is only going to help them in the long run.”

Students used a combination of the Osmo software with iPads that would project an image onto the table where they then were able to trace and draw pictures, put together shapes to form objects, place commands together to form a string of codes and more.

Another neat aspect of the camp was students got to create a digital portfolio and parents at home had the ability to follow along to see what their child was creating using a QR code.

Near the end of the camp, a short film was shown depicting a group of students work using Legos and iMovie software.

Students used a green screen and placed Star Wars Lego pieces in numerous positions to create a short movie.

Shackelford said this was the first time the camp had ever been offered but believes it was a success and that students enjoyed working with the technology.

For those interested in the summer specialty enrichment camps, multiple camps are offered throughout the summer at various schools throughout Shelby County. Fees will vary depending on the classes that are offered.

For more information and to view a full list of dates and times summer camps are offered, visit Shelbyed.k12.al.us/community/enrich.html.