After going on hiatus during Covid-19, Doane University will return to hosting Adventure Zone — a summer camp connecting students from across the world from “right in Doane’s backyard,” said Dr. Andy Johnson, director of the Honors Program and assistant professor of sociology. Johnson, Lisa Wells, service center specialist and Tim Burge, director of international programs, are heading up the program.
“During the week of Adventure Zone, local middle school students get the opportunity to take fun, interactive classes with Japanese middle school students. Students learn about Japanese culture and build cross-cultural friendships,” Johnson said. “Doane college students also help out, by leading small groups of Japanese middle school students around the state of Nebraska after morning classes.”
The camp runs from June 12-19 and is open to any local student entering grades five through nine. It’s $50 per student for the week, with need-based scholarships available. Classes available during the camp are held on Doane’s Crete campus, and range from fitness, to photography, to dancing.
The roots of Adventure Zone date back 19 years ago, to the beginning of a partnership between Doane and Senshu University Matsudo Junior High School. Over that time, hundreds of Nebraska and Japanese middle school students have “built bridges, friendships and mutual understanding,” Burge said.
“This relationship is one of Doane's premier partnerships,” he said. “I'm excited to be a part of this great Doane tradition. I encourage anyone interested to sign up!"
Questions can be directed to Johnson at [email protected].
Have an interested student? Fill out their information and preferred classes in our Google Form.
Camp Schedule
Monday, June 12th
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — Class activities and bowling outing
Tuesday, June 13th
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — Class activities
Wednesday, June 14th
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — Class activities
Thursday, June 15th
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — Class activities
Friday, June 16th
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — Class activities
5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Farewell ceremony (and parents are invited!)
Class Descriptions
Creative Memory Book Making!
Do you love taking pictures, being creative, and making new friends? If so, then this class is for you! You will create a unique and personal book of memories about your Adventure Zone experience at Doane University.
Get in Shape in 5 Days!
In this class you will improve your health through fun, fast-paced activities. This course is designed with an emphasis on fitness and fun. Wear athletic shoes and workout wear.
Stop Motion Video
Use your creativity using art materials to create a computer-aided stop motion video. In this course, you will plan, build, create, and film stop motion videos. Imaginations and creativity are a MUST for this course.
In the Spotlight!
This class leads students through various forms of acting. Students will learn how to perform stage action and emotion, present monologues, group scenes, miming, improv, and even musical singing and dancing.
Learn Photography!
"How did they do that?" Have you ever seen a cool photograph and wanted to create one too? You'll learn how to upgrade your camera skills and use special effects. Students will need to provide their own cell phones or cameras with memory cards.
Cooking Cuisine
Do you love cooking and learning new recipes? This class will collaborate to learn cooking popular American recipes. Tasting your creations is just an added bonus!
Dancing with the Stars
Get your dancing shoes on! In this class you will learn a variety of fun dances across a variety of music genres. Wear athletic shoes and workout wear.
Team Building Games
Sometimes it IS all fun and games. This class features a range of fun team-building games to learn about teamwork and leadership. Learn about the puzzle of teams and groups and how your piece fits in. Activities will be both in the classroom and outdoors.
