SCHOOLS OFFERING SUMMER CAMPS

There is no limit to the imagination of a young mind.

Ugly purple monsters with two heads, two mouths and two scary sets of teeth could attack a small village; a beautiful princess might be reunited with her long-lost love; a family of rats could be spies for the president of the United States.

Cape Girardeau public schools and area teachers realize the value of the young mind. So they decided to begin a Young Author's Camp for area children.

"Writing is a very important and enjoyable skill," said camp organizer Ruth Rhodes. "We enjoy getting kids to express themselves, but there is not nearly enough time to do it during the regular school year."

The camp is designed for children entering third through sixth grades in the fall. It will take place July 18 through July 22 at Franklin Elementary School, 215 N. Louisiana. All public- and parochial-school students in Cape Girardeau are eligible. Lorna Mueller, a teacher at Washington Elementary, and Rhodes, who teaches at Franklin, will lead the camp.

"They're never too young to start writing and thinking creatively," said Rhodes. "In the future we'd like to have sessions for even younger kids."

The camp will let students work at their own pace without pressure. They will learn about all types of writing, including six types of poetry, persuasive essays and short stories.

"Our goal is to have a stimulating, fun experience," Rhodes said. "We want to focus on self-expression."

Students won't be behind a desk writing the entire time; it will be an active experience. One day they will go outside and bury boring words in the ground. They will also blow bubbles just so they can talk about the artistry of a bubble.

At the end each student will put together a portfolio of his or her best work. The best pieces will be bound and put in a booklet that will be distributed to doctors' offices.

"We want the community to appreciate the talent and creativity of these children," Rhodes said.

In addition, there will be Summer Science and Summer Math camps at Franklin. They will be Monday through Friday and are available to students in first through sixth grades. The math sessions cost $30; the writing and science sessions $40.

Although deadline for the camps has ended, students are being accepted until the sessions are full. All sessions have spaces remaining except the Science Camp. For more information or to register, call 335-6654.