Purdue University North Central faculty members will donate their time this summer to teach youngsters attending Camp New Happenings in Milford, Ind., from July 11 - 17. 
The theme of the camp is "Inspire" and each faculty member will present the campers with educational learning activities that are fun, interesting, challenging and inspirational. The week-long camp is open to children ages 8 to 11, who have a parent who is currently incarcerated. The camp is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, but children of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to attend, said Christina Nevill of the PNC College of Science, who is a Camp New Happenings board member and camp arts and craft coordinator.
"Our goal is to provide a true summer camp experience for these children," said Nevill. "They'll do arts, crafts, swim and have fun. We cover all of their expenses and even provide transportation. This is a tremendous opportunity for the children to enjoy a week of fun."
Participating PNC faculty members are Dr. Chris Holford, associate professor of Biology and department chair; Dr. Rosa Rivera-Hainaj, assistant professor of Chemistry, Jerry Mostek, continuing lecturer of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Kim Griffiths, limited term lecturer of mathematics.
The professors will present age appropriate activities that are educational and entertaining. For example, Holford will teach the campers about birds. He plans a hike in the woods where the children will have the opportunity to pick apart owl "pellets" which are indigestible matter that has been regurgitated by owls, similar to a cat's hairball. Holford explained that while examining the pellets the youngsters will be able to see what the owl has ingested. Typically, they'll find bones of mice and small rodents and they'll attempt to reconstruct its skeleton.
Rivera-Hainaj will teach the youngsters how chemistry is a part of their everyday lives. She will show the campers how to make a solar cooker out of potato chip containers. Mostek will talk about astronomy and Griffiths will talk about math and art.
"We are thrilled that these PNC faculty members are willing to donate their time and talents to our camp," said Charlotte Strowhorn, Camp New Happenings board president and project coordinator. "The children look forward to having a multi-faceted fun-filled week."
Information about Camp New Happenings can be found by visiting http://ednin.org/ednin/ and clicking on "Camp New Happenings" or by contacting Nevill at cnevill@pnc.edu.