Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
While many students spent their first week of summer sleeping in, dozens of rising freshmen from across Elmore County spent their mornings exploring labs, technical classrooms, and future career paths during Camp Discovery at the Elmore County Technical Center.
More than 80 students from across the school system participated in the four-day camp.
“Eighth graders who participate in the four-day camp spend an hour in each of our 17 CTE programs where they complete hands-on activities related to the programs,” ECTC Director Emilie Johnson said.
Throughout the week, students rotated through a variety of career tech programs designed to mirror real classroom experiences. From skilled trades and technical instruction to creative, career-focused courses, students were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and try something new.
Organizers said one of the most valuable aspects of Camp Discovery is introducing students to opportunities they may not have otherwise considered.
“Our hope is that this program provides students with experience in all of the programs at ECTC to help them make an informed decision on courses they take in high school,” Johnson said.
In addition to the hands-on learning experience, students were provided transportation and meals while also getting the opportunity to connect with instructors and classmates from communities across Elmore County.
Johnson said the program’s long-term impact has been evident since Camp Discovery began in 2016.
“We follow up on all students throughout their high school experience to determine the percentage of students who took CTE courses while in high school,” Johnson said. “We also look at how many took more than one course in a pathway.”
As career and technical education programs continue to expand across Alabama, Camp Discovery is giving students an early opportunity to explore potential career paths and gain confidence in planning for their futures before they ever step into high school.
