Campers Present 3-D Models and CampDEC Adventure Book
Twenty-three middle school students participated in PHLF’s CampDEC (Design Explore Create) at CAPA from July 11 to August 10, offered as part of the Pittsburgh Public School’s Summer Dreamers Academy. The last two days were a double celebration: campers presented two 3-D models they created during the camp and a book about their adventure to a group of architects, parents, and PHLF members; and they participated in a Literacy Olympics on the rooftop of CAPA!
PHLF thanks the Pittsburgh Public Schools for offering Summer Dreamers for a second consecutive year and for including CampDEC as one of the afternoon activities. PHLF also thanks the Alfred M. Oppenheimer Memorial Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation, McSwigan Family Foundation, and PHLF member Russell W. Coe for helping underwrite the cost of designing and printing CampDEC Adventure. Each camper received a copy of the full-color, 42-page book containing camper artwork, photographs, comments, and lessons learned.
What did they the campers most like about CampDEC? Their answers include the following:
- Building a model of the “Promise Bridge” on the old Wabash Bridge piers.
- Building some new attractions for one of the parking lots at Station Square, complete with a kids’ club, picnic area, shops, restaurants, and a train whistle and train ride.
- Traveling around the city on Molly’s Trolleys.
- Riding the inclines and taking the “T” to Dormont to watch cartoons in the beautifully restored Hollywood Theater.
- Exploring Pittsburgh on scavenger hunts and stopping for snacks!
- Making friends with the campers and counselors.
- Learning about our city’s proud history.
- Learning how to have fun, how to look at things differently, and how to try new things.
- Swimming in the new downtown YMCA pool, kayaking on the Allegheny, and bike riding on the North Shore.
- Making stained glass, gumdrop towers, a recycled art project, and our book, CampDEC Adventure.
