Hawk Career Exploration Academy / Camp Henry

Long known as “Camp Henry,” the Hawk Career Exploration Academy summer program offers an exciting experience with multiple options for youth development between 6th-12th grades.

We provide hands-on learning activities in STEAM areas (Science, Technology/Trades, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Hawk Career Exploration Academy gives young people an early start in exploring high-demand career paths.

Hawk Career Exploration Academy will offer sessions at the Henry Ford College main campus, 5101 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn MI 48128 during the weeks of June 24, July 8, and July 15. All sessions are daytime only from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday.

Please make note of the recommended age range for each session.

Lunch will be provided to participants each day.

How to Register

Hawk Career Exploration Academy registration is now open for 2024. Space is limited. Please be sure to register your child today!

To receive information on registration, please email cmyers17@hfcc.edu. Registration is available until June 17, 2024.

After you register, you will receive a packet with additional details one week before the start of your registered session. Please review your child's schedule for confirmation.

Each session will be $125 total, which includes all materials, instruction, and lunch each day. You will need to provide your child's transportation to and from campus each day.

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel a registration, you will need to make your request in writing. Contact Cassandra Myers at cmyers17@hfcc with your request.

All cancellations must be received 3 weeks before the start of a session to receive a full refund. Cancellations received less than 3 weeks before the start date will result in the student receiving a credit to be used on a future session, valid through the following calendar year. No refunds will be provided after a session has started.

For additional information please contact:

Cassandra Myers

Program Manager
Workforce and Professional Development
3601 Schaefer Road
Dearborn MI, 48128
cmyers17@hfcc.edu
313-317-6604

5101: Culinary Explorer

This exploratory opportunity is truly a culinary adventure for young enthusiasts eager to explore the art of cooking and baking. With a well-balanced schedule combining hands-on cooking sessions and essential kitchen fundamentals, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the culinary world.

By incorporating initiatives like farm-to-fork, nutrition, and healthy eating, the session goes beyond teaching cooking techniques. It instills in students a deeper appreciation for the origins of food and its impact on our well-being, fostering lifelong healthy eating habits.

Empowering students to take charge of the kitchen sparks their creativity and builds confidence as they experiment with flavors and ingredients. Meanwhile, the focus on baking not only teaches essential skills but also lays a solid foundation for those with a passion for pastry arts.

The culmination is a parent luncheon on the final day that provides students with a platform to showcase their newfound skills and share their culinary creations with their family.

Overall, this opportunity offers an immersive experience that goes beyond teaching cooking and baking skills. It nurtures a deeper understanding and passion for the culinary arts, setting students on a path of culinary exploration and discovery.

Note, for safety reasons, students will be required to wear pants and closed-toe shoes for the Culinary Explorer experience at HFC.

Dates: June 24-27, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders
Price: $125

Discover the World of Media as an HFC Film and Media (FAM) Explorer!

Do you have a passion for film, TV, audio, and other media? Here's your ticket to the action! Hosted by the Henry Ford College Media Communication Arts department, we're rolling out the red carpet for you to explore everything from the magic of film and TV to the beats of a live radio station, to the craft behind creative storytelling through scripts and podcasts.

Have you ever dreamed of voicing animated characters, announcing the latest news or sports, or mastering the art of the interview? We've got you covered. Dive into the roles of your favorite actors, directors, writers, and DJs. You'll get your hands on the real work: scriptwriting, shooting, lighting, editing, and even stepping in front of the camera or behind the mic.

And there's a bonus! Your creativity might just hit the airwaves on our campus station, WHFR-FM, or light up the screen for friends and family to see. Get ready for four days filled with creativity, learning, and fun. It's your time to shine as an HFC Film and Media (FAM) Explorer... Lights, camera, action!

Dates: July 15-18, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders
Price: $125

Automated Systems and Robotics Explorer

In this dynamic workshop, students engage in practical projects to learn how automated systems and robotics make a positive impact on the world.

The first project involves creating an autonomous garden system, where you will use a moisture sensor and micro-controller programming to control a water pump, automating soil moisture management. This project not only teaches essential engineering concepts but also demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to conserve resources and promote environmental stewardship.

The second project focuses on building a smart robot car, equipped with sensors to detect obstacles, and programmed to navigate autonomously. These activities offer hands-on experience in real-world applications of engineering. Through experimentation and iteration, students will hone their problem-solving skills to showcase the potential of robotics around mobility and safety.

Dates: July 8-11, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders
Price: $125

Trade Explorer: Youth and Shop

In this session, students will have the opportunity for hands-on learning and skill development in manufacturing. Learning about machining and metalworking not only provides practical skills but also fosters creativity through the creation of small projects.

Students will learn about safety and proper machine shop etiquette while getting a chance to create their projects using machine tools. It is an excellent introductory to this trade while keeping their projects as a lasting reminder of their achievements and the skills they've acquired during the session.

This session will be an enriching experience that offers both practical knowledge and the opportunity for creativity and self-expression.

Dates: June 24-27, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders
Price: $125

Intro to Robots

Welcome to Intro to Robots! This session offers an engaging experience where students will learn how to engineer robots powered by solar energy.

Through hands-on activities, students will develop essential skills such as manual dexterity, problem-solving, logical thinking, and self-confidence.

Our program emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as students work together to design and build their robots. With 12 different robot-building projects available, students can explore various concepts in mechanics and engineering. Our entry-level projects are perfect for students providing a fun and accessible introduction to robotics.

For others seeking a challenge, our advanced-level projects will test your manipulative skills and push you to think creatively.

Throughout the session, you will not only enhance your STEM skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the exciting world of robotics. Join us for an unforgettable journey of learning, exploration, and fun!

Dates: June 24-27, 2024 or July 15th-18th, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders
Price: $125

Mobile App Inventor

Hey there, future tech wizards! Get ready to dive into an exciting adventure designed just for you. We're thrilled to introduce you to the amazing world of mobile app development using MIT's App Inventor online software.

Imagine this: you'll be crafting your very own mobile applications from scratch, all with the power of simple, easy-to-use code blocks. Step by step, you'll learn the ins and outs of app design and creation, unlocking your creativity along the way.

But here's the coolest part – you won't just be stuck behind a screen. You'll have the chance to test your creations on real Android phones, bringing your ideas to life in the palm of your hand.

Get ready for a week filled with excitement, creativity, and learning like never before. By the end of it, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to develop your own apps, ready to take on the digital world with confidence.

Dates: June 24-27, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders
Price: $125

Discovering XCode and Swift App Development

Hey there, future app creators! Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the realm of app development? Join us for "Discovering XCode and Swift App Development", where you'll unlock the secrets of crafting apps specifically for iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices.

Get ready to harness the power of XCode, the ultimate playground for app development on Apple's platform. You'll dive deep into Swift basics, the language that brings your app ideas to life with its magic touch. With the guidance of our expert instructor, you'll be empowered to turn your boldest app concepts into reality.

Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingertips! This adventure promises to be filled with invaluable learning experiences, thrilling exploration, and hands-on app development action. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive headfirst into the world of app creation for Apple devices.

Dates: July 15-18, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders
Price: $125

Environmental Science and Biology

You will experience three days of adventures into the science involved in the natural world around us. You will get an opportunity to explore rain and roof gardens, forest surveying, water testing, aquatic organism identification, and some issues of environmental concern. There will be a special focus on environmental sustainability and how students can take what we are teaching and impact the future of our world.

You will surely leave on the final day with a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural world around you.

Dates: July 9 - 10, 2019
Age Group: Incoming 7th to 9th graders
Price: $125

Bioblitz Explorer

Students will have the opportunity to explore local habitats and animal biodiversity through activities in a laboratory setting and outdoor adventures around campus and at the Environmental Study Area on the University of Michigan Dearborn’s campus. Students will end your exciting week with a trip to the Detroit Zoo.

Throughout the week, students will learn about our local aquatic ecosystems by conducting water quality tests and examining some of our freshwater macroinvertebrates under the microscope. We will take nature walks and learn how to identify local trees and wildflowers. Students will discuss the important relationships between our local pollinators and flora and build your pollinator hotels to take home with you. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the diversity of animal form and function by studying preserved specimens and skulls and discussing how different species play different roles within their ecosystems.

Other activities include dissecting owl pellets, making bird feeders, and learning about how we can make a difference in protecting our local habitats and animal biodiversity.

Dates: July 15-18, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders
Price: $125

Youth Leading Youth

Welcome to our K-12 Teaching Profession Exploration session! Get ready for an experience where you'll discover the excitement and impact of hands-on teaching. Here's a glimpse of what each day will entail:

Interconnected Activities: Each day, students will explore how various academic subjects – such as science, literacy, math, and social studies – can be interconnected through hands-on activities. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, you'll learn how to integrate these activities to enhance learning in the classroom.

Pre-Education Themes: Throughout the session, students will delve into different pre-education themes, including science, math, literacy/social studies, and art. By exploring these themes, they'll gain a deeper understanding of their relevance and application in educational settings.

Theory and Practice: Students will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts into practice through hands-on activities. By participating in these activities, you'll develop a better understanding of student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills – essential qualities for future educators, babysitters, or camp counselors.

Join us for an unforgettable journey where you'll not only learn about the teaching profession but also gain practical skills that will serve you well in other roles in childcare and education.

Dates: June 24-27, 2024 or July 15-18, 2024
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders
Price: $125