Lugonia Elementary Students Set for Geography Kids Camp at U of Redlands

About 20 students from Lugonia Elementary School have been invited to take part in a one-day Geography Kids Camp at the University of Redlands on Saturday.

"The students will explore their neighborhoods, country and world using traditional maps and online computer applications," university spokeswoman Patty Zurita said.

A key application in this year's event will be ArcGIS Explorer Online, created by of Redlands, Zurita said.

The camp is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The 5th and 6th grade students from Lugonia Elementary be asked to create a movie "that showcases their research of an assigned foreign country," Zurita said.

The camp will be held in the Fletcher Jones Foundation Computer Center in the University of Redlands Library.

"The University of Redlands makes extensive use of Geographic Information Systems expertise and technology in its curriculum, research and operations, and hosts the educational camp on campus each summer," Zurita said.

An advocate for the program, Kristin Alvarez, a School of Education associate professor, passed away Jan. 26, 2012 after battling cancer, Zurita said.

"She really enjoyed working with young people as they explored together the wonders of the world around them," Zurita said. "As soon as she joined the University of Redlands, Kristi became involved with Geography Kids Camp.

"She would help organize the event and teach a portion of the day's activities.  It was one of her last wishes that the camp would continue after her passing."

The Geography Kids Camp is free to all attendees and is funded strictly through donations, Zurita said.

For more information about the University of Redlands visit www.redlands.edu.

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