Central Tech’s Drumright campus was recently buzzing with energy as over 100 future innovators, creators, and problem-solvers from 17 Central Tech district schools took part in Camp Explorer. The three-day adventure from June 2–4 is designed for incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. 

Camp Explorer emphasizes hands-on, action-packed learning that gives students a taste of exciting career paths. From saving lives to learning how big trucks work, campers got to roll up their sleeves and dive into real-world skills. 

In one class, students became real-life lifesavers in “Be a Camp Hero!” where they practiced CPR, first aid, and the Heimlich maneuver. Meanwhile, “Future Healers: Biomedical Science” turned curious minds into junior scientists as they explored forensic mysteries, DNA, the cardiovascular system, and even examined bones like crime scene investigators. Health and wellness took center stage in “Body Basics,” where students learned about hygiene, body systems, and how to stay strong and healthy. 

Over in the workshop, imaginations flourished in “Build It & Forge It: 3D Design & Metalworks,” where campers used CAD software, plasma cutters, and virtual reality welding tools to bring their metal creations to life. Aspiring stylists got hands-on with haircutting, coloring, and styling in “Haircutting 101,” while gearheads got their fix in “BIG Trucks, BIG Fun!” – a class all about diesel engines, hydraulic cylinders, and truck technology. 

Tech-savvy campers explored the inner workings of computers, operating systems, and cybersecurity in “Build, Break Down, and Secure the Tech of Tomorrow!” And for those with an engineering mindset, “Future Engineers” offered a chance to build hydraulic systems, experiment with digital electronics, and even create gadgets to take home. 

Whether they were styling hair, decoding DNA, or dreaming of the next big tech breakthrough, campers left with new skills, new friends, and a whole lot of inspiration.