University of Central Arkansas

Director, Mark Cooper

501-450-5444

What is UCA Super Kids?

UCA Super Kids is a one-week science-based summer program offered to entering first, second, and third-grade children. The summer program was introduced to Faulkner County in 1999.

Who can attend UCA Super Kids?

The summer program is open to all children who are entering the first, second, and third grades. A motto of UCA Super Kids is, "Once a Super Kid, always a Super Kid!" Children learn that they do not become super kids. They learn they are born that way. The term, Super Kid, represents the belief that all children are super and thus should have an opportunity to attend.

What are some of the past topics for UCA Super Kids?

Young Botanists and the Plant World: Come join our garden paradise while sprouting new ideas about the plant world. Budding botanists will get down and dirty in a classroom crawling with vines. As the sun shines on each new day, our thumbs will grow greener with every investigation about the friends and foes of the plan world. Our creativity will blossom as students' plan their feet in a green house built for Super Kids!

Young Ecologists and the Rainforest: Welcome to the sounds and sights of the jungle! Come explore the rainforests around the world where the temperature hardly changes from day to day, season to season, and year to year. Learn how rainforests affect our air, weather, and lives. Grab your cameras and gear to come join the adventure. The rainforest will come alive with exotic creatures that beg to meet new friends.

Young Oceanographers and the Ocean: Super Kids will enjoy the sparkling water, exotic fish, colorful coral, sandy beach, and warm sun. Get ready to explore the underwater kingdom. The young oceanographers will investigate what makes the ocean salty, where the water comes from, ocean creatures, and the survival characteristics and habits of    ocean creatures. Pack your scuba gear and prepare for the dive into an ocean of new ideas and excitement.

Parents can expect brochures around Spring Break. Brochures are processed on a first come, first serve basis.

Who are the teachers of UCA Super Kids?

Each of the UCA Super Kids faculty members has experience working with children in this age group and a high degree of knowledge in their given subject areas. It is a goal of each faculty member to make this an educational, informational, and motivational learning experience.

What is the daily schedule like?

Each Super Kid course is offered for one hour and 50 minutes per day for one week. Students take three courses. The same courses are offered for four sessions. All classes are held at the University of Central Arkansas Child Study Center (115 Farris Road). The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m. During the lunch hour, 20-minute discussions about Super Kids and Super Actions are conducted. The discussions focus on the development of confidence regardless of present performance, the development of self-success skills. Children learn about compassion, self-control, responsibility, friendliness, problem solving, and responsibility. Further, the children prepare for the closing ceremony at the beginning and end of each day. Children learn a variety of songs that reflect their topical learning as well as the friendship building discussions that occur during the lunch hour.

What is the program fee?

Children attending the UCA Super Kids Program for the five days must pay an enrollment fee.  (The fee will be finalized in the brochure). This includes enrollment in the three extraordinary courses, material for activities, and a Super Kids tee shirt. Children are expected to bring their lunch. Registration brochures are distributed to all Faulkner County public and private schools.

Why was Super Kids created for this community?

Super Kids provides a service for children and families during the summer months. The program provides a model for exemplary teachers, as well as a model for prospective teachers involved in UCA's teacher education program. My professional reason reflects the following quote by Helen Keller, "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do."  UCA Super Kids is one thing I can do to enhance the lives of young children within our community.

For more information, contact Dr. Mark Cooper at (501) 450-5444 or Mrs. Lisa Herrington at (501) 450-5453.