Kids and Teen College Celebrates 40 Years with Anniversary Bash and Program Fair

Games, treats, and family fun will fill the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) La Plata Campus during the Kids and Teen College 40^th Anniversary Bash on Saturday, March 28.

Kids and Teen College is celebrating 40 years of offering courses that keep kids engaged, learning, and discovering new interests. The free event is open to the public and will give families an opportunity to learn about summer programs and enrollment information while enjoying carnival-style games and activities. Community groups will also be on site sharing information about local summer camps.

Program Manager Teyana Carroll said the event reflects the program’s long history of supporting students in a fun, engaging way.  

“For four decades we’ve seen students grow, learn, and build confidence through Kids and Teen College,” Carroll said. “The event gives families a glimpse into what we have to offer, and the difference the program can make to our students, while giving families a fun and engaging afternoon.”

The program offers courses in music, theater, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) for students ages 5 - 17. Classes are organized into four age groups ranging from Early Learners (5 - 7) to Young Adult (14 - 17), and cover subjects from cooking, drawing, and sculpting to LEGO building, coding, and algebra.

For many participants, Kids and Teen College creates lifelong memories. Jim Love remembers growing up participating in its summer sports programs. After aging out of the program, he came back as a school counselor to support the next generation of students.

“It’s hard to imagine a better way to spend weeks during summer,” Love said. “Every week, getting a new group of excited students, making great friends with the other counselors, and still learning something new in every class, it continued to be the highlight of my summers for years.”

The program offers flexible scheduling options for families. Classes range from a few days to eight weeks long, and take place in the morning, afternoon, or all day.

“Families have a lot to juggle in the summer, from work schedules to childcare, summer activities, and vacations,” Carroll said. “This flexibility helps families have options that fit their needs and while providing students with enriching experiences.”

The Anniversary Bash is scheduled rain or shine on March 28, from 12 - 4 p.m. The event will take place at CSM La Plata Campus, Parking Lot 3. In case of rain, the event will move to Francis P. Chiaramonte, M.D. Center for Science and Technology (ST Building) Atrium.

More information about Kids and Teen College, as well as a full list of programs, is available on the program webpage.