School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions

"Our teens loved living in a dorm 'on their own' as well as learning about different courses of study and career opportunities."
— Alicia Kowalchuk '91, Houston, Texas

CAU Summer Youth & Teen Programs

Li'l Bears, Tykes, and Explorers

All youth programs are offered during 4 one-week sessions:

July 6-12 (Week I)
July 13-19 (Week II)
July 20-26 (Week III)
July 27-August 2 (Week IV)

Li'l Bears, Tykes, and Explorers

A typical day in the Li’l Bears, Tykes, and Explorers programs described on this page begins with a morning of easy-going educational activities followed by lunch, afternoon recreational activities, healthful snacks, and visits to places of interest at Cornell and in Ithaca. After supper, the evening program continues until bedtime with games, entertainment, and crafts.

Li'l Bears

Ages three to five (pre-kindergarten)

Amazing Animals

Through stories, crafts, discussion, and play, Li’l Bears will learn about creatures large and small, from lions and giraffes to rabbits and minks. Our youngest CAUers will enjoy a safe and happy environment all day long under the caring supervision of trained early-childhood staff. Trips to nearby places of interest on campus and to local parks are included. (Note: Potty training is a must for Li’l Bears.)

Tykes

Ages five and six (children with at least one year of school)

Birds and Bugs

Morning trips to Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology, Sapsucker Woods, Beebe Lake, parks, and trails will provide lots of learning opportunities. Tykes will keep journals to record their discoveries as they investigate the habits and habitats of birds and bugs common to this area. Hands-on projects, videos, discussion, music, stories, and maps will nurture your child’s curiosity and interest. Afternoon field trips and recreational activities will make this a very special week for your little Cornell scholar.

Explorers

Ages seven and eight

Space Science and Science Fiction

Just as powerful telescopes have revolutionized our view of the cosmos, robotic probes and rovers now beam back to Earth startling details of alien landscapes. Explorers will learn about the science of space, space travel, and even extraterrestrial life; compare and contrast film fiction with cutting-edge technologies; and visit projects on campus and off to discover more about stars, planets, and galaxies. Afternoons include swimming, arts and crafts, field trips, and other recreational fun!