People often believe that students don’t think about college until they’re in high school. But Sharon Erwin, program coordinator of undergraduate admissions, believes students begin to think about college at a much younger age.

For this reason, the Future Shocker camp was created. This year the camp ran July 8-9. Children of faculty and staff in grades 6-8 who have at least a 2.0 grade point average were invited to attend the camp and learn how to plan for college.

“It is beneficial to introduce them, now, to the resources available and also share with them what they can do to prepare for college,” Erwin said.

The Future Shocker camp serves as an introduction to college and the resources available at Wichita State.

Activities taught the campers about student involvement, career choices and what they can do to begin their preparation for college.

Activities included tours of Fairmount Towers, Eck Stadium and what Erwin called an “amazing race” across campus highlighting financial aid, admissions, the library, the bookstore and classroom facilities. Campers sat on a panel with current WSU students and created mock college schedules, choosing classes and making time for studying and school activities.

The youth especially enjoyed making ice cream, touring the dorms and participating in problem-solving activities.

“We had to stand in a circle, hold hands and tie ourselves in a knot,” said sixth-grader Allyce Harrison. “Then someone had to problem-solve to get us apart.”

“I liked learning about different careers,” said eighth-grader Kyle Bomgardener, who wants to become a veterinarian.

The camp staff includes Erwin and four area middle-school teacher volunteers. The counselors agreed that the children benefited from their experiences during the camp.

“The opportunity to meet new friends, hear from WSU faculty and staff, and learn about the things they can do now to prepare for college” are all benefits, Erwin said.

Another benefit is the early exposure to college, said counselor Kelli Frazier.

“That way college is not such a foreign concept to them.”

Next summer Erwin plans to hold another camp, though final dates have not been set.