If you have a child interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics the Chehalem Park and Recreation District has a fun line-up of activities on tap this summer. (Staff file photo)

Fun line-up of educational activities set for late June through end of August

If you have a child interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics the Chehalem Park and Recreation District has a fun line-up of activities on tap this summer.

The district will kick off next week its STEM & Creativity Summer Camps at locations around the city.

“From engineering marvels to artistic masterpieces, our diverse programs are designed to inspire and challenge young minds,” a release said. “Hands-on activities and expert guidance ensures a summer filled with creativity and learning.”

Kicking off the line-up June 23-26 will be the Middle School Esports and STEM Camp, to be held in the Wheeler Sports Complex at George Fox University, a co-sponsor of the event.

“(The camp) will provide an engaging blend of challenges, team competitions and skill building to ensure a dynamic and fun-filled experience for all skill levels,” the release said.

Activities, hosted by university coaches and athletes, will include games like Minecraft, Fortnite, Rocket League, Roblox and others. Participants can also compete in interactive STEM challenges and esports activities and learn teamwork and strategy from experienced collegiate esports athletes and coaches.

The Minecraft Education Pixel Pioneers Camp is set for July 7-11 at district headquarters, 125 S. Elliott Road, and is meant for kids ages 5 to 7. A second camp is set for Aug. 25-29.

“Guided by our enthusiastic Pixel Professor, this hands-on, imagination-fueled camp introduces young builders to the basics of Minecraft Education in a warm and supportive setting,” the release said. “Campers will explore a safe and structured digital world while also engaging in plenty of off-screen fun.”

The Chess Wizards Summer Camp — which features morning, afternoon and full-day versions — is set for July 7-11 at the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1802 Haworth Ave.

“Students will participate in fun variation games, tournaments, lessons and special matches, all while improving their creative problem solving skills and analytical skills,” the release said. “These sessions are not hyper-competitive and the emphasis is always on the enjoyment and love of the game.”

The Minecraft Education Build & Discover Day Camp, designed for kids ages 8 to 11, is set for July 14-18 at district headquarters. Activities each day include Minecraft Education activities focused on engineering, coding and design; STEM challenges that promote critical thinking and creativity; off-screen hands-on projects, group games and physical movement breaks with an emphasis on teamwork, communication and leadership development.

Youngsters can gather at the Chehalem Armory Complex, 620 N. Morton St., on July 21-25 for the JR Lab Rats Science Summer Camp, good for kids ages 6 to 8.

The goal of the camp, the release said, is to provide activities that “improve creativity by encouraging thinking outside of the box, promote team collaboration, develop communication skills, empower critical thinking skills, boost curiosity and help kids to learn how to take initiative.”

The Lego Inventors Journey to STEAM and Lego Coding & Robotics: Journey to STEAM camps, both for kids ages 6 to 11, are set for July 21-25 at a location still to be determined.

The Kinder Science Adventure STEM Summer Camp is set for Aug. 11-15 at the Chehalem Armory Center and is designed for kids 5 to 6 years old.

“In this STEM Summer Camp, we will explore many different challenges geared to our age group. STEM activities improve creativity, by encouraging thinking outside of the box, they promote team collaboration, develop communication skills, empower critical thinking skills, boost curiosity and help kids to learn how to take initiative,” the release said.

The final camp of the series is the Minecraft Education Innovation Camp (ages 8-11) and is set for Aug. 25-29 at district headquarters.

To register for camps visit cprdnewberg.org, phone 503-537-2909 or do so in person at the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1802 Haworth Ave.

Bradley Bowman – Hasbro’s Senior Director of Global Licensed Toy and Game – discusses targeting adult fans.

Image Via CloverWorks

WIND BREAKER Season 2 is almost ending now. Episode 12, which is also Episode 25 if you count them all together, is gonna be the last one for this season. The title of the episode is “Strength for Whose Sake”, and it’s airing on June 19, Thursday. You can watch it on Crunchyroll, where the whole season is being stream as part of the Spring 2025 anime show.

This episode happens mostly on top of Furin High School, where stuff finally comes together. Sakura, Nirei, and Suo get called up there. Waiting for them are Four Kings, their second-in-commands, and Sugishita, who usually helps Umemiya. It Seems like Umemiya already got the whole story from Tsubakino about all chaos lately with KEEL and GRAVEL.

Now he’s calling them to talk seriously—about Endo, that guy who is behind everything. Also, the truth of how Bofurin starts is revealed, including some darker things that form along with it… kinda like a hidden shadow nobody even notices at first.

The last episode is directed by Toshifumi Akai, who also did the storyboard. The writing comes from Hiroshi Seko, and Shiori Tanaka also helped with the scenario. Animation leads are Taishi Kawakami and Yusuke Tanaka, who make sure stuff looks clean and nice. The music is done by Ryo Takahashi, putting the right mood in all the serious parts.

Voice Cast Bringing the Heat

All the main voice actors are still here.

• Yuma Uchida plays as Haruka Sakura.
• Yuichi Nakamura is playing Hajime Umemiya.
• Ikumi Hasegawa does voice for Kotoha.
• Shoya Chiba as Nirei is still on.
• Nobunaga Shimazaki is voicing Suo.

There are also Koki Uchiyama, Ryota Suzuki, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, and Daisuke Ono are now joining the cast too.

The Manga is Still Going Strong

The anime was based on manga by Satoru Nii, and it is still updated on Kodansha’s Magazine Pocket. Kodansha USA is putting the English version out too. The main story is about Haruka, who comes to Furin High. Everyone says it’s a school with delinquents, but actually, there’s a Bofurin group who protect the town and do not make it worse.

With all the fighting and conversations, Haruka slowly understands that strength doesn’t just mean hitting harder. It also means protecting someone, and letting yourself be protected sometimes, too.

So now with the final episode coming, WIND BREAKER Season 2 is heading for a big finish. There’s drama, tension, and truth that have been hiding for a while. Fans who watched until now definitely don’t wanna miss it. Let’s see how all those bonds are gonna hold when everything is out. The episode airs June 19—don’t miss it!

Written By “Sujoy Bhowmik – India Today Gaming”

The 2025 Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association All-State Team was released this week. Players were nominated by their coaches and then selected by the IHSBCA board.

In Class 4A, both Minooka and Providence Catholic had two players selected as IHSBCA All-State – Minooka seniors CJ Deckinga and Brayden Zillis and Providence Catholic seniors Enzo Infelise and Nate O’Donnell. Also honored in 4A were Plainfield Central senior JT Augustyniak and Lincoln-Way West senior Conor Essenburg.

In Class 3A, Morris senior Jack Wheeler and Lemont senior Shea Glotzbach were All-State. Lemont senior Jacob Parr received honorable mention.

In 2A, Wilmington had a pair of seniors honored. Lucas Rink was tabbed All-State, with teammate Kyle Farrell receiving honorable mention.

In Class 1A, Dwight junior Joey Starks was selected.

Players will be honored July 29 in Chicago before the White Sox’s home game.

“We are building a strong licensing programme to meet enormous UK demand,” said Charlie Donaldson, Joint Managing Director of Rocket Licensing.

Bolingbrook — The Bolingbrook Police Department has announced a series of temporary lane closures which will take place intermittently over the next two weeks .

According to Bolingbrook police, the lanes on Illinois Route 53 under the Interstate 55 bridge will be closed between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. in order to install new required lighting underneath the bridge.

Police warn that the closures will cause travel delays and encourage drivers to find alternative routes to avoid the area while the work is ongoing.