About 140 high school students dove into unique experiences and areas of study across the University of Nebraska–Lincoln through Big Red Summer Academic Camps, held June 8-13.

The camps, led by university faculty and support staff and organized by Nebraska Extension 4-H youth development faculty, are a chance for students to explore academic interests and future careers with classes, field trips, and hands-on experimental and design work, alongside traditional nightly camp activities, such as crafts, recreation and s’mores. 

The camps are one of the ways Nebraska 4-H reaches one in three state youths each year and are open to any high school student, regardless of past or current affiliation with 4-H. Focus areas for the 10 camps offered in 2025 were engineering; robots and drones; animation; digital media; Esports; fashion and apparel; state government; meteorology and climatology; geoscience; and the umbrella of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

“[The students] are extremely curious,” said Irina Filina, a geophysicist and associate professor in Earth and atmospheric sciences. Filina led the Discover Geosciences camp, with a dozen campers. 

“We did a field trip at Robber’s Cave,” she said. “Before we went, I did a little bit of lecturing on what types of rocks they should pay attention to, and they came back so excited they saw it.”

Filina said she scheduled sessions around topics her campers expressed interest in, including exploring gravity fields and hearing from a climatologist and a physicist. 

“I wanted to accommodate their curiosity and provide them with different perspectives, because these are our future majors, our future scientists,” she said.

Greg Fritz, a Nebraska Extension professor in 4-H youth development who served as director of the camps this year, said the program couldn’t exist without the incredible faculty who lead the classes and field trips. They are also supported by current university students as camp counselors, including many who were once campers themselves. The students stay in Massengale Hall and eat in the campus dining centers. Through the various camp activities, they see a lot of what the university offers while also getting a chance to consider their futures, coinciding with the national 4-H initiative, Beyond Ready. 

“We are all about having them be beyond ready for whatever lies ahead, being the next leaders, being the next decision makers, being prepared for whatever it is in life,” said Kathleen Lodl, associate dean for Nebraska Extension. “These camps allow students, when they’re deciding what’s next, to explore an area and figure out if it’s something they’d like to do as a college student and as a career.

“Additionally, about 90% of our campers do go on to higher education, and many come here because they’ve spent a week with our professors, on our campuses, in our residence halls.”

Jeff Beavers, director of recruitment and outreach for the College of Engineering, headed the Discover Engineering camp, and said he aimed to make it the ultimate campus visit experience while also exposing the students to the breadth of career fields under the umbrella of engineering. 

“They’re in our classrooms, with our faculty, doing activities, getting into our lab spaces,” Beavers said. “A lot of occupations might be more visible, and people may not know how much engineering goes into just about anything behind the scenes. The goal at the end of the week is that students have been exposed to many types of engineering, and they have an idea of what they might do with an engineering degree.

“It’s a very, very broad world, and there’s so many different fields you can go into.”

While most campers were from Nebraska, campers also came from other states, including Kansas, Arkansas, Colorado and California. Billy Sheehan, a rising high school senior from Danville, California, found Big Red Summer Academic Camps through a web search, and couldn’t find anything like it anywhere else.

“I’ve never been to Nebraska before — no family connections,” he said. “But I’ve been looking for opportunities to get exposure to engineering fields, and this was a really unique opportunity. I looked into the program and we’re covering all the topics I’m interested in.”

Nebraska was already on Sheehan’s radar as a Big Ten school, but his camp participation solidified his plans to apply for admission. 

“I love the campus, and all the really talented, smart people I’ve been able to interact with,” he said. “I’m also impressed with the college, and the programs and equipment they have for students to run with their own projects.

“It’s piqued my interest in some new things. I don’t think I realized before how many types of engineering there are, so it’s really given me more exposure to all the fields within engineering.”

Haley Roeser, a rising senior from Grand Island, Nebraska, said she enjoyed learning about the different facets within engineering and finding new interests in topics she’d never heard of before, like chemical engineering.

But, above all, she was thankful to have a campus experience before starting college.

“It’s giving me an opportunity to clarify my interests, and I’ve gotten to see what college life is like, meeting new people, living in the dorms,” Roeser said.

Brenau University recently established agreements with four area school systems aiming to address teacher shortages in the state. 

The university’s TigerTEACH program partners with Buford City Schools, Forsyth County Schools, Gainesville City School System and Hall County Schools to provide accredited education instruction to teachers, leading to initial educator certification. The certifications are recognized by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. 

The first students began taking courses in Brenau’s summer semester that began on May 5. Additional students will begin the program this fall, according to BU. 

The U.S. Department of Education has reported that Georgia has experienced teacher shortages  in elementary and special education and multiple subject areas for years. According to a release from the university, the department projects shortages in these areas for the upcoming school year. 

“The shortage of qualified teachers continues to be an issue in local schools and across the state,” Brenau President David L. Barnett, Ph.D., said. “Through these partnerships, Brenau can help increase the number of state-certified classroom teachers by providing educational opportunities for those already working in local schools.”

Through the TigerTEACH program, educators will be able to pursue either an undergraduate or a graduate degree in Brenau’s Carole Ann Daniel College of Education at specially negotiated tuition rates. The partner school systems will identify educators that are qualified for the program, who will then submit to Brenau’s requirements for admission. Brenau will also monitor each candidate through the progression of the program as required by the Georgia PSC.

The Master of Education program is completely online, offering three program options and six endorsement opportunities.

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has recently addressed the buzz around his appearance in a Dream11 advertisement with co-star Ranbir Kapoor, cricketers Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant responding to fans who questioned his decision to endorse a sports fantasy platform. Known for being selective with his endorsements, the actor offered clarity on his stance, balancing creative integrity with legal considerations. The controversy arose from the fact that fantasy apps like Dream11 are legal in most Indian states but are often associated with betting and gambling.

In an interview with Zoom, the Sitaare Zameen Par actor explained that his decisions regarding brand endorsements are primarily based on script quality and creative appeal. “I have refused alcohol and tobacco. Recently, I did Dream11, so people asked me, ‘You refused alcohol and tobacco, then why Dream11?’” Aamir shared.

“But the script for Dream11 was so good. I couldn’t say no to it,” he said, adding that the humour and concept of the ad resonated with him deeply. “I laughed so much after I read that ad. I was certain that I wanted to do it.”

Aamir further clarified his principles, emphasising the legality of the products he chooses to associate with. “If the product is illegal, then ban it — then we won’t make any ads for it. But if it’s legal, then let me do it too,” the actor said candidly.

The veteran actor also opened up about how he evaluates potential brand partnerships. “I always check that the product is delivering what they have promised,” he said, underlining his commitment to transparency and consumer trust.

Interestingly, Aamir admitted that he sometimes bends his own rules if the creative idea is compelling enough. “I never announce the price of the product I endorse because I’m not a salesman. I am a brand ambassador. I can talk about your brand, but not about its price,” he noted.

Why Aamir Khan’s Dream11 endorsement matters

As fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 continue to grow in India, endorsements by high-profile celebrities such as Aamir Khan bring both visibility and controversy. While some see it as mere advertising, others question the moral implications of promoting platforms linked to gambling-like behaviour.

Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) – Genesis: Pathways to Success continued onward with its A Summer of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) initiative with Game ON: Esports Camp. Twenty students from middle schools across Southeastern Indiana learned the fundamentals of the video game Fortnite and the complex controls of keyboard and controller inputs, while engaging in their teamwork and strategy skills.

Upon entering camp, those in attendance were organized into four teams: the Purple Rage Quitters, the Blue Smurf Cats, the Green Goblins, and the Red M&M’s. Each day kicked off with stretches, creating a healthy environment, and understanding how to maintain healthy habits. Following stretches, students entered the Ballistic World map and had free-range to learn and warm up. They then split into their teams and began practice matches against opposing teams.

In Fortnite, Ballistic World map consists of 5 on 5 and requires strong, effective communication and a coordinated team effort. Students were able to experience teamwork and strategize by using hand signals and code words to communicate. To strengthen their skill set, they practiced their aiming and reaction skills using various in-game tools during practice matches. Along with gaming skills, students learned valuable life skills like teamwork, strategy, communication, and critical thinking. They participated in human chess, cup stacking, and a blindfolded obstacle course to improve their communication and incorporate STEM skills.

“My favorite part of camp was getting to play Fortnite with other campers. I enjoyed playing all the skills building games, but human chess was my favorite. One thing I improved on was how to use a sniper and my aiming skills,” said incoming 8th grade homeschooler Miles Thomas.

Students also discovered the power of confidence as they immersed themselves in a supportive and inclusive environment. Surrounded by peers who shared their interest in gaming, they felt safe to grow both personally and as teammates. The camaraderie built during camp extended beyond the program, with many students continuing to play and connect through online multiplayer games after hours.

“I think this is a great opportunity for students to learn valuable skills that will translate to everyday life. The activities this week taught the students skills like communication, critical thinking, and working as a team. It is a joy to be in an environment that promotes growth in hobbies and life skills,” said Robert Green, South Ripley Esports Coach and volunteer.

Genesis: Pathways to Success would like to thank the Milan Community School Corporation for allowing us to host camp at their facilities and for their continued efforts in creating new, exciting ways for kids to learn. We would also like to thank our volunteers Darren Engleking, Bryce Blackburn, Spencer Klump, and

Robert Green for dedicating their time and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment where students can learn and grow in their technology and teamwork skills. If you would like to learn additional information about this summer camp, please visit www.genesisp2s.org. If you have questions regarding A Summer of STREAM, please contact the Genesis: Pathways to Success Office by emailing info@genesisp2s.org, calling 812-933-1098, or visiting 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006.