PALMER - Registration for the 2022 Pathfinder Tech Summer Youth Enrichment Program is open and filling quickly, said Zachary Button, program coordinator.

This hands-on learning experience allows for students entering Grades 4 through 8, to dabble in programs such as baking, auto body, cosmetology, robotics, wood working, fishing and more.

The program will run for three weeks in July at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School. The first week will run from July 11-15, week two from July 18-22 and week three from July 25-29.

When registration opened on April 1, Button said he received about 90 applications within the first 20 minutes. The number of children they can have in a given session is dependent on the programs offered each week. For instance, the first week’s programs are full, aside from a few spots open for the fishing program. Button said it’s “tricky” because although some spaces are open, registration can change fast.

As of press time, registration is still live, however, “spots are fluid,” said Button.

While some of the programs run all three weeks, others may only run one or two. Button said this is due to the teacher’s availability. The teachers for the summer program are all employed at Pathfinder, however, Button said they are not all teaching classes based on their expertise. Instead, some teachers are sharing their passions outside of the classroom, such as the fishing program.

Button expressed his excitement for this offering, as the students will be able to fish at local watering holes. Another example is the school resource officer who will be teaching a first responder course.
Button explained that students involved in this program have a day-to-day schedule. “From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., children are in the program they signed up for. All the teachers put together an itinerary and lesson plan,” for the students to work on in the classroom, said Button. As the week progresses, students get involved in more hands-on work and are assigned projects that they are able to take home, he added.

From 12 to 12:30 p.m., students eat lunch, followed by an open session or “recreational time,” until dismissal between 2:45 and 3:15 p.m., said Button. He shared that open sessions may include dodgeball, crafts, reading or even water balloons on a warm day.

Pathfinder serves nine communities including Belchertown, Granby, Hardwick, Monson, New Braintree, Oakham, Palmer, Ware and Warren; however, their summer program is open to anyone. “We want to show parents and the community what we offer,” said Button. “We want to give them a taste,” and see if a student would potentially be interested in attending Pathfinder. Button said they want people to know that Pathfinder is an option, in addition to the local high schools.

Although this is Button’s first year at Pathfinder and his first time running the program, he said he has heard great feedback from teachers, students and parents who have participated in years past.
“It seems like a great program,” said Button. “I plan to bring fun and new [aspects] to the program.”

The price for participation in the summer program is $250 for one week. Button said this includes a morning snack, lunch and a t-shirt. If a child enrolls for three weeks, $50 is knocked off of the total price.

To register, visit https://pathfindertech.org/. A link for registration can be found in the banner at the top of the website.