A new breed of student has begun exploring the Quest University campus with the beginning of a mini-university for children and teens on Monday (July 7).Since the majority of instructors are Quest students, the courses have been designed around their unique strengths. Some teach poetry, others lead hikes and some insect-enthusiasts share defence strategies of bugs.On the first day of class, kids aged six to eight giggled as they tried to wrap their mouths around words like "mandible" during an insect anatomy lesson in A Bug's Life.Instructor Miriam Tepper said the insect course was a natural fit for her interests. "It's always been a passion of mine. Ever since I was a kid I've been chasing them through the grass."The kids were eager to follow her lead, throwing up their hands to share their own bug knowledge. But changing hats from student to teacher was not as easy as it looked for some of the new instructors."I'm terrified out of my mind but I'm very good at hiding it," said Tepper.After months of organizing, mini-university co-ordinator Dominic Thompson said it was nice to see kids bringing the plans to life. He said the courses are designed to strike a balance between education and fun. "We looked at what a lot for other university programs are doing," he said. "The idea is a day camp with academic learning." In some cases, instructors put a new spin on tried and trusted ice-breaking games by incorporating the course theme.Kids in A Bug's Life formed a web by tossing string around a circle and sharing their name and favourite activity each time the ball of string reached them.Some shared their love of swimming, while others described a quiet evening spent playing with a few stuffed animals.Public relations director Angela Heck said the classes are one way the school is building ties with the community. "As we're growing, we're obviously going to have more opportunities for the community," she said. So far, the school has been relying on the cafeteria to lure people up the hill."Right now the opportunities that we have are really food-orientated, but that will change," said Heck, noting that a distinguished speaker series is currently being considered.Heck said it is encouraging to see the mini-university programs filling out, but admitted her eyes are still adjusting to all the little ones on campus."My father always said the thing with university is everyone stays the same age but you get older. Now they're really getting younger," she laughed.There are still spaces available. Parents interested in finding out more can call 604-898-8018.
