Page 62 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

THE
ISSUE
Cook, Compete, Create Summer Camps Heat Up at MGCCC
When summer temperatures rise along the Gulf Coast, the energy heats up
at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with summer camps. We bring young learners to campus to cook, compete, explore, and create. With a wide variety of programs offered across the college’s campuses, children and teens
can discover new interests while enjoying hands-on experiences in sports, technology, recreation, and the arts.
At the Harrison County Campus in Gulfport, campers can explore programs that blend fun with learning. One highlight is the Culinary Camp, where students ages 9-13 step into the college’s professional teaching kitchens to learn how to prepare both savory dishes and sweet treats from scratch. Guided by award-winning chef Lauren Howard, campers work in teams to practice cooking techniques, learn kitchen safety, and enjoy the dishes they create.
Other camps at the Harrison County Campus introduce students to new ways of communicating and innovating. An American Sign Language (ASL) Youth
abilities to explore the basics of ASL through art projects, games, and music while strengthening communication and memory skills. Students interested in technology can also participate in the IoT Explorers Lab, a hands-on experience where campers learn about smart devices, coding, and cloud technology through collaborative projects.
At MGCCC’s Jackson County Campus in Gautier, summer programs focus on recreation, athletics, and technology. The Summer Recreation & Adventure Camp combines outdoor exploration, team- building activities, and creative projects like finger painting and tie-dye with games such as pickleball, indoor soccer, dodgeball, and kickball.
Young athletes can also build skills and confidence through sports camps at
the Jackson County Campus, including tennis, volleyball, and basketball programs designed for campers of varying experience levels. Meanwhile, the Video Game Camp introduces participants to the
history of gaming and the growing eSports industry while allowing them to compete in tournament-style play featuring popular titles.
The Perkinston Campus also brings the energy of summer to the playing field with a wide variety of sports camps throughout the season. Young athletes can take part
in football, basketball, soccer, and other camps designed for different age groups and skill levels.
Across all three campuses, MGCCC’s summer camps provide an engaging environment where students can learn new skills, make friends, and experience the excitement of a college campus. From kitchens and classrooms to courts and recreation facilities, MGCCC camps are helping students heat up their summer with hands-on learning, friendly competition, and unforgettable experiences.
To learn more about MGCCC summer camps, visit mgccc.edu/ summer-camps.
62 | April 2026
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story and photos courtesy of MGCCC Camp allows participants of all hearing