In a few short months, the campus of Ohio University Southern will be teeming with elementary and middle school-aged children for the annual Academy of Excellence.

The university will offer a host of courses for first through eighth graders, such as video production, art, dance, biology, music and tennis.

“We try to use as many departments as we can on campus,” said Lisa Cantrell, coordinator for the camp. Cantrell said the courses at the camp supplement what the children are learning in school.

Cantrell said OUS wants all eligible children to participate, despite income level.

The camp, which runs from June 27 to July 8, costs $110 per child and $75 for each additional child.

“I think every student should be able to experience the Academy of Excellence,” she said.

Cantrell is encouraging local businesses and organizations to donate to a scholarship fund to help lower income families afford to send their children to the camp. “Anything to help our youth would be appreciated.”

Cantrell said she would like to see at least 200 students sign up for the camp. She said registration for classes would start in June and area schools would be receiving registration booklets in May. Registration can be done online, or by a paper form. Cantrell said anyone interested in paper forms can contact her, at 533-4543, to be put on a mailing list.

“As the university in the area, we want (students) to start think about education and the importance of it,” Cantrell said. “And to start thinking of their future and college, and open up their minds to what is available.”

For more information on the Academy of Excellence, go to www.southern.ohiou.edu/ae or call 1-800-626-0513.