As the school year winds down, registration for the 2012 Academy of Excellence is gearing up.

The summer program, which begins July 16 through 27, is open to rising first through eighth graders and held at Ohio University Southern’s Ironton campus and the Proctorville Center.

Last year, more than 130 children participated in the two-week camp.

Teachers and community members from all over the county will teach a variety of age-appropriate courses.

Courses for first through third graders include cheerleading and dance, art through nature and science, crime science, astronomy and cooking. Fourth through sixth graders can choose from dance, technology, Creative Science Investigators (CSI), introduction to Spanish and basics of theater. The older students can choose from video production, photography, mock United Nations, CSI, journalism, art, theater and community involvement.

Students who register at the Proctorville Center can choose from art, dance, LEGO robotics, mock United Nations, math and crafts.

A one-week camp for horseback riding will also be offered. Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to understand horse behavior, grooming, tacking, untacking and riding.

Students who sign up for the horse camp can also register for other classes for their final week of camp.

The cost is $110 per child and $75 for each additional child in the same family. The cost for the horse camp is $150 and requires separate registration.

Registration closes June 9 or as classes fill.

A limited number of scholarships from community partners will be available.  Applications are available at OUS in the Office of Student Services, Ohio University Proctorville Center in the Office of Student Services or online at www.southern.ohio.edu/ae

Registration forms and course listings can also be found online.

For information, contact camp coordinator Lisa Cantrell at 532-4543.