3/19/2008

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Summer activities for teens are plentiful, but choosing opportunities that offer personal growth and development yet hold their interest can be a challenge.

One likely standout will be hosted by Kansas State University, June 3-
6, on the Manhattan campus.

"Discovery Days: It´s What You Do!" is open to all teens ages 13-18 (by Jan. 1, 2008), said Justin Wiebers, Kansas State University Research and Extension coordinator for the event.

Discovery Days will provide an opportunity for teens to try out living on a college campus while also exploring career and educational opportunities, building on current interests, trying out new activities or hobbies, and meeting people from elsewhere in the state, he said.

With many K-State faculty volunteering to teach, students can choose from more than 70 classes, including exploring the science of foods like chocolate, flour, meats or milk; getting the most from a digital camera; the latest on GPS (global positioning systems); or renewable energy from wind and the sun, Wiebers said.

Other offerings range from swing and Zumba dancing to K-State´s ropes course and from human biology and entomology to rugby and golf, he said. Also available are U-Teach sessions during which youth and adult attendees can share their expertise in crafts, hobbies, skills, games or other subjects.

The inspirational capstone speaker is Jason Thomas.

When Thomas, a former U. S. Marine living in the New York City area, learned of the attacks on the World Trade Center´s twin towers, he quickly made his way to the area and volunteered to use skills learned in his Marine Corps training and service to assist in search and rescue efforts.

There, Thomas met another former Marine, Staff Sgt. Dave Karnes, and the two men were instrumental in rescuing two injured police officers  trapped in the rubble.

Their dramatic rescue effort has since served as the basis for the 2006 Oliver Stone movie, "World Trade Center."

Although known at the time simply as "Sergeant Thomas," Thomas´ efforts have become more well known after the movie, and he and his family have since appeared in the February 11, 2007, television show: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition."
   
Discovery Days will begin with a Call Hall Ice Cream Social at 8 p.m. on June 3 and conclude with Thomas´ presentation on June 6 from 10  a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The cost to attend - $160 - includes meals, lodging, a T-shirt, two dances and general program fees. Some classes charge a small additional fee for supplies, which is indicated in the registration information.

For more information and registration details, contact the local or district K-State Research and Extension office or go to http://4-H.K-State.edu/.  Deadline for registration is April 15.