Register Your Student Now for Camp HYPE 2024

Posted April 24, 2024

Camp HYPE 2024 is now accepting summer session registrations. Camp HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare for Employment) is a free four-day summer camp that helps young Kansans ages 14 to 18 learn about and prepare for work experiences after high school. Students who exhibit punctuality along with good attendance and participation are paid a stipend of $200 upon completion.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer that stipend to students who demonstrate positive habits during camp,” said Chelsea Daniel, youth employment project manager for the Workforce Centers of South Central Kansas. “It helps them solidify that their choices have consequences, and if you want the stipend at the end of camp, you have to make smart decisions like showing up on time and actively participating. Everything we do during camp is geared toward teaching students positive habits for the future.”

Networking Opportunities

Camp HYPE sessions showcase skills employers need while giving students an idea of real-life situations they could experience in the workforce. During their time at camp, students get to network with local industry leaders and learn valuable tools to use as future job candidates.

“Networking is a huge benefit of attending camp,” said Daniel. “Several of the companies that sponsor our sessions like Bombardier, Spirit and Textron need interns, and this allows students to get in front of the people who make those hiring decisions.”

Daniel shared that more than 250 students showed up to their recent Summer Internship Interview Day. Many of the students had participated in Camp HYPE in the past and were able to make the most of previous connections with employers who attended the event.

Camp Sessions

Throughout the summer, Camp HYPE offers nine different sessions featuring a wide variety of industries. Each session runs Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A typical morning includes training for soft skills like making good impressions, networking, filling out job applications, completing resumes, preparing for interviews and managing money. In the afternoon, students get to hear from industry leaders, take tours of local businesses, and participate in hands-on learning and activities.

Due to their high demand, students can attend only one session. The sessions, which are located at the Wichita Workforce Center unless noted otherwise, include:

Sumner County Camp

June 3-6

Located at Cowley College Sumner Campus

Public Safety Camp

June 10-13

Sponsored by Wichita Metro Crime Commission

Healthcare Camp

June 17-21

Trade Skills Camp

June 24-27

Technology Camp

July 8-11

Spirit AeroSystems Camp

July 15-18

Bombardier Camp

July 22-25

Textron Aviation Camp

July 29-Aug. 1

McConnell AFB Camp (military-connected students only)

Aug. 5-8

Located on Base at the Youth Center

Register Today

According to Daniel, applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all slots are filled. Participants will receive welcome packets containing more information about proper attire and itineraries for their session.

Ready to register for Camp HYPE 2024? Visit the website. If you have questions, contact Chelsea Daniel at cdaniel@workforce-ks.com.