INA, Ill. (July 8, 2025) — Rend Lake College summer Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps took place from June 16-18, 2025. These one-day camps were free and provided campers with valuable experience within each CTE field.
This year, RLC's Community and Corporate Education department held seven camps at both the Ina campus and the MarketPlace Campus in Mt. Vernon. These camps included Computer Science & Graphic Design; Culinary Arts & Business; Cosmetology & Esthetics, Manufacturing Tech & Culinary Arts; Agriculture & Automotive Tech, Health Care; and Truck Driving, Heavy Equipment Technology & Welding.
A Computer Science & Graphic Design camper works to complete a coding maze challenge.
During the Computer Science & Graphic Design camp, students developed visual communication skills through hands-on projects and challenges. The campers were able to explore cybersecurity topics, and they received hands-on experience flying professional drones.
A camper cracks eggs for their baked goods at the Culinary Arts & Business Camp.
RLC's culinary and business instructors turned the kitchen and the classroom into a mini-culinary business incubator for the Culinary & Business camp on June 16. Campers were challenged to develop, finance, create, market and learn to sell their handmade, baked goods.
Cosmetology & Esthetics Campers pose for a photo with the Studio RLC student instructors.
Pictured, front row (L-R): MiKyla Reynolds (Crab Orchard), Chasey Weber (Du Quoin), Sandy Perez (Marion), Libby Shands (Woodlawn), Maggi Carr (Mt. Vernon), Danielle Dennis (Bush), Raelyn Kathalynas (Benton), Khloie Anderson (Benton), Myamae Rector (Fairfield), Skyler Austin (Mt. Vernon), Ashtyn Sturgeon (Marion)
Back row (L-R): Lindy branch (Iuka), R-Rielle Oats (Mt. Vernon), Danajua Thomas (Mt. Vernon), Luna Wood (Mt. Vernon), Aszia Doolin (Mt. Vernon), Timber Lepper (Ava), Morgan Isaacs (Marion), Ava Groves (Benton), Audrey Turner (Johnston City), Ceirra Lane (Mt. Vernon), Olivia Pfeaster (Murphysboro), Shelley Dodd (West Frankfort)
Campers discovered the basics of skin care, make-up, nail care and hair care at the Cosmetology & Esthetics camp at Studio RLC. This camp taught the campers the importance of self-confidence, social skills and general hygiene at a salon.
A Manufacturing & Culinary Arts camper gets hands-on experience with industrial equipment.
At the Southern Illinois Manufacturing Academy, campers received a sweet, behind-the-scenes look at how chocolate is made and how equipment is used during the Manufacturing & Culinary camp. This unique camp was perfect for young chocolatiers and future manufacturers who wanted to explore the magic behind chocolate production.
Automotive Technology Instructor Jay Copple (right) shows campers the technology of an electric vehicle.
During the Agriculture & Automotive Technology camp, campers explored the new and exciting ways technology is changing the way people farm and work on vehicles. During this camp, attendees toured the Agronomy Innovation Center and the Auto Lab, while learning how their careers can grow in agriculture and automotive.
A Health Care camper practices using a bag valve mask on a CPR manikin.
At the Health Care Camp, campers got the chance to experience the various fields in health care including Emergency Medical Services, Radiology, Nursing and Phlebotomy.
During the Truck Driving, Heavy Equipment Technology & Welding camp; attendees gained real-world experience and technical skills, working alongside industry professionals who are dedicated to advancing the industry.
Interested in other workshops and events? Visit rlc.edu/community-corporate-education to register for upcoming courses!
