INA, Ill. (August 5, 2026) — Rend Lake College summer Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps took place from June 15-17, 2026. 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 six camps at both the Ina campus and the MarketPlace Campus in Mt. Vernon. These camps included Design & Create; Culinary & Business; Cosmetology & Esthetics; Manufacturing & Culinary Arts; Health Care; and Truck Driving & Welding.
During the Design & Create camp, campers discovered how to craft compelling designs using industry standard tools, including an introduction to CAD (computer-aided drafting). They also explored creativity and visual storytelling.
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 15. Campers were challenged to develop, finance, create, market and learn to sell their handmade, baked goods.
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.
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.
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 & 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!
