THE FOLLOWING REFUNDS FOR VACATION COLLEGE WILL BE AVAILABLE.

• Before March 15, guests may receive a refund of $450 and an account credit for their registration fee the following year. If guests are unable to attend Vacation College due to extenuating circumstances and cancel their registration in writing before March 15, they will receive a partial refund amount of $450 and they will be credited with $50.00 toward their registration fee the following year.
• March 16 to April 15, guests may receive a refund of $250 and an account credit for their registration fee the following year. If guests are unable to attend Vacation College due to extenuating circumstances and cancel their registration in writing March 16 to April 15, they will receive a partial refund amount of $250 and they will be credited with $50.00 toward their registration fee the following year.
• Because items for classes and evening activities/giveaways are purchased in advance, no refunds will be made after April 31, but they will be credited with $150.00 toward their Vacation College registration fee the following year.
• Cancellations must be received in writing.
• Cancellations made after April 31 may not be credited as tax-deductible gifts to the College, but registration cancellations received prior to April 31 may be donated as a tax-deductible gift.

A Cottey College residence hall will be your home during Vacation College. Air conditioning is provided in all bedrooms. The suite area is made up of a living room; a shared, multi-unit bathroom; and a small kitchenette. Double and single bedrooms surround the perimeter of the common area, housing about 10 people. A small number of single rooms are reserved for those with health concerns on a first-come, first-served basis. Suites are located on the first through third floors with designated couples suites located on the third floor; shared bathrooms are designated women’s or men’s. Robertson Hall is equipped with a wheelchair ramp, an elevator, and air-conditioning.

FLYING

Participants flying into Kansas City International (MCI) may rent a car and drive approximately 100 miles to campus or take advantage of Cottey’s shuttle service. A car will not be needed once you are on campus, and shuttles will be available for activities that are not within an easy five-minute walking distance.

Shuttle to Cottey: Cottey offers a complimentary shuttle to campus for those who arrive at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) before 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17. As it is approximately a 2-hour commute from the airport to campus, the shuttle will arrive at Cottey in time for dinner. To ensure you meet the shuttle, your flight should arrive no later than 3:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost for the shuttle; shuttle times are non-negotiable.

Return Shuttle: The return shuttle on Monday, May 22, will depart campus at 6:30 a.m. and arrive at the Kansas City airport at 10:00 a.m. Your flight should depart after 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 22.

There is no additional cost for the shuttle; shuttle times are non-negotiable.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Driving south on Interstate 49 to Nevada: Upon leaving the airport, take I-29 South downtown. I-29 merges with U.S. Highway 71. Follow the signs downtown to stay on Highway 71 South. Highway 71 becomes Interstate 49 and leads directly to Nevada. The trip from the airport to Nevada will take 2 to 21⁄2 hours depending on traffic. Follow the directions below to find Cottey once you have reached Nevada.
When you arrive at Nevada heading south on Interstate 49, you should take the fourth, and last, exit. This exit is Austin Street but is listed on the exit sign as “K Highway, Camp Clark.” Once exiting the highway, turn right, or west, onto Austin.
Driving north on Interstate 49 to Nevada: If you are arriving on Interstate 49 north into Nevada, you should take the first exit, which is listed as “Camp Clark, K Highway.” Turn left, or west, onto Austin Street.
Once on Austin Boulevard: Proceed west for approximately 2.2 miles. You will pass Main Hall on your right and the Rubie Burton Academic Center on your left. Immediately beyond the stop light at College Street, you will see the circle drive in front of the Chapel on your left. You may park temporarily in the circle drive to unload your bags and check in at Robertson Hall. Parking is available behind Robertson off of Tower Street. The handicap entrance is located at the rear of the building.

Jorge Dioses: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Take a journey through history, archeology, and culture as we discover the great pre-Columbian civilizations. The class will focus on two geographic regions: Mesoamerica (Olmec, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Toltec, Maya, Aztec) and South America (Chavin, Nazca, Moche, Chimu, Huari-Tiwanaku, Inca). We will discuss the extraordinary achievements of these civilizations in art, science, technology, and agriculture as we explore the complex social structures and the vast, rich cultural legacy produced by the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Cindy Spencer: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

In this class, you will learn the basics of jewelry making techniques, tools needed, and how to use them. You’ll be designing a minimum of 3 projects: a pair of earrings (or a pendant if you do not wear earrings), a bracelet, and a necklace. You’re only limited by your creativity as you design a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. All supplies and tools needed will be furnished, however if you have special bead(s), or broken jewelry that you want to take apart and incorporate into your masterpiece, please bring them. If you have your own tools, you are welcome to bring them as well.

Wei Cui: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

A game of skill played by four people with domino-like tiles, Mahjong requires cooperation and strategy. In this class, you will learn how to play the popular game of Mahjong and learn the opening moves, the middle strategies, and endgame. Stories, histories, and explanations will be introduced. It is said that the clacking of Mahjong tiles during shuffling resembles the twittering of sparrows, so come and hear it for yourself! No Mahjong experience is necessary!!

Ganga Fernando & Patrick Ryan: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Have you ever had an interest in tennis, but feared that fierce overhand serve and extra strain on your knees? Well, look no further because Pickleball provides everything that tennis does and MORE. It’s played on a similar court either in or outdoors, easier on the knees, has a bowling like stroke, and incorporates music on the sidelines! It’s frantic, loud, and FUN! So, come and bring your tennis, get some exercise, and get ready to party on the court with this very social and team visioned sport! Come learn the basics and play a mock tournament by day 4!

Tara Booth and Abby Daleki: 8:30- 11:00 a.m.

The earliest known history of printmaking began during the Han Dynasty of China (206 B.C.E. – 200 C.E.) and is a way to transfer images from a matrix to various surfaces such paper or fabric. In this class you will learn various forms of print making and its history as we design and print custom Vacation College tote bags, develop a DIY screen to create t-shirts and prints. Have fun creating various print making projects as you develop a skill that will customize your gifts all year round!

Angela Firkus: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Each day we will learn about gender expectations of a time period, watch a movie, and discuss how it reflects and contradicts American ideas about femininity and masculinity. The movies we will watch are: 1930s: ‘It Happened One Night’ (Frank Capra), 1950s: ‘How to Marry a Millionaire’ (Jean Negulesco), 1970s: ‘The Goodbye Girl’ (Herbert Ross), and 1989-90s: ‘When Harry Met Sally’ (Rob Reiner).

Amanda Gilchrist: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Do you have an air fryer, but only know the basics? This is the class for you!  We will learn how to prep food for the air fryer, and make a variety of foods, from homemade tortillas and pasta chips, tasty side dishes like roasted veggies and twice-baked potatoes, entrees, and desserts. By the end of the class, you’ll have solid recipes and skills that will impress your family and friends! Go lean, go clean, be an air fryer queen!

Dave Heringer and Jack Weitzel: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Come, join in the fun, and relax in the refreshing country air as we small pond fish in search of largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and the illusive whatchamacallit. Relax and put your mind at ease in this laid-back sport.

Manjira Kumar: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Did you ever feel the curiosity to explore mysterious worlds of tiny living cells? Are you interested in knowing the genetic cause of your existence? How come you are so different with your son, but also so alike? Biological concepts will be presented in ways suitable for both science-minded and the non-science minded commoner. You do not need to be a scientist to join this class. Moreover, there will be opportunities to do hands-on experiments … feel like a scientist for a week. The class will leave you wondering “who created these perfect lives in the midst of all imperfectness?”

Tatiana Jones: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Books, movies, documentaries – review a collection of clever con men and women who have made their mark in the past and taking over the Internet now.

Gracie Travis: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.

Do you have children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews that are active and sometimes hurt themselves? Would you like to have a basic knowledge on how to help them? LOOK NO FURTHER! In this course, we will delve into the basics of first aid, and some basic taping and bracing techniques! Some of the topics covered: How do dress an open wound, ankle taping, crutch fitting, how to fit a sling, different KT tape applications, and what to look for in a brace.

Tim Bradshaw: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Have you ever wanted to take professional photos, but didn’t have top-of-the-line equipment? No need to buy a thousand-dollar camera; come to Cottey and gain knowledge, not gear. In this class you’ll learn everything from framing, lighting, composition, identifying your subject, and finding clear points of interest to capture the moment and captivate your audience. Learn to edit your photos to look first class from your very own smart phone! We will be shooting every day from different areas on campus, so bring those walking shoes!

Adam Dean: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Who else fell in love with the character Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’? Well, now is the time to bring your A-game as you learn how to shoot a bow and arrow or simply improve on previous skills. In this class you will learn safety, equipment handling, sighting, and shooting of different types of archery supplies and gear. There will be several days of shooting and contests throughout the week. Get your aim on and let the GAMES BEGIN!

Jo Byrnes: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise originating in ancient China, where it was practiced as a martial art form. Tai Chi is a series of slow gentle exercises, performed standing or in a chair. The movements are easy to learn, and adaptable for any level of physical condition.

Rose Howell: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Start your day off right with a brisk walk around Nevada to warm up your mind and body for the day ahead. Each day we will begin with some light stretching then embark on a new, invigorating 2-mile journey on foot together. Each class session will end with a stretch while sharing in the camaraderie that exists in activity groups like this. Bring your walking shoes, your focus, and build your health during your days here at Vacation College!

Peter Hyland: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

You’ve got that deck of cards but can’t bring yourself to play War anymore. We’ve got you covered. We’ll explore a different card game every day. Nothing complicated; no Bridge for us. Simple games where we can chat and discuss how to play the game with each other is the order of the day.

Hannah Masters: 8:30 – 9:45 a.m.

We all know the stories of men from the ‘Iliad’ and ‘Odyssey,’ but do you know the stories of the women who impacted this 10 year-long war? In this class we will cover both the historically accurate and mythological impacts women had in this battle. We will begin with the story of Helen (or rather the many stories, depending on who you believe) and continue through the Trojan war (delving into the mindsets of women such as Clytemnestra (Queen of Mycenae) and Andromache (the wife of Hector, the greatest warrior of Troy), ending with the stories of both female Greek victors and Trojan captives. Whether you are an expert or new to the subject, this class should interest you as we discuss the many stories and decide what really happened!

Dakotah Johnston: 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Participate and learn about lawn games from the Viking age in Europe to modern-day America. Play games like Kubb, Mölkky, Corn hole, and more!

Adam Dean: 10:00 – 11-15 p.m.

Who else fell in love with the character Katniss Everdeen in ‘The Hunger Games’? Well, now is the time to bring your A-game as you learn how to shoot a bow and arrow or simply improve on previous skills. In this class you will learn safety, equipment handling, sighting, and shooting of different types of archery supplies and gear. There will be several days of shooting and contests throughout the week. Get your aim on and let the GAMES BEGIN!

Jo Byrnes: 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Learn short, easy dances from a variety of countries. Appropriate for dancers of any level of experience—yes, beginners are welcome!

Stephanie Grgurich: 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

If you want to know more about the BEST college around, then this class is for you! Enjoy learning a bit more about Cottey history! We will survey Cottey’s founder and her sisters, the history and growth of the College, examine the profiles of notable Cottey alumnae, and do some investigating of our own in the library! This class is open to anyone with an interest in Cottey College history. Bring your curiosity and let history do the rest!

Peter Hyland: 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.

Do you find yourself captivated by the night sky? Are you interested in the vast universe and the mysteries it contains? Each day we will examine a new constellation and the myths that surround them. We will explore space and its bizarre and enigmatic formations – some which can be seen through backyard telescopes while discussing others invisible to all but the experts. Bring your curiosity and turn your quandaries into class discussions!

Peter Carver: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Do you have a passion for poetry? Do you like to explore tales of storytelling through audio books? Come and enter into a world and learn how imagination and voice can take your audience on a journey of epic proportions without the stress of memorizing lines. In this course you will rediscover your passions of play as we delve into text analysis, voice technique and narratives, script interpretation all while honing your communication, comprehension, and team building skills. Discover your authentic voice and purpose in reading and storytelling.

Abby Daleki: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Come, join in, and let’s have a PAINT PARTY! Each day of class will introduce a new and fun paint project with step-by-step instruction as you paint alongside the instructor. While this class will be a relaxing and exciting way to spend your afternoon, you will learn painting techniques that will transfer back home for use in other crafting or creative projects.

Greg Hoffman: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

The Estate Planning workshop will be a hands-on course where general estate planning topics will be discussed. If something happened to you today would your family know what your wishes are? Would they know where to find your Will or Trust document? Are your beneficiary designations up to date? Are your assets titled properly? Do they know the passwords to your accounts?  Who gets dads tools or moms wedding ring? Do you have a Health Care Directive? Do you have a Healthcare POA appointed? We will cover these, and many other topics related to end-of-life planning.

“How much money should you leave your kids? Enough so they attend the funeral but not so much that they are smiling.”

Cindy Spencer: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

In this class we will work with metal and epoxy resin to make unique pieces of jewelry. You will learn how to create metal and epoxy resin jewelry from start to finish. We will explore different coloring methods for metal and resin and experiment with foil, decorative flowers, glitter, and beads adding the finishing touches to make your piece(s) truly unique. All you need is a desire to explore your creativity.

Tiffany Carriker: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

What is microbiology and why is it important? Come and discover what a microorganism is and the overlap they exhibit in our everyday lives from food production to its application in medicine. In this class we will discuss the branches of microbiology, the good versus the bad organisms, and the employment of both in the world around us. What are microbiomes in soil, where do they come from, and what are their antibiotic resistances? What are the industrial implementations and why do we use them in food production? Come and get a hands-on experience – find the Micro in the Macro!

Wei Cui: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Do you have a basic knowledge of Mahjong and would like to learn more and become a good player? If so, this is a class for you! In this class, you will learn a variety of skills and strategies which will help you to maximize the chance of winning the game. For example, you will learn what kind of tiles should you discard so other players won’t get a winning tile.

Allison Fast: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

How about a relaxing afternoon playing cards? Canasta is easy to learn and fun to play. This “Argentine Rummy” game has been around since the 1940s. If you’ve never played, or if you played years ago, it won’t take long to catch on. Former class participants, and those who know the game, are also welcome!

Ganga Fernando & Patrick Ryan: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Is Pickleball your new passion? In this session you’ll work to improve basic technique, perfect your strokes, and develop that game-winning drop spin! Spend your afternoon with other experienced picklers! Come, bring your tennis, and get some exercise. Get ready to party on the court with this very social and team-visioned sport! Learn the basics and play a mock tournament by day 4!

Angela Firkus: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

We will spend our time transcribing documents for the Library of Congress and share with each other what we have learned from our work. We will volunteer with the By the People program and help make sources easily available and searchable on the internet. The documents currently (October 2022) need transcribing are related to poet Walt Whitman, judge Jospeh Holt, philosopher Hannah Arendt, members of the abolitionist family the Blackwells, President Theodore Roosevelt, architect Frederick Law Olmsted, and nurse Clara Barton. By next May some of these projects may be complete and others available. Transcribing does not require creating an account but those who wish to register to review and finalize transcriptions would also have that option.

Fakeha Khokhar: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Learn about the history of Mehndi designs and applications in a hybrid environment including lecture and video simulations. Each class will focus on one style of Mehndi art and will be provided Mehndi cones for learning beginner and intermediate design styles. At the end of four classes, you will learn how to make leaf, floral, name and abstract mehndi designs.

Becky McConnaughey and Deb Leibbrandt: 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Painting country crafts – seasonal decorations for the home with a farmhouse flair. Come and create a seasonal sign with interchangeable decorations that can be used throughout the year. In this class we will be staining a 3X1 foot wood sign that says, ‘HOME’, which can be used throughout the year either in or out of doors. Come with inspiration and your creative minds as we decorate and make interchangeable ‘O’s to make this sign match the seasons all year round. Keep in mind this project is a little larger but should fit as a carry on along with your luggage OR we have a shipping center on campus in which you can mail this item back home at your own cost.

Jorge Dioses: 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.

This course is all about exploring the playful side of mathematics, investigating math in popular culture, and having FUN learning basic math facts and functions using logic puzzles, math riddles, fractals, and number tricks. There’s more to math and numbers than you imagine! Come and explore the unique ways mathematics surface in our day-to-day lives. And, above all, no one is leaving this class without taking a little bit of math humor back home!

Tara Booth: 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Polymer clay is used by artists and hobbyists ranging from children to professional artists and movie makers. This clay stays continually soft and can be customized in color, weight, and stability. It can also be baked in a home oven, retaining its color and size.  It is used to simulate many materials such as stone, porcelain, wood, and glass. In this class we will explore bead and jewelry making while creating home decorations and an assortment of crafts. Let your imagination sore and the sky be your limit.

Keith Spencer: 1:00 – 2: 15 p.m.

Visualize brewing beer at its finest — in the comfort of your own home. Gain a larger appreciation for creating and bottling your very own product that is bigger and better than you could have ever imagined. Learn a tasty new hobby! Create your own mini brewery and welcome friends and family over for Superbowl Sunday with a tasty craft beer made in your very own kitchen. In this class we will be brewing with the recirculating infusion mash system. Discover a new passion for home brewing!

Bill Stanfill: 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Quando a Roma vai, fai come vedrai. When in Rome, do as the Romans do! This course covers various topics that contribute to a positive experience as an Italian tourist.  We’ll talk about how you appear to the natives in dress, courtesies, and actions.  We’ll discuss getting around, basic pronunciation and common useful phrases as well as numbers.  And finally, the course wouldn’t be complete without a discussion of Italian food and wine!

Sarah Quick: 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Indigenous representation goes back to the beginning of motion pictures. Initially, Indigenous actors and filmmakers forged early paths in the industry, but with the establishment of Hollywood the stereotypical “Indian” tropes emerged. This course will consider this early history eventually shifting to explore how recent producers across multiple media had pushed these depictions into more accurate and compelling realms.

Jo Byrnes: 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise originating in ancient China, where it was practiced as a martial art form. Tai Chi is a series of slow gentle exercises, performed standing or in a chair. The movements are easy to learn, and adaptable for any level of physical condition.

Adam Dean: 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

From Blackstones to PitBoss jump on the phase of outdoor griddles! Learn new techniques and recipes as you partake in cooking outdoors on a steaming hot griddle. If you bring the appetites, we’ll bring the YUM!

Jo Byrnes: 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

Asana is the physical practice of yoga. These exercises involve moving your body into a variety of positions, done standing, sitting, on all-fours, and laying down. The exercises can also be done sitting or holding onto a chair. Practice of yoga asana increases flexibility, balance, strength, and often, mental well-being.

Heather English: 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

“One not only drinks wine, but one smells it, observes it, tastes it, sips it, and one talks about it,” King Edward VII. Do you enjoy drinking wine with friends and family? Have you ever wanted to know more about wine, winemaking, or how to pair wine with different foods? This course will cover the introductory essentials of educated wine tasting, including the basic steps of tasting, the importance of olfactory memory, the history of world winemaking regions and the process of winemaking, pairing wines with different meals, and cooking with wine. A practical approach will be taken in this course–be prepared to taste several different wines in each class session!

Sarah Quick, Jackie Lordo and/or Jon Green: 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

Bring your instrument, voice, and musical skills to campus to share with others in daily jam sessions. If you have a particular instrumental-musical background, great! If not, you may still join in as a singer, rhythm keeper, or in dance roles. A few instruments will be available.

Meghan Vincent: 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

Your next creative leap begins here, personalize your art like a pro! In this class you will be using a Cricut. What is a Cricut, you ask; a Cricut is a smart cutting machine that helps you create personalized projects. We will focus on the many ways their cutting abilities can be used in your crafting endeavors! A Cricut can help to make all sorts of DIY projects, cutting everything from iron on heat transfer vinyl to paper to card stock and even fabric and wood. If you’ve ever wanted to create organization labels with fancy art or unique home décor then come and join in the fun! Unlock the potential of your Cricut and take your crafting abilities to the next level!