Hawk Career Exploration Academy

Looking for a rewarding and affordable summer experience that could shape your child’s future? Hawk Career Exploration Academy offers an engaging program filled with hands-on learning and personal growth opportunities for incoming 6th–12th graders.

Long known as “Camp Henry,” the Hawk Career Exploration Academy summer program offers an exciting experience with multiple options for youth development between 6th-12th grades.

Our program sessions feature exciting, hands-on activities in STEAM areas (Science, Technology/Trades, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Students will gain early exposure to diverse and promising career paths while developing valuable skills for their future.

Program details

Hawk Career Exploration Academy is FREE for 2025!

  • Location: Henry Ford College, Main Campus, 5101 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI 48128
  • Schedule: Each session operates Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
  • Weeks: Refer to specific session details for dates.
  • Lunch is provided daily to all participants.

Please make note of the recommended age range for each session.

How to Register

Hawk Career Exploration Academy registration is now open for 2025. Space is limited. Please be sure to register your child today!

The registration deadline is June 6, 2025, or until sessions are full. After you register your child, you will receive a camp packet with additional details prior to June 23, 2025. You will need to provide your child's transportation to and from campus each day.

Register online

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel a registration, you will need to make your request in writing. Contact Cassandra Myers at cmyers17@hfcc with your request.

We kindly ask that you provide at least 3 weeks' notice before the start of the session if your child is unable to attend.

For additional information please contact:

Cassandra Myers

Program Manager
Workforce and Professional Development
3601 Schaefer Road
Dearborn MI, 48128
cmyers17@hfcc.edu
313-317-6604


Arts


5101: Culinary Explorer

This exploratory session is truly a culinary adventure for young enthusiasts eager to explore the art of cooking and baking. With a well-balanced schedule combining hands-on cooking sessions and essential kitchen fundamentals, children will gain a comprehensive understanding of the culinary world.

By incorporating initiatives like farm-to-fork, nutrition, and healthy eating, the session goes beyond simply teaching cooking techniques. It instills in participants a deeper appreciation for the origins of food and its impact on our well-being, fostering lifelong healthy eating habits.

Empowering young people to take charge of the kitchen sparks their creativity and builds confidence as they experiment with flavors and ingredients. Meanwhile, the focus on baking not only teaches essential skills but also lays a solid foundation for those with a passion for pastry arts.

The culmination of the session is a parent luncheon on the final day that provides participants with a platform to showcase their newfound skills and share their culinary creations with family members.

Note, for safety reasons, students will be required to wear pants and closed-toe shoes for the Culinary Explorer experience at HFC.

Dates: June 23-26, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders


Epoxy Resin Explorer: Crafting Careers and Art

Unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills in this hands-on epoxy resin camp, where creativity and science meet! Over four fun-filled days, you’ll discover how to safely work with epoxy, explore its many uses in art and industry, and create one-of-a-kind, personalized projects. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, designer, or maker, this camp is your chance to bring your out-of-the-box ideas to life while learning about the endless possibilities of epoxy.

Session Highlights:

  • Safety First: Master the essentials of working with epoxy resin safely and confidently.
  • Epoxy Basics: Understand how to mix, pour, and cure epoxy safely while exploring its artistic possibilities.
  • Advanced Techniques: Experiment with vibrant pigments, metallic flakes, and embedding objects to craft unique designs.
  • Creative Projects: Create your unique pieces, such as jewelry, coasters, and other functional art pieces.
  • Industry Insights: Explore how epoxy is used in trades from small to large scale, like interior design, flooring, manufacturing, woodworking, and other leading professions.

You will take home all your creations, along with the skills to continue crafting with epoxy resin on your own. Don’t miss this chance to explore the endless possibilities of resin art while making lasting memories and new friends!

Dates: June 30-July 3, 2025 or July 14-17, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders


Film and Media (FAM) Explorer

Got a passion for film, TV, audio, and other media? Here's your ticket to the action! Hosted by the Henry Ford College Media Communication Arts Department, we're rolling out the red carpet for you to explore everything from the magic of film and TV to the beats of a live radio station, and the craft behind creative storytelling through scripts and podcasts.

Ever dreamt of voicing animated characters, announcing the latest news or sports, or mastering the art of the interview? We've got you covered. Dive into the roles of your favorite actors, directors, writers, and DJs. You'll get your hands on the real work: scriptwriting, shooting, lighting, editing, and even stepping in front of the camera or behind the mic.

And there's a bonus! Your creativity might just hit the airwaves on our campus station, WHFR-FM, or light up the screen for friends and family to see. Get ready for four days filled with creativity, learning, and fun. It's your time to shine as an HFC Film and Media (FAM) Explorer... Lights, camera, action!

Dates: July 21-24, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders


Engineering, Technology, and Trades


Automated Systems and Robotics Explorer

In this dynamic session, you will engage in practical projects to learn how automated systems and robotics make a positive impact on the world.

The first project involves creating an autonomous garden system, where you will use a moisture sensor and microcontroller programming to control a water pump, automating soil moisture management. This project not only teaches essential engineering concepts but also demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to conserve resources and promote environmental stewardship.

The second project focuses on building a smart robot car, equipped with sensors to detect obstacles, and programmed to navigate autonomously. These activities offer hands-on experience in real-world applications of engineering. Through experimentation and iteration, you will hone your problem-solving skills to showcase the potential of robotics around mobility and safety.

Dates: July 14-17, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders


Intro to Robots

This session offers an engaging experience where you will learn how to engineer robots powered by solar energy. Through hands-on activities, you will develop essential skills such as manual dexterity, problem-solving, logical thinking, and self-confidence.

This session emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as you and others will work together to design and build your robots. With 12 different robot-building projects available, you may explore various concepts in mechanics and engineering.

Our entry-level projects are perfect for providing a fun and accessible introduction to robotics. For others seeking a challenge, our advanced-level projects will test your manipulative skills and push you to think creatively.

Throughout the session, you will not only enhance their STEM skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the exciting world of robotics. Join us for an unforgettable journey of learning, exploration, and fun!

Dates: July 28-August 1, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders


Civil Engineering and Construction Explorer: Build Your World!

Are you ready to discover how cities, bridges, and roads come to life? Join us for Civil Engineering and Construction Explorer, a hands-on adventure designed for aspiring builders and innovators. This camp dives into the exciting world of construction, design, and problem-solving.

Through the design and building of model bridges, towers, and other structures, you will get to experiment with construction materials to understand their strengths and applications. You will explore how engineers solve real-world challenges like creating earthquake-proof buildings and sustainable cities. You will do all this while collaborating with teammates to tackle fun design challenges.

These activities will assist in the future with critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills as you learn the essential role civil engineers play in shaping our modern world. You will have unique creations to take home to showcase your new engineering skills!

Dates: July 7-10, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders


Trade Explorer: Youths and Shop

In this session, you will have the opportunity for hands-on learning and skill development in manufacturing. Learning about machining and metalworking not only provides practical skills but also fosters creativity through the creation of small projects.

You will learn about safety and proper machine shop etiquette while getting a chance to create your projects using machine tools. You will receive an excellent introduction to this trade while keeping your projects as a lasting reminder of their achievements and the skills you've acquired during the session.

This session will be an enriching experience that offers both practical knowledge and the opportunity for creativity and self-expression.

Dates: June 23-26, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders


Discovering XCode and Swift App Development

Hey there, future app creators! Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey into the realm of app development? Join us for "Discovering XCode and Swift App Development", where you'll unlock the secrets of crafting apps specifically for iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices.

Get ready to harness the power of XCode, the ultimate playground for app development on Apple's platform. You'll dive deep into Swift basics, the language that brings your app ideas to life with its magic touch. With the guidance of our expert instructor, you'll be empowered to turn your boldest app concepts into reality.

Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingertips! This week-long adventure promises to be filled with invaluable learning experiences, thrilling exploration, and hands-on app development action. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive headfirst into the world of app creation for Apple devices.

Dates: June 30-July 3, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 6th-8th Graders


Apple Foundation Program

Please note: This is a five-week session; additional details are below.

What do social media, alarm clocks, and calendars have in common? They’re all apps we use daily to stay connected, entertained, or be productive! Now it’s your turn to explore how apps are made.

In this exciting program, you’ll use Mac computers and iPhones to learn the basics of app creation. Through hands-on challenges, you’ll team up with others to design and develop your app prototype, tackling a real-world problem. Along the way, you’ll boost your creativity, learn about what is needed in the mobile app development world, and discover how you can turn your ideas into reality.

We will review topics like design thinking, user research, prototyping and conceptual design, Swift coding basics, and X code. You'll also learn about improving your presentation skills.

At the end of the program, invite your family and friends to presentation night to see the awesome app prototype you’ve created and celebrate your achievements!

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Dates: June 30-August 1, 2025
Location: East Campus, 3601 Schaefer, Dearborn MI 48126
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders


Health and Human Services


Leadership Exploration: Youth Leading Youth

Welcome to our K-12 Teaching Profession Exploration! Get ready for an experience where you'll discover the excitement and impact of hands-on teaching. Here's a glimpse of what each day will entail:

Interconnected Activities: Each day, you will explore how various academic subjects – such as science, literacy, math, and social studies – can be interconnected through hands-on activities. Through engaging discussions and interactive sessions, you'll learn how to integrate these activities to enhance learning in the classroom.

Pre-Education Themes: Throughout the session, you will delve into different pre-education themes, including science, math, literacy/social studies, and art. By exploring these themes, you'll gain a deeper understanding of their relevance and application in educational settings.

Theory and Practice: You will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts into practice through hands-on activities. By participating in these activities, you'll develop a better understanding of student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills – essential qualities for future educators, babysitters, or camp counselors.

Join us for an unforgettable journey where you'll not only learn about the teaching profession but also gain practical skills that will serve you well in various roles in childcare and education.

Dates: July 7-10, 2025 or July 21-24, 2025
Age Group: Incoming 9th-12th Graders