Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Logo Title

Summer at the Center

Get Ready for an Exciting Summer!

Summer at the Center is an opportunity for rising 5th to 8th grade students to sample different careers through exciting and interactive activities that make learning fun.

Includes five days of programming at the Potter Center and a *new* three-day option at various Centers. See details below!

Week One: 5-Day Summer Workshops

Dates: July 13-17, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., light breakfast provided daily
Location: Potter Career and Technical Center (705 Potters Road, West Seneca, NY 14224)
Cost: $250 per student

Students can choose FOUR of the below programs:
 

Adventures in Babysitting

Does your child love to babysit? This session will teach skills that emphasize safety, awareness, art, and science while caring for young children. Students will make playdoh and slime, friendship bracelets, build with blocks, and learn how to make fun, healthy snacks including fruit kabobs, smiley toast, and smoothies. By the end of the week, students will know how to compile a first aid kit, run a safety scavenger hunt, and know about food safety with young children.

Registration is closed.

Camp Culinary

Your student will learn what it’s like to work in a professional kitchen. Students will spend the week learning to make delicious, student-friendly dishes safely in a state-of-the-art kitchen, develop independence, and WOW their family and friends with delicious creations!

Registration is closed.

Express Yourself

Has your child ever thought of becoming a hair stylist or makeup artist? Maybe they just want to learn how to pamper your friends and family? Students will experience a true spa and salon atmosphere while practicing braiding, simple up-dos, temporary hair color (chalk and spray), hair tinsel, basic makeup, and nails. It’s a week of fun and relaxation they will never forget!

Registration is closed.

Flair for Fashion

Your child can be immersed in Fashion! Students will create fabric art using colorful, interesting techniques with fabric dye and patchwork sewing. Students will use their designed fabric to create bags, hair accessories, and pillows! Just like in high fashion, croquis will be used to illustrate fashion while viewing top designer fashion shows.

Registration is closed.

Mini Veterinary School

Does your child want to be a veterinarian when they grow up? Well then, we have the program for them! Come join the fun in animal science. The students will learn about pet first aid, animal training, animal anatomy, dog and cat breed identification, enrichment toys for animals and much more!

Registration is closed.

 

Spectacular Sprinklers

Be cool! Stay cool! Students will learn how to make their own water-cooling devices using copper and plastic pipes. Your student will learn how to solder, measure, design, and assemble their own personal sprinkler system. Bring it home and use it for the rest of the summer!

Registration is closed.

Summer Build

Is your child interested in trying carpentry this summer? This hands-on experience will teach them how to read construction drawings, safely use hand and power tools, and build a project they can be proud of. Along the way, they’ll develop valuable skills, gain confidence, and bring home something great to show off!

Registration is closed.

 


 

Week Two: *New* 3-Day Summer Workshop

Dates: July 21-23, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Kenton Career and Technical Center (151 Two Mile Creek Road, Tonawanda, NY 14150)
Cost: $150 per student

Students must choose only ONE program below:
 

CSI: Student Detective

Does your student have what it takes to solve the case? They will step into the shoes of a real investigator and follow the clues from the moment a crime happens all the way to catching the suspect! Students won’t just sit and listen — they’ll think like detectives, work as a team, and solve mysteries through exciting activities and challenges. If your student loves solving puzzles, paying attention to details, and cracking secret clues, this is their chance to become a junior crime scene investigator! 

Registration is closed.

Shear Style Studio

Is your child Interested in learning the art of hair cutting and styling? At Shear Style Studio, students will explore the basics of shear cutting on straight hair and practice professional styling techniques using rollers, curling irons, and other professional tools. This hands-on experience builds confidence and develops strong foundational cosmetology skills they can grow from. It’s a great introduction for anyone curious about a future in the beauty industry.

Registration is closed.

Summer Heat Sports Workshop

The Summer Heat Sports Workshop offers a fun and supportive environment where young athletes can develop and strengthen their health and skill-related components in a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Students will engage in exciting drills, and assessments such as muscular strength, endurance, agility, and power, all led by a certified strength and conditioning coach. Have your child join us for an unforgettable experience where each athlete will leave feeling more confident and ready for their competition or athletic endeavor.

Registration is closed.


 

Week Three: *New* 3-Day Summer Workshop

Dates: July 28-30, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Calspan Career and Technical Center (4411 Genesee Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225)
Cost: $150 per student

Students must choose only ONE program below:
 

Design the Runway

Fashion creators will discover the magic of making their own clothes! Using real commercial patterns and easy-to-use home sewing machines, students will learn basic sewing skills while creating simple, wearable pieces they’ll be proud to show off. Throughout the sessions, students will practice sewing straight seams, following pattern pieces and finishing their projects—all in a fun, supportive and age-appropriate environment. No prior sewing experience is needed—just curiosity and creativity! At the completion of the week, students won’t just leave with a handmade garment, they’ll gain confidence, problem-solving skills and a new appreciation for how clothes are made. Perfect for budding designers, crafty kids, and anyone who loves to make things with their hands!

Registration is closed.

Game On: A Creative Tech Workshop

Our workshop offers the perfect blend of technology, creativity and hands-on fun. Students will explore computer-based activities, dive into interactive gaming experiences and build digital skills in an engaging, supportive environment. Beyond the screen, they’ll bring their ideas to life through hands-on projects—like designing and creating their very own board game from scratch. By combining gaming, computer learning and creative building, students develop problem-solving skills, teamwork and confidence—all while having an unforgettable time.

Registration is closed.


 

Week Four: *New* 3-Day Summer Workshop

Dates: August 3-5, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Harkness Career and Technical Center (99 Aero Drive, Cheektowaga, NY 14225)
Cost: $150 per student

Students must choose only ONE program below:
 

Build and Create

Young builders will roll up their sleeves and dive into hands-on projects while learning about the fundamentals of construction in a safe and supportive environment. Students will explore basic carpentry skills, learn how to safely use hand tools, read simple plans, measure accurately and bring a real project to life. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, teamwork skills and problem-solving abilities — all while having a blast. By the end of the workshop, each builder will head home with a finished project and skills they can use for years to come!

Registration is closed.

 

Junior Chef Academy

This interactive 3-day workshop introduces students to the exciting world of cooking in a safe and supportive environment. Young chefs will explore fresh ingredients, learn simple techniques and create delicious dishes they’ll be proud to share at home. Through hands-on cooking, teamwork challenges and fun food presentations, students build confidence, independence, and creativity — one recipe at a time. This is a great opportunity to spark a lifelong love of cooking and interest in the culinary industry.

Registration is closed.


 

How to Register

  • Step 1 of 2 - Registration
    You can now register and pay online! See the programs above for registration links.
     
  • Step 2 of 2 - Print and Return
    • Registration is not complete without submitting payment and the necessary release forms.
    • Upon completing online registration in Step 1, please complete required forms and return to Elizabeth Feeney.
    • Forms are listed below and will also be emailed to you when registration is completed.

RETURN FORM BY MAIL:
Summer at the Center at Erie 1 BOCES
Attn: Elizabeth Feeney
355 Harlem Road
West Seneca, NY 14224

RETURN FORMS BY EMAIL:
Email Elizabeth Feeney

Required Forms Below Will Be Emailed Upon Online Registration Completion

Questions and Answers