Summer at Villa

Morning Session

This camp will give writers the opportunity to finally get all their fantastical thoughts down on paper.  Learn the basics of world building and creating a compelling story. Here, you can customize the rules of your own setting. Writers will examine a range of fictional worlds through novels, short stories, and popular culture examples in order to inspire and strengthen their own story settings. Along the way, learn some tips and tricks on how to overcome writer’s block and how to keep a story going. 

About the Instructor

Aryanna Denk is an Instructor of English at Villa Maria College. She holds her BA in English and Creative Writing and MFA in Creative Writing: Fiction. Aryanna has two novels-in-verse published as well as a number of poems, short stories, and non-fiction articles. She has 10 years of experience teaching English and Creative Writing and thrives when working with students who are passionate about storytelling. When she isn’t teaching, reading, or writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and fluffy cat. 

Morning Session

Playtesting is a critical game development process where users, or “playtesters,” try out a game in development to help creators identify bugs, balance issues, and measure how fun or intuitive the experience is. By observing players and gathering feedback, developers refine gameplay, improve user experience, and discover “magic moments”. Playtesters Wanted: the User Experience of Game Design course focuses on how playtesters have an important in Game Design and how to receive proper information from them to improve the games they play.   

About the Instructor

Eddie A. Mas is an Instructor of Game Design and the Coach for E-Sports at Villa Maria College for five years. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Game Design from Full Sail University, a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Arts from Canisius College, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from SUNY at Buffalo State.   

Morning Session

This camp will explore the exciting world of rhythm and percussion in an engaging group setting. Participants will learn and perform basic rhythms and beats independently and as part of a larger ensemble. Students will play a variety of percussion instruments, including many rooted in musical traditions from around the world. The class introduces foundational rhythmic concepts while exploring rich percussion traditions from African, Latin, and Caribbean cultures. Campers will examine poly-rhythms and the stacking of rhythms, developing coordination and ensemble skills. Improvisation will also be encouraged, allowing students to experiment creatively with percussion instruments. This camp is open to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, and welcomes anyone who loves music to attend!  

About the Instructor

Gary Rutkowski is a percussionist, educator, author, and producer with over 25 years of study in classical and contemporary percussion techniques. He is currently a professor at Villa Maria College. He previously taught at Buffalo State College and Edinboro University. He has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also performed with traditional and non-traditional percussion groups. He is the producer of four original sound recordings. Gary is the author of a book on drumming concepts and techniques. Rutkowski serves as Director of Workshop Performance Programs for drummers and non-musicians. His work spans performance, recording, writing, and education. 

Morning Session

Animation Station is a camp built to foster a positive and hands-on environment for aspiring artists and animators no matter where they are on their journey. Whether you’re an animator well on your way or a fresh beginner, this camp will take you on an animation journey through the basic principles while allowing the creative freedom to experiment with both traditional and modern animation methods. With a focus on inclusivity, collaboration, and exploration as we dive into the world of animation. 

About the Instructor

Emily Kostyo, also known as Kostyo Creations, is a graduate of Villa Maria College with a BFA in Animation. Her work aims to blend traditional artistry with modern techniques, utilizing a wide range of artistic media as an innovative approach to animation. Emily specializes in pre-production development and 2D character animation, bringing a fresh insight and style to the industry with her preferred program: Toon Boom Harmony. 

Morning Session

This camp will introduce students to the amazing world of astronomy and rocketry.  We will explore the history of early astronomy to the modern age.  Additionally, we will build a rocket in class and test it at the end of the week.  If you enjoy science and the intriguing world of space flight, then this camp is for you. 

About the Instructor

Morning Session

In this camp, you’ll rock paper and scissors. Explore the analog creation of art and objects with cut paper. Leave the experience with original handmade collage, books, ornaments, and paper craft skills that will produce tangible items to keep, and keep making on your own. 

About the Instructor

Afternoon Session

This camp will present the basic concepts of forensic science and the career fields which are available. It will explain the duties and responsibilities of crime scene investigators and present topics related to photography, DNA, fingerprints, footprints, the various types of evidence, the proper procedures, methods and techniques for the collection and preservation of crime scene evidence as well as their value to the forensic scientist. The camp will provide a realistic overview of the processes involved in an investigation, from its inception to the final adjudication in court and the scientific technology used by our criminal justice system. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities. 

About the Instructor

Mary Ann Hobar is the Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at Villa Maria College with an MS in Criminal Justice. She has spent over 25 years working in the criminal justice field, including serving as a police officer, detective and patrol lieutenant. She has taught police recruits at the CPS Law Enforcement Training Academy and instructed college students in the field of crime scene investigation. Mary Ann is an active member of the International Assoc. for Identification, the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute and a licensed private investigator.    

Afternoon Session

Do you want to learn more about your leadership style? Have you ever wondered how you could become a next-gen leader? Curious about what skills you need in order to be an effective leader?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the summer camp for you! During this camp, you will learn foundational leadership theories, how they relate to your personal style of leadership, and ways you can apply them in your every day life! This camp will be highly interactive with group work, group discussion, and fun activities to help you advance your leadership skills. Regardless of where you are in your leadership journey, you will leave this camp better equipped to be a next-gen leader! 

About the Instructor

DJ Schier is the Dean of Students at Villa Maria College. DJ earned his Masters in Higher Education and Students Affairs Administration from Buffalo State College and his Bachelors from SUNY Fredonia in Public Relations with a minor in Leadership Studies. DJ is currently creating a Leadership Studies Minor at Villa Maria College and has been a leadership educator in WNY for 15+ years. 

Afternoon Session

This summer camp will allow students to take a deep dive into the amazing world of the human body and gain an introductory understanding of what Physical Therapist Assistants do to heal the body. This camp will be hands-on and will have exciting labs done “escape-room” style- moving from station to station of fun learning opportunities such as using microscopes, studying 3-D models of anatomy & physiology, and playing science games. 

Whether you’re thinking about going into the physical therapy field, love science, or just have a curiosity to learn more about the human body, you are sure to love this camp! 

About the Instructor

Michelle Carpenter is a proud graduate of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Villa Maria College and a successful PTA. She is currently a graduate student at Buffalo State seeking a Masters in Adult Education so that she can heal even more people by educating the future generations of PTA’s with her extensive knowledge and empathy. Michelle is a Biology Instructor, Anatomy & Physiology Instructor, and Professional Tutor (Physical Therapy) for Villa Maria College. She is also a substitute Professor for Bryant and Stratton’s Medical Assistant Program. When Michelle is not teaching or studying, she is can be found working on building a permaculture food forest, participating with the non-profit, Wild Ones, to build community and protect the ecosystem by educating others on the importance of native plants, writing music, playing video games with her family, and maybe even walking her chickens and ducks on a leash. 

Afternoon Session

In this hands-on camp, students will learn the process of making a short narrative film from concept to execution. Students will learn the basics of screenwriting, on-set production, and post-production skills including video editing and sound design. Students will work with equipment used by Digital Filmmaking students at Villa Maria, including cameras, microphones, and other basic equipment needed to complete a short film. Students will work together as a crew to produce a short film and a trailer over the course of the week. 

About the Instructor

India Seychew, ‘26, is a recent graduate of the Digital Filmmaking program. A two-time Buffalo International Film Festival selectee, she has a passion for making short films and helping others to realize their creative pursuits through filmmaking. When not writing scripts or working on independent sets, she freelances as a food writer for Buffalo Spree Magazine, makes visual art, and watches a lot of movies. 

Afternoon Session

In this camp, students will be introduced to basic self-care techniques and coping skills, including stress and time management. Students will have the opportunity to develop a self-care toolbox, as well as discover ways to create joy in their daily lives through meditation, affirmations, deep breathing and journaling. 

About the Instructor