Tech Trek
July 27 - July 29, 2026
Registration/Check-in: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Sessions: 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Southwest Tech Campus Fennimore, WI
During Tech Trek, students who will be entering grades 7 through 10 in the 2026–2027 school year will participate in fun hands-on, exploratory activities related to technical careers.
The camp participants will receive:
- Hands-on activities led by Southwest Tech program instructors to increase knowledge of technical careers
- Lunch will be provided
- Tech Trek 2026 T-shirt
Registration
$60 per participant
Parents/guardians must complete the permission form for their participants and return by email to Delanie Weber.
**REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN APRIL 1, 2026**
If your student is interested in the NitroX camp, please visit www.swtc.edu/calendar-events/nitroX
Each session is limited to a certain number of participants and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Monday, July 27
- The World of Nursing
- Welding is Fun!
- Smart Machines: Intro to Automations & PLCs
- Building Trades - Carpentry
- Gearhead’s Tech Time
- Physical Therapy: Getting You Back in Motion!
- AI Creator Studio: Build Your Own Robot Movie
- Dental Dynamics
- Cutting Edge CNC
Tuesday, July 28
- The World of Nursing
- Welding is Fun!
- Smart Machines: Intro to Automations & PLCs
- Building Trades - Carpentry
- Save a Life with CPR
- Glam Lab: A Cosmetology Adventure
- The Mighty White Blood Cell
- Gearhead’s Tech Time
- AI Creator Studio: Build Your Own Robot Movie
Wednesday, July 29
Cutting Edge CNC
Explore the world of CNC machining and precision cutting! In this hands-on session, students will get up close and personal with CNC machines, learning how to program and operate them safely. You'll create custom designs, transform raw materials into cool projects, and gain valuable skills for manufacturing and design.
Dental Dynamics
Learn hands-on about some of the daily responsibilities of a dental assistant. Students in this session must be willing to open their mouths and say "ahh!" Students will role play both the assistant and the patient.
Physical Therapy: Getting You Back in Motion!
During this hands on session, students will explore what Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) do and how they help people recover from injuries, surgeries, and movement problems. Students will experience real physical therapy activities, try out different physical therapy tools, look at the anatomy of the body and explore PTA careers.
The World of Nursing
Step into the world of nursing during this hands-on Summer Tech Trek experience! In this 4-hour session, high school students will explore essential nursing skills through interactive demonstrations and practice. Students will learn basic patient care techniques, use real nursing equipment, and experience what it’s like to think and act like a nurse. This session is designed to be engaging, skill-focused, and a great introduction to healthcare careers for students curious about nursing.
Early Childhood Education
Provide information on the field of Early Childhood Education and hands on activities that would be beneficial when working with young children.
Save a Life with CPR
Students will learn hands on CPR and First aid and will obtain their Heartsaver CPR and First Aid certification at the end of this session
Gearhead's Tech Time
Participants will explore the worlds of Auto Tech and Ag Power. Small engine repair, electrical circuit building, vehicle computer diagnostics, NASCAR pit stop simulator, plus more are all on the agenda for this session.
Smart Machines: Intro to Automation & PLCs
Ever wonder how factories, car washes, and amusement park rides run automatically? In this hands-on course, students will learn how “smart machines” work by programming a real PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Students will wire basic inputs and outputs, create simple control programs, and see how sensors and motors work together to automate a system. This course introduces the exciting world of robotics, automation, and modern manufacturing technology.
The Ag Experience
The world of agriculture is broad! Join us for an engaging session focused on the diverse and exciting world of agriculture. We'll explore a wide range of topics within the industry and highlight the many career paths available. This session will introduce you to the opportunities agriculture has to offer!
Building Trades - Carpentry
Participants will learn about Southwest Tech’s Building Trades Carpentry program and the various tools and equipment used in the building construction field. Participants will a build wooden race cars and race the cars down a track to see which car goes the furthest. Participants will be able to take their car with them.
Welding is Fun!
Students will learn multiple welding processes as well as plasma cutting. They will make projects with multiple machines and learn how to safely use these machines.
Crime Scene Escape
Practice basic evidence techniques and then use your new skills to solve a mystery and escape the house. Investigators will receive a scenario and use their analytical skills to complete the mystery before the clock runs out.
AI Creator Studio: Build Your Own Robot Movie
Using beginner-friendly robotics and creative AI tools, students will build a robot character, generate artwork for their story world, create an original soundtrack, and record narration for their story. Students will also film a short robot action scene that could become part of their own robot movie.
Glam Lab: A Cosmetology Adventure
"Glam Lab" is an exciting summer school class designed to introduce students to the world of cosmetology. Led by experienced cosmetology instructors, this hands-on workshop gives a sneak peek into the skills and techniques taught in cosmetology school. From hairstyling and makeup artistry to nail care and skin treatments, students will learn the basics of beauty and self-care in a fun and interactive environment. With live demonstrations, creative activities, and expert tips, "Glam Lab" sparks curiosity and empowers students to explore the art of cosmetology while building confidence in their personal style.
Exploration in Surgical Technology
Students will learn about surgical technology and then do activities in the surgical lab to learn what it is like to work in this profession.
The Mighty White Blood Cell
Participants will explore how our body uses white blood cells (WBCs) as part of our immune response to maintain balance and protect us from disease. We will be preparing blood smears and using the microscope to locate and identify WBCs. This is one of the many things that a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) does in the clinical laboratory to assist in screening, diagnosing, and treating disease.