Xavier Diaz knew he had a passion for music and a curiosity about sound design but never had the opportunity to explore it. When given the chance this summer, the Mamaroneck High School sophomore enrolled at Southern Westchester BOCES’ Career Exploration Summer Camp.

“I’m now thinking about maybe pursuing this in the future,” said Diaz, who is enrolled for two weeks in the Sonic Creations program. “I have really liked the experience of making my own sound effects.”

Diaz was among the campers in attendance for the start of Career Exploration Summer Camp, which will run for three weeks on the Center for Career Services campus in Valhalla. This is the camp’s third year, offering students entering eighth, ninth and 10th grade a chance to sign up for one, two or three weeks of Automotive, Cosmetology, Construction, Electrical Construction, Fashion Sewing, HVAC, Sonic Creations or Video Production programs.

Every class centers around hands-on learning, be it how to braid or curl hair in Cosmetology, change the oil or an air filter on a car, or, in Diaz’s case, recreate an audio track.

The instructors emphasize learning basic skills and important safety techniques while allowing campers autonomy while working on projects.

“I want them to learn, but I also want them to have fun,” Cosmetology instructor Vanessa Newby said.

Campers have returned after a positive experience last summer, including Liam Rose, a freshman from Hoosic Falls. He enrolled in the 3D Printing program last summer while visiting his grandmother, who lives locally, and is now enrolled in the Automotive program.

Damien Hernandez, a White Plains High School freshman, will attend all three weeks of the Automotive program after two older cousins who are students at Career Services (Electrical Construction and HVAC) recommended the school. This week, he has replaced the air filter on an Acura, changed the oil on a Camaro, and much more.

“This has definitely boosted my dream of becoming a mechanic,” Hernandez said. “As a kid, I always enjoyed working on cars with my dad and my uncle. This has been a great way to start. I really love it here, and I hope to come back in a couple of years to join this program.”