KUMP CENTER TO PRESENT ITALY LECTURE

July 24, 2026

ELKINS—The Kump Education Center will be hosting an international lecture on travelling throughout Italy on Tuesday, July 28 at 7 p.m. at the Kump House in Elkins. The presentation titled, “Roaming Italy: From Rome to Naples” will be offered by Nasra Adan, a visiting lecturer from Prince Sultan University in Riyahd, Saudi Arabia.

Adan has travelled extensively throughout the world, having lived in her home country of Canada, China, India, Korea, Japan, Kenya and currently Saudi Arabia. She can speak seven different languages besides her native English: Chinese, Korean, Somali, Arabic, French, Swahili and Spanish. Her language arts emphasis has resulted in a career of teaching essay writing at the college level, and she has also taught reading, listening and speaking as a second language.

“Every place had its own atmosphere, food, and story, and that was what made the journey so memorable,” said Adan. “From Sicily to Rome, Florence, Pisa, Pompeii, and Naples, travelling through Italy only made me want to keep exploring.”

Adan’s lecture will feature a power-point presentation.

The Kump Education Center is located at 401 Randolph Ave., Elkins (across from Kroger’s). Parking is located behind the Kump House with easy access off Seneca Road. The event is free and open to the public.  

Kump Center Set to Host Popular Spanish Summer Camp

ELKINS--The Kump Education Center will again host an exciting, week-long summer Spanish language camp, providing fun and educational opportunities for area youth. This year, the popular Spanish Camp theme is La Navidad en Julio (Christmas in July) and will celebrate all the wonderful Spanish traditions aligned with the holidays. The camp is designed for children ages 5-11 and will immerse participants in culture, foods, and arts.

Spanish Camp is scheduled for July 20-24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, and is under the direction of Leah Devine. This is the fourth year she has led this engaging summer camp at the KEC.

Devine currently teaches Spanish at Elkins High School. Her 20 years of Spanish teaching experience include middle and high school, as well as Spanish summer camps, ranging from lower elementary at The Arts Center to week-long Spanish Immersion camps for high schoolers. She also directed a Spanish camp for elementary and middle school-age youth in coordination with Mountain Laurel Learning Cooperative (MLLC) in Tucker County.

​“I am looking forward to creating a fun and engaging experience with a second language. I am excited to welcome new and returning campers. No prior knowledge of Spanish is needed, just an excitement for learning through cooking, art, and outdoor play,” said Devine.

"Participants will learn about secular and religious traditions that take place in December," said Devine. "We'll bike and roller skate for a 'Patinata', a pre-Christmas gathering in Venezuela where kids and families roller skate and bike together. We will also hear the songs of 'Las Posadas', a celebration where children and families led by children dressed as Mary and Joseph go house to house, asking to enter. At the last house, they are welcomed in and there is a celebration with food, dancing, and a piñata."

​Spanish Camp will take place at the Gov. Kump House in Elkins. Enrollment is limited to sixteen, so registration before July 1 is suggested. Tuition for the week-long camp is $300, which includes lunch and snacks. There is limited scholarship assistance available this summer thanks to Kump Education Center donors. Please visit kumpeducationcenter.org for more information and registration materials.

Pies for Preservation Annual Pie Auction and Open House

Elkins—The Kump Education Center’s annual Pie Auction fundraiser, Pies for Preservation, will be Saturday, June 27 from 12-3pm, with the auction starting at 1pm.

Visitors will enjoy fiddle and banjo tunes played by The Casseday Brothers, talented young musicians from Elkins. “I heard them practicing when I recently visited the Art’s Center and was blown away by their skills. I knew they would be a great fit for our event”, said KEC Administrative Coordinator, Sara Gladwell.

This year’s event will also feature local craft vendors selling goods ranging from stained glass to homemade paper that can be planted to grow flowers. KEC board member, Laura Santmyer, invited vendors from this year’s Ramps and Rails Festival and has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of Pies for Preservation.

The historic Kump House will be open for free tours to showcase the beautiful craftsmanship of the 101-year-old home. Volunteer docents are eager to share the history and legacy of the home with curious visitors.

Come bid on sweet and savory pies, listen to music, tour the house, and snack on Kiwanis’ cotton candy; it will be an afternoon well spent!

Proceeds from the auction support the KEC mission of free public educational opportunities, such as lectures, tutoring, immersive wetland experiences, and preservation of the historic property.

Learn more at kumpeducationcenter.org or by visiting our Facebook page. The Kump Education Center is located at 401 Randolph Avenue, across from Kroger. Parking is accessible off Seneca Road.