Imagine it!   Capture it!   Build it!   Experience it!  Own it!

We will introduce campers to artificial intelligence (AI) in a hands-on fashion as they program robots by writing algorithms to automatically 'drive through the city' just like self-driving cars do. Campers will build a 'city' outdoors with ramps, streets, and obstacles for their robots to navigate. Working in teams of twos, everyone will learn to collaborate, think on their feet, express their ideas, problem solve, and write and tweak code to take their robots on a ‘joy’ ride. Campers will gain more than just experience; they will be inspired to believe in themselves.

T-shirt design begins on this day and continues throughout the week. Because of its success in 2023, board game design is back to help campers develop planning, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, math, teamwork, creativity, and decision-making skills. From conceptualization to play testing, campers will be engaged and encouraged to think outside of the box. *Based on the number of campers participating, PC/digital game design may replace analog board game design. Campers will recognize the importance of patience and perseverance throughout the design process.

Sporting/physical activities is a new and deliberate addition to our STEM camps. Research has shown that doing sports within a cycle of learning helps students to remain engaged and excited about learning. Hence, we have set aside one day for sports, incorporating STEM projects to promote teamwork, problem solving, communication, resilience, and leadership. In addition to soccer, volley ball, and catch, campers will participate in an outdoor physical project dubbed Energetic Engineering Encounter. Placed in teams, campers will race against each other and the clock to find all the pieces for their engineering model and carry them back to their respective building stations where three campers will be responsible for putting the model together.

Campers will build several 3D models of real-life objects and entities as they develop proficiency in the use of 3D modeling software and concepts. These hands-on sessions will promote creativity, problem solving, design thinking, presentation, and communication skills s campers learn about spatial awareness and career opportunities. Which campers will use their 3D modeling skills to design models of houses and fences that are most modern and attractive? Built into these lessons are discussions about self-confidence and conviction as key components of success.

Students love to compete, and we know that healthy competition brings the best out of everyone whether win or lose. Using a variety of objects and materials and following prompts and clues, campers will work in teams (indoors and outdoors) to complete projects in competition-style. One of our team challenges is building a marble run, which will help campers to develop engineering, motor, planning, delegation, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Campers will learn about self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation.

Campers will finalize all their projects, participate in PC gaming competitions to win prizes, and be part of our end of camp award ceremony. Star campers will be issued special STEM certificates, and high school students will receive special leadership/service certificates to support their college/scholarships applications. End of camp activities are designed to help students develop intrinsic motivation, i.e., wanting to stay meaningfully engaged over summer without having to be told or scolded.