S.T.E.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These activities are designed to teach kids the fundamentals in an effort to get them interested in each of these areas. Implementing S.T.E.M. activities at camp has the following benefits:
- Helps campers think critically
- Inspires creativity
- Introduces campers to subjects they may not get to otherwise
- Fosters collaboration
- Helps develop communication skills
- Strengthens cognitive skills
- Cultivates media and technology literacy
- Incorporates hands on learning
- Sparks Interest in the Field
- Increases knowledge and skills
- Will help increase confidence
- Improves ability to problem solve
- Gain Social and Emotional Learning
- Will make the individuals skills more well rounded
- Builds resilience; allows them to fail and try again
Here are a few things to consider when incorporating STEM activities into your camp program:
- Have a plan. Find examples of what type of projects you want to complete and get a list of necessary supplies.
- Look into kits that have all the supplies needed to complete the project. They may be pricier but will often save you a lot of time and effort.
- Order your supplies well ahead of time and make sure to order enough to get you through the entire camp.
- Make sure your time slot fits the time needed for the project. Plan accordingly and always have a back up plan in case things don’t go as planned.
- Keep it simple. Some projects are just not feasible in the allotted time or with the supplies available at camp. They may look great on the surface but when trying to complete these large complicated projects with a large group of kids, it can go south quick. Keep your projects simple so they include limited supplies, easy instructions, and can be completed in the time allotted.
S.T.E.M. provides students with a well-rounded foundation of skills to help them understand a wide range of concepts. Implementing these topics into your program curriculum will open the door to many fun, engaging, and educational activities that will benefit campers beyond your camp program.
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