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April 1, 2018

Awesome Summer Camps to Consider

Erin Winick Anthony
Staff Writer

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command on Flickr

141118-N-GW918-119 MANAMA, Bahrain (Nov. 18, 2014) Sailors from the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) play a game of four-squares with students of Bahrain Middle/High School, a U. S. Department of Defense Education Activity. The recreational activity was part of a community relations visit for Bunker Hill Sailors. Bunker Hill is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class LaTunya Howard/Released)

Wondering what you are going to do this summer? Well, instead of spending it on the couch, why not get out there are explore science, engineering and coding! I have a few recommendations of some amazing camps to try out! They will let you get your hands dirty and explore science and technology through creation and experimentation.

Girls Who Code
This expanding program is a fantastic opportunity for girls to try out coding for the first time or expand their knowledge of the field. They have a few different program options available including a two week coding immersion course and after-school clubs around the country. Many of the programs have scholarships available and are free to attend.
https://girlswhocode.com/

Engineering for Kids
With branches around the country, this business is the YMCA of engineering fun. Local versions of this national organization offer tons of fun programs focused on a variety of science and engineering concepts. They will let you get hands on and build!
http://engineeringforkids.com/

JoAnn Fabrics Sewing Camps
Sewing gives you an great opportunity to try out operating a machine and learn to make fun 3D creations out of 2D fabric. As a kid I loved sewing my Halloween costumes and various outfits. A fantastic place to try your hand at sewing is a JoAnn Fabrics camps. They offer different classes for various skill level and ages. Some are even project based and will teach you have to make a shirt or a pillow. Maybe they will even let you pick out a science or space patterned fabric. Get ready for some hands-on STEM related fun!
http://www.joann.com/classes/in-store-classes/kids-and-teen-classes/

SWENext Clubs
Hosted by the Society of Women Engineers, SWENext is a chance for girls ages 13 and up to meet up with older kids interested in engineering, do fun hands on activities inspired by engineering and meet women engineer role models. There are many different local clubs for you to join. And as an added bonus, many host fun one day events for you to join in and try out the club before becoming a member of the club as well.
http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/swenext-clubs

NASA Camps
Space Camp is the PERFECT summer camp for space loving kids ages seven and up! They have different programs you can chose from depending on your age. Although I never got to go, I wish I had (I still have my eye on going to adult space camp!). It is a totally awesome program run by NASA and is offered in Huntsville, Alabama. Pilot a space shuttle simulation, get suited up in astronaut gear, and train like astronauts at this out of this world camp.
https://www.spacecamp.com/

Are you a bit older and want to get some hands-on work experience with NASA? Don’t feel like you need to wait until you are in graduated college. You can intern or work at NASA as early as age 16! They want to give you opportunities to explore space even earlier.

Local science museum camps
When I was a kid growing up in Tampa, FL, I attended science camps at the local Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). I have vivid memories or doing experiments with water and slime and exploring the butterfly garden. And they are still offering classes today! There are many similar programs at other museums near you to explore. Check out the websites of local science museums, zoos, and natural history museums and see what camps they might have coming up!
https://www.mosi.org/camps/

Do you have an interest in a specific area of science not listed here? Don’t fret! Many scientists and engineers still want to help you out. I’d recommend reaching out to people at local companies or colleges that are studying or working on projects you are interested in. You never know, you might have the chance to follow one of them around for a day or tour their lab. Don’t be afraid to get out there and explore science!

Learn More

Finding summer camps

https://kidscodecs.com/summer-camps-2018/

101 questions to ask when finding a summer camp

https://www.idtech.com/blog/100-questions-to-ask-when-choosing-a-summer-camp/

Technology summer camps

https://kidscodecs.com/resources/technology-summer-camps-kids/

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Staff Writer Erin Winick Anthony 30 posts
Erin Winick Anthony is a science communicator and the founder of STEAM Power Media. She previously worked for NASA as a part of the International Space Station program, as well as for MIT Technology Review. She holds a BS in mechanical engineering and is a passionate hiker and pinball player.
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