A short time ago, in a trade college classroom not far, far away...
This summer, for the first time since two pilot camps were launched in 2013, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Camp has expanded its universe and now has a secret rebel base in North Bay.
After demand from the parents of young Padawan learners, and with the support of Canadore College, STEM Camp has not only touched down in North Bay but has spread as quickly as the speed of light across Ontario. From the initial two locations, STEM Camp, based out of Woodstock, Ont., has made the jump to hyperspace, expanding to 28 locations and 4,400 campers in 2016, and to 46 locations with camper enrollment sure to surpass the previous high in 2017.
The STEM Camp mission "is to inspire youth through participating in hands-on activities in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)," while the family-run, Canadian not-for-profit company's philosophy "is that children learn while they have fun and if they have fun while learning we have a chance to bridge the gap between students and the real world."
STEM Camps are open to children ages five through 13 (juniors are five to eight and seniors are nine to 13). At the North Bay location, this summer's available themes are Star Wars, Pokemon (juniors), Transformers (seniors), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Plants vs. Zombies.
Click here for North Bay camp themes, registration, and pricing information
Star Wars camp is underway, but, like Anakin Skywalker, there will be a chance for redemption during the August 8-11 Star Wars week. According to the STEM Camp itinerary, the "young Jedi campers will compete using Centripetal Forces and test their rocketry skills. Other activities this week include: Jedi Training: How Big Is Our Solar System, Save The Millennium Falcon, Solar Lunar Modules, Lift The Ship, Limestone Bluffs of Forest Moon, Build Your Own X-Wing, The Sand on the Moon, Mission to the Sun, Mission to Neptune, Solar System Mobiles, Design Your Own Planet, A Starry Warsy Night, Rockets, Build Your Own Space Station, and Robotics."
According to STEM Camp, these fun themed camps allow youngsters, through summer camp educational experiences, to be prepared "for a world where most of the employment will be in STEM-related career opportunities. At STEM Camp, we consult with and utilize experts who know the subject matter that relates to our activities."
Heck, even Luke Skywalker spent his time off running around Dagobah with Yoda strapped to his back.
