What do your children or grandchildren want to be when they grow up? Do they want to be scientists, doctors, or engineers? What about farmers or video game designers? Maybe they want to work with animals? Or would they rather play with computers? A few days at STEM Camp might help them decide. And, they’ll have fun along the way.

Boys and girls currently in grades 5-7 from an 11-county region in southern Ohio are invited to attend STEM Camp at Canter’s Cave this summer. The region includes Adams, Brown, Gallia, Jackson, Highland, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton counties. The camp is being planned and implemented by OSU Extension professionals from several of these counties. Both 4-H and non-4-H youth are invited to attend.

The camp will begin after lunch on Monday, June 6, and end late morning on Wednesday, June 8. It will be held at the Elizabeth L. Evans Outdoor Education Center/Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in Jackson. The camp is an ideal setting for such a program, offering an abundance of natural resources and traditional camp activities. During the three-day, two-night camp, participants will participate in both special workshops focused on STEM and in some of those traditional camp activities – with a STEM twist.

What’s STEM? It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. But, this camp won’t feel the least bit like school. Participants will select two STEM areas to explore in-depth. Choices include aerospace, robotics, environmental science, food science, animal science, forensic science, engineering, and life science. Campers will enjoy many hands-on activities and learn about careers in the field. They’ll also participate in team building “engineering” challenges, explore the night sky, and learn about the science of fire during a traditional campfire. And, they may have to learn something about food science as they work together to prepare their evening snacks. This year’s camp will once again feature a visit from OSU’s Dr. Bob (a science guy).

The fee to participate in STEM Camp is $65 per camper. Only the first 90 registrants will be accepted, and all registrations are due by May 1. Registered youth will receive additional information and forms through the mail which will need to be completed and returned prior to the start of camp.

Submitted by Kathy Bruynis, Extension educator, 4-H youth development, OSU Extension Highland County.