STEM ROCKS Mini-Camps

What is a STEM Rocks (Rural Outreach Connecting Kids to STEM) Mini-Camp?

STEM ROCKS is a significant component of the work associated with a grant from the Grable Foundation, which makes the events free. 

◊ A mini-camp is an opportunity for kids and caregivers to visit a camp and explore robotics, play a logic/problem-solving board game, or free build with different materials.

◊ The event is an open house style - stop at any time and stay as briefly or as long as you choose. 

◊ On-site staff are trained on the robotics at the stations to assist with coding if needed. 

We hosted the following events in summer 2022:

◊  Shawnee State Park
◊ Vale Wood Farm Summer Jubilee 
◊ The Small Town Hope Treehouse in Northern Cambria 
◊ Confluence Community Days 
◊ Portage Area Summerfest

History: 

In 2021, IU 8 received our first grant from the Grable Foundation to increase access and outreach to our rural schools and communities. Throughout the area during the spring and summer of 2021, 10 camps were held in three of our four counties with 350 participants in total, and an immeasurable amount of learning and enthusiasm. 

We made improvements and offered five more events in 2022. 

Our experiences have been a smashing success!