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STEM Camp Brings STEM Education to a Wider Audience

STEM education has become a huge part of public, private, and homeschool curriculum. It is the focus of many toys and games. The world is changing. With more and more career opportunities surrounding STEM and the advancement of technology in general, it’s important for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to play a larger role in children’s education.

In a recent post, I talked about how STEM Camp makes STEM fun for children. A friendly atmosphere combines with experiments that promote critical thinking and hands-on learning making STEM Camp a joy. I couldn’t be happier to share two big ways that STEM Camp is making a difference in the world. By bringing their brand of exciting learning to First Nations and promoting STEM among girls, STEM camp is making a dramatic impact. That’s exciting.

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STEM Education is Broadening Its Horizons

There was a time not long ago when STEM was considered boy’s territory. As a Mom of girls I very much understand and champion inclusive educational opportunities that help break through barriers. Women should be at every table. Politicians, engineers, teachers, doctors, engineers and scientists. It’s vital to encourage girls to enter fields that have often been male dominated.

Every single field of study in the future depends on having a diverse workplace. When STEM Camp first opened its doors in 2013, their ratio of campers was 4 boys to 1 girl. This year, they’re on track for a ratio of 2:1. That is a huge improvement. This camp is bridging the gender gap in Canada, and that can only lead to more children – boys and girls –  developing a love for science, technology, engineering and ensuring that our children have the skills they need for the workforce that they will be entering.

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Dragons’ Den

To help further encourage girls to get involved with STEM, STEM Camp enlisted the help of Dragons’ Den. Through them, STEM Camp will be able to increase awareness and excitement for STEM education among girls. Here’s what Kevin Couglar, CEO and Founder of STEM Camp said about their partnership.

Not attracting girls to STEM careers is a generational and national challenge. The Dragons’ Den is a national program that could bring much-needed attention to this issue. With the help of the Dragons we may be able to inspire parents to talk about the career opportunities available for their girls and the importance that STEM education will play in a future where 80-90% of jobs will require STEM skills. 

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Photo courtesy of STEM Camp.

Bringing STEM to the First Nations

Bringing more girls into the fold is wonderful, but STEM Camp is now doing even more to promote STEM education in Canada’s youth. That’s why they’ve announced that they’ll be opening two new camps to service First Nations areas in Canada, as well. They’re partnering with Bruce Power and its Indigenous Relations team as well as community Youth Leaders to bring two new STEM Camps to Saugeen and Neyaashiinigmiing communities. These camps will bring STEM education to children aged 5 though 13. This group might not otherwise have access to this opportunity.

Here’s what those spearheading the project had to say about the endeavor:

Kevin Couglar, CEO and Founder of STEM Camp: The STEM Camp’s in the communities of Nawash and Neyaashiinigmiing are a wonderful opportunity to merge the world of STEM and traditional Indigenous teachings together. We are extremely honoured to be asked to participate in this initiative and hope other First Nations communities will decide to participate in the future.

Chief Lester Anoquot of Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation: We are very excited to have our youth participate in this pilot project. We need more Indigenous engineers, doctors, and scientists in Canada. STEM Camps are a fantastic opportunity for our young people to get exposure to science and technology.

Chief Greg Nadjiwon of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation: We are pleased at the opportunity to bring STEM education initiatives to our community. Partnering with STEM Camp in this pilot project is something that we are proud to be a part of and we look forward to seeing the program incorporate our traditional beliefs and values. Thank you to Bruce Power for its sponsorship.

 

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STEM Education is for All Children

STEM Camp has always believed a love for STEM now benefits everyone in the future. This camp wants to help as many children as possible. That’s why I think it’s so important to get the word out about what they’re doing. From bridging the STEM gap between boys and girls to bringing STEM education to First Nations children, STEM Camp is working hard to reach as many children as possible.

Check the Stem Camp web site for a location near you.

OH and if you want you children to be part of this project, you can Register here: https://stemcamp.campmanagement.com/enroll

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT right now  – use the code stemtm10 and get a 10% discount.

This post is part of a sponsored series, which means I have received compensation. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. 

Mom of two beautiful active girls, traveller, fitness junkie, social media consultant, and keeper of the sanity.

2 Comments

  • Aeryn Lynne

    All kinds of excited that there are STEM camps now! Truly happy that they’re inclusive too!

    Not to sound like I’m blaming teachers – I get how hard they work with what little they’re given, but we need more adventures like STEM camps to show how FUN and awesome science and technology fields can be, especially when classrooms can be stifling and dull for those students that need to see the “big picture” to flourish.

    It’s crucial that kids are given an opportunity to view the world with a scientific eye, KNOW that it’s not magic, and more importantly, be confident that what they’re learning is something they can use in their future goals. Giving them the inspiration to discover, the drive to create, the hunger to learn more is invaluable.

    I can’t wait to send my nephews off to STEM camp in the future (next year will be the older nephew’s first chance to go), and I totally love the idea that they won’t wonder why girls are joining in on the fun (and that there will be more than one girl there having fun too!)

    • Paula

      Thanks Aeryn Lynn! I agree – I bet your nephew would LOVE this camp. I wish this had been around when my oldest was small because I know she would have enjoyed it and it might have given her a stronger foundation in STEM. So great that there are many inclusive options now for girls and kids from First Nations areas.