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Students attend STEM camp at Scott

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Hudson
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathaniel Hudson, 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The society of American Military Engineers hosted their annual STEM Camp in early July for 36 youths from all over the United States and even Guam.

“The STEM Camp is an introductory overview into the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math and how it’s used to better society,’” said Ilnana Almquist, lead logistics coordinator for the Scott AFB STEM Camp.

Each team had two mentors, one civilian and one military with an engineering background.

To attend the camp, students completed an application and submitted an essay on why they want to attend the camp. Once making it to Scott, the campers spend a week near the Scott Lake thanks to the support of the 375th Civil Engineer Squadron.

“The annual camp is held to give young people [an opportunity to get] familiar with STEM related careers,” said Nicole Gunyon, STEM camp director.

Throughout the camp, the students compete in challenges to test their engineering knowledge, which help them work through real-world scenarios engineers may face. The challenges included bottle rocket building, navigating an obstacle course and building cardboard canoes.      

“The camp allows students to get their hands dirty and really put their engineering skills to the test!” said Almquist.

 “We hope to help the kids spark an interest in STEM and STEM careers,” said Almquist. “Also to find out what they want to do whether it includes STEM or not.”