Ignite Youth Summer Camp

Ignite Their Future

STEM Summer Camp

Convincing a teen to learn can be a challenge at times. School can be boring and kids are not afraid to say it. However, it is often said that one of the best ways to learn is to play. This was the case in June of 2022 when 87 middle and high school students attended the Ignite Their Future STEM Summer Camp at Idaho State University. As students swarmed the campus, they were able to choose from nine separate concentration areas (or strands) that included Building a Go-Kart, EVO Ozobots (programmable robots used for teaching code), Radiation Detectives and more. Over the course of a week, the young students were able to get a jump on their future as they learned from instructors and professionals in a collegiate setting. There was also a training held the week before where ISU hosted a “Teachthe Teachers” event and allowed attendees to participate in hands-on STEM activities while earning professional development credits. These teachers were then encouraged to stay the following week to help with the summer camp. “Ignite Their Future is about building relationships and providing opportunity for 5th to 12th grade students and teachers,” said Ryan Pitcher, an associate director with the College of Technology Energy Systems Technology and Education Center and the primary facilitator of the event. “Our goal is that students will have the opportunity to explore a number of STEM career field technologies and build a foundation that will assist them in selecting a college program that aligns with their interests.” The go-kart building event was understandably popular among the students. It was run by Justin Serr, an instructor for the College of Technology’s Automotive Technology Program. He taught students about the various parts and worked with them to put the machines together. Following those lessons, the kids were able to test out their handiwork. The gokarts broke down quite a few times during the initial phase of the strand but the kids were entirely undeterred. “Every time one of the go-karts broke down, the kids would go running out to bring the kart back into the shop,” said Serr. “The whole time they were laughing and talking excitedly while they pushed them in. After coming in they would all huddle together over the go-kart and talk about what went wrong and what they needed to do to fix the problem.” When the kinks had been ironed out and the youths had been thoroughly

Justin Serr and a student fine-tuning a go-kart. prepared, they took their places at the beginning of the course for a final competition. Wheels spun and asphalt burned as the kids zoomed through the course unimpeded by the weight of life. Everyone wanted to win but even when the race had ended hard feelings were the farthest thing from their minds as they were brimming with the pride of their accomplishments. “I loved my experience working with these kids and I am glad that I was able to participate and help at the camp this year,” said Serr. “I think that these classes are great for them and really add to their summer.” There was never a boring moment over the week as the children experienced the go-karts and the other eight strands available to them. Their youthful energy spread infectiously across the campus, revitalizing many of the people who took part. Since