2025 STEM Camp Jacksonville
STEM Camp Jacksonville kicked off with a splash as the Girl Scouts set out on an educational boat ride with St. John’s Riverkeeper. Along the way, they spotted dolphins and learned about the ecology of the St. John’s River and the wildlife that depend on it. Campers also participated in a hands-on watershed activity and a river-themed scavenger hunt that helped bring environmental science to life.
In the afternoon, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement gave an eye-opening demonstration of crime scene investigation tools and techniques. The girls stepped into the role of forensic scientists, practicing DNA analysis, fingerprint lifting, and footprint comparison. The day ended with each camper running their own mini crime lab and uncovering the secrets of forensic science.
On day two, IVenture Solutions brought the world of cybersecurity into focus. Girl Scouts learned the importance of cyber safety, explored ethical hacking, decoded binary code, and investigated the inner workings of computer hardware. In the afternoon, the Florida Public Archaeology Network introduced archaeology through a creative and tasty excavation activity that made learning about the past fun and delicious.
Day three focused on hands-on engineering. Miller Electric guided the campers through activities using real tools, where they bent conduit, sawed pipe, and drilled nails. They also worked together on a snap circuit challenge that tested both their teamwork and their technical skills.
That afternoon, RS&H introduced the Girl Scouts to mechanical and civil engineering concepts. The girls designed and built their own bridges, then tested them to see which structures could bear the most weight. A sweet bonus came when they modeled the process of road engineering using ice cream, blending learning with a well-earned treat.
On the final day, Girl Scouts were greeted with a surprise visit from our CEO, Wendy Dordel. The morning continued with a visit from Ascension Healthcare, where campers guided their stuffed patients through the full journey of Bear Care Hospital. They experienced EMT triage, took vital signs, examined x-rays, administered medication, and prepared their patients for discharge. Each station offered an inside look at careers in healthcare and the vital roles of medical professionals.
To wrap up the week, Mercedes Benz joined us in the afternoon. Campers learned about the mechanics of car engines, explored the principles of engineering, and discussed the importance of quality assurance in the automotive industry.
The week concluded with a classic camp tradition..making s’mores and sharing stories from a week filled with learning, laughter, and new possibilities.
Special thank you to our Program Partners for lending their time and expertise through engaging activities. STEM Camp Jacksonville brought science, technology, engineering, and math to life in exciting and meaningful ways. From the riverbanks to robotics, each Girl Scout left camp a little more curious, a little more confident, and ready to take on the world.
