Exploring the Wonders of STEM - STEM Camp 2024

From Tuesday, June 18 to Friday, June 21, the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council held their much-anticipated STEM Camp at Jacksonville University's River House. This inspiring day camp was a fusion of learning, creativity, and empowerment, designed to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young girls.

Day 1: Building Dreams and Vision

The camp kicked off with a warm welcome from Girl Scouts of Gateway Council CEO, Wendy Dordel. Her words set the tone for an exciting week ahead, filled with exploration and discovery. Following Wendy's opening remarks, Tracey Friley from Haskell took the stage. She guided the girls through the architectural process of designing their dream homes. The creativity on display was extraordinary, with some girls incorporating luxurious features like hot tubs and walk-in closets, while others envisioned spaces for mythical creatures or even their very own Chick-fil-A!

A highlight of the day was a special visit from Florida Senator Tracey Davis, who delivered an inspiring message about the importance of STEM in our lives. Her words encouraged the girls to pursue their interests in these fields with confidence and determination.

The day concluded with an engaging session from Johnson & Johnson, where the girls learned all about the human eye. They calculated their visual acuity and experienced wearing glasses that simulated different eye conditions. This hands-on activity provided valuable insights into the world of vision and optics.

Day 2: Weather Wonders and Engineering Challenges

The second day of camp was equally thrilling, starting with a fascinating lesson in meteorology from Lee Southwick of the team at First Coast News. The girls learned about weather patterns and even had the chance to try their hand at broadcasting using a green screen. This interactive experience allowed them to step into the shoes of meteorologists and presenters, sparking interest in the dynamic field of weather science.

In the afternoon, our STEM Camp sponsor, RS&H, took over. They introduced the girls to various types of engineering, presenting both the challenges and rewards of the profession. The highlight of this session was a hands-on engineering challenge: building a super-strong bridge. The girls worked in teams, applying their newfound knowledge to construct bridges that could withstand significant weight. This activity not only taught them about engineering principles but also emphasized the importance of teamwork and problem-solving.

Day 3: Automotive Wonders and Medical Discoveries

The third day kicked off with a captivating session from Mercedes-Benz USA. The girls learned about automotive engineering, including car production using LEGOs, different types of engines, and quality control. A fun scavenger hunt had them spotting problems in a "Frankensteined" car, making the learning process interactive and enjoyable.

In the afternoon, the Mayo Clinic team joined us to explore various medical professions. The girls learned about strokes, moulage, and medical mannequins, gaining insights into the world of healthcare and the critical roles medical professionals play.

Day 4: Sharks, Coding, and Celebrations

Friday marked the grand finale of STEM Camp. The day began with a SWAPS party, where the girls made and exchanged five different crafts, fostering creativity and friendship. OCEARCH taught the girls about shark tagging and the importance of their research, highlighting marine biology and conservation efforts that morning, while the afternoon session was led by CSX, who engaged the girls in engineering and coding activities.

A Week of Inspiration

Throughout the week, the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council STEM Camp provided an invaluable experience for all participants. From architecture and engineering to meteorology and vision science, the girls were exposed to a wide range of STEM fields, each one more fascinating than the last. They left the camp not only with new knowledge and skills but also with a sense of empowerment and a renewed passion for STEM.

The success of this camp was made possible by the dedication of our speakers, sponsors, and volunteers. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of female STEM leaders is truly commendable. As the girls continue their journeys, we hope they carry with them the inspiration and confidence they gained during these four incredible days at STEM Camp.

“STEM Camp is the perfect example of the core Girl Scouts experience. Girls discover by participating in unique hands on activities, connect with our community partners who serve as role models and caring adults, and take action in designing their own interests and interest paths. All while forming friendships with other girls and having fun. There is no better way to lift and inspire our next generation of leaders,” said CEO Wendy Dordel.