(Southeastern IN) – Genesis: Pathways to Success hosted 15 summer camps and nine activities as part of the A Summer of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) initiative from June 2 through August 1.
These programs were open to 4th through 9th grade students in Southeastern Indiana and impacted 1,031 students.
Students attending A Summer of STREAM programming were exposed to the various fields of science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math through experiential, hands-on learning opportunities, while building upon crucial soft skills such as collaboration, communication, self-confidence, critical thinking, and perseverance.
Programs offered through A Summer of STREAM included:
● Kids Building Bikes Camp: Two sessions of Kids Building Bikes Camp were held in partnership with Nine13sports. Hosted at the Versailles State Park (Versailles) and the Whitewater Canal Trail (Metamora), students were taught the history of bicycles, in-depth mechanics, proper biking terminology, and road safety. Through the instruction of the Nine13sports team, students were given a distinctive learning experience where they were able to construct their own bicycle from the frame up. This camp served a total of 12 students.
● Photography in Nature Camp: In partnership with Carson Hughes Photography, Photography in Nature Camp immersed 14 students in the innate beauty of Southeast Indiana. Led by professional photographers from the region, students learned the techniques utilized by photographers to capture breathtaking shots in the Versailles State Park and Capability Farms. Furthermore, students engaged with the Adobe editing software, where they were taught simple photo editing skills and the outcome of different editing styles. The students then chose their favorite picture to display at the Art Show held at the Versailles Town Hall.
● Milan CARES Central: Jedi Knight Camp: Working with Milan CARES Central at Milan Elementary School, Genesis: Pathways to Success hosted Jedi Knight Camp. This camp immersed students in soft skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity through Star Wars-themed activities. Students worked with LEGOs, competed in a physical activity in which students used teamwork and critical thinking to capture the opposing team’s Star War’s Wars-themed plush, and designed their own lightsaber. This camp served the 82 students involved in Milan CARES Central.
● Game ON: Esports Camp: Held at Milan Middle School, Game ON: Esports Camp provided 19 students the opportunity to learn the value of teamwork through the video game Fortnite. Students were paired into four teams to undergo exercises in which they developed strategies as well as their collaboration skills to win tournaments and understand the importance of effective communication. Furthermore, students were infused with healthy gaming habits such as learning the value of screen time and the importance of stretching and movement to counteract a sedentary activity.
● Brick Masters: LEGO Building Camp: Held at St. Louis Catholic School, students were given the opportunity to apply simple mechanics to LEGO building. Students participated in activities
based on three core concepts: architecture, storytelling, and simple machines. They applied this to recreate various historical eras: Ancient Greece/Rome, the Medieval Era, the Industrial Era, the
Modern Era, and the future. The activities encouraged them to think creatively; thus teaching them how to apply their imagination to the real world. This camp served a total of 19 students.
● Mosaic Mastery: Art Camp: Held at Batesville High School, 6 students spent three days immersed in the art of mosaics. Students learned the history of mosaics and the process of creating a mosaic. Each student strategically personalized their mosaic by using glass of varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Students had the opportunity to showcase their artwork at the Art Show, held at the Versailles Town Hall.
● The Science Behind Cooking Camp: Hosted at South Ripley High School, 29 students were given a cultural tour of the U.S.A. through cuisine. Students made dishes like fried green tomatoes from the South, Philly cheesesteak from the Northeast, and churros from the West. This camp allows students to experience new cultures within their country, while also understanding the science that lies at the root of these dishes. Students learned how and why certain foods react when adding heat or the mixture of two ingredients, along with the importance of nutrition.
● Skateboarding Camp: Hosted in partnership with Blacklist Boardshop at the Lawrenceburg Skatepark, 10 students learned the art and sport of skateboarding. They assembled and rode their own skateboard. Students also took a crash course on safety gear and how to ride safely.
● Drone and Aviation Camp: Held at South Ripley High School, 21 students took on pilot training to understand the basics of aviation and drones. Students experimented with Basa Wood Gliders, bottle rockets, paper airplanes, and mini drones. Students learned the four forces of flight: thrust, drag, weight, and lift. Furthermore, students learned how to manipulate these forces to produce a smoother flight. Xperience Ag presented agricultural drones to students, providing them with a different aspect of aviation and exposing them to career options where drones are applicable.
● Jedi Knight Academy: Gathering at Oldenburg Academy, 29 students immersed themselves in a camp themed around the Star Wars franchise. Students were sorted into four alliances and competed in various activities that honed different skills. Students learned engineering and robotics through droid sphero races and the Kessel Run. In the Kessel Run, a team-oriented activity where alliances built their own spacecraft to compete in relay races. Students also expressed their creativity by creating their own faux lightsabers. Furthermore, they worked through a series of challenges. These challenges were based on learning to code and logical puzzles designed to challenge their critical thinking skills.
● Camp Hogwarts: Camp Hogwarts is a camp where traditional STREAM lessons are taught with a Harry Potter twist. 54 students gathered at Oldenburg Academy to bond over their shared love
of the fictional franchise. To help immerse the students in the fictional universe, they attended classes where they learned botany through herbology, linguistics through ancient runes, and art through transfiguration. Furthermore, students practiced strategic thinking and communication through a physical sport, Quidditch, and strengthened their critical thinking and teamwork through a series of all-house challenges.
● DIY Woodworking Camp: Two sessions of DIY (Do It Yourself) Woodworking Camp were held at Iron Timbers in Osgood. Students were given the option of constructing a charcuterie board or a cutting board, in addition to a sign engraved with a phrase chosen by the student. They were taught how to safely operate sanders and table saws, learned the importance of accurate measurements, and the importance of wood oil and epoxy. This camp served 20 students.
● Camp Scrubs in Stethoscopes: In partnership with Margaret Mary Health, Genesis hosted Camp Scrubs and Stethoscopes for its second year. 16 students gained practical experience in a variety of healthcare fields by learning CPR, infant care, physical therapy, and radiology. Furthermore, students learned about emergency procedures in hospitals, patient safety, and proper sanitation.
● Mobile Aquatic Exhibits: The WAVE Foundation brought the wonders of the ocean to Southeastern Indiana with seven Mobile Aquatic Exhibit sessions, impacting 555 individuals. Sessions included Tide Pool Creatures, held at the Aurora City Park and Osgood Town Hall; Penguin Palooza, held at Bridge of Hope Worship Center (Milan) and Lawrenceburg Community Center; Stingray Hideaway, held at Versailles Town Hall and Franklin County 4-H Expo Hall; and Science of Sharks, held at Milan Middle School. Attendees learned each animal’s survival methods, the habitat in which they live, in addition to how we can contribute to animal conservation efforts.
● Sidewalk Science: Hosted in partnership with Sidewalk Science Center at Gabbard Riverfront Park in Aurora, 20 attendees were exposed to electricity through simple, fun science experiments.
Attendees experimented with the usage of circuit boards, tesla coils, and conductors, learning how electricity flows and how water is a strong conductor of electrical currents.
Along with developing classroom skills, A Summer of STREAM strives to enhance soft skills among students such as adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, perseverance, and problem solving.
“Genesis: Pathways to Success is dedicated to providing students with inspiring summer programs and activities that foster future growth and innovation,” said Jenna Kohrman, Genesis: Pathways to Success’ Educational Program Coordinator. “Our students across Southeastern Indiana are empowered through opportunities that spark creativity and unlock potential — all while creating meaningful friendships and developing critical life skills along the way.”
Genesis: Pathways to Success would like to thank all of our sponsors who made A Summer of STREAM possible: Baxter International Foundation, Brush & Palette Frame Shop, Carson Hughes Photography, Chozen Designs, East Indiana Area Health Education Center, Enbridge, Kay’s Kafe, Ripley County Community Foundation, Rolling Pin Catering, The Reservation Restaurant, Third Place Brookville, Tri Kappa Versailles Osgood Delta Rho Chapter, Versailles Lions Club, Versailles-Tyson Fund, and Weber Sports.
Genesis would like to thank all of the educators and volunteers who dedicated their time and talents. Their passion for sharing their knowledge and expertise continues to encourage education locally.
Through the contributions of our sponsors, educators, and volunteers, A Summer of STREAM programming was a memorable and lasting experience.
If you would like to learn additional information about A Summer of STREAM, please visit www.genesisp2s.org. If you have questions regarding A Summer of STREAM, please contact the Genesis: Pathways to Success Office by emailing info@genesisp2s.org, calling (812) 933-1098, or visiting 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006.
(Genesis: Pathways to Success press release)
