Genesis: Pathways to Success wraps two hands-on summer camps that had local students assembling bicycles, hiking state parks, and learning professional photo editing.
Students explore the outdoors during Genesis: Pathways to Success’ Photography in Nature camp. — Photo courtesy Genesis: Pathways to Success
(Batesville, IN) — For one group of local kids this summer, a bicycle wasn’t something you just ride — it was something you built. For another group, a walk through the woods meant studying light, framing a shot, and honoring the memory of a young photographer who loved nature as much as they were learning to.
Genesis: Pathways to Success, the Batesville-based nonprofit, has wrapped two of its summer STREAM camps — Kids Building Bikes and Photography in Nature — and the results were on full display across Franklin County.
Campers assemble bicycles during the Kids Building Bikes program. — Photo courtesy Genesis: Pathways to Success
Wrenches, gears, and a whole lot of confidence
The Kids Building Bikes camp gave students the kind of experience that’s hard to forget: they put together an actual bicycle, piece by piece, and then rode it.
Throughout the week, campers installed wheels, pedals, brake systems, and water bottle holders while exploring concepts like torque, gear ratios, and mechanical engineering. The curriculum came through Nine13sports, a program that has introduced thousands of young people to bicycle-based STEM education and workforce development nationwide.
The camp wrapped with students taking their finished bikes for a spin around the Franklin County Schools campus and nearby neighborhoods — a moment that Genesis intern Josie Wolfe called the highlight of the week.
“It was exciting to watch the students grow more confident each day. By the end of the week, they weren’t just learning new skills — they were proud of what they had created.”
— Josie Wolfe, Summer Program and Engagement Intern, Genesis: Pathways to Success
Funding for the bike camp came through a partnership with the Baxter International Foundation.
Campers hike and photograph at Versailles State Park and Capability Farm during Photography in Nature Camp. — Photo courtesy Genesis: Pathways to Success
Through a lens, into nature
The Photography in Nature camp was equal parts adventure and art class. Students hiked Versailles State Park and visited Capability Farm — 250-plus acres of preserved natural landscape — where they shot wildlife and scenery with cameras on loan from Youth to Yellowstone.
Back indoors, they edited their work using Adobe Photoshop at the Southeastern Career Center, learning the digital skills that professional photographers use every day. Their finished prints were mounted as framed artwork, thanks to an in-kind donation from Brush and Pallet Frame Shop.
Students explore Capability Farm during Photography in Nature Camp. — Photo courtesy Genesis: Pathways to Success
Campers develop technical and artistic photography skills throughout the week-long program. — Photo courtesy Genesis: Pathways to Success
A legacy that lives on in the woods
One of the week’s most meaningful moments came through the Carson Hughes Foundation. Carson Hughes was a gifted young wildlife photographer with a deep love for the natural world. His mother, Mandy Hughes, spent time with the campers — sharing stories about Carson’s life, his passion for the outdoors, and what it means to truly slow down and appreciate what surrounds us.
It was the kind of moment that turned a summer camp into something more lasting.
Financial support for Photography in Nature Camp was provided by the Tyson Fund.
Participants celebrate at the conclusion of the Genesis summer camp program. — Photo courtesy Genesis: Pathways to Success
About Genesis: Pathways to Success
Genesis: Pathways to Success is a Batesville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on enriching the academic, emotional, and social well-being of individuals across Southeastern Indiana. Its programs span career development, youth education, and entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on STREAM learning — Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
For more information about Genesis or upcoming summer programming, visit genesisp2s.org, email info@genesisp2s.org, call 812-933-1098, or stop by 13 East George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006.
