EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- STEM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is all the rage. So much so that the Air Force’s Child and Youth Programs has created STEM Camp, one of which is sponsored by Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., this summer in order to teach children how to create technology.
The week-long program from June 27 to July 1 will be held at 4-H Camp Timpoochee, Niceville, Fla., will introduce youth entering 7th to 11th grades programs related to propulsion (airplanes, rockets, and engines), robotics, and water dynamics.
The program teaches the value of “Design Thinking” building confidence with technology through problem solving and hands-on learning.
Applications are due by May 24 for dependents of Active Duty military (assigned to working or living on an Air Force Led / Joint Installation), Air Force retired military, Air Force civilian employees, Air National Guard, or Air Force Reserve.
Youth commuting from the local area are asked to arrive at camp on June 26 prior to 5 p.m., while those traveling from the outside area by plane need to arrive at the airport by 3 p.m. Unaccompanied minors will be met by an Eglin Youth Programs representative at the airport.
For the week-long camp, youth will stay in climate controlled bunk houses which include showers and restrooms that will be monitored by Youth Programs staff. Attendees, however, will need to provide their own pillows, sheets, towels, and blankets.
Students should bring ID cards (and carried at all times), and toiletries, such as deodorant, shampoo, and sunscreen. Temperatures in Florida will be hot and humid in late June, so appropriate dress includes shorts and t-shirts, and participants should bring sufficient clothes for five-plus days of activities, to include a swimsuit.
Additional suggested items include a camera, sunglasses, athletic shoes, rain jacket, and Chap Stick.
Lodging and meal costs are centrally funded beginning with dinner on June 26. Spending money during travel and miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of the participant. It is recommended that at least $35 is brought. There will be off-site excursions to the Air Force Museum, Air Force Research Lab and Flight Simulator.
Airfare and other travel costs are the responsibility of the attendee. If possible, parents should pay baggage fees in advance for airline return trips.
Applications are due by May 24, and notifications of selection will be made by June 2.
There are six other STEM camps this summer at Joint Base Andrews, Md., San Antonio, Texas, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Each camp will have a different focus.
To learn more about this opportunity contact Tony Jadin (anton.jadin@us.af.mil) or John Lilly (john.lilly.5@us.af.mil) at 850-882-8212.