How might we stimulate third and fourth graders’ passion and curiosity for STEM through an interactive camp created by high school mentors?
During the summer of 2020, One Stone students led and directed the third annual TINKER camp, an exciting three-day camp for third and fourth grade students in the Treasure Valley. The goal of this free program is to incite a love of science, math, technology, and engineering through mentorship with older high school guides. A total of 24 high school volunteers were paired with almost 40 eager young buddies and spent three full days engaging in all different aspects of STEM education.
This year’s TINKER camp was much different than the years prior. Due to COVID-19, the groups spent all day outside in both Ann Morrison and Kristen Armstrong Park, wearing masks and socially distancing in small groups. The camp was not able to go on any field trips as they had in the past. But rather than being stumped by this unusual challenge, the TINKER planning team embraced the opportunity. They wanted to refocus the camp to embrace and engage in the outdoors and get kids excited to learn more about the world around them. The buddies and their mentors took nature walks through Kathryn Albertson Park and the MK Nature Center, where they investigated the different levels of the food chain and the different ecosystems that exist right here in Idaho. They created pipe-cleaner creatures with special beads to see the effects of UV light. Campers made their own sundials and checked them periodically to discover how the sun can be used to tell time. The campers couldn’t wait to take home their very own mason jars, after filling them with dirt and finding plants and rocks to put inside their new self-sustaining terrariums. Cities of cardboard forts were erected, toothbrush robots were raced, and duct tape boats were put to the test. At the end of each day, the guides came together to laugh about funny moments, brag about how much their buddies had learned, and to reflect on the special connections that they had made with the campers.
The end of the last day of camp was filled with happy jitters. The campers buzzed with excitement as they told their parents all about their fun experiments and all the things they had discovered. The kids couldn’t wait to go home and explore their own backyard knowing, because of TINKER camp, that STEM is all around them!
Outcomes:
100% of parents who filled out our survey strongly agreed that they would sign up their child for future One Stone programming.
Reflections from parents:
“She used to think about science as being dangerous chemicals. Now she thinks- ‘Science? That's easy!’ because it's all possible for kids to do! STEM seems easier and more fun.”
“The whole [COVID] situation is stressful but One Stone did everything possible to make the experience as safe as possible. The risk was worth the reward. We are so thankful for this opportunity for our daughter! It is a life changing experience for sure.”
“He comes home so excited to talk about all the things he's done and learned.”
“My daughter did a writing camp with you guys about 4 or 5 years ago. You were amazing then and still are! She still talks about it sometimes and misses the staff that worked with her. THANK YOU for providing this service to my kids. Can’t believe it's free. Thank you!!!”
Reflections from guides:
“Tinker camp was an amazing experience for both the guides and campers! Every activity taught STEM in an engaging way, leaving smiles on everyone’s faces.” -Alex
“Tinker camp was a blast of fun done with well executed safety guidelines. It truly was an engaging, informative, fun experience for both campers and guides and personally, I learned new things about STEM that inspired me.” -Vishali
“I think my relationship with both my buddies was the most impactful part of my Tinker camp experience. In addition, the joy of learning with them and seeing their excitement was also very impactful.” -Marilyn
“Throughout the camp the buddies showed me that age doesn’t limit their intelligence.” -Thatcher
