The following recap of the “Everyday STEM Career Exploration Camp” hosted by Military Magnet Academy was provided by CTE Teacher TSgt. Carla Ferrette-Clark:

Military Magnet Academy Our Annual Everyday STEM Career Exploration Camp was a great success. We had a transformative week filled with hands-on STEM learning, career exploration, and student innovation! Here is a quick synopsis, along with a link to our photos.

Day 1: STEM Kickoff & Focused Beginnings

We launched the camp with STEM Buddy Introductions, where students formed new connections and learned the value of collaboration. Campers learned about the executive function skill of focus, helping them understand how attention and self-regulation impact STEM success. In the afternoon, we launched our Robot Build Challenge, and teams began brainstorming, building, and programming their robots, laying the groundwork for a week of innovation.

Day 2: Soap Science & Systems Thinking

Campers delved into a soap-making activity with herbs, exploring chemical properties, product design, and sensory appeal. This day also reinforced the executive function of Organization, which students applied during their ongoing robotics builds and coding tasks.

Day 3: Branding, Business & Bot Development

Campers participated in a dynamic session on branding, packaging, and product storytelling, receiving a crash course in entrepreneurship. The day’s executive functions were SMART Goals and Planning, reinforcing strategic thinking and future readiness. In the Robotics Zone, students continued to build and refine their robots.

Day 4: Gardening, Growth & Leadership

Campers were led in an exciting session on sustainability. They planted lavender in Buzzy Seeds Mini Grow Pots and learned the science behind plant growth. Our executive function focus was on Emotional Control and Self-Monitoring, emphasizing the patience and persistence that gardening and STEM activities require.

Day 5: Boeing, Solar Science & Robot Showcases

We concluded with an incredible presentation from Mr. Frank Hatten of Boeing, who emphasized the value of soft skills, regardless of whether one has a college degree. Campers took on a robotics challenge to design a robot that shuts down outside a safe zone, earning Boeing swag for their participation.
They also participated in an activity using solar-powered satellite dish cookers, culminating in a marshmallow-roasting session powered by the sun. Campers then demoed their robots for their families and were recognized with awards and gifts for all their hard work.

A special thank you to the following teachers and mentors who volunteered to lead a session: Mr. Shorters, Ms. Waddell, Ms. Spinner, Ms. Thompson, and Ms. Archie.

Thanks to everyone that supported this career camp initiative! It truly helps with recruiting students to participate in CTE courses as they matriculate, and in extracurricular STEM clubs as well!