Genesis: Pathways to Success Brings Imagination to Life Through Summer Camps

Area students enjoyed Milan CARES Hogwarts and Brick Masters: LEGO Building Camp

Photo provided.

SOUTHEAST INDIANA - Genesis: Pathways to Success is proud to celebrate the successful conclusion of two engaging A Summer of STREAM camps: Milan CARES Hogwarts and Brick Masters: LEGO Building Camp. Through creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning, campers explored new interests while developing problem-solving, engineering, and teamwork skills.

Hosted at Milan Elementary School, Milan CARES Hogwarts Camp provided students with a week of imaginative, hands-on activities inspired by the world of Harry Potter. Campers were sorted into four teams that encouraged teamwork and friendly competition throughout the week. Students designed their own wands, visited Honeydukes for themed treats, participated in hands-on science experiments, and competed in an exciting game of Quidditch. A special highlight of the week was a performance by a professional magician, who amazed campers with interactive tricks and illusions.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to host this camp for our community," said Brenda Schwering of Milan CARES. "It's one of our kids' favorite weeks of the summer because it's a safe place where they can use their imaginations, learn new things, and spend meaningful time with their friends."

Genesis extends its sincere appreciation to Milan CARES Inc. for its continued commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for youth in the Milan community. Milan CARES Inc. works to provide enriching experiences that support the growth and development of at-risk students within the Milan Community School Corporation. Beyond improving math, reading, and writing skills, Milan CARES Inc. builds confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging through meaningful social-emotional learning experiences.

The Brick Masters: LEGO Building Camp challenged campers to think like engineers through a series of creative design projects. Using thousands of LEGO bricks, students built functional machines featuring levers, pulleys, slingshots, and other simple mechanisms while exploring engineering concepts and teamwork. Throughout the week, campers recreated iconic movie scenes, including a Star Wars scene where Luke Skywalker hangs from Cloud City after learning Darth Vader is his father, as well as a scene inspired by the classic film Jaws. Students also designed sturdy structures and completed engineering challenges that tested their creativity and critical-thinking skills.

The camp concluded with a special mission from the "Genesis Space Administration," where teams were tasked with building different components of a rocket. Campers worked together to create detailed rocket systems, including an engine, launch platform, support structures, and even a garden module. Their projects showcased not only creativity and imagination but also the engineering principles they had developed throughout the week. Each day's top performers earned a gold 3D-printed rocket piece, with students collecting additional pieces throughout the week as they completed new challenges.

"Brick Masters: LEGO Building Camp gave students the chance to think like engineers while using their imaginations," said Renee Lecher, Genesis Program Engagement Intern. "Seeing their confidence grow with each project was one of the most rewarding parts of the week."

Genesis is grateful to the Baxter International Foundation for its generous financial support of Brick Masters: LEGO Building Camp. We also extend our appreciation to camp leaders John Goewert, Morgan Goewert, and Steven Speelman for sharing their knowledge and passion for engineering while inspiring campers to think creatively and solve problems through hands-on learning.

Genesis: Pathways to Success is proud to provide engaging educational opportunities that inspire youth throughout Southeastern Indiana and thanks the many community partners, volunteers, and supporters who make A Summer of STREAM possible. Genesis: Pathways to Success still has exciting A Summer of STREAM camp opportunities available for students of all ages. Families interested in hands-on learning experiences are encouraged to explore upcoming camps and register while spots remain available.If you would like to learn more about Genesis: Pathways to Success or have questions regarding summer programming, please visit www.genesisp2s.org, email info@genesisp2s.org, call 812-933-1098, or visit 13 East George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006.