Lightsabers and Learning: SEI Students Take on Jedi Knight Academy

The camp took place over three days at Oldenburg Academy.

Photo provided.

(Oldenburg, Ind.) - Genesis: Pathways to Success continued A Summer of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) with Jedi Knight Academy hosted at Oldenburg Academy. Over the course of three days, 29 Padawans (students) across Southeastern Indiana came together to enter the world of Star Wars and become Jedi Masters.

To kick off a week full of fun, new students entered the Ice Caves of Ilium to retrieve their kyber crystals, the power source for lightsabers. In Star Wars, these crystals give the lightsabers their unique color, which were also used to sort students into their alliances—purple crystals were the Warriors, blue crystals were the Guardians, yellow crystals were the Sentinels, and green crystals were the Consulars. The crystals were covered in a baking soda solution that was dissolved by pouring vinegar over them; thereby creating a unique and fun chemical reaction that revealed their crystals.

During day one, students built their very own lightsaber, learning about the unique traits of their alliance and the meaning of the lightsaber: protection of others. Following lightsaber construction, students worked in teams to build LEGO sets; thereby demonstrating teamwork and refining their engineering skills. Day one concluded with students learning the various lightsaber techniques employed by the Jedi. The students then participated in a challenge where they flexed their memorization skills by replicating the named techniques.

Day two continued with meditation, droid sphero races, and the kessel run. Meditation is key when becoming a Jedi Knight. It allows Jedis to keep calm and continue on with a zen state of mind. After being trained on day one, students put their skills to the test with droid sphero races. Each alliance competed against each other, seeing who could complete the course the quickest. To wrap up day two, students competed in the Kessel run. Working with their alliance, students used cardboard and craft supplies to create a spaceship on wheels. Students took turns driving and riding through the race course. The Kessel run submerged students into engineering and understanding how weight, balance, and position comes into play. “The Kessel run was the best part of camp, especially getting to build the ship. I also enjoyed receiving and decorating our lightsabers. I plan to come back next year!” said Sam Coy, a first year student.

On the final day of camp, students took a trip to the Mos Eisley Cantina, where they were rewarded with Star Wars themed treats! Students then flexed their Star Wars knowledge through trivia. Lastly, students observed a mock volcanic eruption at Mustafar Mayhem! During this activity, students learned about the Elephant’s Toothpaste experiment, where hydrogen peroxide and iodide are combined to create an exothermic reaction.

Furthermore, during the entire duration of Jedi Knight Academy, students played Smashball, a mix of basketball and soccer, prompting strategic thinking. Each position taught students the importance of communication and responsibility. Rotation of positions helped students learn how each position plays a part in the overall goal of smashball. Students also worked with droid spheros throughout camp and completed training that connected students to learning robotics. A Jedi’s main companion in Star Wars is a droid, therefore allowing these students to interact with robotics further envelops them in the Star Wars mystique. Students participated in training to prepare them for day two of droid sphero racing. The Warriors won the smashball tournament and Sentinels won the droid sphero race!

Jedi Knight Academy promotes learning STREAM concepts while placing students in their own galaxy of Star Wars. This camp also becomes a vessel of self-esteem and building self-confidence. “I think Jedi Knight Academy is really cool because it’s very immersive. They spend time completing hands-on activities. The campers use lots of logical thinking skills and express their creative side through decorating. Camp pushes them to interact with everyone too.” Morgan Gowert, volunteer.

Genesis: Pathways to Success would like to thank Oldenburg Academy for being gracious hosts and helping us bring Jedi Knight Academy to life. We would also like to thank our volunteers from schools across Southeast Indiana. Thank you for your endless dedication and passion for empowering our youth! Genesis looks forward to hosting Jedi Knight Academy again in the summer of 2026.

To learn more information about this summer camp or have questions, please visit www.genesisp2s.org, or contact the Genesis office by emailing info@genesisp2s.org, calling 812-933-1098, or visiting 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN 47006.