STEAM Camp Empowers Future Innovators in Southeastern Indiana

Key highlights of the camp included: Water-Powered Rockets, 3D Printing, and Creating Logos.

Photo provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) - Kids Discovery Factory’s annual STEAM Camp, sponsored by Hillenbrand, Inc., concluded with great success, hosting over 170 Kindergarten through 6th grade campers from all over Southeastern Indiana for four days of immersive and interactive learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). The STEAM Camp was hosted at Batesville Intermediate school from July 8-11. This year's attendance was the largest group to date, beating last year's total of 150 students.

Camp capacity and success was made possible thanks to more than 15 adult teachers and volunteers and over 12 student volunteers. Student volunteers consisted of Middle School and High School students from Batesville Middle School, Batesville High School, St. Louis Catholic School, St. Nicholas Catholic School, East Central Middle School, and Jac-Cen-Del Jr./Sr. High.

This year's camp was a dynamic blend of innovative activities designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for STEAM among young learners. Key highlights of the camp included: Water-Powered Rockets, 3D Printing, Creating Logos, and a collaborative break out activity where campers designed and constructed their dream town- fostering teamwork and innovative thinking. Thanks to a generous grant from Duke Energy, campers created solar powered bugs, introducing concepts of renewable energy and solar cells, and learned how to build electrical circuits. Each camper also visited the Mobile Factory- a traveling museum that has impacted over 40,000 Pre-K through 8th grade students across Indiana and Ohio.

"STEAM Camp 2024 has been an incredible journey of exploration and discovery for our campers," said Vanessa Beetz, Camp Director. "Seeing their enthusiasm and creativity in action is truly inspiring. Our goal is to provide a platform where young minds can experiment, learn, and grow, and this year's camp has certainly achieved that."

"Thanks to the support from our Title Sponsor, Hillenbrand Inc., and Annual Fund Donors, our dedicated team of regional teachers and student volunteers were able to offer a diverse array of activities that educated and inspired our campers," added Beetz. "We look forward to continuing this tradition and empowering the next generation of STEAM leaders."

For more information about STEAM Camp and future programs, visit www.kidsdiscoveryfactory.org. Kids Discovery Factory is committed to fostering a passion for STEAM in young learners through exciting hands-on programs. With a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, we aim to prepare students for future challenges and opportunities in STEAM fields.