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PIC Creates STEAM This Summer

The two-day science-themed camp in Glenwood reaches our community’s youth.
On July 16 and 18, Partnerships in Community teamed up with Creative Discovery Museum to lead a two-day science-themed camp at Glenwood Youth & Family Development Community Center as part of PIC’s involvement in the center’s summer program.

Two full mornings of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) activities provided by CDM and facilitated by GPS students and teachers kept nearly 60 energetic children at the center engaged.

Adapted from the curriculum for one of CDM’s community engagement programs, STEAM Family Night, the camp sessions included nearly 10 educational activity stations, each one representing a varying component of STEAM. One of Glenwood YFD Center’s classrooms hosted stations for design, force, and gravity practices while the gym was transformed into the Engineering Hub with opportunities for bridge, ramp, and house construction.

The house-building station was deemed one of the most popular stations in the gym. With insulation foam boards, golf tees, and hammers as building supplies, participants constructed nearly life-size structures—some complete with walls, roofs, and even doorways. “It’s so simple, but they love it,” said an on-site CDM staff member. “And it’s neat to see what they create and imagine. We provide them with very little instruction or guidance, yet they just take off with it.”

“The STEAM days and the partnership with Creative Discovery Museum in serving Glenwood was a success,” said Trish King, PIC faculty sponsor and GPS history teacher. “And the camp revealed a further potential in the CDM partnership that we may utilize in the future.”

GPS science teacher Keith Sanders joined King in assisting with supervision for the STEAM Camp. Sanders also led an interactive lesson on how to make ice cream using ice, milk, sugar, salt, a couple bags, and a little shaking.

Besides the two days of STEAM Camp, PIC coordinated and led 10 additional mornings of general activities for Glenwood YFD’s summer program throughout June and July. These summer days included building with Legos, painting, sports, coloring, reading, cupcake decorating, crafting, and simply spending time with the children at the community center.

Among the GPS students who volunteered during the summer were juniors Shreena Patel and Ellie Paty. Both girls also participate in the PIC/Glenwood partnership throughout the school year. “I like being here during the summer because it’s another way to get to know the kids better,” Patel said.

Patel initially became involved with PIC’S Glenwood partnership upon Paty’s recommendation; Paty first signed up at the encouragement of her friend and current PIC President Olivia Fannon.

“Olivia suggested I should because she knew I would enjoy it, and she was right,” Paty said. “I wish more students knew about it because it’s so much fun!”

Initially implemented last year, PIC’s summer partnership with Glenwood YFD Center is the brainchild of Fannon. “Just because the school year is over doesn’t mean the children no longer need us there,” she said. “I think how the summer camp turned out speaks to the power of simply giving your time to someone.”

This Friday during the Partners in Community Fair, GPS students for the 2018-19 school year will have the opportunity to sign up for volunteer opportunities with Glenwood YFD Center and other service opportunities through PIC.
 
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