Four of our COMPASS/SONYC Summer Camp programs partnered with Girl Scouts of Greater New York this summer to teach well over 100 girls from kindergarten through eighth grade about the importance of STEM and how these skills can lead to a plethora of career opportunities.
Our year-long After School/Summer Camp programs at P.S. 21, P.S. 55, P.S. 169 and P.S./I.S. 178 participated in four one-hour sessions, centered around hands-on activities designed to spark interest in STEM concepts and careers through the arts, focused on engineering in combination with complimentary artistic activities and concepts. Girls collaborated to build structures each session depending on what they learned about, and also used everyday items for programs and coding.
Concepts included: Dance Coding where we learned basic coding to become computer programmers, Designing Robots where we learned basic programming to become robotic programmers, Spaghetti Structures where we learned to explore shapes and materials to build structures to become architects, and Castle Security where we learned about real life security and security in technology to become technology security specialists. Each session was centered around a specific skill, profession, and leadership concept such as courage, character and how to make the world a better place.
On top of the vital lessons that our students learned, several of our staff members were also trained to lead future sessions at our programs, which is amazing as we will be continuing this program into the Fall and are hopeful to introduce it to several new programs as well. In addition to this special seasonal program, participants will also receive a free year of Girl Scout membership to facilitate continued participation with Girl Scouts of Greater New York events.
Special thanks to Education Coordinator Iris Shaw for facilitating this wonderful opportunity, to all of the staff who helped our participants get excited and learn these important skills, and to Girl Scouts of Greater New York for being a great community friend!
