HIGH POINT, N.C., June 27, 2022 – Local children had a blast at the Annual STEM Camp with High Point University students in the Stout School of Education June 21 to 25. This year’s theme is "Get Your STEM Career On!" The local children had a full week of science, technology, engineering and math.

More than 100 students ages kindergarten to sixth grade from the Point Prep and Leadership Academy created something new each day, leading up to the last day with an exciting rocket launch.

"I’m excited to build and launch our rockets for the last day of camp," said Genesis Edwards, an 11-year-old in the community. "STEM is something I’m interested in pursuing. I think it’s cool for kids to have the opportunity to try different things at STEM Camp instead of just sitting at home all summer."

HPU graduate students from the Stout School of Education designed the activities for the week, including lessons on robotics and engineering design. For HPU education students, leading and teaching students through STEM activities is part of the curriculum before graduating.

"This experience is only preparing me for the upcoming school year where I will be teaching fifth grade science," said Brandon Green, a graduate student in the Stout School of Education. "All year, our professors have prepared us to work with the students specifically during STEM Camp. Kids need to have the hands-on experience. They learn more from what they’ve experienced, and that’s what this week is all about. Making students real scientists."

During the first day of camp, the children helped launch more than 100 finger flyers in the gym to kick off camp. The Finger Flyer Educational STEM Kits are a product that HPU student Erin Morrow created. Morrow won first place for her company at the 11th annual Business Plan Competition in 2021. Each drone STEM kit provides a step-by-step assembly guide, explains the flight principles and underlying physics, and describes the drone technology that makes it all possible.

"The ideals of STEM education are so important to instill in children," said Morrow, a junior at HPU. "Finger Flyer allows children of any age to experience and explore the power of science, technology, engineering and math in a small, easy-to-use drone partnered with our lab activities. It is my hope that Finger Flyer serves as a springboard for students to build on their own creativity and passions."

"Kids today, more than ever, need to understand how to problem solve because of the ever-changing world into which they were born," said Dr. Shirley Disseler, associate professor in HPU’s Stout School of Education and STEM Camp coordinator. "Being exposed to various career paths in STEM at an early age will provide a mindset for learners as they mature and learn."

HPU’s Annual STEM camp has been happening for nine years now. All the children at the school were sponsored by the Congdon Family Foundation.