Fostering Curiosity: Exciting Adventures in the First Week of STEAM Camp
The Montgomery County STEAM Camp and the Virginia STEAM Camp have worked hard this past week!
Co-directing the Montgomery County (MC) STEAM Camp this year are David Liu, a rising 12th grader at Episcopal High School, and Richard Zhu, a rising 12th grader at Richard Montgomery High School. Meanwhile, directing the Virginia (VA) STEAM Camp this year is Elizabeth Li, a rising 12th grader at Oakton High School.
For the first week of the program, David Liu, Richard Zhu and the MC STEAM team worked tirelessly to prepare exciting activities, and they were rewarded when they saw kids smiling as they collaborated and competed with their straw bridge designs. David Liu and Richard Zhu also led their first-ever fundraiser, earning $45 and introducing the program to many families. Despite having only one session, the Montgomery County mentors already formed strong bonds and are excited about the journey ahead.
The VA STEAM Camp kicked off its STEAM Camp at the Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church with kids eager to participate in a spaghetti and marshmallow tower building competition. VA Steam Camp Director Elizabeth Li has been part of the STEAM Camp team since freshman year, making sure the kids are engaged while learning the secrets and foundations that guide daily life. BranchOut! mentors have reached out door-to-door and distributed flyers in bustling shopping centers attracting curious students.
David, Elizabeth, and Richard have been serving BranchOut! since ninth grade, fueled by their passion for teaching important STEAM concepts and engaging with kids, fostering creativity, curiosity, and teamwork. The STEAM camps have been a wonderful opportunity for all members of the BranchOut! team to interact with new people and learn unique ways to teach. The compelling nature of the camps, with new lessons, projects, and inquisitive students each week, keeps the program exciting for mentors and students. With the money they have raised so far, the STEAM Camps have prepared various activities for weeks to come and rewards for mini competitions. The camps have a variety of activities lined up to challenge and inspire the kids. Here’s a sneak peak:
Popsicle Bridges
Paper Airplane Contest
Straw Bridge Contest
Egg Drop
Infinity Paper Loops
The two teams are committed to making this year’s program a memorable and educational experience for all. With their hard work and exciting activities planned, this summer promises to be an inspiring journey into the world of STEAM.
“Our first Virginia STEAM Camp session surpassed everyone’s expectations! We had tons of fun making spaghetti and marshmallow towers with the kids who came. They really enjoyed the activity and plan to return. After the meeting, we were able to find more families who were interested in coming to later sessions. I’m excited to see what the future weeks bring!”
-Sarah Li, McLean High School, VA STEAM Camp