Summer camp in North Bay piques interest in science, technology and math

A summer camp for future scientists A summer camp in North Bay aims to foster interest in the sciences, piquing interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

There are many summer camps out there for kids. But what about ones that expand the cranium?

A unique camp running out of Canadore College in North Bay this summer has been piquing young people’s interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

It’s called Camp STEAM Canada.

A lover of engineering and technology, eight-year-old camper Layton Cartwright is intrigued by the wonderful world of science.

“I like it. It’s pretty much what my job is going to be -- I’m going to be a nuclear engineer,” Layton said.

“So pretty much exactly what I’m going to be doing.”

Throughout the week, Layton and his fellow campers have transformed into young scientists and engineers. Their task this week was to use computers and build a food truck through the animation game Minecraft.

“I’ve got a little serving area. I’ve got a sink,” he said showing his food truck for the camera.

“This is the side where I walk into the food truck. This is going to fold up.”

The kids are challenged to use their imagination and creativity when tasked with a project or activity, just like any scientist would.

“They start spit-balling ideas and they come up with something. So, it’s about creating whatever you want and having fun,” said Christian Hynick, Camp STEAM Canada program coordinator.

Camp STEAM Canada has a different Lego or Minecraft theme each week that revolves around STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Campers use 3D printing and design, coding, or robots to solve problems and complete tasks throughout the week.

“As soon as you see them start working with the Ozobots or the Codey Rockies and the coding software that we have, they’re like ‘Oh I love that and really want to work with that more,’” Hynick said.

“It’s awesome to see.”

Nicknamed the ‘coding wiz’ by his counsellors, 11-year-old Sam Thibault created and coded a hamburger stack matching computer game in only an hour.

“Technology is cool. It’s used in everyday life,” Sam said.

“I really like this new golf game I made a couple of weeks ago.”

The long-term goal of the camp is to introduce kids to these areas of study and show them what kind of jobs they could go into when they grow up, if they’re interested in it.

Sam has aspirations of becoming an engineer when he gets older.

“We’re showing the kids how to build and think long-term and coming up with a plan and to design,” Hynick said.

Until then, it’s all about expanding their knowledge with what interests them with some fun along the way.

“I would say I’m a step ahead,” Layton said.

For more information on Camp STEAM Canada and its various locations, click here.