SMHS STEM Camp offers unique experiences

By Danny Cuadrado

COLORADO SPRINGS. This summer, middle school students were treated to an exhilarating and educational experience at the annual St. Mary’s High School STEM Camp, spearheaded by our award-winning Project Lead The Way STEM teachers and community volunteers.

Designed to ignite a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, SMHS STEM Camp offered a variety of engaging activities and field trips that left participants inspired and eager to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. A highlight of the camp was the visit to Falcon AeroLab, where students got an up-close look at aerospace technology, soaring high above Colorado Springs and were given the opportunity to fly small planes with an instructor. At the Challenger Space Center, campers fostered teamwork and problem-solving skills while completing a simulated mission to Mars.

The out-of-this-world experience didn’t end there, as campers also got to visit the Space Foundation Discovery Center for more interstellar activities. The adventure continued with a trip to the United States Air Force Academy, where students explored the Davis Airfield control tower, glider hangar, and got to meet cadet pilots. Campers shared that one of their favorite parts of the visit to USAFA was flying virtual reality glider simulators over Colorado Springs. To shake things up a bit, campers went to Cave of the Winds for a unique opportunity to study geology and natural sciences in a breathtaking setting. After a guided tour of the caves, campers spent some time enjoying the high ropes course, climbing wall, zipline, and more.

Back at St. Mary’s, campers put their engineering skills to the test by designing and building their own rockets before heading to the Grace Center for Athletics to launch them and measure their altitude. This hands-on project not only reinforced their understanding of physics and aerodynamics but also encouraged creativity and innovation.

Other crowd favorites were indoor skydiving at iFly, where campers got to master their skills in the air and feel the rush of free-fall in a controlled setting.

To round out the action-packed week, St. Mary’s High School students organized a field day at the Grace Center for the campers, demonstrating the value physical activity brings to our lives and friendships.

Each year, St. Mary’s STEM Camp proves to be a memorable and transformative experience for young campers, sparking curiosity and a love for STEM subjects. If you are interested in having your middle schooler attend in 2025, reach out to the St. Mary’s High School Enrollment Office at (719) 635-7540.

(Danny Cuadrado is Director of Enrollment for St. Mary’s High School.)