For kids who want to continue learning over the summer, 4-H is offering a three-day Bazinga! STEM camp this summer.

“These camps are open to all youth, they do not need to be members of Lawrence County 4-H to attend,” said Rachael Fraley, the Ohio State University Extension educator and 4-H youth development educator for Lawrence County.

The camp is for boys and girls, in the fifth, sixth or seventh grade.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. But this camp won’t feel the least bit like school. Campers will select a STEM area to explore in-depth. Choices include aeronautics, robotics, environmental science, animal science, forensic science or engineering. Campers will enjoy many hands-on activities and learn about careers in the field. During the three-day, two-night camp, campers will experience special workshops focused on STEM and some traditional camp activities with a STEM twist.

“Camps will have theme-based programming along with traditional camp activities such as swimming, fishing, archery, hiking, crafts, canoeing, and more,” Fraley said. “All campers sleep in cabins with their peers and trained camp counselors, they also receive full use of the camp facilities, nutritious meals, recreation and instruction.”

Campers will take a field trip to Bellisio Foods in Jackson; this will provide a hands-on experience to discover the science behind creating food products for resale. In addition, this year’s camp will once again feature a visit from OSU’s Dr. Bob (a science guy) and other special programs.

The STEM Camp is at the Elizabeth L. Evans Outdoor Education Center/Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in Jackson. Registration is at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 4, and end with dismissal at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6.

The registration fee to participate is only $80 per camper.

Information on all of the camping opportunities, including registration materials, is available on the Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp website at 4hcanterscave.osu.ed or at the Extension Office located in the Lawrence County Courthouse. You may also call the Extension Office at 740-533-4322 for more information.

STEM Camp is open to all youth completing 5th- 7th grades this spring, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or disability.

4-H will be offering other camps this summer including a Cloverbud Overnight Camp
June 16-17, a beginner camp for 3rd- 5th grade students on June 7-10, a junior high camp June 11-14 and a teen camp June 22-25. Registration deadlines vary for the camps vary. This year marks the 150 birthday of A.B. Graham, the Ohioan who founded a youth group that would eventually become 4-H. In 1902, Graham formed “The Tomato Club” or “Corn Growing Club” in Clark County to teach young people new agriculture techniques.