Summertime, and the living’s easy! And in the case of a couple of groups of local girls, it’s also filled with STEM-rific learning. We’ve put one of our STEM camps in the books, and the second kicked off this week. Participants are getting treated to all sorts of hands-on STEM activities that are as enriching as they are fun (and in the case of the homemade popsicles, delicious!).

Groups are learning about robotics with Legos, getting out to hike some of our state parks, learning all about Girls Inc. and leadership and so much more. We want to extend a special thanks to our STEM program partners from the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Virent and Fetch Rewards. They’ve helped make this summer’s activities even more exciting.

We’re proud to say all activities are led by women in STEM, and our participants are not only offered knowledge and skill-building opportunities, but they’re also given real-life role models to work alongside as they explore new and exciting topics in STEM.

Take a peek at some of the highlights from the first session below.

A large group of Girls Inc. girls and camp counselors smile on a trail in Wisconsin.

Getting outside with friends from the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Three girls smile behind masks with a tower made out of balsam wood between them.

Learning about physics and engineering by building the tallest towers.

Three girls grin broadly while eating homemade berry popsicles.

Homemade popsicles helped youth learn about the science of cooking – and taste testing.

A group of girls cut berries as they prepare homemade berry popsicles.

This camp is hands-on, and youth did all the heavy lifting – and cutting – making their berry popsicles.

Two girls work with a circuit board together.

Youth put their analytical and problem-solving skills to use as they built circuits to power fans that were challenged to lift the most washers in a cup.