STEM Camp, the Saugeen Ojibway Nation and Bruce Power are pleased to announce the launch of two STEM Camp’s in the communities of Saugeen and Neyaashiinigmiing this upcoming summer. Through discussions and coordinating with the community Youth Leaders and Bruce Power's Indigenous Relations team, this initiative will be the first-ever STEM Camp to be carried out within First Nations.
The purpose of providing a STEM Camp to these communities is to provide inspirational and fun educational activities for Indigenous children aged 5 through 13 and to provide a mechanism to learn more about their history and culture through, or in conjunction with, STEM-based activities. This is a pilot project that, if successful, could be transferred to other First Nation communities.
Kevin Cougler, CEO and Founder, STEM Camp: “The STEM Camp’s in the communities of Nawash and Neyaashiinigmiing are a wonderful opportunity to merge the world of STEM and traditional Indigenous teachings together. We are extremely honoured to be asked to participate in this initiative and hope other First Nations communities will decide to participate in the future.”
“We are very excited to have our youth participate in this pilot project. We need more Indigenous engineers, doctors, and scientists in Canada. STEM Camps are a fantastic opportunity for our young people to get exposure to science and technology,” - Chief Lester Anoquot of Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation.
“We are pleased at the opportunity to bring STEM education initiatives to our community. Partnering with STEM Camp in this pilot project is something that we are proud to be a part of and we look forward to seeing the program incorporate our traditional beliefs and values. Thank you to Bruce Power for its sponsorship”. - Chief Greg Nadjiwon, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation
"Bruce Power is proud to support the promotion of STEM in our local communities. It is particularly special to be a part of this remarkable pilot project in Saugeen and Nawash First Nations." said Mike Rencheck, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Being a part of this effort aligns with our focus areas of STEM education, cultural growth and youth development and we are excited about this program."
About STEM Camp
STEM Camp is a Canadian registered not-for-profit organization with a mandate to offer quality STEM-based programming through educational activities. STEM Camp started in 2013 and specializes in summer camps designed to inspire children ages 5-13 through hands-on and inquiry-based activities in the STEM fields. In the summer of 2017 STEM Camp was expanded in Ontario to 46 locations resulting in 8500 campers enrolled. In 2018 STEM Camp has committed to 77 locations including 15 francophone and/or bilingual and to the exploration of pilot projects within indigenous communities.
Author’s note: STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Contact Info:
Larissa Mendonca, Public Relations and Marketing
STEM Camp
t: 519-475-6600 x11
w: stemcamp.ca
f: facebook.com/SummerSTEMCamp
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