This July, our Summer STEAM Camp ran at three locations: Roseland, Midway, and Avondale. Each site had its own camp, and campers spent the month learning lessons that go beyond the classroom. Here's a look at what they got into each week.
We kicked things off with Spoken Word, where campers explored collaboration and self-expression, learning the value of finding their voice while creating alongside others. Next up was our Lemonade Stand activity, where kids stepped into the role of entrepreneurs, practicing teamwork, communication, and customer service while learning the basic principles of supply and demand. To close out the week, our Midway campers took a field trip to a Power Home Remodeling job site for a firsthand look at the skilled trades, helping connect what they learn in camp to real career opportunities down the road.
Poor air quality kept us indoors for part of the week, and our campers made the most of it. Led by a local art specialist (aka Coach Leila Cleofe's mom!), our Avondale campers embraced their creative side during Art Week, building creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Campers also spent time on Nutrition, learning how healthy eating habits impact both physical performance and overall well-being, on and off the mat. Our Avondale campers capped the week with a field trip to Setna iO, where they toured the facility, learned about careers in the industry, and even trained in Setna iO's in-office Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu space.
Week three was all about hands-on experience. Our Avondale campers built robots and learned the basics of mechanical engineering, working together to solve problems and see mechanical concepts come to life. Our Midway campers visited a local farm, where they picked fresh fruits and vegetables, sampled fresh produce, and learned where healthy food comes from. And campers from all three STEAM Camp locations came together at 53rd Street Beach to build campfires, enjoy the outdoors, and strengthen teamwork through fun, hands-on activities.
We wrapped up the month with Tie-Dye, where campers designed their own shirts, using creativity and imagination to create something uniquely their own. Campers also tried Kayaking, stepping outside their comfort zones and building confidence through a brand-new outdoor experience. Our Roseland campers closed out the summer with a visit to Wintrust Bank Chicago, where they learned the importance of financial literacy, explored careers in banking, and had the opportunity to meet Wintrust Bank Chicago President Michael Harris.
A huge thank you to our campers, coaches, community partners, and volunteers for making this summer such a meaningful experience. We can't wait to do it all again next year!
5985 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
(312) 767-5673
info@btschicago.org
