During the summer, Humber Polytechnic College hosts a STEAM summer camp within the Barrett’s CTI building. Humber’s Barrett CTI STEAM Summer Camp gives children the chance to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math with hands-on activities for kids ages 8-14. Each day, campers take part in STEAM related activities like robotics, 3D printing, game design, and creative group challenges.
Throughout the program, the kids grow skills such as problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and leadership. Some specific activities include: building towers, programming robots, building bridges, building statues, and coding lessons. The Focus On Youth staff counsellors have described the camp as “insightful, enjoyable, intellectual, and interesting”. The camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with drop-off starting at 8:30 a.m., and every week ends with the treat of Pizza Friday.
There are two different programs categorized by age. STEAM Pioneers: ages 8-10 years old, and STEAM Innovators: ages 11-14 years old. In the STEAM Pioneers program, younger campers get to play with robots, learn basic coding, create games, and try out 3D printing. The STEAM Innovators program is designed for older campers which includes activities like building robots, exploring mechatronics, and learning more advanced technology techniques. Both programs offer three separate week-long sessions, with a variety of activities that match their age groups and skill levels.
Upon visiting, we were warmly welcomed by the friendly staff and energetic kids. Many of the children were busy working on their coding projects or controlling robotic platforms. The kids then played a few indoor games while the counsellors got everything ready for the awards ceremony, which would celebrate the accomplishments of the kids for that week and honour special campers.
Focus On Youth opens doors for many students with external collaborations like Humber Polytechnic. “FOY’s experience itself is something I’m really grateful for. I’m just so glad to be given the opportunity to be working in this STEM program specifically, because it’s not just about working with kids, it’s also the experience you can take away from it.” -Jaila Douse, a FOY hire placed at this STEAM camp. Humber’s Barrett CTI STEAM Summer Camp is run by a team of caring staff and student hires, including those of the Focus On Youth program. Together, they help create a positive and welcoming environment where kids can not only have hands-on fun this summer, but also nourish their brains with educational knowledge.
FOY STAFF
VIDEO RECAP
SUMMARY
Organization:
Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation
Location:
205 Humber College Blvd, Toronto, ON M9W 5L7
Humber Polytechnic North Campus / Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation
Ages:
8 to 14 years old
Contact Information:
Tel No.: 416-675-6622 ext. 75766
Email: askbarrettcti@humber.ca
Website:
https://humber.ca/barrett-centre-for-technology-innovation/training/steam-summer-camp.html