Julia ‘28 is filling the gap left by the cancellation of the Monadnock region’s usual summer STEM program by running a robotics camp to promote creativity, collaboration, and confidence, inspiring young minds to be problem-solvers and community leaders.
This summer, I noticed something missing in my community. The usual STEM summer camp in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire was canceled because of staffing shortages. I used to attend those camps every summer, and I remember how much I looked forward to them and how they gave me a chance to build things, explore ideas, and meet new friends. I noticed how meaningful those experiences were to me growing up, and I wondered how it might feel for younger students to miss out on that opportunity.
This was the idea that Camp MINDstormers started, a hands-on robotics camp I created to give other kids the chance to learn, create, and have fun, just like I did. I designed posters and linked them to a Google Form, then posted them at bus stops, the local YMCA, the town rec center, and school bulletin boards. I honestly didn’t think many people would sign up, but I noticed how quickly words spread. Before I knew it, the 16 available spots had filled, and I had to raise the cap to 20. Even then, people continued to reach out, and I had to start a waitlist. That moment reminded me that there is real demand for learning opportunities in underserved communities and that kids are eager to engage when given the chance.
As I planned the camp, I began to notice how much work goes into things I had previously taken for granted: organizing materials, confirming T-shirt sizes, communicating with parents, and securing facilities. I remember attending camps without ever thinking about who arranged the classrooms or whether there would be enough laptops. Now, I was the one who reserved lab space, requested more laptops when there weren’t enough, and spent hours sorting donated LEGO Mindstorms kits. It reminds me of the unseen work that teachers, organizers, and mentors do behind the scenes and gives me a whole new appreciation for them.
Throughout this summer, I have learned to connect with people and feel more like a leader. I reached out to students at the local high school and college to volunteer, and I cleaned out the cluttered computer lab that had been used as a storage room. I am very excited for Camp MINDstormers to finally get going and guide the kids in building robots, solving problems, and working together.
