Students from the Issaquah and Bellevue school districts, in collaboration with Bellevue College’s Running Start Student Association and several other clubs, are organizing a free camp for elementary-aged students this summer. The camp aims to promote high-quality early education for elementary students in the community, with priority given to underserved students who might not be able to afford a fee-based camp.
The free STEAM and Social Learning Camp takes a holistic approach toward learning with hands-on projects related to science, engineering, arts and social emotional concepts. Academic tutoring is also provided for campers. During projects and experiments, community volunteers will support students through their inquiries, provide opportunities for choice, and guide them to report their findings.
This program is built around community members helping community members. We hope to provide opportunities for students and volunteers alike to make new friends, learn new things and spend time outside of the house.
We plan to spark STEAM interest in students through fun science projects and experiments such as chemical reactions, space explorations, engineering challenges and more. The camp will explore feelings and emotions through social emotional learning, and also learn how to work with fellow group members and partners.
This summer camp is 100% run by volunteers, with 4-5 high school students as volunteer teachers and 1-2 adult supervisors every day. Volunteers help younger students, while at the same time learning leadership skills like organization, curriculum development, teamwork and project management.
This camp will run from June 26 to July 7 in the Issaquah/Bellevue area. High school volunteers are encouraged to join the team for a meaningful community service project where you will gain valuable experiences, develop skills, build friendships and connect to the community!
For more information about volunteering, please contact admin@youngedu.org.
Camp Schedule:
- Week #1: Monday, June 26 – Friday, June 30, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Week #2: Monday, July 3 – Friday, July 7, 9:30am – 1:30pm
Daily Schedule:
- Read & Discussion (9:30-10 a.m.)
- Hands-on Experiment/Project (10-11:30 a.m.)
- Lunch (11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)
- Recess/Outdoor Play (12-1 p.m.)
- Academic Tutoring (1-1:30 p.m.)
Lily Geiger is a Kirk Park resident.
