Summer Learning in Action: Grace Place Launches STEM-Enriched Camp

Grace Place middle and high school students kicked off summer camp with energy, enthusiasm, and a full slate of enrichment opportunities designed to empower and inspire. Far more than just a break from school, this camp is a continuation of Grace Place’s year-round commitment to whole-child development—providing opportunities for academic support, social-emotional growth, and life skill building.

From the very first day, students dove into activities that fused fun with purpose. Team-building challenges not only encouraged collaboration and communication but also laid the foundation for strong peer connections that will carry through the summer. Swim lessons promoted safety, confidence, and physical wellness—equipping students with vital life skills in an environment of support and encouragement.

But what really set the day apart was the launch of our interactive STEM activities, igniting creativity and critical thinking in a way only hands-on learning can. Students took on:

  • The Putt-Putt Engineering Challenge
    Using plenty of imagination, students designed and constructed their own mini-golf courses. This challenge incorporated basic principles of engineering, angles, and problem-solving while adding a competitive twist to learning.

  • Drone Design & Flight Simulation
    Campers were introduced to the physics of flight, coding basics, and drone safety before testing out beginner drone models. The excitement was tangible as students explored how drones are used in real-world industries—sparking conversations about future careers in technology.

  • The Barbie Bungee Drop
    A crowd favorite, this project combined math, physics, and a whole lot of laughter. Using rubber bands and careful measurements, students calculated how to safely drop Barbie dolls from a height without hitting the ground—learning about gravity, force, and elasticity in an engaging (and hilarious) way.

These interactive experiences do more than fill summer days—they foster curiosity, reinforce academic concepts, and help students discover how science, math, and innovation show up in everyday life.

At Grace Place, summer camp is more than a program—it’s a pathway to possibility. By creating a space where learning remains active and joyful, we help students stay connected to their goals and to each other, even outside the school year.