UCCI’s 7th Annual STEM Camp Introduces Lionfish Dissection and Energy Audit Workshops to Young Minds

UCCI welcomed back 26 aspiring young STEM experts aged 9 – 13 years old to its 7th annual STEM summer camp, which took place at the University’s Sir Vassel Johnson Hall.

Campers participated in a jam-packed schedule of activities including building and programming robots, engaging in activities such as chemistry experiments, vlogging, microscope use, environmental science, mathematics games, physics activities, engineering design and modeling, 3D design and printing, financial literacy, sustainability, physics through movement, food preparation, lionfish dissection and computer programming as well as a host of other activities.

UCCI is a key provider of STEM-related education in the Cayman Islands and recognizes the growing importance of STEM-related careers in the region and beyond. Mrs. Antoinette Gayle, Assistant Professor at UCCI, has been running the camp since it started in 2017 and has seen the hundreds of aspiring young STEM experts pass through the doors.

Mrs. Gayle commented, “Each year, we get huge interest from the Cayman community in our STEM camp, and every year, we are astounded by the enthusiasm of our young people in STEM subjects. STEM is a major employer in Cayman and worldwide, and by introducing young people to the wonderful world of STEM whilst still in primary and early high school, we are helping career opportunities open to them. We have had an amazing camp once again, and we want to send a huge thanks to all the organizations that made this possible once again in 2023.” 

The success of the camp was made possible through the generous support of several organizations. Enterprise Cayman, a Cayman Enterprise City Initiative, who have sponsored the camp since its inception and has been a consistent sponsor of the camp, generously covering a significant portion of the costs involved.

The Water Authority Cayman Islands provided reusable water bottles and flash drives for the students, while the Book Nook contributed prizes for the campers, adding to the camp’s excitement and motivation.

European Union (EU) sustainable development fund RESEMBID also provided scholarships to 11 students to attend the camp and funds a special sustainability session during which campers engaged in an Energy Audit Kids STEM camp activity. The workshop introduced energy efficiency and sustainability concepts, fostering environmental responsibility and awareness among the young attendees.  This was a resounding success, offering an interactive learning experience in energy efficiency and sustainability.

As the camp concluded, the students took home more than just new knowledge and skills. They received certificates of participation as well as a host of educational materials and memorabilia, including a robot, microscope, seed paper, periodic table, 3D printed keychain, solar project, slime, camp t-shirt, and various worksheets. These resources aim to encourage continued learning and exploration, nurturing a lasting passion for STEM subjects and environmental responsibility among the young participants.

Mrs. Gayle, concluded, “Thanks again for the efforts of our donors, who have once again made this transformative experience possible for aspiring young STEM experts in the Cayman Islands”.