A grant awarded by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area to the STEM Camp Foundation has opened doors for children who might not otherwise have the chance to discover a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
Thanks to this financial support, ten kids from families facing financial barriers were able to attend Camp STEAM Canada this summer, immersing themselves in educational experiences that spark curiosity and foster long-term skills.
Opening New Worlds for Young Minds
Leanne Ford, Executive Director of the STEM Camp Foundation, emphasized the heart of the initiative: “The STEM Camp Foundation exists to help send kids to camp and to give grants to teachers running STEAM programming in their classrooms,” she shared. “We’re so grateful to the Kingston and Area Community Foundation because we were able to send some kids to camp who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to go.”
For many families, the typical camp fee, $340 per child in Kingston this year, can be a barrier. The grant helps bridge that gap, allowing children from diverse backgrounds to attend. Ford highlighted the high demand for spots at educational camps: “There isn’t a lot out there for science camps or robotics that are reasonably priced and offer a variety of things… these camps really fill up quickly, especially in smaller towns.”
The Power of STEAM
Camp STEAM Canada stands apart by integrating the arts with core STEM programming, appealing to kids who might not otherwise see themselves in these fields. “That arts component allows us to reach more kids. They might not be excited about just science and technology, but when you add an artsy twist, it piques their interest,” Ford explained.
Campers engaged in hands-on experiences with robotics, coding, and creative problem solving, activities designed not only to inspire, but also to mitigate summer learning loss and foster a desire to pursue STEAM-related careers. “More and more of jobs are in these fields going forward, and we want to spark some desire for these kids to go into those STEAM fields,” Ford said.
Fostering Inclusion and Opportunity
By lowering the financial barrier, the grant directly supports inclusivity and educational enrichment. “As a national organization, we secure the funding that helps subsidize for kids who otherwise couldn’t afford to go,” Ford explained. “That means we can truly offer something different than your play-based sports camp.”
The Foundation’s support is setting local kids on paths to discover their interests, ignite ambitions, and imagine futures in STEAM fields, strengthening the community one camper at a time