These five Core Values are our guiding principles. They inform and guide the manner in which we strive to accomplish our mission.

Opportunity – Do all that we can to give every child an opportunity to be curious and excited about science, technology, engineering and math.

Respect – Seek, acknowledge, and celebrate the value in ourselves and others.

Inspiration – Offer a learning experience that inspires every child to learn more about STEM.

Aspiration – Encourage children to aspire to enter a STEM field.

Fun – Create an atmosphere of fun and family where kids can learn to work in teams, make discoveries, and be inspired by STEM initiatives.

CORE VALUES (ANCHOR BEHAVIORS FOR CAMP DIRECTORS, COUNSELORS, ASSISTANTS, OTHER STAFF, AND VOLUNTEERS)

Here are two quotes that inspire our approach to learning science:

“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.” Plato, ancient Greek philosopher

“People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.” Dale Carnegie

This is how we translate our core values:

Opportunity – Do all that we can to give every child an opportunity to be curious and excited about STEM.

  • Prepare thoroughly for every lesson.
  • Seek ways to engage each child in every activity.
  • Give each child equal opportunity for participation in conducting experiments and projects.
  • Recognize children for their efforts in a fair and consistent manner.

Respect – Seek, acknowledge, and celebrate the value in ourselves and others.

  • Be a model of integrity, honesty, and work ethic.
  • Seek and understand the needs, motivations, and preferences of each child.
  • Listen attentively and treat with esteem each child’s opinion and contribution.
  • Treat each child with empathy, dignity, and kindness.
  • Abide by all program rules and policies.

Inspiration – Offer a camping experience that inspires every camper to learn more about STEM.

  • Approach each activity with energy and enthusiasm.
  • Explain steps carefully and answer questions patiently.
  • Relate lessons and projects to children’s interests and positive experiences.
  • Leverage moments of discovery and illumination.

Aspiration – Offer a camping experience that causes campers to aspire to enter a STEM field.

  • Expose children to a world of possibilities through diverse science experiments and projects.
  • Engage children in conducting experiments and completing projects.
  • Help children understand why science is important.
  • Expose children to STEM careers.

Fun – Create an atmosphere of fun and family where kids can learn to work in teams, make discoveries, and be inspired about science.

  • Create and sustain an environment that promotes joy and laughter.
  • Strive to elicit the best in each child every day.
  • Promote teamwork.
  • Celebrate success!