WSU to Host YMCA’s STEM Summer Day Camp

OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University is partnering with YMCA of Northern Utah to offer a summer full of educational camps focused on science, technology, engineering and math.

STEM Summer Day Camp will offer youth ages 5 to 15 the chance to gain hands-on experience in topics such as coding, chemistry, earth science, video production and rocketry. Participants will receive specialized instruction from experts in the field, many of whom are WSU faculty.

“The camps are a great way to support our families and promote the WSU campus as a community resource where all students are encouraged to learn,” said Jennifer Claesgens, WSU Center for Science and Math Education director. “The camps provide a way to prepare and inspire kids and plant the seed to come to WSU.”

For the first time, weeklong camps will be held at both WSU Davis in Layton and WSU’s main campus in Ogden. This expansion will allow the university to host more sessions and welcome more kids to its campuses.

“Extending to WSU Davis was a logical next step as we endeavor to meet the needs of our communities using Continuing Education opportunities to leverage learning for all,” said Adrienne Andrews, assistant vice president of diversity. “I have been delighted to help connect the right people together to provide high-quality STEM summer day camps.”

Camps will run from June through August. Each week of camp features a different STEM theme and includes activities tailored to the age groups. These camps are open to a broad segment of the community, and the YMCA encourages all families who are interested to register.

“At the YMCA, we are committed to ensuring all families have access to our programs, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Jill Wood, YMCA associate development director. “Through the support of donors, we are proud to be able to offer financial assistance and work with families to make sure that cost is not a barrier to participation. All youth receive the same program experience regardless of the price paid.”

Last year, the YMCA raised nearly $30,000 in financial assistance, which allowed participation from children who might not have otherwise been able to attend a camp. Nearly half of last year’s families received some sort of financial aid.

“We find really cool things happen when kids from different backgrounds come together to learn side by side,” Wood said. “Regardless of their personal situation, they're all welcome at the Y and are able to interact with and learn from each other.”

Last year’s camps at WSU served 145 youth, with an average of 35 kids attending each week. Registration for this year’s camp has already surpassed that number, and there’s still time and space for more youth to join.

“Weber State is the perfect partner for our STEM Summer Day Camps, since our missions around this work are well-aligned,” Wood said. “The same way that WSU seeks to be a pillar in the community, the Y seeks to provide an uplifting common space for all. Together, we're better equipped to create opportunities for youth in our community, no matter where they come from.”

Registration is open now. WSU Davis will host camps for youth ages 5 to 12, and WSU in Ogden will host ages 5 to 15. To view the camps offered or to sign up, visit ymcautah.org/summerdaycamp/webercounty.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Rachel Badali, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • rachelbadali@weber.edu

Contact:

Jennifer Claesgens, Center for Science and Math Education director
801-626-7772 • jenniferclaesgens@weber.edu

Anthony Lambert, Day Camps director
801-893-1206 • alambert@ymcasaltlake.org