BY STACI WILSON
For 14 area students summer break is full of S.T.E.A.M. – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – as Susquehanna County Interfaith’s first-ever day camp program for middle schoolers kicked off last week.
Interfaith’s Executive Director Cynthia Beeman said STEAM Camp participants were learning about various careers with presentation last week from Claverack, Susquehanna County Emergency Management, Williams Companies, Boom Video, the Susquehanna County Independent and NBT Bank. The students also worked with volunteers from DTE to help pack backpacks for the back-to-school program giveaway.
“We’re using the store and business as a classroom as a way to teach skills they will need in the future,” Beeman said. Those skills included lessons on customer service, marketing, budgeting and dressing for an interview.
The group is also getting some hands-on experience during the camp – from working with the electronics to building the sets for Interfaith’s new furniture area, and building floor displays for back-to-school offerings.
“The students feel like they are contributing to the business,” Beeman said, “They become part of the Interfaith community and feel like they are giving back.”
On Thursday morning, Nate Cain of Boom Video shared video production business tips with the students. Cain explained set-up, lighting, filming on a green-screen, and how to frame a shot.
While there, he filmed an impromptu Interfaith commercial with Beeman in front of the green screen.
Interfaith’s case manager and educational consultant Janice Benedict worked to build the middle school program.
Benedict brought her 10 years of experience in special education instruction to Interfaith and, along with the STEAM Camp, also developed the Pathways program for the agency.
The participants – all 11 to 15 years old – expressed their favorite parts of the camp experience. Jeremy and Justin liked building and designing the massive wall of picture frames that will be used as a display; and Mary like the fashion.
“I enjoyed working with the clothes and showing people how nice they are and working with the displays,” Mary offered.
Customer service was Julia’s favorite. “I love the people at Interfaith and working with them,” she said.
Mason worked the marketing aspect, adding he liked to help sort the clothes and set up displays. “There’s great stuff for great prices,” he added.
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