Money granted by the Idaho Out-of-School Network made a big impact at Rigby Rockets Camp. An Idaho Out-of-School Network grant provided supplies for students to design and build several electric devices, including flashlights, mini robots, model airplanes, and telescopes.
With over 70 participants, the funds allowed use of a Think Make Create Labs trailer and provided enough supplies for every student to make and have their own items. Students were able to have the necessary supplies for every activity because of the funding, according to Jeremy Green, Program Director and Lead Teacher of Rigby Rockets Camp.
“Without the generous funding from ION, students would not have been able to individually participate in each activity,” said Green. “Students were able to have their own supplies which allowed them to individually go through the building and problem-solving process. When a student encountered a difficulty and then they exclaimed, ‘I got it to work!’ it is a clear sign that the learning was personal, and that wouldn’t have been possible without the materials for each student.”
Rigby Rockets Camp was started a few years ago to provide students of the community with an opportunity to explore science through the lens of astronomy and space exploration. The program has grown over the last few years to be able to offer programs to students in 1st– 9th grades.
Students spend a week doing hands-on activities in a variety of science topics that have real application in space research or space exploration, according to Green. “Rigby Rockets introduces students to new and interesting topics while at the same helping reduce the loss of learning experienced during summers and COVID,” he said.
As the program director and lead teacher, Green can help find, design, and develop activities for participants. “I am able to interact with and learn with the students,” he said. “The best part is being able to see the students’ excitement when they successfully complete the activities like building and using a working telescope, making a water purifier, coding a drone to explore a new maze, and building and launching their model rockets.”
Rigby Rockets Camp provides a unique learning experience for youth. “This program was initially offered because there weren’t any opportunities for students to explore STEM-related topics during the summer in our community,” said Green. “Since the first year the program has received extremely positive feedback and gratefulness that this program offers something other than typical summer activities.”
Something special about the program takes place on the final day of the program, when there is a community event that allows students to demonstrate what they have learned as well as launch their model rockets. “It is exciting to see the students running from their parents’ car with huge smiles and questions of what they will be doing that day,” said Green. “Also, when it comes time for them to go home, they are excited to show and tell their parents what they have learned and built.”
A few local businesses have been supportive of the program and offered both financial support and products to be used. The support of the local education foundation has provided some funding to help with stipends and scholarships. “The ION grant along with these other resources have allowed Rigby Rockets Camp to provide engaging and valuable experiences for participants at a cost that most residents in the community can afford,” said Green.
Looking forward, Rigby Rockets Camp would like to be able to offer this program to more students at a lower fee or even make it free so there are no financial boundaries for any student, said Green. As the program continues to grow it hopes to attract and retain teachers that are willing to be a part of the program so that student-to-teacher ratio can remain low.
Another resource provided by the Idaho Out-of-School Network is statewide training conferences. Green said that training at state and national conferences focused on running out of school and summer programs is a big desire of his program. “This would allow the teachers and leaders to be better prepared to meet the needs of students and offer them the best opportunities,” he said.
The Idaho Out-of-School Network helps Green prepare his staff and program so that Rigby Rockets Camp can help prepare youth for facing life’s challenges in constructive and creative ways. “The most valuable thing for students is that they experience a variety of scientific ideas in ways that help them be successful and gain confidence in topics that have historically seemed hard,” said Green. “As students find success, they are more likely to try new things and see challenges and setbacks as things that are to be expected but can and will be overcome.”
Green sees challenges and setbacks the same for his students as he does for running a youth program. “Even if it seems like you are doing something with little support in the beginning, your program will be successful as you strive to offer those things that will truly help students,” he said. “You will find those that share your ideals and vision of the program. It may seem difficult at times and even feel like it’s an impossible battle, but by reaching out to the community and other organizations you will find success and students will make some wonderful, long-lasting memories.”
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