Imagine a sixth grader learning from a high school student and teaching an octogenarian. All things are possible at the Imaginarium Camp that was hosted at Lufkin High School this summer. The camp was designed for rising 6th grade students to be mentored by 11th and 12th grade students as they explore together STEM-based tasks and challenges. An extra twist to the camp was when residents from the Pine Crest Retirement community attended a hands-on STEM showcase created by the students.
“Teachers wanted to design a camp that provided innovative learning opportunities to a broad age group,” Erin Kay, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning. “High school students were able to work on professional skills and update their resume as part of their learning experience.”
The camp was made possible by GEAR UP and Lufkin High School, and the equipment used in the camp activities were provided by the Lufkin Education Foundation and GEAR UP.
“We are so appreciative of both the Education Foundation and GEAR UP for their continued support to our student growth and learning,” Kay said. “Special thanks to the following people for their dedication to this camp opportunity: LHS teachers – Lori Cummings, Bridget Streeb, Travis Garcia, Mason Lowery, Yaneli Vargas, and Julia Holcomb. LHS & GEAR UP leadership – Julie McManus, Dana Bickley, David Willis, and Dr. Monique Nunn. A very special thank you to Sherry Simmons, retired LHS teacher, for coordinating the special guests from Pine Crest Retirement Community to visit the student camp showcase.”
Both groups of students were selected by their teachers or campus leaders to participate in the unique experience.
No matter the age, Camp Imagninarium provided the perfect environment to learn from each other.
Roselyn Claros from Slack Elementary School is demonstrating her learning by playing a game similar to Operation – where you trace the copper pipe without touching it, called “Nerve Spine” to a guest from Pine Crest Retirement Community.
Beau Taylor (right) from Coston Elementary and Marcus Woods from Lufkin High School are modeling the Google Page Rank Algorithm using a random selection tool coded on the TI Nspire to a guest from Pine Crest Retirement Community.
Photos By: ANDY ADAMS/Lufkin ISD