Community partnership brings STEM to MacDill youth center

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rito Smith
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

The MacDill Youth Center partnered with the Society of American Military Engineers to bring a week-long Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) camp to military children June 4-8 at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

“STEM is an educational powerhouse,” said Chris Hug, director of youth programs. “When applied properly it can give children the tools to become thinkers and problem solvers.”

Children learned how to build drones, they researched safety and Federal Aviation Administration guidelines for flying them.

“We want to create safe operators first and foremost,” said Vernie L. Reichling, a liaison officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We really focused on teaching them safety before we taught them the other stuff.”

The camp had several events to include a field trip to the Port of Tampa to see a drone demonstration and learn about the drones from an engineering perspective.

“We want to get kids involved in STEM at an early age,” said Reichling. “Then we build on that with the goal that they continue on into one of these career fields.”

During another demonstration, the campers learned about a water-borne drone that has the capability to map out what is in the water beneath it.

After focusing on safety, drone flying protocols and their capabilities, the children were able to hone their flying skills with a computer-based drone simulator.

On the last day of the camp everything the campers learned culminated with a drone obstacle challenge.

“It’s important that these kids have a good time and enjoy themselves while they learn the basics and become safe operators,” said Reichling.  

At the end of the camp each camper received their very own drone.

“One of these kids could be the next Einstein when it comes to drone flying, maybe in space,” said Reichling. “That is what we are here to promote.”