STEM-themed camp captivates kiddos in Aspinwall

A STEM-themed summer day camp offered more than robotics at Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall.

From racing crickets to chemical reactions, digital design to egg-drop parachutes, students enrolled in grades 1-5 from various schools spent more than five hours daily from July 10-14 exploring the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“I loved water day the best because I loved making the water slide out of the foil and I loved seeing how high I could throw the balloon before it popped,” said first-grader Hannah Steinberg.

Courtesy of CDTCA

Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall.

The dozens of campers were dived into two age groups—grades 1-2 and 3-5.

“The younger campers did many hands-on experiments where they explored nature, solar energy, rockets, animals, planets and the basic of programming,” said Katie Lovett, director of marketing and admissions.

The camp was facilitated by high school students, volunteers and teachers and sponsored by Central Catholic, Oakland Catholic, North Catholic and Our Lady of Sacred Heart high schools.

Courtesy of CDTCA

Carmel Scalamonga and fellow campers race crickets during summer STEM camp July 10-14 at Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy in Aspinwall.

CDTCA, at 205 Brilliant Ave., enrolls students of all faiths in grades preK-8.

The nonprofit school was founded in 1925 and enrolls about 200 students and is part of North Hills Regional Catholic Elementary Schools.

Lauren Shepherd of Hampton enrolled her 10-year old twins in the camp and described their experience as enriching and fulfilling.

“They’re already asking to go back,” Shepherd said. “Every day was filled with engaging and educational activities that encouraged the children’s thirst for knowledge in a fun atmosphere.”

Third grader Zoey Steinberg embraced her inner artist.

“I loved making the T-shirts and posters. It was great to add my own designs to both,” Zoey said. “I also loved using the robots. It was fun learning how to make them move.”

CDTCA student Margot Ifft, 9, enjoyed building a robot with her friend.

“It was fun being with my friends and being engineers at our school,” Margot said. “I got to build robots, screen-print T-shirts and laser-print water bottles.”