STEM Camp 2025: Building, Learning, and Leading—Together

This summer, our STEM Camp brought together future engineers, passionate teen mentors, and a global mission—all under one roof.

Over the course of one action-packed week, students participated in two camps—Pinball Engineering and Arduino—learning how to think like designers, collaborate like engineers, and solve problems like innovators.

In the Pinball Engineering Camp, students explored the mechanics of motion, friction, and design by constructing their own pinball games—complete with flippers, ramps, bumpers, and scoring systems. Every day was filled with trial and error, laughter, and that unforgettable “aha” moment when it all finally worked. Their resilience and creativity were inspiring.

Meanwhile, the Arduino Camp introduced students to the power of microcontrollers and programming. Campers learned to code lights, sensors, and motors to create interactive gadgets and experiments. For many, this was their first time writing code—and they embraced the challenge with impressive determination.

But the heart of the camp was our team of high school mentors. These remarkable young women from Mercer Island High School are members of PETRI—a student-led club focused on Philanthropy, Education, Technology, Research, and Involvement. They volunteered their time not just to lead and support our campers, but to raise money to fund scholarships for girls in Taita-Taveta, Kenya.

“Honestly, I was so impressed by the campers. They came up with ideas I never would’ve thought of—and then actually made them work! They were super creative, really smart, and just fearless when it came to trying new things. It was so cool to watch them figure stuff out and get excited about STEM.”
— PETRI Counselor, STEM Camp 2025

In Kenya, where school fees are not covered by the government, many families living on just a few dollars a day face difficult choices. Too often, girls are the ones left out of school. Through PETRI, our counselors are taking action to change that—by raising funds through STEM Camp to make education possible for their peers across the globe.

STEM Camp, then, is more than a local enrichment program—it’s a global act of empowerment. A chance for kids to learn and lead. A bridge between communities. A spark that travels farther than we can see.

To all the families who joined us—thank you.


You’ve given your children a week of growth, creativity, and connection—and you’ve helped open doors for girls across the world. We’re grateful to be building this learning community together.