A Summer of Discovery at Wilkes University
On a warm summer day at Wilkes University, the atmosphere is anything but quiet. Instead, it’s filled with energy, creativity, and a sense of wonder as students dive into hands-on learning experiences that spark their curiosity and imagination. This is the setting for the 17th annual “We’re Empowered by Science” summer camp, where 94 middle school students are spending the week immersed in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities.
The camp offers a dynamic approach to learning, blending fun and education to keep young minds engaged. “Because it is so much work, it’s important to kind of make it fun and engaging early,” said Dr. Del Lucent, an associate professor in Math, Physics, and Computer Science at Wilkes University. The goal is to show students that science isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about exploration, problem-solving, and discovery.
One of the highlights of the camp is the use of LEGO-based robotics, which allows students to bring their ideas to life. The robots, known as Spike, are more than just toys—they’re tools for learning. “You can teach very simple physics, you can figure out, as the robot is going, you can figure out how fast it’s going. You can figure out how fast it can stop. You can put it on different surfaces make it skid,” explained Dr. Lucent. These activities help students grasp complex scientific concepts in a tangible and interactive way.
For many participants, the camp is a new experience that opens up a world of possibilities. “This is something new for me. I’ve never done something like this before,” said Ava Schrader, a camper from Swoyersville. Others are discovering a passion they didn’t know they had. “With programming, I did something like this in school, but I’ve never done it this complicated. I think it’s fun to learn and something I want to try out,” shared Lucy Bawiec, from Wilkes-Barre.
Beyond the technical skills, the camp also fosters teamwork, friendship, and a sense of community. “Science is amazing and friendship is unbreakable,” said Connor Hampton, another camper from Swoyersville. The experience not only introduces students to STEM fields but also helps them build confidence and a love for learning.
Dr. Lucent emphasized the broader mission of the program: “Part of our community is to engage everyone in the way we can and set them on a path where they can achieve the things that they want to.” By providing a supportive and stimulating environment, the camp aims to inspire future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
The “We’re Empowered by Science” summer camp continues through Friday, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of science while making lasting connections with peers and mentors. It’s a reminder that learning doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom—it can be an adventure, full of excitement and discovery.
