01 Jul Hardesty Memorial Endowment Supports Hands-On STEAM Camp in Starke County
Thanks to a $5,000 grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund held at the Starke County Community Foundation, local students had the opportunity to explore clean energy and science in action this summer. The Center for Energy Education (C4EE) hosted Energizing Tomorrow’s Scientists, a four-day summer camp designed for Starke County students in grades 4–8.
The camp, held in partnership with the Starke County Youth Club (SCYC), blended classroom concepts with hands-on learning. Students participated in science experiments, engineering challenges, and renewable energy activities that brought STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math—to life. The curriculum also emphasized health and wellness, with daily physical activities and meals provided through school nutrition programs.
C4EE’s Jasmin Carter traveled from North Carolina to lead the camp, supported by Lisa Dan, the organization’s Midwest Outreach Director, and intern Ruby Bickel. Local SCYC staff member Miss Kate was a key part of daily activities and student support throughout the week.
Community involvement added another layer of enrichment. Guest speakers included local businesswoman and farmer Deb Wappel, who shared how solar panels help power her family’s mint farm; Mary Perren from Hoosier Solar, who discussed upcoming solar projects and the importance of community engagement; and Billy Bope, a landowner involved in the Mammoth Solar Project, who explained how sheep graze beneath solar panels on his property.
Starke County’s unique role in Indiana’s renewable energy landscape was a natural fit for the camp’s focus. With two major electric grid systems—MISO and PJM—running through the county, students were able to connect their learning to real-world opportunities close to home.
Representatives from the Foundation visited the camp to see the impact of the grant firsthand. “I am happy that the Starke County Community Foundation can help connect local kids with engaging opportunities like the SCYC field trip to the Challenger Learning Center and this Center for Energy Education STEAM camp,” said Director of Development Jacque Ryan. “It was a blast crafting alongside the students as they put their engineering skills to the test on the final day of the camp.”
In addition to support from the Foundation, the camp was sponsored by SOLVEnergy, which also provided the solar car kits used during the week. C4EE staff expressed their gratitude to the SCYC team for hosting and supporting the camp and shared their hope that this program can continue as an annual event in Starke County and beyond.