Girlstart Announces Expanded Summer Camp Lineup for 2011

FOR GIRLS ENTERING 3RD GRADE THROUGH GIRLS ENTERING 10TH GRADE, WITH REGISTRATION STARTING JAN. 3

(AUSTIN) – Girlstart, the award-winning Austin-based non-profit organization dedicated to empowering girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), has announced an expanded summer camp lineup reaching a wider age range of girls than ever before, in what is to be a newly-expanded Girlstart headquarters come this summer. Registration for the STEM-inspiring camps will begin on Jan. 3.

“We’re excited to expand our summer programs to include more age groups,” said Katelyn Wamsted, program director. “We strive to make the camps entertaining and fun places for girls to spend part of the summer, as well as ignite excitement and spark interest in a variety of STEM subjects and careers.”

The camps also come in a year in which Girlstart will extend education offerings to teachers as well as students – continuing education programs for elementary and middle school teachers. Offered onsite at Girlstart as well as several Regional Education Service Centers in 2011, Girlstart’s professional development showing educators how to integrate STEM education through the Girlstart approach.

Camps this year will include:

Designer Girl
For Girls Entering 6th-8th Grades
(June 6-10, June 13-17)
Explore how engineering is all around us, from skyscrapers to runways. Uncover the world of high-tech fashion, solar energy, robotics and more. Campers will also construct a thrilling amusement park ride and draft a 3D design model.

Tropical Paradise
For Girls Entering 4th-5th Grades
(June 20-25, June 27-July 1)
Jaguars, manatees, gorillas, creepy crawlers and more! Over 15,000 animals and plants inhabit a bustling rainforest. Campers will journey through the colorful layers of this mystifying environment.

Water Works
For Girls Entering 9th -10th Grades
(July 11-15)
You’re the engineer as you program your robot to save the day. Discover how robotics are changing the world. Girls will work together to design the ultimate underwater vessel.

Camp Hermione
For Girls Entering 6th-8th Grades
(July 18-22, July 25-29)
For Girls Entering 4th-5th Grades
(Aug 1-5, Aug 8-12)
Calling all muggles! Channel your inner Hermione Granger as you unlock Hogwarts’ science secrets. Campers will create their own online TriWizard Tournament game and design a virtual Gryffindor dorm room.

Motion in the Ocean
For Girls Entering 3rd Grade
(July 25-29, Aug 1-5)
Dive in to uncover the wonders of the sea! Penguins, dolphins, starfish and more underwater secrets revealed. Explore the exciting world of a marine biologist and create an online game featuring your favorite sea animal.

For more information on the summer camps, or to register online, visit Girlstart’s website at www.girlstart.org.