Each year the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) co-sponsors three Engineering Career Construction Camps for high school students interested in the field of Engineering. Each camp is open to all high school students who are interested and have the recommendation of their high school science teacher or counselors.
The Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO will conduct its event on July 6th - 12th, the US Navy Seabees at Port Hueneme, CA will conduct its camp on July 22nd - 28th, and the US Army Camp at Vicksburg, MS is scheduled for June 11th - 17th 2006. Each site offers an exciting, challenging experience that will give insight into the world of construction engineering at all levels. Last year approximately 180 students got the opportunity of a lifetime to attend one of these camps.
All Engineering Explorers are encouraged to apply for this outstanding event. For more information go to www.posts.same.org/camps and click on Engineering & Construction Camps. Each site will detail their program and schedules being offered this summer. Application information can be received by contacting Diane Schreiber at dschreiber@same.org on how to apply.
Explorers/students must be sponsored by a local SAME Chapter. Local chapter information can be gained by contacting Diane Schreiber or logging onto the website above. You must have completed your freshmen, sophomore, or junior years in high school, have a recommendation from the school, and are on a college track. You must be physically fit and have a good discipline record to qualify. In 2005 the fee was $500 and the local chapter paid 50% for each student. SAME has reserved 2 slots at each site for Engineer Explorers but you must apply locally. For more information contact Cliff Takawana at the national LFL office at 972-580-2437 or ctakawan@lflmail.org. It's a wonderful opportunity and you are encouraged to apply.
Marshall University, Huntington, WV and Betsy Dulin, Dean of the Engineering School is recognized with the Spurgeon Award the highest national award that Exploring gives each year. The presentation was made at the National Learning for Life Conference conducted March 4th - 6th in Irving, TX. Ms. Dulin and Marshall University was recognized for its service to Exploring by conducting an Engineering Academy for the last 5 years will do so again in 2006. Marshall University the Corps of Engineers and Engineer Exploring together have presented an outstanding program for high school students throughout the state of West Virginia on the careers that engineering has to offer. Tri State Area Council and its Learning for Life staff have done an excellent job of supporting this program and encourage all local councils to begin your own academy. Congratulations
The program of Explorer posts matches the interests of young adults with the resources and adult expertise of their participating organization. Your Explorer post leaders might use the following ideas when planning a well-balanced program around Exploring's five areas of program emphasis: career opportunities, leadership experience, life skills, citizenship, and character education.
1. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Programs that develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options. Activities that boost a youth's self-confidence and help him or her experience success at school and work.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Investigate the total scope of engineering careers in industry, agriculture, military, government, research, and recreation. Visit a manufacturing facility to see the practical applications of engineering. Government or military installations are great places to see engineering in action. Various governmental laboratories are available for touring. Universities also have a variety of engineering programs that will welcome potential students.
2. LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Programs that help youth develop leadership skills to fulfill their responsibilities in society. Activities that provide exposure to different leadership traits.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Elect post officers to coordinate trips and plan for the post's outings. Each activity should have a youth chair who works with an adult to organize the activity. Study the effects of engineering on the community, state, and nation. Review the ethics, licensing, and regulation of engineers. Study the history and development of engineering. Plan a program based on the purposes and programs of the National Society of Professional Engineers.
3. LIFE SKILLS: Programs that help youth develop physical and mental fitness. Activities that provide opportunities for youth to experience positive social interaction.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: A science/engineering challenge would make a great program. Divide Explorers into teams that would work on engineering problems. Ideas such as an egg drop, bridge building, or balloon race have proved to be popular with posts. Plan to have parents and family members attend.
4. CITIZENSHIP: Programs that encourage youth to develop the skill and desire to help others. Activities that provide opportunities for youth to gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Engineering Explorers can serve the local community by assisting with the math education of younger students. They can serve as tutors or coaches for "mathlete" events. The environmental impact of engineering can serve to direct students to cooperate in local projects. Other governmental agencies may be interested in helping with civil engineering projects that involve surveys.
5. CHARACTER EDUCATION: Programs that help youth develop skills necessary for making ethical choices. Activities which provide opportunities for fulfilling one's responsibility to society as a whole.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Visit an engineering industry-related trade show. Have a family picnic and do engineering-related competitions or have a model rocket-launching event. Have an annual post awards banquet. Conduct seminars on developing communications skills. Assist with projects to help retirees, dependents, the elderly, or disadvantaged people. The book Ethical Controversies provides an excellent resource for some character education activities.
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