CEDAR CITY — Children interested in science, technology, engineering and math will have the opportunity to explore hands-on activities at STEM camps hosted by the Iron County Utah State University Extension’s 4-H program this summer.
4-H is primarily known for agriculture, gardening and other similar clubs, said Marla Hoyt the STEM coordinator for the USU’s 4-H and youth programs in Iron County.
“That’s all we’ve had for a while,” she said.
4-H received funds from Iron County to create STEM clubs and camps, especially in more rural areas, Hoyt said, adding that STEM camps will be available for elementary to high school youth starting June 8.
Upcoming STEM camps include the Happy Hikers, Space Exploration Camp and Amazing Human Body camps.
Children will participate in activities like crafting balloon lungs during the Amazing Human Body Camp, and those in Space Exploration will have access to a blowup planetarium and learn what astronauts eat, Hoyt said.
Children participating in Happy Hikers will venture to different locations, including Hidden Haven, Thor’s Hideout and Coal Creek trails to learn about local plants and geology, she said.
Additionally, 4-H will offer a For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Lego Robotics camp. Split into three workshops, volunteers will teach children about Lego robotics and joining the FIRST Lego Robotics League, Hoyt said. Students from Launch High School’s robotics team, which participates in FIRST competitions, will run the camp.
Hoyt has hosted several events to drum up excitement for STEM activities in the last few months, where children participated in hands-on activities including programming robots to trace shapes, using potatoes to play drums on a computer and learning the science of slime.
Events thus far have been limited to approximately 18 children but Hoyt said she is hoping to partner with a person or organization to provide a larger space for events, camps and clubs so more children can participate.
“(Children) need those experiences,” she said. “And it gets them excited about learning and whatever I can do to facilitate those kinds of things – that’s what I’m trying to do.”
One of Hoyt’s goals is to encourage children’s excitement about STEM through hands-on, educational activities. Additionally, she said she wants participants to learn about STEM fields and what opportunities could later be available to them, noting that USU has a drone program that could lead students to a career using the technology.
“Let’s come have fun – experience it,” she said. “What else can you do with it later on?”
Members pay $10 to join Iron County 4-H, allowing them access to clubs like the FIRST Lego Robotics Club, STEM Fun Club and Drones Club – all starting this fall.
Hoyt said she is planning to expand the program to include other areas of STEM, including coding and 3D printing, and is working with several professors interested in starting environmental science and geology clubs.
Additionally, 4-H has organized three STEM clubs in Parowan and hopes to expand to Enoch and Beryl. The organization will need volunteers to facilitate this, Hoyt said, adding that part of her job is handling advertisements and providing the supplies clubs need to run.
4-H can also provide curricula for a variety of topics to those interested in running a club, Hoyt added.
According to 4-H’s website, the four H’s in its name are “head, heart, hands, and health,” which correspond to values members work toward and the organization’s pledge.
“I pledge my head to clearer thinking,” the pledge states. “My heart to greater loyalty. My hands to larger service and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
Once participants learn STEM skills, Hoyt said she hopes they will serve others by teaching younger children and running clubs.
“The four H’s is what we’re focused on, and it doesn’t matter what the camp or club is,” she said. “How can we include other people? How can we serve other people and learn something new?”
Happy Hikers Camp details
- What: Hiking and learning about local geology and plant life
- When: Wednesdays, June 8, June 15, and June 22, 9-11:30 a.m.
- Where: The USU Extension Office, 585 North Main Street, Suite 4, Cedar City, Utah
- Who: Children ages 8-18
- Admission: $25
FIRST Lego Robotics Camp details
- What: Building Lego robots and learning about the FIRST Lego Robotics league
- When: June 9, 10 a.m. – noon; July 14, 2-4 p.m.; August 11, 10 a.m. – noon
- Where: The USU Extension Office, 585 North Main Street, Suite 4, Cedar City, Utah
- Who: Children in third through sixth grades
- Admission: A $5 one-time fee and $5 per workshop.
Space Exploration Camp details
- What: Space-themed projects, games and crafts
- When: June 13-14, 1-4 p.m.
- Where: North Elementary School, 550 West 200 North, Cedar City, Utah
- Who: Children ages 8-12
- Admission: $45
The Amazing Human Body Camp details
- What: Learning how the body works
- When: July 18-20, 10 a.m. – noon
- Where: Cedar City Visitor Center, 581 North Main Street, Cedar City, Utah
- Who: Children ages 8-12
- Admission: $45
To learn more about 4-H camps offered in Iron County this summer or to donate to the program, visit the USU Extension’s website. Those interested can visit 4-H’s ZSuite portal to create an account and register or volunteer. Volunteers will need to complete a short, online course and agree to a background check.
Hoyt said those interested in leading a camp or club should contact her by email or 435-267-1756.
Photo Gallery
Children at the Science of Slime 4-H event, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of Marla Hoyt, the Iron County USU Extension's 4-H program, Cedar City News Children at the coding 4-H event, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of Marla Hoyt, the Iron County USU Extension's 4-H program, Cedar City News Children at the coding 4-H event, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of Marla Hoyt, the Iron County USU Extension's 4-H program, Cedar City News Children at the coding 4-H event, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of Marla Hoyt, the Iron County USU Extension's 4-H program, Cedar City News Children at the Lego Robotics 4-H event, date and location not specified | Photo courtesy of Marla Hoyt, the Iron County USU Extension's 4-H program, Cedar City News 
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