Last week, the Sacramento School of Engineering & Science hosted its very first STEM Camp, welcoming students from across the area who were curious about science, technology, engineering, and math. Families had the chance to experience the atmosphere of SSES firsthand and see what makes this learning environment so energizing.

From day one, the young “campers” jumped right into hands‑on activities alongside current SSES students. They joined teams, learned project steps, and immediately felt the warm, inclusive spirit that SSES is becoming known for throughout the Alamogordo community. Students and teachers made sure every camper felt accepted and part of the group.

A Cardboard Challenge to Remember

The highlight of the week came on the final day, when campers presented their cardboard chair design project. Their challenge: build a chair from cardboard that could support the weight of a person without collapsing.

Teams approached the task with creativity and engineering savvy—some focused on imaginative shapes, while others built structural prototypes to test strength and stability. First, weights were stacked on each chair. If the chair held strong, a brave volunteer added their full weight to push the design to its limits. The structural chairs stood tall, earning cheers from students and families alike.

It was a fun, memorable way to learn about design, teamwork, and problem‑solving.

Looking Ahead

SSES is excited to offer more camps and hands‑on opportunities in the future, giving area students a chance to explore STEM education in a supportive, curiosity‑driven environment. After all, curiosity is the first step.

Watch for upcoming dates for the next SSES STEM Camp.