This summer, 75 middle school students in grades 6-8 experienced the excitement of technology and innovation through Camp Code, a dynamic, hands-on summer camp held at Harlingen Collegiate High from July 9 to July 17. Funded by a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, Camp Code offered students an enriching opportunity to develop foundational skills in coding, robotics, 3D printers, and drone technology, while exploring future careers in STEM.
Camp Code was led by Camp Director Brittney Mata and supported by a team of five dedicated teachers: Karla Benavides, Patricia Cazares, Biancha Esquivel, Mario Leal, and James Milligan. Together, they engaged students in real-world problem-solving and collaborative learning experiences.
Additionally, five high school mentors worked alongside the teachers to support the campers, boost their confidence, and encourage their interest in STEM. These mentors included Marcos Rangel (11th grade, Harlingen Collegiate High), Cecilia Saldivar (11th grade, Harlingen Collegiate High), Mark Soto (12th grade, Harlingen High School South), Reynaldo Soto (11th grade, Harlingen Collegiate High), and Lola Tamez (12th grade, Harlingen High School).
Throughout the camp, students participated in a range of high-interest activities designed to make learning fun and impactful. These included:
- CodeCombat: Students learned Python programming through a gamified, interactive platform that made coding engaging and accessible, building foundational skills through play.
- Sphero Robotics: Students programmed Sphero robots to follow designated paths, adjusting commands on iPads to navigate mazes they constructed themselves. This hands-on activity encouraged problem-solving, logic, and collaboration.
- 3D Printing: Students explored the practical applications of 3D printing by designing and printing custom objects using TINKERCAD. This project gave them valuable insight into design thinking, engineering principles, and the creative potential of emerging technologies.
- DIY Drones: Students assembled their own drone kits and learned how to operate them through obstacle courses and races. This activity introduced various drone applications, including workforce uses, while developing aviation fundamentals and critical-thinking skills.
Cecilia Saldivar, one of the student mentors, shared, “This summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to connect with and help middle school students. As a student mentor, I assisted students using TINERCAD, a 3D modeling online software, to make personalized key chains.”
The camp experience extended far beyond the classroom. Students participated in two college field trips that introduced them to exciting opportunities in STEM beyond high school:
- UTRGV Edinburg Campus: Campers explored the STEM, Engineering, and Computer Science departments through engaging hands-on activities and interactive demonstrations. The visit gave students a glimpse into college life and sparked interest in pursuing STEM-related degrees.
- Texas State Technical College – Harlingen: Students took part in mechatronics demonstrations, coded robotic hands, and experienced career simulations. The immersive activities left a lasting impression and introduced many to future learning opportunities in technical fields.
A highlight for many was a special visit from Nerdvana, a local educational consulting firm dedicated to bringing cutting-edge technologies and innovative learning experiences to South Texas youth. Students spent the day piloting drones, coding through obstacle courses, learning about video game programming, and experimenting with simulations.
“This Camp Code has changed my perception of STEM careers by making me more interested in a STEM career later,” one camper shared.
Another student added, “I plan to join my school’s robotics team and help code and build.”
Michelle Ayala, Director of ACE and the Camp Code Grant Manager, reflected, “This program opens doors for young students to explore STEM in meaningful ways. Their energy, curiosity, and growing confidence show us we’re moving in the right direction.”
The camp culminated in a Family Showcase, where students proudly demonstrated their new skills to parents and families. Campers excitedly showcased their skills through drone flights, coding challenges, and 3D-printed creations. Each student received a Certificate of Completion, their own drone, a 3D-printed item, and a Camp Code bag filled with fun and useful items to remember their experience.
“Camp Code empowered students from underrepresented backgrounds to explore STEM through engaging, hands-on coding experiences and meaningful community partnerships with UTRGV and TSTC,” shared Ms. Mata, the Camp Director. “The support of families at the culminating showcase, paired with the innovative teaching and safe, encouraging environment created by our educators, became the catalyst for inspiring future-ready pathways in coding and computer science.”
Harlingen CISD is truly grateful to the Texas Workforce Commission for bringing Camp Code to life. Thanks to their generous support, students discovered the power of coding that sparked curiosity, confidence, and future aspirations.
