South West shire supports Peel’s bright minds with vote to fund trail blazing STEM camp

Heading into the bush to learn science, technology, engineering and maths doesn’t seem like the usual classroom, but one South West shire is dedicated to a trailblazing camp that focuses on just that.

Peel Bright Minds Trail Blazers is a camp program which takes participants aged 13-17 on a five-day adventure to develop skills in STEM learning.

The Shire of Waroona voted at its most recent council meeting to continue to support the youth camp, providing the group with $2000 per year to run the program.

Peel Bright Minds program director Michelle Oldham said the camp fostered leadership, resilience and a passion for science, technology, engineering and maths through a range of engaging activities that empower young minds.

“Trail Blazers includes exciting excursions and hands-on STEM activities during the five-day camp but also extends its impact through regular catch-ups for six months post-camp, fostering ongoing connections and support,” she said.

“They feel more engaged in school, have more understanding of the STEM careers available and have confidence to pursue those passions.”

Ms Oldham said the support from the Waroona shire had been instrumental in the continued success of Trail Blazers over the past two years, allowing 172 participants from the Peel region and Waroona community to take part in the program free of charge.

“This enables participants from all demographics and backgrounds to be able to access the inclusive program, and removes barriers that otherwise would hold a participant back from achieving their goals,” she said.