The mission of Science Camps of America is to provide fun, outstanding opportunities for teens to immerse themselves in hands-on science education in a summer camp setting, and to bring those opportunities to as many young adults as possible.
Founder and former technology entrepreneur Michael Richards explains why he started Science Camps of America. "Businesses, and business people, should endeavour to take a more active role in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. We need to find ways to share our expertise and enrich the educational experiences that kids have. After 30 years in the software industry, I thought that a science camp for teenagers was just the right kind of contribution to the mix."
Curriculum overview is being provided by renowned professor of geology and oceanography Dr. Floyd McCoy. Dr. McCoy, recently retired as Professor in Geology and Oceanography at the University of Hawaiʻi's Windward campus. Dr. McCoy, a Harvard Ph.D and Fulbright scholar, and raised on the Hawaiʻi Island, provides an incredible combination of local and professional knowledge, ensuring that camp has a deep base of cultural and scientific content.
Denisse Aranda serves as Program Director for Science Camps of America. Denisse is the Senior Contamination Control Engineer for Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket. She also has NASA experience working on satellites, science instruments, and launch vehicles with a specialty in Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T), contamination control, cleanroom management, environmental testing, and Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Testing and a comprehensive background in data analysis, analytical chemistry, and the space environment. Denisse, who formerly worked as an engineer at NASA's famous Langley Research Center, also served as a NASA Education Specialist, supporting formal and informal educators and their students learn about NASA, science, and engineering. Working in conjunction with Jimmy Johnson Racing, Denisse helped educate teens about the science of aerodynamics in racing at NASCAR events across the country. Denisse has also been a teacher at Kalaheo High School in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaiʻi.
Sheri Richards is the Director for Health and Safety and brings over 20 years of Emergency Department nursing experience to help ensure that campers and staff are properly cared for. Sheri earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Hawaiʻi Pacific University and Masters of Science in Nursing from Walden University.
Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.
Carl Sagan
