Surrey students are building, coding, and dreaming big—thanks to a hands-on STEM camp that brought over 130 eager minds to Simon Fraser University’s Surrey campus this summer. Organized by the South Surrey-based Cmolik Foundation, this immersive experience offered students a rare opportunity to engage with real-world science, technology, engineering, and math challenges in a fun and inspiring environment.
This year’s camp welcomed more than 100 Grade 5 to 7 students from Lena Shaw Elementary. From lighting up custom T-shirts with LED circuits to racing motorized miniature cars they built themselves, these Surrey students embraced the power of creation and collaboration. Engineering bridges, designing ideal community spaces, and exploring what makes playgrounds work—each project sparked curiosity and critical thinking.
Hands-On Learning Meets Real-World Exploration
Guided by enthusiastic educators and volunteers, students didn’t just learn—they applied. Teacher Nicole Piechnik noted the highlight wasn’t just the technical success, but the creative freedom. “They loved seeing their ideas come alive,” she shared.
Adding to the momentum, Rose Kajal—a Cmolik Foundation scholar and Kwantlen Polytechnic University psychology student—delivered an inspiring keynote. Her message? Even the smallest decisions today can shape your future.
Field Trips That Broaden Horizons
The experience extended beyond the classroom. Grade 6 campers took a trip to BCIT, where they explored virtual and augmented reality tools in a cutting-edge media lab. Meanwhile, Grade 7 students visited the Museum of Anthropology, engaging in activities like skeleton articulation that added an anthropological twist to the science-driven week.
These enriching excursions helped students imagine career paths and discover new interests, building a bridge between classroom learning and real-world opportunity.
Scholarships and Takeaways That Last Beyond Summer
Of the 134 registered, 117 students showed perfect attendance—an impressive feat for a summer program. The camp ended on a high note, with each participant receiving a Tuition Passport and a take-home engineering kit. In total, the Cmolik Foundation pledged $80,000 in mini scholarships, redeemable for post-secondary education after graduation.
As Foundation Chair Russ Cmolik told the students during the closing assembly, “Always stay curious about the world around you.” With their hands full of tools and minds full of ideas, it’s clear these students are ready to do just that.
Stay tuned to Surrey Speak for more stories that celebrate local learning and community impact.
Big things are just getting started.
