Students had plenty of opportunities at June camps at Southside Middle School this summer.
There were camps to help students with math and science skills and to develop life skills.
“Southside Middle School has had a very busy June, and we look forward to preparing for an excellent school year ahead as we strive for progress over perfection,” SMS principal Brittany Spencer said.
Submitted / TPI The Empowering HER Camp sought to improve overall wellness in girls. They explore self-care, etiquette, friendships and life skills.
At robotics camp students learned coding, planning, teamwork and the basics of engineering.
“Students were able to extend science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills in this hands-on, engaging robotics camp,” Smith said.
SMS hosts an annual math camp as part of the Alabama Numeracy Act. Students participated in hands-on math exercises, small groups and one-on-one math sessions.
“Students also enjoyed a reflective math journal and math talks to promote proficiency in math,” Spencer said.
Math campers had enrichment activities with music, social and emotional learning and art.
Two camps were held to help students improve themselves. The Empowering HER Camp was filled with activities, inspiring lessons and opportunities to improve overall wellness.
“By exploring topics in self-care, etiquette, friendships and life skills, this camp was designed to empower young girls to discover their potential, build confidence and embrace their individuality,” Spencer said.
Empowering HIM Camp had students learn new skills, develop leadership potential and promote growth.
“Students were given the opportunity to learn about teamwork, tying ties, shaking hands, basic vehicle topics and more during their week of growth,” Smith said.
Empowering HIM Camp also involved the Boyz-To-Men Program led by Johnathan Wright who helped teach financial literacy, how to budget, gentlemen etiquette and how to introduce themselves professionally.
"I'm proud of the young men who took time out of their summer to be part of history as the first attendees of the SMS Boyz-to-Men Summer Camp,” Wright said. “The young men have learned skills that will stick with them for a lifetime and I'm proud of the men they will become."
Submitted / TPI The robotics camp helped introduce students to more STEM activities and the jobs math and science can lead to.