Girls in STEM Camp: A Transformative Weekend for 72 Young Women
On a warm Saturday morning in early June, 72 girls from Title I schools across Northern Nevada and Northern California stepped off buses and into the pine-scented grounds of Sierra Nevada Journeys Outdoor Education Camp. For many, it was a first: their first time away from home, their first immersive camp experience, and their first deep dive into the world of STEM.
Over the course of two days, the Girls in STEM program transformed curiosity into confidence. What began as introductions among strangers quickly evolved into a community of learners, explorers, and problem-solvers. Whether navigating the Challenge Course or collaborating during outdoor learning sessions in forest ecology and engineering, the girls discovered the power of teamwork and the excitement of hands-on discovery.
A defining moment of the weekend came with the introduction of a new lesson, “Gratitude Grows Stewardship.” During a guided gratitude scavenger hunt, students slowed their pace and sharpened their senses — listening to wind through the trees, noticing patterns in leaves, and reflecting on their personal connection to the natural world. This simple act of observation sparked a deeper understanding that caring for the environment begins with appreciating it. The lesson laid a foundation for lifelong sustainability values, grounded in both wonder and responsibility.
Equally impactful were the voices of the women who shared their journeys in STEM. Through an engaging speaker series, students met engineers, scientists, and researchers who brought their careers to life through hands-on activities and personal stories. Marlys Pryor of the Society of Women Engineers spoke about her work developing aircraft engines, while Robin Eppard of the Northwest Nevada Birding Alliance connected students to the rhythms of local ecosystems. Teresa Wriston of the Desert Research Institute revealed how soil and landscape tell the story of human history, and Dr. Anne Heggli, also from the Desert Research Institute, demonstrated how snowpack data helps protect communities.
Students also connected with Anne Mutiga, a doctoral student exploring the future of education technology; Kris Alvarez, a senior geologist in the mining industry; and Keri Nutter, a geotechnical engineering expert. Each speaker offered not only knowledge, but representation, demonstrating that there are many paths into STEM and that women belong in every one of them.
For the girls, these interactions expanded what felt possible. A fourth grader shared, “During the guest speaker series, I learned a lot more about jobs in the STEM fields.” A fifth grader discovered the value of collaboration:
“Working together is always an option, and you have to be willing to try new ideas.”
A sixth grader connected sustainability to gratitude, while an eighth grader left
with a clear vision for the future: “I might want to go to the University of Nevada, Reno to study biology.”
Thank you to our sponsors who generously support Girls in STEM
KSI Foundation
Charles River Laboratories
Sierra Pacific Credit Union
Aristocrat Gaming
Click Bond
Claggett & Sykes
Frame Architecture