Newsletter December 2024: STEM SUMMER CAMP

Summary of 2024 Programming

STEM Summer Camp

The Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation was proud to co-sponsor with the Chicago Public Schools American Indian Education Program, American Indian Health Service of Chicago, and the St. Kateri Center of Chicago a STEM Summer Camp.  The children learned about the health and wellness, engaged in Native fitness, and participated in American Indian Health and Cultural Understanding sessions. They also took several field trips, including to the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary.  There the children were able to view endangered piping plovers including Nagamo (Na-GA-mo), the sole surviving piping plover hatchling at Montrose Beach.  Nagamo means “he/she sings” in the Ojibwe language.

Nagamo at Montrose Beach, under the watchful eye of Imani. (Courtesy of Chicago Piping Plovers)

Back-to-School PowWow

Later in the summer, the Caroline and Ora Smith co-sponsored a Back-to-School PowWow with the Chicago Public Schools American Indian Education Program and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.  At the PowWow, over 150 families were provided with backpacks and school supplies. All of the support went to Native American K-12 students and some college freshman as financial aid does not cover all book and supplies costs.