Exciting Summer Adventures at the Alliance for Fort Eisenhower
In the beautiful city of Aiken, summer fun collided with learning as nearly 220 enthusiastic campers gathered for the Alliance for Fort Eisenhower CyberPatriot summer camp. Ranging in age from 10 to 17, these eager participants engaged in an enriching experience that nurtured their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM. The sunny days and clear skies matched the bright smiles on the faces of campers as they learned valuable skills in cybersecurity.
A Stellar Turnout and Supportive Mentorship
This year’s camp saw a remarkable turnout, with many families military-connected. Over 66% of the campers had an immediate family member serving in the United States military, and the representation of female campers was impressive at 40%. Such statistics highlight the importance of reaching out to local communities and offering programs that matter.
With the support of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), two bright interns, Alex Miles and Thomas Clark, were instrumental in planning and executing the camp. Their six-week internship was part of the Students2Work program, where they honed essential skills while assisting in creating a fun and educational space for the campers. “Our interns did a phenomenal job working on the CyberPatriot summer camp planning committee for the Alliance,” expressed Tom Clark, the executive director of the CSRA Alliance for Fort Eisenhower.
Building Cyber Skills for the Future
The aim of CyberPatriot is to promote cybersecurity education to K-12 children and empower the next generation with vital cyber skills. Since its inception in 2019, the Alliance has hosted free summer camps, graduating over 750 students from basic and advanced programs. It is truly heartwarming to see how many young minds have been shaped through these programs, giving them the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Alongside the summer camp, Alex and Thomas played vital roles in distributing 100 computers, provided by an AT&T grant, to military spouses stationed at Fort Eisenhower. This initiative showcased their commitment to serving the community beyond just the camp activities. “Without the support of SRNS and the Augusta Chamber, these efforts could not be possible,” said Tom Clark, reflecting the collaborative spirit that made this summer’s events successful.
A Commitment to Students and Community Development
The Students2Work program, now in its seventh year, has helped hundreds of high school juniors and seniors gain valuable work experience and mentorship opportunities through paid internships at local nonprofits. Sue Parr, the President and CEO of the Augusta Chamber, shared how impactful these internships are. “We are extremely grateful for the community support that allows these students to gain confidence and mentorship for their future career,” she said, acknowledging the vital role that local organizations play in shaping future leaders.
Looking Ahead
As the summer sunlight dims into fall, the memories of the camp remain bright. In addition to the vibrant activities at Fort Eisenhower, the community is buzzing with anticipation for upcoming events that celebrate local culture and learning. For those interested in home and garden design, the Aiken Standard’s Home and Garden Show is making a return, promising to showcase exciting exhibits that will inspire creativity and innovation among attendees.
The spirit of community and learning continues to thrive in Aiken, and with programs like CyberPatriot and Students2Work, the future looks promising for young individuals ready to make their mark in the world. It’s not just about education; it’s about building a connected, knowledgeable, and supportive community.
