Summer Fun and Cyber Skills Flourish in Fort Eisenhower
Fort Eisenhower has recently turned into a hub of excitement and learning, thanks to the CyberPatriot summer camp organized by the Alliance for Fort Eisenhower. With nearly 220 campers aged between 10 and 17, the camp was a resounding success, nurturing the next generation of tech whizzes.
A Bright Start at the CyberPatriot Camp
Held in collaboration with local organizations, the camp aimed to promote STEM education through engaging activities and hands-on experience related to cyber skills. This year’s camp was notably special as it marks the largest turnout in the camp’s history!
Support from the Community
This year’s camp wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. As part of their commitment to community development, SRNS sponsored two eager interns, Alex Miles and Thomas Clark, selected for the 2024 Students2Work Program. “Our interns did a phenomenal job working on the CyberPatriot summer camp planning committee for the Alliance,” said Tom Clark, executive director of the CSRA Alliance for Fort Eisenhower.
Interns Take on Major Responsibilities
The enthusiastic interns rolled up their sleeves and dived straight into planning and executing the multitude of activities that the camp had to offer. Not only did they work on the camp itself, but they also spearheaded the distribution of 100 AT&T grant-provided computers to military spouses living at Fort Eisenhower. This effort shows how committed the community is to supporting families connected to the military.
Inspiring the Next Generation
It’s wonderful to see how these summer camps are truly making a difference. Since they began in 2019, the Alliance has graduated over 750 youth from both basic and advanced programs. Moreover, this year, more than 66% of the campers had an immediate family member serving in the military, and about 40% of the participants were young girls. This is an encouraging indication of increasing diversity in fields like technology, which is an essential area for growth.
The Importance of Community Involvement
Community support is undeniably crucial. As Sue Parr, the President and CEO of Augusta Chamber, pointed out, “Nineteen of our students this year were sponsored by organizations like SRNS and placed in various nonprofits throughout the community. We are extremely grateful for the community support that allows these students to gain confidence and mentorship for their future career.” It’s a heartfelt acknowledgment of how everyone’s contributions can culminate in profound changes in the lives of young individuals.
Looking Forward
As we move through the year, the scars of summer are replaced with the anticipation of the coming holidays. Aiken will soon welcome back its traditional festivities, complete with a procession of horses and dogs. But even as the seasons change, the impact of initiatives like the CyberPatriot summer camp will resonate throughout the community, encouraging youth to take up the challenge of acquiring new skills and building their futures.
In conclusion, it’s heartwarming to see how programs like this help cultivate skills and create opportunities for our youth, and importantly, how they foster a sense of connection to the community. As the campers tend to their dreams under a cloudy sky, the future shines bright, much like the energy they brought to Fort Eisenhower this summer.
