DARKE COUNTY – The 2026 Darke County STEAM Camp concluded another successful week of hands-on learning, collaboration, and career exploration as incoming seventh and eighth-grade students from across Darke County came together to discover how science, technology, engineering, arts, agriculture and mathematics shape the world around them.
This year’s theme, “Continuous Improvement,” challenged campers to think critically, solve real-world problems, and embrace the engineering design process by learning that every great idea can be refined and improved.
Throughout the week, students explored a variety of local industries and careers while participating in interactive experiences hosted by outstanding community partners. Campers visited and learned from:
-Midmark Corporation
-Production Paint
-Wayne HealthCare
-Brethren Retirement Community
-JAFE Decorating
-The Ohio State University Extension – Darke County
Each business and organization provided students with valuable insight into career opportunities while demonstrating the importance of innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement in today’s workforce. At every stop, students saw firsthand how professionals continuously evaluate, adapt, and improve their work—concepts they would later apply to their own engineering challenge.
The week concluded with an exciting engineering challenge as students designed, built, tested, and presented balsa wood bridges. Guided by Mr. Moore, campers applied the engineering design process to strengthen and improve their structures before presenting their final projects to community guests. The bridge challenge showcased students’ creativity, perseverance, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while reinforcing the week’s theme of continuous improvement.
“Watching these students grow throughout the week was incredibly rewarding,” said Olivia Schmitmeyer, Career Connections Coordinator for Darke County Economic Development. “They came to camp eager to learn, embraced every challenge, and weren’t afraid to ask questions or think outside the box. My favorite part of the week was watching each of our business partners connect what students were learning at their facility to the end-of-week balsa wood bridge project. By Friday, campers understood that engineering isn’t just about building something once—it’s about learning from every experience, making improvements, and working together to create a stronger final product. Seeing those connections come full circle during the bridge presentations was incredibly rewarding.”
The success of STEAM Camp would not have been possible without the dedication of many individuals and organizations. A special thank you is extended to Greenville City Schools for generously providing outstanding facilities and transportation throughout the week. Their partnership helped create a welcoming environment where students could learn, collaborate, and grow.
We are also deeply grateful to the Greenville Rotary Club for its generous grant award, which helped make this year’s STEAM Camp possible.
Their investment in youth education and workforce development continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to explore future careers through hands-on learning experiences.
Darke County Economic Development also extends sincere appreciation to Mary Lee Moore, Erica Byers, and Josh Moore for their leadership, support, and commitment to creating an engaging and memorable experience for every camper.
We would also like to thank our outstanding camp counselors for their enthusiasm, leadership, and encouragement throughout the week. Their dedication helped create a positive environment where campers felt supported as they learned, collaborated, and challenged themselves each day.
Most importantly, thank you to each of our STEAM Camp students for embracing new challenges, asking thoughtful questions, working together, and demonstrating that continuous improvement begins with curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn.
Darke County Economic Development extends its sincere appreciation to every business, volunteer, educator, and community partner who invested in this year’s camp. Together, we are providing students with meaningful career-connected learning experiences that inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare the next generation of innovators and workforce leaders. We look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence at future STEAM Camps.
