YMCA adds robotics to children’s programming

The Southern Prairie YMCA is adding robotics to its after-school program and summer day camp, which both incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) principles.

Using a $2,500 Wal-Mart Community Grant acquired in mid-September, the YMCA in Creston has purchased VEX Robotics kits and Snap Circuits kits.

The kits allow students to either follow the directions from the manufacturer or build their own circuit or robot.

“We are excited to be able to add this robotics programming to our after-school program and into our Y summer day camp,” said Keith Worland, Southern Prairie YMCA executive director. “At the Y, we believe that every child should have access to explore possibilities, and robotics are becoming a large part of their world. Through the proposed YMCA robotics program, participants will get the opportunity to create and build robots.”

The YMCA began to incorporate STEM activities into its summer camp this past summer, but this fall is the first time the after-school program includes STEM components.

Youth Programs Coordinator Jennifer Queener runs the after-school program and summer day camp. She attended STEM training before putting it into practice.

“This summer, during the Y summer day camp, the kids had a blast doing the STEM activities, like building rockets, catapults and paper-cannon launchers,” Queener said. “I’m excited that with this grant award, we can build on what we have already done and add the robotics. The kids love that stuff and the staff do, too.”

Office Manager Raquel Linch added: “I think it’s great we’re able to offer this opportunity to the kids where we’re giving them something to learn and build on, yet it’s fun so they don’t realize they’re learning, engaging and really making their brains work.”

The circuit boards that were purchased are already in use by children in the after-school program, and the robotics have been purchased and are soon to be in use.

“They’re having a blast with it,” Worland said. “I have a suspicion the kids will be teaching us; new technology kind of works that way. Kids can figure it out a lot quicker than we can.”

When the YMCA first started the after-school program, the goal was to find a niche that wasn’t necessarily being met, Worland said.

“One of the areas we felt an after-school program could really excel in would be the STEM program,” he said. “I started looking for grants because some other organizations outside of town had robotics programs, and they’re becoming huge. We felt that was a good job-training opportunity. You have to know some of that stuff – programming and robotics – for the future.”

YMCA staff have been working with a Creston Schools teacher, whose name cannot currently be released. The teacher advises YMCA staff in the area of STEM activities.

“Our idea with the STEM is it ties into every subject a teacher teaches,” Worland said. “We’re not necessarily trying to teach kids something new in math or science; we’re trying to take what they’ve already learned in those subjects in school and tie it into the real world and make it applicable for their future endeavors, if that be a career or just a hobby.”

The YMCA after-school program is Monday through Friday after school until 6 p.m. The Southern Iowa Trolley transports all children at the end of the school day to the YMCA. Parents pay a program fee to the Y and purchase transportation tickets from Southern Iowa Trolley.

In addition to STEM activities, the program also includes healthy snacks, homework help, gym time, kids’ fitness class and swimming. Children receive a free YMCA membership while enrolled in the program. The Y also offers a program on the Creston Community School District’s no-school days.

The Y’s summer camp begins when school lets out for the summer and runs Monday through Friday.

For more information on the after-school program, summer camp or STEM activities, contact Queener at 641-782-9622.