In the first week of July 2023, the project GirlsCodeCamp – the first camp of its kind, took place in the STREAM Forest in the municipality of Marija Bistrica.
This innovative project brought together girls up to the age of 16 with the aim of empowering them for the future in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and encouraging their interest in programming and creating innovations that could have a positive impact on society and the environment.
The girls who participated in this Camp had the opportunity to intensively learn STREAM skills (science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts, and mathematics) during the six days of camping in the beautiful natural surroundings of Marija Bistrica. Accommodated in tents in a proper scout camp, the girls spent their time learning about various programming techniques and handling robots, as well as gaining essential scouting skills that would be useful in their daily lives.
Among numerous workshops, the participants had the chance to explore techniques for creating robotic animals from LEGO bricks, how robots can be visual artists and musicians, how the natural ecosystem served as inspiration for most of the technologies we use in everyday life, and how we can use technology to create a sustainable future for all people and nature. One of the workshops involved female role models from the partners’ organisations, which presented their experience in the STEM fields, as well as the obstacles on their professional path, their motivation and resilience.
Additionally, the participants learned a lot about the importance of teamwork, orientation in nature, and preparing camps and shelters for survival in the wilderness.
The project was organized by the Krapina-Zagorje County and the Entrepreneurial Center of Krapina-Zagorje County, in partnership with Slovenian and Austrian partners, and was co-financed by the Alps-Adriatic Alliance. The camp provided the girls with an opportunity to connect, learn, and develop skills that are crucial for the future in technology and innovation.
The Director of the Entrepreneurial Center of Krapina-Zagorje County, Helena Matuša, emphasized that the goal of the project was to motivate girls to learn about STEM fields.
“In this way, we send a clear message that we support girls in their decision to pursue STEM careers. Although research shows that boys are more likely to turn to technical and technological professions, while girls are more focused on social sciences, this trend is slowly changing, and we want to contribute to that change. Our goal is to make this an annual event that is recognizable for the Krapina-Zagorje County – an event that proves that the combination of technology, nature, and enjoyment is possible.”
The feedback on the implemented project was extremely positive, and you can hear the participants’ comments on our social media channels. The girls highlighted that, upon completing the program at the camp, they felt inspired and encouraged to further explore and learn about the STEM field and technology, and to us, that confirms that the camp, as well as the project itself, fully achieved its goal.
