Midshore STEM Camp continues to grow its impact across the region, providing underprivileged elementary students with hands-on STEM education while developing leadership skills in local high school students. Entering a new year of programming, the camp now serves four locations: Easton, Denton, Bay Hundred, and newly added Cambridge.
Midshore STEM Camp is unique in both its mission and structure. While students engage in science, technology, engineering, and math activities, they also learn accountability, responsibility, and confidence. These are skills that extend well beyond the classroom. At the same time, the program is entirely high-school-led, under the guidance of Bob DeGour, the camp’s founder and Blue & Gold Officer for the United State Naval Academy. This offers student leaders meaningful, real-world experience in teaching, organization, and community leadership.
“The STEM Camp is not just about academics, it’s about mindset, ” said Hunter Gilroy, 2026 Senior STEM Leader for the Midshore STEM Camp in Easton.
“Students leave with greater confidence and a stronger sense of responsibility, while high school leaders gain leadership opportunities that traditional education often doesn’t provide. After three years with this program, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful that combination can be.”
Since its founding, 10 years ago, Midshore STEM Camp has expanded from one site to four in just three years, reflecting both its success and the growing demand for this Midshore “leadership laboratory.”
Student leadership is a cornerstone of the program’s success. Veronica Pool, a junior at Saints Peter and Paul High School and Finance Chair Leader, plays a key role in securing community support.
“Reaching out to donors has helped me grow as a communicator and leader,” Pool said.
“Because of generous support, we’ve been able to purchase classroom materials and invite guests who help inspire meaningful conversations with students.”
As the program continues to expand, community support from individuals and local businesses is essential. Generous contributions directly fund curriculum development, classroom supplies, meals, and leadership training. With the YMCA of the Chesapeake serving as Midshore STEM
Camp’s fiscal partner, all donations are transparently managed and tax-deductible. Midshore STEM Camp invites donors, sponsors, and community members to help spread the word and invest in a program that strengthens both today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders. About Midshore STEM Camp Midshore STEM Camp is a student-led educational initiative serving underprivileged elementary students across the Midshore region. Through hands-on STEM learning and mentorship, the program fosters academic growth, confidence, and leadership development.
For more information or to support Midshore STEM Camp:
Kaylin Palmer
Journalism Head
kaylinp1411@gmail.com
410-829-3627