Excite Camp

Excite Camp has ran successfully for the last fifteen years on Maui.  Keeping with the Women in Technology (WIT) mission, the purpose of Excite Camp is to expose and encourage our young females into science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers through hands on activities and site visits that deals with STEM first hand. In addition to the learning experience, WIT believes it is important for the girls to see the connection between our cultural heritage and scientific technology.

This year, Excite Camp had the opportunity to expand Statewide thanks to the Office of the State Director for Career and Technical Education (CTE).  The expansion included Kona, Oahu and Moloka`i and served a total of 75 middle school girls.  Activities for each island were based upon the community partners and resources available.

Excite Camp Kona was held from July 7 to 10 at the John Y. Iwane Credit Union Center. Twelve middle school girls from Waikoloa, Kealakehe, Konawaena, West Hawaii Explorations Academy and Makua Lani middle schools participated.

Excite Camp Oahu was held from July 14 to 17 at the Manoa Innovation Center. Thirty middle school girls from Aiea, Central, Hanalani, Kailua, Kaimuki, Kamehameha, Kawananakoa, Mililani, Nanakuli, Niu Valley, SEEQS, St. Francis, Stevenson, Sunset Beach., Voyager and home school middle schools participated.

Excite Camp Moloka`i held from July 21 to 23, 2015 at Pu`u O Hoku Ranch. Thirty three middle school girls from Akaula, Kaunakakai, Kualapu`u, Waiakea and Moloka’i schools participated in the first Excite Camp Moloka`i.

Some of the students told us about their positive experiences and what they learned by attending Excite Camp:

“The encouragement of being smart is the best thing that you can do for yourself.”

“Believe in yourself that you can do anything you put your mind to.”

“The loving environment that was created.  No one was mean or being bullied.  Everyone was friends.”

“Making my brain start to think what I’m I going to do with myself when I graduate.”

“Being introduced to all these different type of technologies and careers.”

“Meeting strong women who are working hard in the men world.”

“I enjoyed meeting an engineer, a programmer and a cybersecurity officer.  It made me think if
they can do it I can too.”

“Didn’t think learning about STEM could be so much fun.”

“Learning about our culture and how to preserve it.”