SAME’s STEM/Engineering & Construction Camps has wrapped its 2026 season! Another successful camp season began in early June, when the first of six dynamic camps took place around the country. Nearly 300 high school students have made their way to military bases and campuses around the country to experience the unique blend of service and engineering firsthand, and to develop skills and confidence that will serve them well in their future careers. Throughout the summer, the camps brought together talented and high-energy students along with a passionate team of volunteers for a week of immersive STEM and engineering learning and discovery. This year also marks the debut as a national camp of the SAME Hawai’i Camp, which was first held in 2025 as one of the capstone projects from the Leader Development Program.
SAME and the SAME Foundation are committed to investing in the success of the STEM/Engineering & Construction Camps while also providing critical financial support for the Camps Mentor Program, while the SAME Camps COI is instrumental in organizing and managing all of the behind-the-scenes details that keep the camps running smoothly. It takes a village, they say. In our case, it takes a community of dedicated volunteers who worked every day to provide campers with a sample of what it might be like to pursue a career in the A/E/C industry in support of our nation’s defense and infrastructure.
SAME/U.S. Army Camp
Vicksburg, Miss., June 7-13
Summertime in Mississippi is not for the faint of heart, but our campers were energized and eager to discover what the STEM focused activities at the SAME/U.S. Army Engineering & Construction Camp were all about. As the students filed through the gates on June 7, they were greeted by active military and working professionals who were as excited as they were to get the week’s activities underway.
Students arrived on Sunday and had a little time to meet and greet before the camp week began. During the week, mentors and leaders led the campers through hands-on building challenges and learning opportunities that gave a glimpse into the life of a working military engineer. The week was punctuated by plenty of free time, lots of good food provided by talented volunteers, and even a night of bowling. At the end of the week, students participated in Funny Awards, activities, and an awards ceremony before departure on Saturday.
SAME/STEM Camp Hawai’i
Camp Paumalu, North Shore, Hawai’i, June 7-13
June 7-13 marked the launch of a new national STEM/Engineering & Construction Camp on the North Shore of O’ahu. The lush setting of Camp Paumalu welcomed 34 students who traveled to the South Pacific from across the continental United States, Hawaii, and Guam. After orientation and a welcome dinner, students were divided into squads. Each squad was led by two volunteer mentors and two squad leaders who took time off their day-jobs as industry professionals or active-duty service members to guide the students through the week of activities.
Campers experienced hands-on engineering tasks like bridge design, concrete construction, and orienteering. A friendly competition between squads was one of the highlights of the week when each group was tasked with creating a cardboard boat and then testing its seaworthiness in the camp pool. Guest speakers joined the campers throughout the week to share stories and personal career experiences. Wednesday afternoon, a field trip took students to visit the Pacific Fleet Museum and experience a poignant moment at the USS Arizona Memorial.
U.S. Marine Corps Camp
Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 21-27
The U.S. Marine Corps SAME/Engineering & Construction Camp at Camp Lejeune built on the proud legacy of STEM Camps. This year’s program delivered an unforgettable experience where students grew as leaders, tackled real-world challenges, forged lasting friendships, and discovered new possibilities for their future.
As campers arrived at Camp Lejeune, they were welcomed by a team of dedicated volunteers who kept the energy high with casual games until they were formed into their squads. During the week, the campers spent time at leadership and team building exercises with activities like the construction and testing of a trebuchet, a straw bridge competition, orienteering and military activities, field trips, and computer modeling. The cardboard boat competition is an annual favorite. It involves the design, construction, and racing of each squad’s handmade boat, and truly brings out the creativity and competitive spirit of the squads.
With plenty of active downtime and friendly competitions, the squads could really get to know each other and their teammates. Rounding out a full week, the students were treated to dinner and an awards ceremony as one last opportunity at Camp Lejeune to build lasting friendships.
U.S. Air Force Academy Camp
Colorado Springs, Colo., June 22-27
On June 22, the SAME/U.S. Air Force Academy Engineering & Construction Camp welcomed dozens of aspiring students to picturesque Colorado Springs.
Sunday kicked off an exciting week as campers arrived and were welcomed into a friendly, supportive environment. They quickly got to know one another and met the dedicated volunteers who would mentor and guide them throughout the week. Once students were organized into teams known as Flights, the adventure began. Flights competed in a variety of hands-on challenges, including building a doghouse and constructing a concrete beam for stress testing. Throughout the week, campers explored the Academy grounds and laboratories, toured active construction and geological sites, and tested their creativity and teamwork in a cardboard boat design-and-race competition.
Beyond the educational activities, there was plenty of time for fun and connection. Students enjoyed an ice cream social, a barbecue, and a spirited volleyball tournament that fueled even more friendly competition and camaraderie. The week concluded with an official graduation ceremony celebrating the students’ accomplishments, followed by a well-deserved slice of cake to cap off an unforgettable experience.
U.S. Navy Camp
Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Fla., June 21-27
The SAME/Navy STEM Engineering & Construction Camp at Naval Air Station Jacksonville recently welcomed 50 engineering-minded high school students for its third year of hands-on learning, innovation, and teamwork.
Campers arrived on Sunday and jumped right into activities designed to build connections and strengthen collaboration. Throughout the week, students worked in teams and tackled a series of engaging engineering challenges, including concrete beam construction, doghouse building, and an engineering reaction course. Between competitions, they heard from industry professionals, explored career opportunities, and gained insight into emerging technologies shaping the future of engineering and construction. The highlight of the week was a longtime camper favorite: the cardboard boat challenge. Teams designed, built, and raced their own boats, putting their creativity, problem-solving skills, and teamwork to the test in a fun and memorable finale.
Along with the technical challenges, campers enjoyed plenty of opportunities to relax, connect, and build lasting friendships. By the end of the week, students left Jacksonville with new experiences, greater confidence in their abilities, a clearer vision of future career possibilities, and friendships that will extend far beyond camp.
Naval Construction Battalion Center Camp,
Port Hueneme, Calif., July 19-25
Naval Construction Battalion Center Camp at Port Hueneme, Calif. welcomed students and immediately immersed them in team-building activities designed to foster collaboration and camaraderie. Once organized into squads, campers hit the ground running and launched into a week packed with hands-on engineering challenges and unforgettable experiences.
Throughout the week, squads tackled projects such as concrete beam design and construction, popsicle stick bridge building, and the always-anticipated cardboard boat design-and-race competition. Campers also put their engineering and problem-solving skills to the test during the NAVSEA SeaPerch program, where they built and piloted underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Friendly competition remained a central theme as students participated in the Seabee Olympics, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and perseverance.
Beyond the technical activities, students enjoyed opportunities to relax and connect with their peers, including a beach cookout that provided a perfect break from the busy schedule. The camp concluded with an awards ceremony and celebratory dinner, recognizing the campers’ achievements and bringing a successful and memorable week to a close. Students left Port Hueneme with new skills, lasting friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the many opportunities available in STEM and engineering careers.
SAME camps boast an impressive history of shaping thousands of future engineers and STEM leaders. These camps offer a challenging environment for students passionate about exploring STEM skills and careers and learning about the different paths available from high school to college and beyond. Each camp features a distinctive curriculum packed with hands-on activities conducted in competitive settings, fostering teamwork, leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills. Find out more here.
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