Girls in STEM Camp — SNJ Blog | Sierra Nevada Journeys

Girls in STEM Camp

Empowering Future Innovators: Girls in STEM Camp Sparks Confidence, Curiosity, and Career Dreams

Camp can be a whirlwind experience, and our Girls in STEM Camp is no exception. On June 7, 2025, campers arrive at our Outdoor Education Camp in Portola — many for the first time where they quickly settle in, form fast friendships with their bunkmates, and immerse themselves in outdoor adventures. From hiking and group skits to scaling our Alpine Tower, they embrace new challenges. But beyond the outdoor excitement, they also connect with inspiring women in STEM careers, opening their eyes to new possibilities for their own futures.

With so much packed into this two-day camp, it’s easy to overlook just how profound an impact this program has. Girls in STEM helps young women envision themselves in fields they may have never considered before. More than just increasing diversity in STEM professions, our program lays the foundation for today’s youth to become well-rounded leaders in the workforce.

At Sierra Nevada Journeys, we believe that access to high-quality, outdoor-based science education is not a luxury but a necessity. And we don’t just say it, we measure it. Pre- and post-camp assessments show that participants leave with not only a greater awareness of STEM careers but also increased confidence in teamwork and a renewed enthusiasm for STEM learning.

Our Girls in STEM Camp wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our community. Sponsors like KSI Foundation, NV Energy, Charles River Lab, Aristocrat Gaming, and Sierra Pacific Credit Union generously contribute time and resources. Also, the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program made it possible for students from low-income backgrounds to attend. Because our community has given so much to ensure the success of this program, we were proud to return the favor by supporting the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program in its efforts to secure state funding.

On March 3, CEO Sean Hill and other Sierra Nevada Journeys representatives traveled to Carson City, NV, to testify before the Nevada State Legislature in support of AB 108 — a bill aimed at expanding access to outdoor education by reducing financial and logistical barriers. As Sean stated in his testimony before the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, “This isn’t just about education. It’s also about Nevada’s economic future. Our state is rapidly growing in clean energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing — industries that require a strong STEM workforce. Early hands-on STEM engagement builds curiosity, confidence, and essential life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration; these are qualities that employers seek.” By ensuring that all students — especially those from low-income communities — have access to hands-on science learning, AB108 will help create a more skilled workforce, more engaged citizens, and a stronger Nevada.

As we prepare for the sixth year of Girls in STEM Camp, happening June 7-8, 2025, we are excited for the opportunities awaiting this year’s participants and the bright futures ahead of them. We encourage you to share this program with the young students in your life who are looking for inspiration in STEM. Additionally, we invite you to learn more about the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program and the lasting impact it is making on Nevada’s youth.

2nd Annual Girls In STEM Camp was a success

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A powerful lineup of women from the STEM industry spoke at this year’s camp to encourage young women to pursue STEM careers.

RENO, Nev. — Aug. 25, 2019 — With support from Tesla, Sierra Nevada Journeys, hosted more than 100 young women for an action-packed weekend of hands-on, experiential STEM programming. The second annual Girls in STEM camp was held on August 23-25, 2019 at Grizzly Creek Ranch in Portola, California. Additionally, Sierra Nevada Journeys partnered with Envirolution on this educational experience, and their experts will be led Friday evening’s engineering challenge for the campers.

Each year, this weekend camp event is designed for girls ages 10 to 14 from low-income* communities in northern Nevada. In 2019, it focused on energy, sustainability, science and technology, engineering and math, as well as leadership development, communication, collaboration and problem-solving.

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“This camp wouldn’t be possible without the 25 volunteers and amazing speakers from STEM fields, and of course, Tesla’s education investment with Sierra Nevada Journeys. We aim to provide opportunities for our local kids, and develop and inspire Nevada’s future STEM workforce with this exciting program,” said Sean Hill, Education Director with Sierra Nevada Journeys. On Saturday evening, local guest speakers included women from: Blockchains, LLC; Wood Rodgers, Inc. a western regional engineering firm; Tesla; and Society of Women Engineers, University of Nevada.

Meg VanDeventer, Partner Engagement Lead at Blockchains shared why she is volunteered her time as a guest speaker at the Girls in STEM camp. “Fewer than 10 percent of people in the blockchain industry are women; I hope to change that statistic by sharing my experiences with young women and inspire them on how women are going to rule the future of cryptocurrency.”

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VanDeventer, a former Peace Corps volunteer, has consulted on a presidential campaign on cyber security and taught students to code through AmeriCorps. “I wanted to find a way to make a difference by using technology to empower others,” said VanDeventer. “Girls in STEM camp is a perfect forum to make a positive impact on northern Nevada female students.”

The weekend was packed with lots of hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, and experience on Sierra Nevada Journeys’ famous high ropes challenge course.

Funding for this camp comes from Tesla as part of their $37.5 million investment in Nevada’s K-12 STEM and Sustainability Education initiative through the Nevada Department of Education Gift Fund.

To view photos and video from 2019 Girls in STEM, please visit Sierra Nevada Journeys’ photo site.

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