Hello! My name is Madeleine Auch, and I am an incoming third-year student at The Ohio State University, studying business with a passion for non-profit initiatives. Which is why I am grateful to be learning from The Columbus Foundation. Through the Summer Fellows Program, I am working with Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland, which is a full circle experience in a way, as I was a Girl Scout growing up. 

Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland aims to lift young girls up and is specifically focused on their courage, confidence, and character. Recently, the Girl Scouts organization has been especially focused on getting girls excited and interested in the STEM world so they may see STEM as a future career opportunity. 

During the first week, I was reminded of the purpose and “Why?” of Girl Scouts and participated in training to prepare for the first ever week of STEM camp at one of the Girl Scout day camps. These STEM camps will look different from the average day camp experience as girls will have the opportunity to use the STEM center and its resources (3D printers, Cricut, Electronic devices, and electric tools) to tinker, design, and create.

This summer I will be helping with the implementation of the STEM Programming by working directly with the STEM Campers. Coming into this week I was worried I would be behind as I am the only new staff member at camp this summer. That being said, the staff have gone above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and check that I have a clear understanding of all the training, I even picked out my camp name, Ivy, after my dog! 

My standout moment from this week was honestly getting to know the staff better and hearing their stories from previous summers, which has helped me to know how to react in certain scenarios. It has been very heartwarming to get to know so many people who love the Girl Scouts organization and truly cannot wait to help young girls grow confidence in themselves and their passions. 

I am looking forward to next week’s STEM camp which is Icky Sticky themed, we plan to incorporate activities like Egg Drop, Slime Making, and Do it Yourself Ice Cream. I am excited to share how the week goes!

Best,

Madeleine Auch