Student volunteers plan and lead a STEAM VBS camp.

The Hollywood Temple Corps hosted a VBS/STEAM Camp June 22–26 with Help on the Go, a youth volunteer nonprofit that enriches Salvation Army programs. The camp welcomed 160 children ages 7–15 for a week of hands-on STEAM learning.

Help on the Go's 28 volunteers—23 high school students and five college mentors—planned and led the camp. They developed lesson plans, raised funds and taught interactive workshops covering topics from coding and robotics to biology and engineering.

"I wanted to provide these kids with the opportunity to explore aspects of science that they might not otherwise have access to," said Olivia Lim, a rising senior at Marlborough School and one of the camp’s student leaders. “If even one camper finds a STEAM subject they're passionate about because of this camp, then that's what makes it worthwhile.”

Lim said she observed as the campers' engagement grew.

"Their intellectual curiosity and desire to really understand the material was something I noticed as the week went on," she said, noting that those who initially hesitated to ask questions became increasingly eager to participate, particularly during biology lessons.

Help on the Go CEO Julia Jung described the rocket launch.

“On the final day, campers built and launched brightly colored foam rockets constructed from cut pool noodles and paper,” she said. “The rockets soared toward the corps' ceiling as campers counted down in unison, laughing and cheering.”

The closing celebration brought together campers and their families, along with educators, community leaders and STEM professionals, to recognize the students’ achievements. 

Aerospace engineers Elvio Sadun and Chantelle Baier of 4SPACE, an aerospace and space technology company, guided students through the rocket-building activity. Science communicator Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space, joined virtually with a recorded message encouraging campers to continue pursuing their interests.

"I want everyone here to know that if you feel like you're not totally good at math or totally good at science, that's not really what matters," Echazarreta said. “It's kind of like playing an instrument or a sport—you get better through practice, learning and dedication. The most important thing is that you enjoy what you're doing.”

Jennifer Rodriguez, a member of The Salvation Army Hollywood Temple Corps whose daughter attended the camp, said she was excited to see her daughter come home each day eager to share what she had learned.

The closing celebration recognized the community partners who helped make the program possible. Representatives from the Office of Mayor Karen Bass, Council District 13 and the office of Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez joined volunteers and supporters in celebrating the campers’ accomplishments and the collaborative effort behind the program.

Western Territorial Intercultural Ministries Secretary Lt. Colonel Joyce Lee visited the camp with her husband, Lt. Colonel James Lee, and worshiped at the corps that Sunday. She thanked those whose dedication helped make the camp a meaningful experience for children and families and gave the closing prayer, asking that God continue to bless the corps as it serves the community.

Hollywood Temple Corps Officer Major Lorena Strickland called the VBS camp a “great blessing.”

“This gives our children a vision of achievable dreams that can help them become better people,” she said. “More than 10 children accepted Christ as their Savior—because that is the true reason for it all. It isn't about the prizes, the food or the hard work of planning the event; the main reason is for them to know that God loves them.”

With reporting by Julia Jung