Girl Scouts Learn About Ocean, Space and Environmental Science

Girls from throughout the state, mainland and beyond had a chance to learn about Hawaiʻi’s multi-national cultures while engaging in unique science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, activities during an event last month.

Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi hosted its inaugural Pacific Exploration in STEM program from July 7-13 at Camp Paumalū on Oʻahu’s North Shore.

“The Pacific Exploration in STEM program was the first international event held at the newly-constructed STEM Center for Excellence at Camp Paumalū,” Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi CEO Shari Chang said in a press release. “It was an exciting and busy week for the girls, who gained hands-on experience in engineering, biology, astronomy, technology and cybersecurity through some really fun activities.”

Camp activities included hiking, archery, snorkeling, building a drone, surfing lessons and traditional Hawaiian farming. Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi also partnered with organizations such as Oceanit, the University of Hawaiʻi School of Engineering and the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, introducing camp participants to a number of STEM careers and learning paths available in the state.

In addition, the girls got to experience Hawaiian culture through working with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Polynesian Cultural Center, participating in the Mālama ʻĀina Experience at Kualoa Ranch, and more.

Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi’s Pacific Exploration in STEM and other STEM-related programs seek to fulfill Hawaii’s current and future need for STEM professionals. It is estimated that 80% of jobs that will exist in five years do not exist today. With women having just 25% of STEM jobs in the United States, Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi shifted its programming to encourage girls to pursue careers in this rapidly-growing industry.

“By holding events like this, we hope to foster girls’ interest in STEM subjects and encourage them to pursue STEM-related careers,” Chang said in the press release. “We are so honored that (Girl Scouts of the USA) and (the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) selected Hawaiʻi as part of their international Destinations program for Girl Scouts around the world.”

Pacific Exploration in STEM is one of many Girl Scout Destination programs that take Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts on adventures throughout the country and around the world.

To learn more about opportunities with Girl Scouts of Hawaiʻi, click here or call 808-595-8400.