Defenders of the Bay: Young Heroes Take on Villains to Save Our Waterways
Summer is heating up with the latest edition of NEW Water’s STEAM Superheroes Camp, now celebrating its ninth fantastic year of partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay. This year, the camp wasn’t just about learning – it was about battling the forces of villainy to protect and educate kids about our most valuable resource, water.
Introducing the Defenders of the Bay
Nine kids completed their heroic training and earned their “Defenders of the Bay” certificates. This prestigious title isn’t just for show; it signifies their bravery and dedication in defending our waters from the clutches of nefarious forces. Through their training, these young heroes delved into the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) with a mission to protecting waterways.
Their training included hands-on activities like building sewer infrastructure, inspecting microorganisms through microscopes, and learning the crucial lesson of how to "Love Your Pipes."
Meet the Superheroes and Villains
At the heart of this camp were the characters: “Commander CleanWater” and “Watershed Warrior.” Played by our dedicated NEW Water staff, these superheroes guided the members of the Boys & Girls Club on the importance of protecting our water, and explained the intricate connection between the Fox River, the Bay of Green Bay, Lake Michigan, and the Great Lakes, showcasing how our actions impact this vast water network.
Every hero needs a worthy adversary. Enter the villains: “Phosphorus Phury”, “Sinister Sediment”, and the “Unflushables.” These villains, also brought to life by NEW Water staff, represented the various threats our waterways face. From algae blooms to dead zones and improper waste disposal, these villains were a tangible way for the kids to understand the real challenges in “Defending” our water.
From Fun to Future Careers
The STEAM Superheroes Camp isn’t just about fun and games – though we had plenty of fun -- It also opens the doors to future water careers. The camp provides kids with a unique glimpse into various STEAM-related careers, including careers they could have one day at NEW Water. By combining education with interactive experiences, and meeting “real life” water superheroes, the camp helps kids envision future possibilities and inspires them to explore careers they might not have considered before.
Why It Matters
There’s a growing need in our community to engage kids in STEAM fields and to foster an early interest in careers that protect our environment. The STEAM Superheroes Camp addresses this need by offering a dynamic learning experience that combines essential skills with a sense of purpose and adventure.
As summer unfolds, our new Defenders of the Bay are not only equipped with knowledge but also empowered with the superhero spirit to make a difference in their own community. With their training complete and their certificates proudly earned, these young heroes are ready to join the ongoing “Defenders of the Bay” battle to protect our waterways and their toilets.
About Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay, believes every child deserves to be in an environment that brings out the very best in them. For more than 50 years, the Club has provided youth aged 7-18 with a safe place to learn and grow during out-of-school hours, while also opening the door to positive relationships with caring adult professionals and life-changing opportunities through educational programs. For more information, please visit www.bgcgb.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and X!