STEAM Superheroes recruit 17 new Defenders of the Bay

The next generation of water protectors answered the call at the 2026 STEAM Superheroes Camp, hosted by NEW Water, the brand of the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay. During the two-day camp, local youth used science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to protect our waterways while discovering how their everyday choices can make a difference.

Back for its 11th year, STEAM Superheroes Camp transformed environmental education into an action-packed adventure. NEW Water staff once again stepped into the roles of Commander CleanWater and Watershed Warrior, guiding campers through a series of missions to recover the stolen Clean Water Codes from three notorious villains: Phosphorus Phury, Sinister Sediment, and The Unflushables. By completing each mission, campers earned the title of Defender of the Bay, with 17 new defenders officially joining the ranks.

Of course, no superhero story is complete without villains. Throughout the camp, participants learned what belongs in the toilet (only the 3Ps), how pollution travels through watersheds, how land impacts water quality, and the important role microorganisms play in cleaning wastewater. Campers also used engineering and creativity to design solutions that help protect local waterways.

One of the highlights of the camp was a special engineering challenge hosted by The Children's Museum of Green Bay. Campers designed and built solutions to protect fish, people, and water, putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test while discovering how engineering plays an important role in protecting our environment.

While the superhero missions were full of adventure, the lessons learned extend far beyond the classroom. From understanding what should and shouldn't be flushed to recognizing how our actions on land impact the Fox River, the Bay of Green Bay, and the Great Lakes, campers discovered that everyone has a role to play in protecting our shared water resources.

The camp also provided a glimpse into future possibilities by introducing students to water-related careers and the many STEAM opportunities available at NEW Water. By combining education with interactive experiences and meeting "real-life" water superheroes, campers were able to see how their interests in science and problem-solving could one day become meaningful careers.

Through hands-on learning, collaboration, and a little superhero magic, STEAM Superheroes Camp continues to empower young learners to become champions for clean water - one mission at a time.