Two students find friendship—and a passion for STEM—at ĢƵ summer camp
October 27, 2026
Friendship has a way of finding people when they least expect it, weaving two lives together through experiences that appear ordinary at first.
For Zane and Malik, a week at one of ĢƵ’s STEAM Academy summer camps sparked a connection that neither of them could have predicted. What began as a chance meeting soon grew into a friendship that extended far beyond camp.
The two met during the 2025 Middle School Build + Learn Camp, which teaches students about creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking through STEM-focused projects and activities over the course of a week. Despite being from different schools and family backgrounds, and even different grades—Zane was in eighth grade, Malik was in sixth at the time—they became fast friends.
While they both share an interest in STEM, their connection was built on sports, specifically football and basketball.
“When the boys get together, they are often doing one of those things, and of course eating!” Zane’s mom Erica Dice said. “They will throw the football around in the park, play basketball in the driveway or play College Football 27 on PlayStation. My family has even been able to support Malik’s school football team, cheering for him at his games.”
“Erica and I have taken them both on outings—lights at the zoo, botanical gardens, movies, splash pads, among other activities,” said Michelle King, Malik’s mom. “They enjoy simply hanging out around the house, as well.”
The pair and their families also attended the Fort Wayne stop of Dude Perfect’s Squad Games Tour together in July.
While Zane and Malik have sustained their friendship beyond their time with the STEAM Academy, their individual experiences in the camp are proving to be valuable as they continue their education.
King says that Malik benefitted from the camp’s project-based learning, as well as the team project activities.
“One lesson that stood out was the nutrient project where the students broke a variety of foods down into categories explaining how they provide energy to your body,” King said. “The rocket launching and volcano project were some of his favorites as well. He also said he liked the icebreakers; the students really got a chance to get to know one another. They were allowed to play games to stimulate themselves throughout the day.”
Dice says Zane gained a “great deal” of independence and confidence after attending the camp, which has bolstered his academic pursuits.
“Since returning from camp, he has worked on a number of STEM kits at home, similar to the pinball one he received at camp,” said Dice. “Entering high school, he chose a Career and Technical Education pathway in digital technology, using coding skills that he was introduced to in robotics engineering at camp.”
The two parents say Zane and Malik were able to have such a fulfilling experience at the STEAM camps because of the commitment of its staff and welcoming atmosphere.
“Each morning my son was warmly greeted by name,” Dice said. “It was comforting to know that my child would be seen, known and understood by those leading him each day. This became even more apparent and more important when he returned for the second year of camp this summer; the staff remembered him from the previous year, and I felt comfortable leaving him at an overnight camp for the first time.”
“The student teachers at the STEAM camp foster a fun, in Malik’s terms, ‘not so strict’ learning atmosphere,” said King. “It also provides connectivity with students that are closer to my child’s age. I love that the students can see themselves in their instructors. The curriculum seems very thorough and prepares them for real world hands-on experiences at an early age.”
Registration for STEAM Academy summer camps usually opens toward the end of the year, with most ranging between $200 and $250 per student.
For Zane and Malik, however, the value of their experience extended well beyond the lessons they learned and the skills they developed. They also found a friendship that neither expected to find at summer camp.
“Finding someone who truly appreciates your child and genuinely enjoys their company is invaluable, and I am so blessed that Malik’s family also embraces Zane for who he is,” said Dice. “Watching Zane and Malik play and laugh together brings me so much joy!”
“Zane is a part of our family at this point,” King said. “He hangs out with all of my kids and little cousins. Both Zane and Malik have such special hearts, and I’m very proud of both of them.”
ĢƵ STEAM Academy Programming
Dates and pricing for 2027 summer camps have already been announced, and registration will open in early December.
- Build + Learn will return from Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11, for 6th, 7th or 8th graders.
- Examine and Explore Science Camp will be Tuesday, June 1, through Friday, June 4, for students from 6th through 12th grade. Students explore how biological systems work, uncover the mysteries of the human body and learn how to protect our environment.
- Creative Expression and Communication will be Monday, June 14, through Thursday, June 17, for students from 6th through 12th grade. Students will learn new skills through activities like photography, fine art and video storytelling.
- High School STEM Camp will be Monday, June 21, through Friday, June 25. Sessions will focus on different disciplines within engineering and serve as a hands-on introduction to STEM fields and career opportunities in a fun and memorable way.
For more details on the summer camps, pricing and the STEAM Academy’s variety of current after-school programs, visit .