UMES Extension 4-H STEM succeeded in making a free, weeklong youth summer science camp available to a historically Black maritime community thanks to a collaboration with its county extension office.
The Bellevue community, located nearly two hours from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus in Princess Anne, Maryland, lies on the north shore of the Tred Avon River across from the small town of Oxford. An historic ferry (1683) connects the three-quarter miles between the two. Bellevue was home to seafood packing plants from 1899-1998. Like many small Eastern Shore towns, it is now fighting gentrification and extreme weather events.
When community leaders reached out to UMES Extension to help organize a STEM experience for youth during the summer, the educators contacted 4-H colleagues at the University of Maryland’s Extension Talbot County office. UMES contributed technical and financial support, while the county extension office provided day-to-day logistical and teaching services.
“As a result, a small team of Bellevue volunteers succeeded in offering an amazing day camp with hands-on activities to about 40 youth who had never participated in a 4-H-connected program before,” said Ariel Clay, the 4-H youth development STEM specialist with UMES Extension. “Plans are already being made for summer 2025, and we hope that this collaborative relationship will result in further programming on a year-round basis.”
Collaborations such as this “open doors to create new and innovative programs,” Clay said, since agencies typically work with different communities through varied programs.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu, 410-621-3850.
Photos submitted.
