Camp Reach participants with the WPI Connection goat

Ten middle school girls from WPI’s Camp Reach were honored Nov. 23 by the Regional Environmental Council for their role in creating an outdoor classroom for the YouthGROW organic farm in the Main South area of Worcester.

The team was coached in summer 2009 by Auburn Middle School math teacher and WPI alumnus John Bastien, along with WPI students Melissa Cowan (ED ’14, Reach ‘04) and Sarah Walker (BE ’14), who were high school students at the time.

This project was completed by youth and for youth. The Camp Reach team developed the conceptual design for the structure using the engineering design process. The Community Service Learning Youth Council at South High Community School then awarded funding for building materials. YouthBuild Worcester, part of Training Resources of America, then finalized the design and constructed the shelter, which will serve 60 youth employees of the farm each summer.

WPI’s Camp Reach has provided a two-week engineering experience for 30 rising sixth grade girls each summer since 1997, with continuing mentoring and programming through the middle school and high school years. Audra Gaul, Sue Sontgerath, and Professor Chrys Demetry direct the program.

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By the way, did you catch the WPI Connection goat in these photos?

WPI Connection is always looking for “Goat Keepers.” On a regular basis, we will feature photos of WPI students, faculty, and staff with the goat (or, if you’re camera shy, just the goat) in interesting places near and far.  So, if you are traveling to a different city for a conference, doing an IQP/MQP site check, heading off on a week-long vacation, or even if you are doing something fun on campus or in the vicinity, let us know and we’ll lend you the goat.

Becoming the “Goat Keeper” is just as easy as sharing news, photos, or video: Just send us an email at wpiconnection@wpi.edu, and if his schedule allows, we’ll arrange for a pick-up.