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A group photo of about twenty children and two adult counselors from the Carus Summer Science Camp, standing on the steps of an ornate, historic stone building.

Sparking STEM Curiosity for 23 Years: Inside the 2025 Carus Summer Science Camp 

Each summer, a group of local sixth graders trade typical campfire stories for lab goggles, test tubes, and hands-on experiments. The Carus Summer Science Camp has become a tradition in the Illinois Valley—one that turns curiosity into confidence and science into something students can see, touch, and launch into the sky.

Now in its 23rd year, the free week-long camp welcomed another class of students to Saint Bede Academy for a full schedule of STEM activities, field trips, and classroom challenges. The experience blends science education with real-world context, supported by teachers, volunteers, and local organizations working together to create lasting impact.

Since the camp began in 2001, 652 students have completed the program—each taking part in interactive lessons that aim to make science more accessible and meaningful.

A group of students listens to an instructor explaining large industrial pipes and valves inside a facility, with machinery and blue tanks visible in the background.
Three children wearing safety goggles and name tags stand at a science lab table with test tubes, beakers, and lab equipment. A classroom whiteboard and shelves are visible in the background.
Two boys sit at a classroom table with worksheets, pencils, and red paper glasses in front of them. Other students are working at nearby tables. The boy in blue smiles at the camera.
A group of children on a guided tour stands in an ornate library with wooden bookshelves, a large chandelier, and a portrait of an older man hanging on the wall. A guide speaks to the group near a bright window.
A group photo of about twenty children and two adult counselors from the Carus Summer Science Camp, standing on the steps of an ornate, historic stone building.
Children sit at lab tables in a classroom, working on a hands-on project with newspaper, tape, and scissors. Some kids wear bright summer camp shirts, and various water bottles are on the tables.
A group of students wearing safety goggles work on a science experiment in a classroom, writing notes and handling lab equipment on a white countertop.
A group of children gather around a seated adult at a desk with a computer and charts in a brightly lit room with blue walls. The adult appears to be explaining something as the children watch attentively.
A group of children and adults stand on a metal walkway observing aerated water in a concrete basin at a water treatment facility on a sunny day.
A group of children and adults stand in a hallway with exposed ceilings, listening to a woman giving a tour and pointing to framed photos on the wall.
A woman demonstrates a scientific instrument to a group of children and an adult in an industrial setting. The children watch attentively, some holding drinks, while the instructor uses a handheld device over a table with lab items.

From the Classroom to the Community

Led by science educators Dan Fitzpatrick of Saint Bede Academy and Angelique Depenbrock of LaSalle-Peru Township High School, this year’s camp encouraged students to experiment, ask questions, and explore scientific principles through hands-on learning. Returning volunteer and Carus retiree Ken Pisarczyk continued his tradition of mentoring students throughout the week.

While much of the learning took place in the classroom, several activities brought science to life in the community:

  • At a local water treatment facility, Carus team members Tim Postula and Tina Garcia guided students through the role chemistry plays in producing clean, safe water.
  • A trip aboard the I&M Canal Boat gave campers a firsthand look at 19th-century engineering—linking historical innovation to present-day STEM learning.
  • Students also toured the Hegeler-Carus Mansion, where they learned how science has long shaped the region’s legacy.

Throughout the week, students designed and launched rockets, explored chemical reactions, and took part in collaborative problem-solving challenges—capped off with a graduation ceremony to celebrate their work.

A Foundation for Future Learning

“This camp gives students the freedom to experiment, explore, and imagine—all under the guidance of passionate educators and volunteers who truly care,” said Jake Kowalczyk, senior communications manager at Carus.

The Carus Summer Science Camp is part of the company’s broader commitment to education and community engagement. By connecting classroom concepts to real-world experiences, the program helps students build a foundation for future learning—and opens the door to new possibilities in STEM.

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