SeaPerch

SEAPERCH

Since October 2018, Cadettes from Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) met twice a week at Shelly Ridge to learn, build and execute a SeaPerch robot. In partnership with Jefferson University and with funding from the Department of the U.S. Navy, the girls were coached by a student majoring in a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.) field to introduce and engage them in those areas. Our young Girl Scouts worked tirelessly each week, including visits to a swimming pool at The Carousel House in Fairmount Park to ensure their robot was competition ready.

The girls also learned other valuable life skills such as public speaking, teamwork and problem solving. During their meetings at The Carousel House, the girls tested their robot in the water, identified problem areas and made necessary adjustments.

On March 8th, the girls joined 25 teams from all over the region, for an all-day competition at Temple University. The competition included a PowerPoint and video presentation to judges from the Navy and GSEP staff, regarding their experience in the program including, designing and building. In addition, they experienced working on an online Fleet simulation, imitating a rescue mission. Finally, the girls were able to compete in the water, something they were excited to experience. Being able to not only build a robot but compete and present, the girls learned what it takes to be a G.I.R.L. (Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, and Leader). Following the competition each girl raised their hand in excitement to attend our S.T.E.M. camp and compete in SeaPerch again next year.