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Robotics Summer Camp Inspires Future Engineers

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:26:04 GMT

Building and Programming LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Robots

Working with LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robotics kits, students learned how to design, build, and program robots capable of completing a variety of challenges.

With guidance from camp instructor Felipe Lafosse , campers developed their robotics skills by:

Programming robot movements
Navigating obstacle courses and mazes
Solving engineering challenges
Completing themed robotic missions
Applying logical thinking and problem-solving techniques

Each activity encouraged students to think critically while gaining confidence through hands-on experimentation.

The Final Robotics Challenge

The week concluded with an exciting robotics competition featuring the FIRST LEGO League Masterpiece Challenge and Spherobots activities.

Working in teams, campers were challenged to complete a series of missions within a set time limit while demonstrating:

Teamwork
Communication
Strategic planning
Engineering skills
Successful mission completion

The final competition gave students an opportunity to apply everything they had learned throughout the week in a fun and engaging environment.

Building Skills for the Future

Robotics Summer Camp provided much more than technical instruction.

Students strengthened important life skills, including:

Critical thinking
Collaboration
Creativity
Problem-solving
Communication
Engineering design
Perseverance

These experiences help prepare young learners for future opportunities in STEM education and technology careers.

Published: August 6, 2024

Author: Jasmine Declet

A Week of Hands-On Robotics Learning

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEM) continues to grow. To inspire the next generation of innovators, the South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC) hosted its exciting Robotics Summer Camp.

Throughout this immersive week-long program, campers explored the fundamentals of robotics while gaining valuable experience in engineering, programming, and teamwork.

Explore More Summer Camps at SJIC

South Jersey Innovation Center is a leading provider of STEM enrichment programs, offering engaging educational opportunities for students with a wide range of interests.

In addition to Robotics Summer Camp, SJIC offers the following:

Coding with Scratch Camp
Filmmaking Camp
Chess Camp 1
Chess Camp 2

Whether students are interested in robotics, coding, engineering, chess, or creative technology, SJIC provides hands-on programs that inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning.

Discover upcoming camps and educational programs and help your child take the next step in their STEM journey.

Coding with Scratch Summer Camp Inspires Young Programmers

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:23:56 GMT

Beginner-Friendly Coding Projects

Students who were new to programming learned coding fundamentals through interactive, hands-on projects.

Activities included creating:

Math quiz games
Maze navigation challenges
A classic Pong game

These projects introduced essential programming concepts while encouraging logical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in an enjoyable learning environment.

Advanced Challenges for Experienced Coders

Campers with prior coding experience tackled more advanced programming concepts through increasingly complex projects.

Students worked on:

Building game platforms
Creating point-scoring systems
Designing hitboxes
Improving game functionality
Applying more advanced coding logic

These activities challenged students to strengthen their programming skills while gaining a deeper understanding of software development principles.

A Place Where Every Coder Can Thrive

Regardless of experience level, every camper had the opportunity to learn, create, and grow.

The Coding with Scratch Summer Camp encouraged students to think creatively, solve problems, and collaborate while building valuable technical skills that can support future learning in computer science and technology.

SJIC provides an environment where young programmers can confidently develop their abilities from writing their very first lines of code to tackling advanced programming challenges.

Published: August 12, 2024

Author: Jasmine Declet

A Week of Coding, Creativity, and Innovation

Young innovators explored the exciting world of computer programming during the Coding with Scratch Summer Camp at the South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC).

Designed for both beginners and experienced coders, the camp grouped students according to their skill levels, ensuring every participant received instruction that matched their experience while continuing to build their confidence and technical abilities.

Using Scratch, a block-based visual programming language, campers discovered that learning to code can be both engaging and fun.

Explore More Summer Camps at SJIC

South Jersey Innovation Center is a leading provider of STEM enrichment programs, offering engaging educational experiences that inspire creativity and innovation.

In addition to Coding with Scratch Camp, SJIC also offers the following:

Filmmaking Camp
Chess Camp 1
Chess Camp 2

Whether your child is interested in coding, chess, robotics, engineering, or creative media, SJIC provides hands-on programs that encourage learning, exploration, and lifelong skill development.

Discover upcoming camps and educational programs and help your child continue their journey in STEM learning.

Filmmaking Week Sparks Creativity at SJIC Summer Camp

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:21:08 GMT

Learning the Art of Filmmaking

Throughout the week, campers took on the roles of:

Directors
Actors
Camera operators
Video editors

Under the guidance of camp instructor Mia Matis, students learned how to bring their ideas to life through every step of production.

Campers explored:

Storyboarding
Video planning
Camera techniques
Professional filming practices
Video editing

One of the week's biggest highlights was the opportunity to film throughout the SJIC facility, allowing students to transform their creative ideas into original short films.

Building Teamwork and Creativity

Creating a successful film required campers to work closely together.

By collaborating with their peers, students learned the importance of communication, teamwork, and sharing ideas to complete each project.

Along the way, campers also developed valuable problem-solving skills. When scenes didn't go as planned or creative challenges arose, they adapted, found new solutions, and continued working until their films were complete.

These experiences helped build resilience, creativity, and confidence both behind and in front of the camera.

More Than a Summer Camp

Filmmaking Week provided much more than an introduction to video production.

Students strengthened important life skills, including:

Creativity
Collaboration
Communication
Adaptability
Critical thinking
Project planning
Confidence

These skills support success both in creative pursuits and everyday life.

Published: August 19, 2024

Author: Jasmine Declet

Lights, Camera, Action!

Filmmaking Week at the South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC) gave children ages 8 to 14 the opportunity to become movie creators during an exciting week of hands-on summer camp activities.

From developing ideas to producing finished videos, campers explored every stage of the filmmaking process while expressing their creativity in a fun and collaborative environment.

Discover More STEM Programs at SJIC

South Jersey Innovation Center is a leading provider of STEM enrichment programs for children and adults.

In addition to Filmmaking Camp, SJIC offers a variety of engaging programs, including

Chess Camps
Coding & Computer Science
Mathematics
Robotics
Engineering
Visual & Media Arts
Financial Literacy

Whether students are interested in technology, engineering, media production, or creative arts, SJIC provides hands-on learning experiences that inspire innovation and lifelong learning.

Explore upcoming camps and fall classes to continue learning, creating, and growing with South Jersey Innovation Center.

Chess Camp Inspires Learning, Strategy, and Fun

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:17:30 GMT

Building Chess Skills

The first week of camp focused on the fundamentals of chess, including:

Opening principles
Essential tactics
Piece development
Core game strategies

During the second week, students advanced their skills by exploring:

Strategic planning
Decision-making
Positional play
Critical thinking

A major highlight of the program was instruction from FIDE Master Dov Gorman, whose expertise provided campers with valuable insight into competitive chess.

Developing Skills Beyond the Chessboard

Chess teaches far more than the rules of the game.

Throughout camp, students strengthened important life skills such as the following:

Patience
Critical thinking
Abstract reasoning
Adaptability
Focus
Strategic planning
Problem-solving

These abilities support academic success while preparing students with valuable skills for the 21st century.

Continue Your Chess Journey at SJIC

South Jersey Innovation Center is a leading destination for STEM education, offering outstanding chess instruction for both children and adults.

In addition to seasonal camps, SJIC provides:

Weekly chess classes
Official US Chess rated tournaments
Rated rapid tournaments every Wednesday evening
Friday Night Chess Club
Opportunities for players of all experience levels to learn and compete

Whether you're just beginning or preparing for tournament play, SJIC offers a welcoming environment where students can continue developing their chess skills throughout the year.

Register for upcoming SJIC chess classes and discover the many opportunities to learn, compete, and grow through the game of chess.

Two Weeks of Chess-Filled Learning

The South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC) recently wrapped up two exciting weeks of Chess Camp, welcoming young players of all skill levels for an engaging and educational summer experience.

Campers arrived eager to strengthen their chess abilities through a balanced combination of practical games, tactical puzzles, and instructional lessons. Each session was thoughtfully designed to help students build confidence while improving their understanding of the game.

SJIC Fall Open House Brings STEM to Life

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:14:48 GMT

A Day of Discovery and Innovation

South Jersey Innovation Center's annual Fall Open House welcomed families from across the region for a day filled with hands-on learning and exciting STEM activities.

Parents and children explored a variety of interactive experiences, including:

Math puzzles
Straw rocket challenges
Remote-control robotics
STEM demonstrations
Educational games and activities

The event gave families the opportunity to learn more about SJIC's programs while experiencing the engaging, hands-on approach that makes our classes unique.

STEM Fusion Activity Highlight

One of the most popular attractions was the STEM Fusion activity station.

Children of all ages built edible DNA models using licorice and gummy bears while learning about the structure of DNA in a fun and memorable way. The activity combined science, creativity, and hands-on learning and, of course, many students enjoyed eating their creations once the lesson was complete.

Thank You to Our Community

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of the families who attended and to the volunteers whose time and dedication helped make this year's Fall Open House a success.

We look forward to welcoming students back as our fall programs begin and are excited to share our passion for STEM education with the next generation of innovators.

Special Guest Grandmaster Abhi Mishra

Following the Open House, SJIC was honored to welcome celebrity guest Grandmaster Abhimanyu (Abhi) Mishra.

Grandmaster Mishra spent time answering questions from attendees before taking on more than 20 players simultaneously in an exciting chess simultaneous exhibition (simul).

For students who love chess and dream of learning from one of the world's top players, future visits from Grandmaster Mishra are opportunities you won't want to miss.

Discover STEM at South Jersey Innovation Center

South Jersey Innovation Center is a leading destination for STEM education, offering engaging programs for both children and adults in areas such as:

Chess
Mathematics
Coding & Computer Science
Robotics
Engineering
Visual & Media Arts
Financial Literacy
STEM Fusion

Our hands-on classes inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking while helping students develop skills that prepare them for future success.

Stay connected with SJIC to learn about upcoming classes, community events, and educational opportunities throughout the year.

Published: September 15, 2024

Author: Nick Curcio

Rising Stars of the Guild: Heroes on the Rise!

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:40:09 GMT

A New Generation of Adventurers

Greetings, brave souls and curious onlookers!

The Adventurer’s Guild is proud to spotlight one of its most promising groups of rising heroes. Through courage, teamwork, and quick thinking, these adventurers have already completed several memorable quests and earned a growing reputation throughout the realm.

The Mystery of the Whispering Mausoleum

The team's first major mission led them to the infamous Whispering Mausoleum in Lazarus Rise Cemetery, a place long feared for its eerie sounds and ghostly lights.

Tasked in investigating the disturbing reports, the adventurers descended into the ancient tomb and confronted a powerful undead creature unlike any they had previously encountered. After a hard-fought battle, they emerged victorious, putting the haunting mystery to rest.

Rescue at Stone peak Mines

Following their success at the mausoleum, the heroes answered an urgent call for help at the Stone peak Mines, where a devastating cave-in had trapped several miners.

Rather than relying solely on force, the party demonstrated exceptional diplomacy by negotiating with a mysterious tie fling. Their quick thinking secured the safe rescue of the trapped miners without further conflict, proving that wisdom can be just as powerful as strength.

Dr. Bob's Magical Experiments

The group's most unusual assignment came from the renowned alchemist Dr. Bob, who enlisted the adventurers to test a collection of experimental magical potions.

While the unexpected effects of the concoctions quickly became the talk of the town, Dr. Bob declared the heroes "the most entertaining test subjects in a century."

The mission provided plenty of surprises—and even more stories to tell.

Heroes to Watch

With successful investigations, daring rescues, diplomatic victories, and unforgettable magical experiments already behind them, these adventurers continue to prove themselves as one of the Guild's most promising teams.

Their courage, creativity, and determination have earned them recognition throughout the realm, and their journey is only just beginning.

Stay tuned as the Adventurers Guild follows their next great adventure!

What Is STEM Fusion?

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:34:46 GMT

Published: October 1, 2024

Author: Nick Curcio

STEM Fusion is one of the most exciting approaches to modern education, combining Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) into engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Rather than teaching these subjects separately, STEM Fusion encourages students to explore how they work together to solve problems, think creatively, and better understand the world around them.

At South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC), STEM Fusion inspires students to become curious learners through interactive projects, experiments, and collaborative activities that make learning both meaningful and fun.

Why STEM Fusion Matters

STEM Fusion helps students build essential skills by connecting classroom concepts with real-world applications.

Students develop:

Critical thinking
Creative problem-solving
Scientific reasoning
Collaboration
Communication
Innovation
Hands-on learning experience
Confidence in STEM subjects

By encouraging exploration and experimentation, students gain a deeper understanding of how science and technology influence everyday life.

Hands-On Learning in Action

During a recent STEM Fusion class, students in Grades 1–3 explored the science of surfactants by making soap.

As part of the activity, students learned about:

The scientific method
Laboratory materials and equipment
The difference between a beaker and a cup
Why do laboratory beakers have pouring spouts
Color mixing using primary colors
Physical changes as liquid soap quickly solidified

Through observation, experimentation, and discussion, students discovered scientific concepts while enjoying a fun and memorable hands-on experience.

Learning Through Exploration

Every STEM Fusion lesson encourages students to ask questions, test ideas, and work together to solve challenges.

By combining science with creativity and experimentation, students gain a stronger understanding of STEM concepts while developing valuable lifelong learning skills.

Our interactive approach helps children become confident thinkers who are excited to explore new ideas and discover how the world works.

Building the Innovators of Tomorrow

At South Jersey Innovation Center, we believe learning should be engaging, collaborative, and inspiring.

Programming like STEM Fusion supports our mission of developing future innovators by encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of science and technology.

In addition to STEM Fusion, SJIC offers a wide variety of STEM programs for children and adults, including:

Mathematics
Coding & Computer Science
Robotics
Engineering
Chess
Visual & Media Arts
Financial Literacy
Summer STEM Camps

Each program is designed to provide hands-on learning experiences that help students build confidence, expand their knowledge, and prepare for future academic and career success.

Discover STEM Fusion at SJIC

Whether your child is just beginning to explore science or already has a passion for STEM, SJIC's STEM Fusion program provides an exciting environment where learning comes to life through creativity, collaboration, and hands-on discovery.

Stay connected with South Jersey Innovation Center to learn about upcoming classes, events, and new opportunities to explore the world of STEM.

Why Art Has a Place in STEM Education

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:30:34 GMT

Written by Madison Johnson

Art is often overlooked as an important part of STEM education. However, it plays a valuable role in strengthening the skills students develop through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By incorporating art into learning, students enhance their creativity, improve problem-solving abilities, and discover new ways to express their ideas.

Art takes many forms including drawing, painting, sculpting, and weaving—and each develops different technical and creative skills. Even foundational concepts such as shading, proportion, and composition help students build an artistic perspective that can be applied to STEM-related challenges.

The Value of Art in STEM Education

Adding art to STEM transforms it into STEM, creating a more well-rounded educational experience. Artistic thinking encourages innovation by helping students approach problems from different perspectives while strengthening observation, imagination, and design skills.

Through creative expression, students learn to communicate ideas more effectively and develop the confidence to experiment with new concepts.

Art in Science

Art plays an important role in scientific discovery. Creative thinking helps scientists design experiments, visualize ideas, and develop innovative solutions to complex questions.

Observation, illustration, and visual communication all contribute to a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Art in Technology

Technology relies heavily on design.

From websites and mobile applications to software and digital products, artistic principles help create user-friendly experiences through:

Graphic design
User interface (UI) design
Visual communication
Layout and organization
Color and composition

Good design makes technology both functional and engaging.

Art in Engineering

Engineering combines creativity with technical knowledge.

Working with artistic mediums helps students better understand concepts such as the following:

Structure
Balance
Weight distribution
Materials
Precision
Attention to detail

Three-dimensional art forms like sculpting provide valuable insight into how designs are built and why structural integrity matters.

Art in Mathematics

Mathematics is filled with patterns, shapes, and visual relationships that often go unnoticed.

Visualizing equations, geometric figures, and mathematical concepts helps students better understand how formulas and theorems work while strengthening spatial reasoning and analytical thinking.

Art encourages students to see mathematics from a different perspective, making abstract concepts more meaningful and accessible.

Bringing STEM to Life

When art is combined with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, students gain a broader understanding of how creativity and innovation work together.

By encouraging artistic exploration alongside technical learning, STEM education helps students develop critical thinking, creative problem-solving, communication, and design skills that prepare them for future academic and professional success.

At South Jersey Innovation Center, we believe creativity is an essential part of innovation, making art a valuable component of every student's educational journey.

12th Annual Super Bowl Pregame Chess Tournament

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:23:37 GMT

A Championship Day for Chess and Football

On February 9, 2025, before the Philadelphia Eagles captured a thrilling Super Bowl victory in Las Vegas, chess players gathered at the South Jersey Innovation Center (SJIC) for the 1 2th Annual Super Bowl Pregame Chess Tournament.

This long-standing tradition served as the perfect pregame event, featuring four rounds of rated chess just hours before kickoff. Later that evening, the Eagles celebrated football glory, while earlier that day the region's top chess players showcased their talent across the board.

In a fitting coincidence, Eagles running back and chess enthusiast Saquon Barkley helped bring home the Lombardi Trophy only hours after 56 local players competed in Cherry Hill, making it a memorable day for both football and chess fans

Tournament Highlights

The tournament welcomed 56 rated players from across the region and featured three competitive sections:

Open
U2000
U1400

Players competed in four rounds of rated chess, with rising talents and experienced competitors battling for top honors.

Open Section Results

The Open Section featured an impressive field of 14 masters, including

International Master and U.S. Senior Champion Nikoloz Manadze
Three FIDE Masters

New Jersey National Master Ansh Shah delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with a perfect 4.5 points .

Peter Minear of Pennsylvania followed closely behind with 4.0 points after four competitive rounds.

Continuing a Chess Tradition

South Jersey Innovation Center continues to serve as a leading destination for competitive chess and STEM education throughout the region.

SJIC hosts:

Rated chess tournaments every other Sunday
Rated events on Wednesday evenings
Rated events on Friday evenings

These tournaments provide opportunities for players of all skill levels to compete, improve, and become part of a growing chess community.

A Memorable Super Bowl Sunday

As the tournament concluded and players packed up their chess boards, many headed home to watch the Philadelphia Eagles secure their Super Bowl victory.

For South Jersey, it was a day to celebrate both strategic brilliance on the chessboard and championship success on the football field Super Bowl Sunday filled with checkmates, touchdowns, and unforgettable memories.

AI Innovation Hub Event Recap

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:58:28 GMT

AI Innovation Hub Event Recap

Featured Speakers

Dr. Jeffrey Dennison

Dr. Jeffrey Dennison, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, presented a deep dive into neuroscience and machine learning. His talk explored how AI is transforming fMRI data analysis by decoding complex brain signals using Support Vector Machines (SVMs). The session included a hands-on SVM tutorial followed by an engaging Q&A.

Dr. Anthony Trezza

Dr. Anthony Trezza, Senior Software Engineer at Anduril Industries, discussed DeepSeek, a groundbreaking AI architecture reshaping the industry. He explained its cost-efficient, high-performance capabilities and why it has captured the attention of innovators and investors alike.

Community Highlights

The event created an energetic atmosphere filled with curiosity, collaboration, and meaningful conversations.

A sincere thank you to our speakers and everyone who attended. Your enthusiasm and passion continue to make the AI Innovation Hub an exceptional community.

About the AI Innovation Hub

The AI Innovation Hub at SJIC is a community-powered initiative where AI enthusiasts connect, collaborate, and grow. Events are open to everyone, whether you're an experienced professional or simply curious about artificial intelligence.

Through speaker presentations, tutorials, and networking opportunities, we explore today's most exciting advances in AI while empowering innovators at every level.

Visit Us

South Jersey Innovation Center
498 Kings Hwy N, Suite 102
Cherry Hill, NJ