The 21st Century Community Learning program — a grant-funded after-school program — is sponsoring the EPIC STEM camp in Prince Edward County this year.

Teresa Vance, the division’s 21st Century coordinator, said the camp is a four-week summer school program that will involve science, technology, engineering and math-based activities. She said the camp is a great experience.

“Teachers that taught it last year thoroughly enjoyed the program; the students thoroughly enjoyed it last year,” Vance said. “So, we’re just looking to make it … a bigger and better experience for the students.”

Vance said the camp is free and is for rising seventh through 12th-grade students.

“Meals are free (and) transportation will be provided; it’s door-to-door,” Vance said. “The hours are from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. We’ll also be doing field trips.”

She said the STEM-based field trips will take place each week of the camp. Vance said the camp is separate from the traditional summer school program — which will still be provided at each student’s school.

“It helps to develop critical thinking. So, I think they’ll enjoy it because it’s project-based,” Vance said. “It’s team-focused so the students will work in teams and have opportunities to collaborate with one another, and like I said, the foundation is the science and the math, but it’s also higher level thinking.”

The camp will take place June 19-22 and 26-29 and July 10-13 and 17-20.

Vance said parents can register through a form that was sent home with students by returning it to the student’s school or calling (434) 315-2100 ext. 3249, or by contacting Suzanne Smith-Tucker at (434) 315-2100 ext. 3235.