When I first signed up to volunteer at W.TEC’s Early Innovators Camp, I thought it would simply be a chance to give back. What I didn’t realize was how much it would give back to me in return. This camp isn’t just about summer activities. It’s about nurturing creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence in technology for the next generation.
For two weeks, I had the privilege of stepping into a dual role as both facilitator and sponsor and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful experiences of my journey in tech so far.
GIVING BACK IN MY OWN WAY
Volunteering has always been important to me, but this year I wanted to take it a step further. I decided to sponsor two children to attend the camp, giving them the opportunity to be part of an environment they might not have accessed otherwise.
Watching them dive into activities, raise their hands eagerly during sessions, and share their excitement with their peers was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that impact doesn’t always have to come from grand gestures sometimes, it’s the small steps that create ripples of change. Seeing those children grow in confidence over the two weeks reaffirmed for me that access to opportunities is often the difference between potential left dormant and potential unlocked.
HANDS-ON LEARNING AND MY ROLE
I also got the chance to anchor a few fun, hands-on sessions. Two of my Favorites were:
The Magic Tissue Paper Flower Experiment: Blending science and art, the activity encouraged kids to think about how everyday materials can transform into something unexpected, a simple reminder that science is everywhere if we pay attention.
The Balloon Rocket Experiment: A playful demonstration of Newton’s third law of motion. As balloons zoomed across the room, the children laughed, shouted, and chased after them, all while unknowingly grasping a key principle of physics.
The excitement on the children’s faces as the balloon rockets zoomed across the room was priceless. Their endless why and how questions reminded me why curiosity is the engine of innovation.
LEARNING FROM OTHERS
One of the most enriching parts of the camp was learning alongside the kids. I got to sit in on sessions led by my colleagues Nifesimi and Abraham, who taught robotics, remote-controlled cars, and art drawing. Watching them break down complex concepts into digestible, engaging lessons was inspiring.
Even outside structured sessions, learning continued through anime watch and discuss gatherings, spontaneous debates about which superhero had the best powers, and laughter-filled walks after lunch. The camp created a community where kids could explore ideas in a relaxed and open environment. These moments reminded me that some of the most powerful lessons aren’t formally taught they’re experienced and shared together.
THE W.TEC COMMUNITY
Behind the scenes, the camp was powered by a team of passionate volunteers: Abraham, Nifesimi, Joy, Debbie, and Stella, who poured their energy into creating a safe, fun, and inspiring space. Each person brought something unique: from patience in guiding the kids through challenges, to humour that kept the atmosphere light, to creativity that turned ordinary lessons into memorable experiences.
Working alongside them reminded me how much stronger we are when united by a shared mission. Together, we weren’t just facilitators; we were mentors, role models, cheerleaders, and sometimes even students ourselves. That spirit of collaboration made the camp feel less like work and more like a family.
A LASTING IMPACT
As the camp ended, I found myself feeling deeply nostalgic. I even sent a message to my fellow facilitators:
I’ve been feeling quite nostalgic since the program ended. I truly miss the kids already. It was such a meaningful two weeks.
And I meant every word. Volunteering at the camp was a privilege, but the real reward was seeing the spark of possibility light up in young minds. Witnessing their growth reaffirmed the importance of creating access to opportunities like this.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
W.TEC’s Early Innovators Camp proves that when you blend fun, technology, and mentorship, you don’t just create summer activities, you shape futures.
I left the camp with a heart full of gratitude, inspired by the children, my fellow facilitators, and the W.TEC team. And I’m already looking forward to being part of this journey again.
To the W.TEC community, the facilitators, and most importantly, the kids, thank you for making it the best two weeks ever.
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