Category: Summer Bridge Program 2025 Activities

Wednesday, August 13th at 6 p.m. peer mentors Theo, Wyat, Liam, and STEM Success Coordinator were set to meet the Summer Bridge students outside the Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building for a sailing trip. While waiting for the group, Theo, Wyat, and I spotted Dereck, one of the Summer Bridge students, relaxing with his eyes closed on a nearby picnic table. As we waited a few minutes past the scheduled time. The three of us chatted casually about our weekend plans. The rest of the students soon arrived from Wadsworth Hall, saying they’d been looking for Dereck in the dorms.

Under the warm afternoon sun, we walked across the back of Michigan Tech’s campus toward the riverfront. Members of the Sailing Club were waiting by the water, ready to introduce the students to sailing. With sails fluttering and gentle waves lapping the shore, the students began learning the basics of navigating the wind and water. While they waited their turn to sail, a club member demonstrated how to tie nautical knots. Summer Bridge students Izzy and Kattie asked me to take candid pictures of them on the sailing boats. Afterward, as students took turns on the water, some decided to take a dip. Three of the Summer Bridge students, Anthony, Darren and Mateo decided to see who could swim the farthest and swam out to the middle of the lake and back to shore

Monday, August 4th at 6:30 p.m. peer mentors Théo, Liam, and Wyat led fifteen Summer Bridge students at Michigan Tech to Jim’s Foodmart to pick up supplies for a trip to Prince’s Point. There, the mentors and students enjoyed a laid-back evening by the shores of Portage Lake, featured by a nice campfire and plenty of swimming. Students and peer mentors alike shared stories, ate s’mores, and bonded together for the first major activity of the Summer Bridge Program. After a couple hours, the sky grew dark and students began packing up, feeling eager about their upcoming time with the Summer Bridge Program.

Friday, August 15th, our peer mentors Theo, Wyatt, and Liam, along with our STEM Success Coordinator, went on an adventure with ten of our Summer Bridge students to the Mineshaft. The goal was to knock down a few pins, let off some steam, and just have fun. Laughter filled the air as we cheered each other on, sharing tips and celebrating every successful strike. It was a great way to unwind and prove that our STEM minds are just as sharp on the alley as they are in the classroom.

After working up an appetite (and perhaps a little competitive spirit!), the students chowed down on some pizza and refreshing pop. We made our way next door to Walmart! From snacks for future study sessions to random essentials.

It’s these moments outside of lectures and labs that truly make our STEM community special. Getting to spend time together, bonding over shared experiences, and just having a blast is what it’s all about. A huge shoutout to Theo, Wyatt, and Liam for being such incredible mentors and for bringing so much positive energy to everything they do. And of course, a big thank you to our summer bridge students for such a memorable outing!