Inside the EcoCadet Experience: A Summer to Remember at STARBASE Academy

This summer, a group of bright young minds took part in something truly special-STARBASE Academy, hosted at Victory Elementary in Portsmouth, Virginia. In just four unforgettable days, these future leaders and scientists became EcoCadets, environmental heroes, explorers, andstorytellers. My goddaughter was one of them-and let me just say, they didn't waste a minute.

Each summer, STARBASE offers multiple one-week sessions organized by age and grade level to give more students access to hands-on STEM adventures. My goddaughter's group had eight children divided into two teams. She was the only girl on her team, but in the full EcoCadets class, the girls actually outnumbered the boys-five girls to three boys. She even exchanged numbers with a few of the other girls, and I can already see the beginning of some beautiful new friendships forming. That's one of the amazing side benefits of summer camp: confidence, connection, and lifelong bonds.

This wasn't our first experience with STARBASE. Last summer, my stepson attended the Drone Squad, a different track of the same program. He learned so much about drone technology and aeronautics-and even got the chance to fly drones himself. That exposure sparked real interest in aviation, engineering, and tech. It was proof that this program plants meaningful seeds in curious young minds.

What makes this particular STARBASE experience so unique is something I didn't fully appreciate until the final day, when one of the program's driving forces, Annie Gunter, proudly shared that this is the only one of its kind in the country. At first, I assumed she meant STARBASE as a whole-but what she was referencing is even more special. While STARBASE is indeed a national Departmentof Defense initiative founded in 1993 with sites around the U.S., STARBASE Victory in Portsmouth is the only site like this in the country. It operates independently within Portsmouth Public Schools with its own local partnerships and curriculum adaptations. It's built around the city's specific needs, community involvement, and the mission to give local students early access to immersive STEM learning. In that sense, there truly is none other like it in the nation-and we're lucky to have it right here in Hampton Roads.

These kids didn't just read about ecosystems-they kayaked through them at Portsmouth City Park with trained outdoor professionals. They didn't just study marine life-they visited the Virginia Aquarium, walked among sea creatures, and came home bubbling with stories that lit up the car ride. Each activity made learning feel like an adventure and sparked new interests that have already inspired future vacation ideas.

One standout moment: watching the kids deliver their final presentations while proudly wearing their own custom-designed EcoCadet T-shirts-each shirt bursting with colorful artwork and thoughtful messages like "Don't Feed the Geese" and "Clean Up Our Waters." I was blown away when I found out they had designed the shirts themselves. The creativity, care, and environmental awareness stitched into every design was nothing short of amazing. It gave each presentation a personal touch that made the room light up and reminded us just how capable and imaginative these young minds truly are.

Older teen mentors helped guide each group, offering support, leadership, and a relatable presence for the younger cadets. These teens not only assisted staff but also gained valuable leadership experience of their own. And it showed-every camper walked taller by the end of the week. My goddaughter's team won for their group presentation and received $15 Walmart gift cards-a meaningful way to honor their articulation, research, and teamwork. The other team received $5 certificates, and all cadets were awarded Environmental Hero certificates for their hard work andgrowth.

It's hard to believe all of this happened in just four days. But the confidence, friendships, and inspiration it generated-that will last long after the summer ends. Programs like STARBASE don't just teach science-they spark possibility. If you ever get the chance to enroll your child, godchild, or grandchild, do it. You'll be giving them so much more than a camp-you'll be opening a door.

Don't forget to follow their official Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/Starbase_Victory and learn more about the national initiative at https://dodstarbase.org/.