This summer, over 115 students from North Hills Regional Catholic Elementary Schools, local public school districts and homeschool programs gathered at three locations — St. Gregory School in Zelienople, Holy Cross Academy in Ross Township and Blessed Francis Seelos Academy in Wexford — for four weeks of Summer STREAM Camp.

From rockets and rovers to saints and songs, the 2025 camp season marked a new chapter in the tradition of hands-on, faith-based learning in the North Hills region.

Each week was crafted to bring STREAM — or science, technology, religion, engineering, the arts and math — to life in engaging and accessible ways. Campers explored chemistry through culinary arts, designed and tested solar ovens, built and launched rockets, constructed their own Mars-style rovers, and even rehearsed and performed Disney’s Frozen Kids.

Catholic identity was brought into the camp with students learning about saints and values throughout. The Rev. James Wehner, pastor of Divine Grace Parish in Zelienople, and the Rev. James Gretz, pastor of Saint Matthew Parish in Glenshaw and vice president of the schools’ board of directors, visited the camps to share faith-based reflections with campers.

“Week one at St. Gregory was an absolute blast — literally. Our space exploration theme launched students into a world of curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning,” camp director Stephanie Baldauf at St. Gregory School in Zelienople said.

Each week included visits from regional partners and presenters. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Zoomobile, Mad Science and Professor Steve's Magic of Science shows brought hands-on demonstrations.

The Allegheny Health Network’s Chill Project kicked off each week with lessons on emotional regulation and donated “Chill Corners,” spaces for campers to rest and recharge, at each site. Allegheny Health Network also treated students to a Shiver’s Shaved Ice snack at the end of each week.

“Watching the kids build something with their own hands and then actually launch it, or perform on stage, was incredible,” Alison Narvett, camp director at Blessed Francis Seelos Academy in Wexford, said. “You could see their confidence growing day by day.”

Safety and nutrition were also front and center. Goldfish Swim School in Wexford provided a water safety lesson and a visit from their mascot, Bubbles, complete with snacks. Campers enjoyed weekly pizza parties, donated by Goodfello’s Pizza Pasta & Grille, Lupi's Famous Pizza, Cenci’s Pizza and Adrian’s Pizza. Soergel’s Orchards delivered apples weekly and Nothing Bundt Cakes provided sweet treats to wrap up each session.

Behind the scenes, high school volunteers from Central Catholic, Oakland Catholic, North Catholic and Saint Joseph High School supported camp operations, serving as role models, assistants and friendly faces.

“The NHRCES has done an amazing job with their summer camps. They are educational, nurturing and safe. My kids look forward to them every year.” Stephanie Kirby, whose children have attended since the camp’s inception in 2023, said.

This year marks the third year of the schools’ summer camp, with each year expanding the program’s scope — beginning with STEM in year one, adding the arts in year two to become STEAM and launching into a fully integrated STREAM model in 2025. The goal for next year is to continue expanding the number of weeks and opportunities available across the region.

To learn more or to get involved in North Hills Regional Catholic Elementary Schools’ Summer STREAM Camp 2026, visit www.nhrces.org.