Informal Education as a Tool to Build Interest in STEM and Outdoor Recreation: Evidence from Summer Youth Camps at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Michigan

Informal education approaches are designed to enhance student interest, knowledge, and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subject matter through hands-on, experiential experiences. Such approaches can be particularly effective in natural settings, where they can enhance retention of material while also fostering stronger connections to the environment. Given these benefits, informal education is often an important component of the mission of natural resource management agencies. One such entity is Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS), which is administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect 4,300 square miles of Lake Huron, off the coast of northeastern Michigan. In partnership with the nonprofit Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, TBNMS offers outdoor adventure camps that allow youth to learn about the Great Lakes and connect with nature. Three such camps were offered in the summer of 2023: Underwater Robot Academy, designed to enhance understanding of marine technology and engineering among younger students; and Outside and Unplugged and National Marine Sanctuary Sampler, both of which focused on fostering appreciation for the natural and cultural resources of TBNMS through immersive outdoor experiences. Student demographics and experiences were evaluated through written assessments administered prior to and following each program. Following Underwater Robot Academy, more students reported being interested in a career in science, although there was less certainty among participants when asked what specific career they desired. Most participants reported being better at problem-solving following participation in the program. Participants in Outside and Unplugged and National Marine Sanctuary Sampler reported feeling more comfortable, confident, and skilled when engaging in outdoor recreation and nature activities, and most reported that the programs increased their confidence to explore the natural world. These results indicate that the informal education programs offered by TBNMS were generally successful at meeting their goals of increasing participants’ interest in STEM, nature, and outdoor recreation. Beyond this, these programs have the potential to support protected area management by fostering awareness, appreciation, and stewardship of national marine sanctuaries, as well as providing academic and economic support for local communities.