The Anthony L. & Hideko S. Burgess Interactive Learning Center (ILC) Invites Students to Apply by May 4 for this Year’s S.M.I.L.E Sustainability Camp and STEMPower Camp

Operation Smile announces its upcoming free summer camps for rising 7th and 8th grade students. These camps, hosted at the Anthony L. & Hideko S. Burgess Interactive Learning Center (ILC) at Operation Smile’s Global Headquarters in Virginia Beach, are designed to inspire and empower young minds through engaging educational experiences.

This year’s free summer programs include the “S.M.I.L.E Sustainability Camp” and “STEMPower Camp” aimed at immersing students in Operation Smile’s core values of Integrity, Compassion, Resilience, and Impact while fostering cultural connections and service.

The S.M.I.L.E Sustainability Camp

S.M.I.L.E is more than a camp-it’s a call to action! It stands for Students on a Mission to

Inspire and Lead through Empathy, and Operation Smile invites local young changemakers to take action for a sustainable future for all. Through fun field trips to local environmental agencies and engaging activities (such as creating a sustainable community art project), students will tackle local initiatives and compete to be the team that comes up with the most sustainable solutions throughout the week!

The S.M.I.L.E Sustainability Camp runs Monday through Friday, June 24 through 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Operation Smile’s Global Headquarters in Virginia Beach, located at 3641 Faculty Blvd.

STEMPower Camp

Operation Smile is committed to empowering young women in healthcare by sparking a passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)! The STEMPower Camp is specifically tailored to girls, aiming to inspire and prepare the next generation of women in medicine.

The STEMPower Camp runs Monday through Friday, August 12-16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Operation Smile’s Global Headquarters in Virginia Beach, located at 3641 Faculty Blvd.

Application Process

Operations Smile’s Summer Camps are open to rising 7th and 8th graders, with special opportunities for high school students to serve as camp leaders. 

Interested students must complete an application by May 4, 2024, by visiting operationsmile.org/ilc or applying here: https://tinyurl.com/y3u3yuty

Transportation assistance to and from camp may be available upon request, please email ILC@operationsmile.org for more information.

Free and Accessible for All:

Operation Smile ensures that its summer camps remain free and accessible to all, removing any barriers to entry. These annual Camps rely on the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers. To support Operation Smile’s mission and enrich a student’s experience, consider sponsoring a student for a week of hands-on learning. 

For more information, applications, or to get involved, please contact Melany Bishop, ILC Program Manager at Melany.bishop@operationsmile.org, or visit operationsmile.org/ilc. 

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About Operation Smile 

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and healthcare, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise, training, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits, and health systems, and supported by our generous donors and corporate partners. 

 For more information about Operation Smile, please visit: https://www.operationsmile.org