Geering Up – based out of UBC Okanagan in Kelowna, B.C. – is all about connecting, inspiring and nurturing the engineers of tomorrow, one design challenge at a time.
The Geering Up team offers summer camps, in-person Saturday clubs, classroom workshops and more.
Students and instructors at Geering Up 2024 Summer Camps
This year’s summer camps are once again focused on making science, technology, and engineering hands-on and exciting for youth in Grades 1-9. Each day is a dynamic mix of hands-on activities, demonstrations, tours, mentors, and design challenges.
You can find a program, get involved and learn more about Geering Up Okanagan website.
Meet this year’s Geering Up Summer Camp Instructors who are leading fun and informative STEM-focused campus for youth at UBC Okanagan!
Maggie Cao, Second Year, Bachelor of Science 
Tell us a bit about yourself What inspired you to get involved with Geering Up?
I’ve always loved school and learning about different subjects. As I grew up, I realized I enjoyed chemistry and biology above all others. Geering Up was the perfect opportunity to share my love for learning with others.
What has been the most fun or rewarding aspect of your Geering Up experience?
The most rewarding aspect of my Geering Up experience has been being able to motivate campers to be curious about how the world around them works. Not only do I feel rewarded about the changes I see in the campers, but I also see personal growth within myself. I’ve learned to be more patient, empathetic, and resilient.
Why should youth attend Geering Up? What can they expect?
Youth can expect a variety of activities designed to be enriching and educational. They’ll make new friends, build confidence, and be able practice leadership and teamwork skills during group activities.
What are your education/career goals?
My goal is to pursue medical school after graduation.
Meaghan Curtis
I attended the University of Plymouth in England, where I studied Biology, and now live in Kelowna. I am also a ski and snowboard instructor in the winters.
What inspired you to get involved with Geering Up?
I love teaching and working with kids, so GU was a great way doing that and science is just pretty awesome!
What has been the most fun or rewarding aspect of your Geering Up experience?
Doing all these cool activities with the kids while they learn new concepts or explore a subject in ways they wouldn’t have expected.
Why should youth attend Geering Up? What can they expect?
They can expect all the best parts of science class at school, they can let their inner engineers and creative juices flow in our EDCs, see cool experiments and make awesome some things!
Dwija Desai, Third Year, Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology (Bachelor of Science) 
Tell us a bit about yourself What inspired you to get involved with Geering Up?
Since I was a kid, I have always been fond of science, especially nature. Getting involved with Geering Up gives me the opportunity to get these kids just as excited about learning science as I was and exposing them to the fun parts of it!
What has been the most fun or rewarding aspect of your Geering Up experience?
When all the instructors get to run around and play with the kids during our lunch times, it’s genuinely so fun. Also, seeing how creative and innovative all the kids are with their ideas is incredibly rewarding. Another thing I find very wholesome is the team bond we all share; everyone enjoys working together and is always there when needed.
Why should youth attend Geering Up? What can they expect?
Geering Up is a great opportunity for the youth to further explore the world of STEM but in a fun and engaging way. Few key things to expect are hands on activities, developing some great real-world problem-solving skills, getting to learn in a university environment and exposure to multiple STEM degrees and careers.
What are your education/career goals?
Currently, I am planning to graduate from my undergrad with honors and ideally conduct research on a topic closely related to the effects of climate change on different animals and their habitats. I further plan to pursue my master’s in environmental or sustainability management.
Jiya Gupta, Fourth Year, Electrical Engineering (Bachelor of Applied Science) 
Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired you to get involved with Geering Up?
I’m an international student from India. Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by technology and how things work, which led me to pursue a career in electrical engineering. My inspiration to get involved with Geering Up stems from my desire to share my love for STEM with young minds and inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. I believe that by teaching STEM concepts in an engaging and hands-on way, we can empower youth to explore and innovate
What has been the most fun or rewarding aspect of your Geering Up experience?
The most rewarding aspect of my Geering Up experience has been witnessing the excitement and curiosity in students’ eyes when they grasp a new concept or complete a project. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them develop problem-solving, building, and troubleshooting skills. Additionally, participating in All Girls Week has been especially meaningful, as I get to encourage young girls to pursue careers in STEM and show them that women can excel in these fields too.
Why should youth attend Geering Up? What can they expect?
Youth should attend Geering Up because it provides a unique opportunity to explore STEM through hands-on activities that are not typically available in the regular school curriculum. They can expect to engage in fun and interactive projects, develop critical thinking and creativity, and gain confidence in their abilities. Geering Up creates a friendly space where students can learn, try new things, and work together, which can inspire a lasting interest in STEM.
What are your education/career goals?
My educational goal is to complete my degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, with a focus on power systems. In the future, I aim to work in the power industry, contributing to the development of sustainable and efficient energy solutions. Additionally, I am passionate about continuing my involvement in STEM education and outreach, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists.
Noah Semashkewich, Bachelor of Science – Major in Computer Science, Minor in Data Science 
Tell us a bit about yourself what inspired you to get involved with Geering Up?
Growing up I have always had a passion for all things scientific, and that passion intensified when I started playing with technology and wanting to understand more. I have figured out I very much enjoy sharing my learning with others, and doing that in a fun and engaging way instills me with confidence in my own knowledge and experience.
What has been the most fun or rewarding aspect of your Geering Up experience?
Teaching Creative Coders has been incredibly rewarding. I enjoy all things computer science, and bonding with students over things like making video games brings out creative habits in students. I love helping people get excited about learning, and understanding how important computer science is!
Why should youth attend Geering Up? What can they expect?
Youth who have a passion for understanding science and going above and beyond should absolutely attend Geering Up. Not only is learning a core value at Geering Up, but also enjoyment and engagement all while having fun.
What are your education/career goals?
I aspire to work in the computer science field, either as a software developer, web developer, AI developer, the list goes on. I am not particularly picky about my job, as I have a passion for the overall field of computer science and would be honored to work any type of job where I can contribute to the future of technology.