Lessons in engineering and construction, as well as leadership and teamwork, are the mainstay of the SAME/Seabees Engineering and Construction Camp at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, Calif. The camp encourages students to pursue careers in engineering, and gives an introduction to the work of military engineers and the Seabee community.

During the one-week camp, students participate in hands-on construction activities under the supervision and guidance of U.S. Navy leaders and SAME Post members. Activities and instruction are centered around four major blocks of instruction: construction methods, construction materials, hydraulics and environmental engineering.

Students work side-by-side with mentors from the engineering, architecture and construction fields to complete various hands-on activities including:

• designing, constructing and destructively testing a concrete cylinder;
• constructing a popsicle stick bridge; and
• visits to architect-engineer firms and construction sites.

The camp’s signature engineering activity gives students the chance to work in teams to design and build cardboard boats, and then race them in the base’s 25-M pool. Overall students are encouraged to set goals and then come up with their own designs and ideas, and carry them out to completion.

In addition to hands-on work, students learn basic survival skills, are introduced to life working with and for the military services, and are provided ample opportunities to explore the sights and sound of the local area through hiking trips on the Oxnard Plain and a tour of the Seabees museum.