Destiny is one of 50 campers, ages 5 to 12, partici-pating in this summer program sponsored by Rock Hill's Clinton Junior College. STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math, which explains how this camp experience is different.

The camp was founded 14 years ago by Aaronita Belton, who envisioned a summer experience that mixed educational experiences with the usual games and trips to the swimming pool. This year, Belton and several Clinton faculty members are guiding children and helping them to continue learning during the summer.

This is not only a good way to keep children involved in healthy activities during the long, hot summer, it's also a bargain at $20 a week. Camp organizers use those tuition fees and grant money from the National Science Foundation to run the camp.

STEM Camp strikes us as a wonderful way for children to spend part of the summer. They have the opportunity to meet new friends, try interesting things they might no otherwise be exposed to and have fun in the process.

We salute Belton on this 14th anniversary of STEM and applaud the professors who are helping enrich the lives of local children this summer. We hope STEM meets with continued success in the years to come.