The YMCA of Honolulu wrapped up a fall-break STEAM camp that mixed hands-on science with art, a small win for local families looking for enriching school-break options.

• The camp, called Mission to Mars and hosted at St. Patrick's School, had kids build fizzing baking-soda planets and spaceships while learning science, math, and engineering basics.
• Kids were treated as "cadets" for the week, working through activities that each taught a different skill.
• Mixing art and design into technical subjects makes math and science feel less intimidating and reaches kids who learn in different ways.
• The payoff is meant to outlast the week: creativity, confidence, teamwork, and problem solving.

Outlook: The YMCA wants to run more camps like this across the community.