FAMILY AFFAIR: Preparing for a class, STEM Center founder Alvin Powell got to spend some time with his son Desmond, an Air Force veteran and current airline pilot who used some of his time off to enrich students in the STEM Center aeronautics camp. (Photo submitted by Karen Thiel)

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON: Retired Air Force pilot and aircraft commander Desmond Powell, who is the son of STEM Center founder Alvin Powell, paid a visit to add some real-life expertise for aeronautics camp participants. Assisting him is Julian Cameron, the STEM Center intern and an ECU junior majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

WILL IT FLY?: Aviation camp participant Quincy Bailey, at left, holds his breath at the aeronautics camp, while his styrofoam airfoil is tested at the air tunnel by STEM Center founder Alvin Powell and Program Coordinator Jessica Williams.

QUITE AN EXPERIENCE: Classmates Hanna Mosher (at left) and Tanith Huggins (at right) got to do way more than listen to lectures and visit museums during the IBX STEM Center's summer camp. They are pictured here, victoriously smiling after completing their first-ever flights in the aircraft they just operated and landed at Washington-Warren Airport.

INTENSE CONCENTRATION: Chocowinity resident London Oliver seems like she had no task more important than successfully completing a styrofoam boat model before it got tested for quality, during this year's boating camp at the IBX STEM Center.

DO OR DIE TIME: Samuel Cole Matthews practically held his breath as his styrofoam boat hull model made its way down the water test track during boating camp activities at the IBX STEM Center.

INSPECTION TIME: Jay Lynn Grace Hannah hands over her styrofoam boat hull model for the approval of IBX STEM Center founder Alvin Powell, just before it was to be tested in the center's state of the art water test track.

AHOY ALL STUDENTS: A highlight of this year's boating summer camp was a visit from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,which included a tour of the vessel and life advice from several members of Flotilla 20-06, part of the group's Division 20 crew.