Weaving Numbers and Radio Waves
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an intern at a residential camp organized by the Alliance of Indigenous Math Circles (AIMC) at the Santa Fe Indian School in New Mexico. Supported in part by the IEEE Princeton/Central Jersey Section and IEEE PACE, this camp brought together Indigenous youth from across the Southwest to engage in a week-long journey of mathematics, cultural discovery, and hands-on STEAM experiences.
Each morning opened with the vibrant energy of Math Circles, where campers were divided into two teams to collaboratively tackle rich, open-ended mathematical problems. Rather than focusing on memorization or competition, these sessions emphasized curiosity, reasoning, and community-based learning. The team format encouraged communication, respect for different problem-solving strategies, and a strong sense of shared accomplishment. The week culminated in a lively mathematical debate between the two teams—a powerful and joyful event where campers presented their solutions, defended their reasoning, and rebutted their “rival” team. It was incredible to witness the poise, clarity, and passion with which these young mathematicians expressed themselves. The debate wasn't about who was “right” or “wrong”— it was a celebration of ideas, logic, and critical thinking rooted in community values.
Afternoons at camp were a rich blend of cultural and scientific exploration. Campers participated in basket weaving classes, visits to the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and hands-on STEM workshops led by Indigenous researchers, to build bat-mobiles and dive into astronomy.
Evenings brought a whole new kind of exploration—Amateur Radio training. After dinner, campers tuned in to the world of HAM radios, learning the science of communication and the power of voice. By the end of the summer, over 90% of the campers earned their HAM Technician licenses—a remarkable achievement that connected them not only to technology but to global communities.
One unexpected and exciting discovery happened during breaks that were meant for physical activity. A small group of students gravitated toward chess instead of basketball and tag. Their interest sparked conversations and friendly matches. What began as a casual pastime has since grown into a new, ongoing initiative: virtual chess classes and online USCF-rated tournaments designed specifically for non-males and Indigenous youth. This new program—launched in response to their enthusiasm—is creating an inclusive and intellectually rich space for students to build critical thinking, patience, and resilience through chess.
What stood out most to me was the transformation I witnessed. Youth who arrived shy and uncertain left camp as confident thinkers, collaborative problem-solvers, and proud carriers of STEAM skills. This camp brought to life the mission of Rukie Cookie: to create safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces where young people grow into leaders who can build a more just and equitable society.
I'm grateful to the IEEE Princeton/Central Jersey Section and IEEE PACE for helping to fund this experience and supporting a model of education that honors both tradition and innovation. And to the AIMC and Santa Fe Indian School—thank you for showing us what’s possible when we truly listen to and invest in Indigenous youth.
As I return from this camp, I carry the memory of two teams debating math with fire and focus, of baskets woven with stories, of voices carried over the airwaves—and now, of young minds hunched over chess boards, planning their next bold move. The future is bright, strategic, and full of promise.
-Ruchira Shree
