Students Soar with STEM at Drone Demo Daze in St. Helena Parish
Baton Rouge, La. – The5th Ward Recreational Camp in St. Helena Parish transformed into a launchpad for future aviators and drone technicians on July 15, 2025. Twenty-eight students participated in a high-flying Drone Demo Daze and Drone Building Workshop hosted by the SU Ag Center’s ‘Precision Agcademy’ Youth Development Program. The event offered an exciting hands-on introduction to drone technology, highlighting both career pathways and practical skills.
Throughout the day, students explored the various applications of drones in agriculture, construction, filmmaking, emergency response, and other industries. The real excitement came when they had the opportunity to not only fly drones but also build their own. From wiring motors to testing flight controls, students collaborated in teams to construct functional drones from the ground up.
Their teamwork, critical thinking, and science inquiry skills were on full display as they troubleshot issues, made design adjustments, and cheered one another on.
Once the drones were complete, the camp buzzed with excitement as students launched their creations into the air, celebrating their accomplishments with pride and joy.
Several of the participants expressed their feelings about the workshop.
“I loved building the drone, and I loved the part where we tried and flew our drone in the air,” stated Kayden M., a 10-year-old participant.
“I also liked when she let us fly the big drone,” said 10-year-old Kaegen T. “Learning to fly a drone made me feel good about myself.”
“We didn’t get to fly our drone before the workshop was over, because we had a little trouble, but I was grateful and had fun either way,” expressed Ja’Miracle C., who is 10 years old.
Rikki, an 11-year-oldparticipant, was so impressed by the workshop that she plans to have a career in the drone industry.
“I liked it when I got to learn how to work a drone and see a drone fly. One day I want to be a Drone Tech,” she added.
Programs like this are vital in sparking curiosity and confidence in youth—especially in rural communities where access to STEM resources is often limited. Through initiatives like Drone Demo Daze, the Precision Agcademy is opening doors to new possibilities, one flight at a time.
