PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — During a traditional STEM Summer Camp put on by Pinellas County Schools, the program has room for about 300 students.

But, with the program going virtual this summer, that number is way up.

"I felt like I was going to let down the district, our students, our families if I didn't offer some sort of virtual STEM experience. And now, with the way everything is, I think we need something positive to look forward to, and this gives the kids something every morning to get up and have something to look forward to," said Laura Spence, K-12 Stem Specialist for Pinellas County Schools.

Spence said they handed out kits and materials to students so they can work from home with teachers guiding them online.

The camp offers about 20 courses ranging from developing mobile apps to science projects and robotics.

Ethan Koh signed up for courses in Remote Robotics and Video Game Design.

"I had a really great time with both of them even though we're doing them virtually," the 13-year-old told Bay News 9.

Spence said more than 1,100 students have been able to take part in the virtual camp, and having it online seems to have made it more accessible.

"We have parents asking if they can join as well," she said, laughing. "We do find that parents are starting to inch over on the screen next to their students. They start to do those hands-on activities with their children, so I think that's also a good outcome from these camps."

Students are also able to interact with each other, which allows them to safely socialize in spite of the pandemic.

"We've gotten to work together, help diagnose bugs, fix each other problems and help each other out. It's been amazing," Koh said.