Find more to explore with SCI Camps!
2021 Summer Camp: June 7 – August 13
Find more to explore with SCI Summer Camps! From chemistry to astronomy and from invention to dissection, SCI Summer Camps provide week-long in-person experiences for students in grades Pre-K through 8th grade.
Camp registration is open now for SCI Members! Non-member registration begins February 1.
To register:
- Use the Camp Directory below to research available camps. Click the green links to view camp descriptions and STEM Learning Goals.
- Within the camp description pop-up, click the "Register for this Camp" button, which will take you to our sales platform.
- SCI Members: Be sure to sign in using the link below the header photo for priority registration and to apply your member discount!
- Enter the number of students you're registering for the camp in "Quantity," and press "Register."
- Fill in camper information, click "Add to Cart" and proceed through the checkout and payment process.
COVID-19 Precautions: Plans for SCI Camps are rooted in science. Due to the rapidly changing environment, we will send detailed information regarding how SCI Camps are responding to the coronavirus as the summer approaches.
Questions? Contact us at scicamps@sciowa.org
Grades 1–2
| Members | Non-Members |
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| Jun7 – 11 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Gadgets and Gizmos (Grades 1-2)From gadgets and gizmos to whosits and whatsits, let your curiosity run wild with these crazy contraptions! We will even dive into the crazy fun world of Rube Goldberg machines. |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Mini Makers (Grades 1-2)Imagination rules in this camp focused on building creative minds. As we experiment with tools and the design cycle, what will you make? Register for this Camp (June 7-11) Register for this Camp (July 12-16) STEM Learning Goals: Introduce the design cycle, and gain experience using tools to become confident in building. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jun14 – 18 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Mad Scientists (Grades 1-2)Mwahahaha! You’ll be ready to take over the world when you’re finished with this camp. Create mysterious chemical concoctions, learn tricks to fool the human eye, and figure out why science is MAD fun. Register for this Camp (June 14-18) Register for this Camp (July 19-23) STEM Learning Goals: Develop understanding of important scientific principles and the scientists who discovered them. Gain experience with chemical reactions, optical illusions and other discrepant events. |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
The Science of YUCK! (Grades 1-2)Yuck. Gross. Disgusting! Get ready to get dirty as we make predictions about the science behind stinky smells, slime and more! |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jun21 – 25 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
iEARTH (Grades 1-2)Join us for a throwback summer camp in the heart of the city. We will explore nature, create art, play games, get wet and learn how to appreciate the earth around us. Register for this Camp (June 21-25) Register for this Camp (July 19-23) Note: This camp is held offsite. Learn more about iEARTH camps at www.sciowa.org/iearth |
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| Jun21 – 25 | AM | $110 | $135 |
It's Electric (Grades 1-2)From circuits and batteries to screens and buttons, learn about how these everyday electric items work. Get ready for a hair-raising experience! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Keep It Simple (Grades 1-2)Simple machines have never been so much fun! Explore the simple side of engineering as we begin at the basics while building some amazing creations. Register for this Camp (June 21-25) Register for this Camp (July 26-30) STEM Learning Goals: Develop a working understanding of the six simple machines through hands-on activities and building projects. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jun28 – 2 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Superhero Science (Grades 1-2)Faster than a speeding train, stronger than an elephant, smaller than an ant… Explore the science behind the powers of your favorite superheroes. Discover your own powers, develop your alter ego and create gadgets to help you save the day! STEM Learning Goals: Create positive science learning experiences through superheroes. Increase interest in the scientific principles behind speed, sound, strength, etc. as it relates to superheroes. |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Robot Rumble (Grades 1-2)Our robots are fully-charged and ready to go… Are you?! Get ready for hands-on mechanics as we explore the world of robotics. STEM Learning Goals:Increase interest in robotics. Gain robotics experience and knowledge using gears, basic coding, engineering and more. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jul6 – 9 | AM | $88 | $108 |
Whales to Worms (Grades 1-2)From teeny-tiny worms to enormous whales, we'll compare some amazing animals! Test out camouflage, discover how animals communicate and learn how scientists classify the animals around us. Camps held the week of July 4 are Tuesday-Friday. No camp on Monday, July 5. |
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| PM | $88 | $108 |
Symphony of the Five Senses (Grades 1-2)Curious about the SOUNDSand SMELLS of SCI? SEE how people and animals use their senses in different ways. Can you can FEEL the excitement? It’s so close we can almost TASTE it. Camps held the week of July 4 are Tuesday-Friday. No camp on Monday, July 5. STEM Learning Goals: Gain experience with and increase knowledge of the five senses (sight, sound, taste smell and feeling). |
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| Full Day | $196 | $216 | |||
| Jul12 – 16 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Gadgets and Gizmos (Grades 1-2)From gadgets and gizmos to whosits and whatsits, let your curiosity run wild with these crazy contraptions! We will even dive into the crazy fun world of Rube Goldberg machines. |
|
| PM | $110 | $135 |
Mini Makers (Grades 1-2)Imagination rules in this camp focused on building creative minds. As we experiment with tools and the design cycle, what will you make? Register for this Camp (June 7-11) Register for this Camp (July 12-16) STEM Learning Goals: Introduce the design cycle, and gain experience using tools to become confident in building. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jul19 – 23 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Mad Scientists (Grades 1-2)Mwahahaha! You’ll be ready to take over the world when you’re finished with this camp. Create mysterious chemical concoctions, learn tricks to fool the human eye, and figure out why science is MAD fun. Register for this Camp (June 14-18) Register for this Camp (July 19-23) STEM Learning Goals: Develop understanding of important scientific principles and the scientists who discovered them. Gain experience with chemical reactions, optical illusions and other discrepant events. |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
The Science of YUCK! (Grades 1-2)Yuck. Gross. Disgusting! Get ready to get dirty as we make predictions about the science behind stinky smells, slime and more! |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jul26 – 30 | AM | $110 | $135 |
It's Electric (Grades 1-2)From circuits and batteries to screens and buttons, learn about how these everyday electric items work. Get ready for a hair-raising experience! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Keep It Simple (Grades 1-2)Simple machines have never been so much fun! Explore the simple side of engineering as we begin at the basics while building some amazing creations. Register for this Camp (June 21-25) Register for this Camp (July 26-30) STEM Learning Goals: Develop a working understanding of the six simple machines through hands-on activities and building projects. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Aug2 – 6 | AM | $110 | $135 |
SUNsational Science (Grades 1-2)Ever wonder what makes the weather change? Step into the shoes of a meteorologist as we explore the science behind the weather! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Shooting Stars (Grades 1-2)Blast off into this out-of-this-world camp! Discover the different planets of our solar system and gaze into the universe beyond. Experience the Star Theater planetarium, and name your very own constellations. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Aug9 – 13 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Play with Your Food (Grades 1-2)Who knew you could do so much with food BESIDES eat it? Foods will become our tools, building materials and much more! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Over the Rainbow (Grades 1-2)What makes a rainbow? How do we know when it’s going to rain? Learn about the water cycle, light, shadows and weather in this camp for future meteorologists. STEM Learning Goals: Develop an understanding of the water cycle and basic weather patterns. Gain knowledge of how colors and rainbows are formed. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
Grades 3–4
| Members | Non-Members |
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| Jun7 – 11 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Marvelous Machines (Grades 3-4)From simple machines to complex motors, experiment with building your very own marvelous machine! Join us as we learn about the exciting world of engineering. |
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| Jun14 – 18 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Challenge Accepted (Grades 3-4)Get ready for a week of puzzles and challenges as we put campers to the test. Fire up those thinking caps, and get ready for some fun! |
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| Jun14 – 18 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
iEARTH (Grades 3-4)Join us for a throwback summer camp in the heart of the city. We will explore nature, create art, play games, get wet and learn how to appreciate the earth around us. Note: This camp is held offsite. Learn more about iEARTH camps at www.sciowa.org/iearth |
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| Jun21 – 25 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Game On! (Grades 3-4)From board games to video games and everything in between, try your hand at building your very own games! Develop skills essential to any game, such as teamwork and creative thinking, while also discovering the science behind the games. |
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| Jun28 – 2 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Wizard Mania (Grades 3-4)Grab your magic wand, and join us for this magical camp! Try your hand at potions brewing, learn about transfiguration, and see what else we can "pull out of our hat." |
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| Jul6 – 9 | All Day | $196 | $216 |
Get Set to be a Vet (Grades 3-4)Explore what it takes to become a veterinarian! Get an up-close look at animals from A-Z. Examine x-rays, diagnose “patients,” and meet a veterinarian. Camps held the week of July 4 are Tuesday-Friday. No camp on Monday, July 5. STEM Learning Goals: Gain a basic understanding of the anatomical systems of similar organisms and an awareness of animal-related careers. |
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| Jul6 – 9 | All Day | $196 | $216 |
iEARTH (Grades 3-4)Join us for a throwback summer camp in the heart of the city. We will explore nature, create art, play games, get wet and learn how to appreciate the earth around us. Camps held the week of July 4 are Tuesday-Friday. No camp on Monday, July 5. Note: This camp is held offsite. Learn more about iEARTH camps at www.sciowa.org/iearth |
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| Jul12 – 16 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Marvelous Machines (Grades 3-4)From simple machines to complex motors, experiment with building your very own marvelous machine! Join us as we learn about the exciting world of engineering. |
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| Jul19 – 23 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Challenge Accepted (Grades 3-4)Get ready for a week of puzzles and challenges as we put campers to the test. Fire up those thinking caps, and get ready for some fun! |
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| Jul26 – 30 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Game On! (Grades 3-4)From board games to video games and everything in between, try your hand at building your very own games! Develop skills essential to any game, such as teamwork and creative thinking, while also discovering the science behind the games. |
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| Aug2 – 6 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Space Out! (Grades 3-4)Calling all future astronomers: Let's learn about all things space! From stars to nebulae and even the black holes in between, this camp will be out of this world. |
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| Aug2 – 6 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
SciGirls: Create (Grades 3-4)If you like science and creating, this is the camp for you! This camp will explore different ways to create, combining conventional crafting with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM Learning Goals: Using the engineering design process and build creations to expand engineering skills and knowledge of the design process. |
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| Aug9 – 13 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Shipwrecked (Grades 3-4)Your boat sank, you've made your way to a remote island, and NO ONE is coming to your rescue! Camers will work together to create an island society and complete challenges with limited resources, learning about survival and human nature in the process. |
Grades 5–8
| Members | Non-Members |
|---|
| Jun7 – 11 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Big Build: City Science (Grades 5-8)Create a city complete with streets, buildings and much more! Discover the world of city planning, and combine it with building. We can't see what you construct! |
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| Jun14 – 18 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Brain Games (Grades 5-8)This camp is designed to mess with the ultimate supercomputer: your brain! Campers will be introduced to the basics of neuroscience and will participate in hands-on activities and experiments to learn how our brains process information as well as how things might not always be what they seem. |
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| Jun21 – 25 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Point. Click. Code. (Grades 5-8)How do computers work? Learn the basics of coding and beyond in this computer science camp. It’s great for beginners and experienced coders alike! Register for this Camp (June 21-25) Register for this Camp (July 26-30) STEM Learning Goals: Gain an understanding and appreciation for computer science. Develop coding skills through basic drag-and-drop blockly-based coding and line-by-line coding. |
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| Jun28 – 2 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Spy Masters (Grades 5-8)Becoming a spy requires a lot of different skills. Practice observing, fingerprinting, camouflage and much more as you work to become a master of espionage! |
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| Jul6 – 9 | All Day | $196 | $216 |
Animal M.D. (Grades 5-8)Take your love of animals to the next level in this career exploration camp! Use microscopes, x-rays and dissection to expand your animal knowledge and discover how organs, muscles and bones work in your favorite animals. Camps held the week of July 4 are Tuesday-Friday. No camp on Monday, July 5. STEM Learning Goals: Increase understanding of anatomical systems, and gain awareness of the animal world and various animal-related careers. |
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| Jul12 – 16 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
iEARTH (Grades 5-8)Learn how to survive the "wilds" of Gray's Lake during this throwback summer camp in the heart of the city. Explore nature, create art, swim, fish and bike. Canoeing will be a big part of this camp. Discover some of Des Moines' greatest waterways and culminate the week with a full-day float trip on the river. Register for this Camp (July 12-16) Register for this Camp (August 2-6) Note: This camp is held offsite. Learn more about iEARTH camps, including biking requirements and canoeing details, at www.sciowa.org/iearth |
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| Jul12 – 16 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Big Build: City Science (Grades 5-8)Create a city complete with streets, buildings and much more! Discover the world of city planning, and combine it with building. We can't see what you construct! |
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| Jul19 – 23 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Brain Games (Grades 5-8)This camp is designed to mess with the ultimate supercomputer: your brain! Campers will be introduced to the basics of neuroscience and will participate in hands-on activities and experiments to learn how our brains process information as well as how things might not always be what they seem. |
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| Jul26 – 30 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Point. Click. Code. (Grades 5-8)How do computers work? Learn the basics of coding and beyond in this computer science camp. It’s great for beginners and experienced coders alike! Register for this Camp (June 21-25) Register for this Camp (July 26-30) STEM Learning Goals: Gain an understanding and appreciation for computer science. Develop coding skills through basic drag-and-drop blockly-based coding and line-by-line coding. |
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| Jul26 – 30 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
iExplore: DSMWho doesn’t like a field trip? We will be on the road all week exploring Des Moines’ treasures, including parks, lakes and museums. This camp is always on the move! |
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| Aug2 – 6 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
Intergalactic Vacation (Grades 5-8)Explore the universe outside the Milky Way! Investigate nebulae, learn myths and reach for the stars in this out-of-this-world camp. |
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| Aug2 – 6 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
iEARTH (Grades 5-8)Learn how to survive the "wilds" of Gray's Lake during this throwback summer camp in the heart of the city. Explore nature, create art, swim, fish and bike. Canoeing will be a big part of this camp. Discover some of Des Moines' greatest waterways and culminate the week with a full-day float trip on the river. Register for this Camp (July 12-16) Register for this Camp (August 2-6) Note: This camp is held offsite. Learn more about iEARTH camps, including biking requirements and canoeing details, at www.sciowa.org/iearth |
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| Aug9 – 13 | All Day | $220 | $270 |
SCI Film Festival (Grades 5-8)Calling all aspiring directors, actors and behind-the-scene techs: Learn about the science behind movie-making and produce your own film using what you learned. On Friday during the open house, we will have a screening of all our work! |
Pre-K–Kindergarten
| Members | Non-Members |
|---|
| Jun7 – 11 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Make a Mess (Grades Pre-K - K)Who doesn’t love making a mess? We’ll get messy as we explore the three states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. (Parents, don’t worry: we’ll handle the clean-up!) |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Once Upon a STEM (Grades Pre-K - K)Rewrite your favorite fairytales using science, technology, engineering and math. Help your favorite storybook characters find solutions to their problems! |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jun14 – 18 | AM | $110 | $135 |
3-2-1... Blastoff! (Grades Pre-K - K)Leave Earth behind and explore distant galaxies during this space-themed camp. Build your own rover, create a robot to take home on Earth and learn how to live on the International Space Station! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
To Be An Astronaut (Grades Pre-K - K)What does it take to be an astronaut? Can you do it? Are you prepared to pilot a rocketship, sail through zero gravity and eat food out of pouch? Come join us and see if you have what it takes! |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jun21 – 25 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Nature Masterpieces (Grades Pre-K - K)Combine art and science! This camp is all about creating things using materials found in nature. Make your own paintbrush, then put it to use! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Around the Campfire (Grades Pre-K - K)Calling all nature-lovers! Journey into the great outdoors as we explore the science of camping. We’ll investigate animal tracks, observe fireflies to discover the science of bioluminescence and create the perfect s’more. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jun28 – 2 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Construction Junction (Grades Pre-K - K)Welcome to the construction site! Learn about the tools and materials construction engineers use, and take a trip to see a real worksite in action. |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Life on the Farm (Grades Pre-K - K)What does it take to be a farmer? Learn about the animals that live on the farm. Explore how farmers take care of their animals and how we can protect our favorite furry friends. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jul12 – 16 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Jr. Paleontologist (Grades Pre-K - K)Journey to the land before time during this prehistoric adventure! Dig for fossils and create your own. You never know what dinosaur discoveries you’ll make! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Insect Investigation (Grades Pre-K - K)What has six legs and three body parts? Go on a bug hunt and uncover what insects are up to in the world around us. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jul19 – 23 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Kitchen Chemistry (Grades Pre-K - K)What makes food so tasty? Explore the chemistry behind your favorite recipes. Then put that knowledge to the test and bake some delicious treats! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Melody Makers (Grades Pre-K - K)Explore the world of music! Make your own instrument, and use melody, rhythm, pitch and dynamics to create music of your own. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Jul26 – 30 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Animal Adaptations (Grades Pre-K - K)Have you ever wanted to know why polar bear fur is white or why tree frog feet are sticky? Discover why animals have special traits to help them survive in their habitat. Try out some of those traits on your own body, and create your own animal from all you learn! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Jr. Paleontologist (Grades Pre-K - K)Journey to the land before time during this prehistoric adventure! Dig for fossils and create your own. You never know what dinosaur discoveries you’ll make! |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Aug2 – 6 | AM | $110 | $135 |
Once Upon a STEM (Grades Pre-K - K)Rewrite your favorite fairytales using science, technology, engineering and math. Help your favorite storybook characters find solutions to their problems! |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Tinker Time (Grades Pre-K - K)Let your imagination run wild in this camp designed around creativity! We’ll use tools and learn techniques to take your tinkering to the next level. |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||
| Aug9 – 13 | AM | $105 | $130 |
Bits, Bots and Watts (Grades Pre-K - K)Beep, beep, boop! Explore the world of coding and the basics of electricity while building your own robot in this technology-focused camp. |
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| PM | $110 | $135 |
Make a Mess (Grades Pre-K - K)Who doesn’t love making a mess? We’ll get messy as we explore the three states of matter: solids, liquids and gases. (Parents, don’t worry: we’ll handle the clean-up!) |
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| Full Day | $220 | $270 | |||