STEM Programs Near Me

🛠️💡 Invent, Build, and Create at GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp Calling all young makers, builders, and big-thinkers in grades 1–3! GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp at Valle Verde Elementary blends a morning of hands-on invention with an afternoon of high-energy sports fun. It’s the perfect full-day experience for curious kids who love to tinker, test ideas, and bring their creations to life! ⭐ Why Choose GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp? 🛠️ Engineering for Kids: Campers use cardboard, tape, recycled parts, craft sticks, rubber bands, and more to build creative inventions—bridges, launchers, contraptions, machines, gadgets, and imaginative designs. 💡 Design Thinking in Action: Kids brainstorm, sketch prototypes, test ideas, and refine their builds just like real inventors. Every “What if…?” moment becomes a chance to learn. 🤝 Team Challenges & Collaboration: Campers work together to solve problems, create shared inventions, and cheer each other on through building challenges. 📈 Full-Week Inventing: Each day builds on the last as projects become more creative and advanced. Drop-ins are not available to ensure campers get the full hands-on experience. 🎉 Action-Packed All-Sports Afternoons: After lunch, campers join our All-Sports Camp for games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, bounce house tag, and more—keeping bodies active and minds sharp. Camp Details — Walnut Creek 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🛠️ Morning: Inventor’s Lab (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: Valle Verde Elementary School Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM at the GrowFit table at the front of the school Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM at the gymnasium What to Bring: Comfortable clothing (inventing can get messy!) Water bottle Two snacks Lunch Extra clothes are recommended for younger campers With over a decade of experience offering programs that spark creativity and confidence, GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp empowers kids to explore ideas, experiment with materials, collaborate with friends, and build amazing creations—all while staying active and having fun. 💡 Ready to Invent, Explore, and Play? Spots fill fast—register today! Refunds and Cancellations 30+ days before camp: Full refund minus a 10% fee Within 30 days: Credit for future GrowFit camps Day-of or after camp begins: Non-refundable

The world of making your own clay creations! This class will teach you how to create several hand-built clay pieces. Students will be introduced to Kiln firing, and procedures, as well as stages of clay: Wet, Greenware, Bisqueware, and more. Each student will custom glaze each project, and have all pieces fired in our kiln. During our last class, we will meet the last 10-15 minutes of class for an Art Show Presentation. Students will present their pieces in an art show to guests. Parents- Invite grandparents, friends and family. All pieces go home the last day of class. Such a fun way for students to share what they have learned through process and design.

Enjoy a well-rounded summer at NoVA PlayLabs and avoid the summer brain drain. Our Summer Camps offer a good mix of fun and academics, learning and chill time, and quiet activities and active play. We will spend time outside playing and eating snacks and lunch. Students will be grouped by grade level and rotate among different stations. We maintain a small 1:8 instructor/student ratio in order to give personalized attention to each student. For ages 5-14. Please pack two snacks, a lunch, and a water bottle (water refilling station is available). NO phones or tablets are allowed. Parents may call or text at any time (571-250-7719) to ask about their kids. 🤧 Our make-up policy for illness is very generous in order to encourage sick students to stay home 💲Fees are non refundable, but can be used towards another week, based on availability. 👶👶 Early Registration discount does not apply to the sibling discount. Final fee for the sibling is $325 and the discount will be refunded to you.

🔵 Week 3: Communicate & Collaborate Capstone Team Communication • Collaboration • Presentation 📅 August 10–14, 2026 ** MUST be Rising Grades 5-8 to Participate! NO exceptions! Our Final Camp Week focuses on communication and collaboration as part of a team or partnership ! These are key elements of FCPS’s and LCPS’s Portrait of a Graduate! Students work daily in rotating teams on creative speaking challenges using multiple public speaking formats, including: Persuasive speaking & pitching Storytelling Informative speaking Students learn how to: Collaborate effectively so every student contributes Develop and enhance social skills Communicate with new peers and find common ground Lead, listen, and build on others’ ideas Master team presentation dynamics, including smooth transitions and unified delivery 🎉 End-of-Week Team Showcase Teams present a final collaborative presentation! 🎥 Parents receive a video of their child’s final team presentation. 🎯 Why Parents Choose This Bundle Daily speaking practice …no sitting on the sidelines! Combines writing, impromptu speaking, and teamwork! Builds confidence for middle school presentations and group projects Explicit focus on communication, collaboration, and leadership ONLY taught by Professionals! Aligned with FCPS Portrait of a Graduate skills! Professional showcases + take-home performance video! ✨ A powerful summer experience that builds skills students will use all year and MUCH beyond!

Join the Dream Squad for a week of unicorn-inspired art and imagination! Campers will create magical creatures, build dreamscapes, and design sparkling sculptures full of color and creativity. It’s a joyful week for anyone who believes in magic. Messy Art Lab Summer Camp Info 🌈 Art Show Each week ends with a special Art Show, where campers proudly share their amazing creations with family and friends! It’s a joyful celebration of their creativity and the wonderful work they’ve done all week. 🕘 Schedule Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM Aftercare: available 3:00–5:00 PM Aftercare Details: Aftercare can be purchased as a weekly package. We do not offer aftercare on Fridays. If you’d like to book individual aftercare days, please email Betty@messyartlab.com for availability. 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day. 🚫 No nuts or nut products of any kind, please. -Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) -Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) -A refillable water bottle -Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes -A jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play -Sunscreen applied before camp -A full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To keep our camps safe, fun, and creative for everyone: -Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the first day of camp. (We’re not able to make exceptions to this policy.) -Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and engage in activities for about 30 minutes at a time. -Campers must be fully potty-trained and able to use the bathroom independently. -Please share any medical, behavioral, or developmental information (such as allergies, neurodiversity, or trauma) during registration. This helps us prepare thoughtfully and ensure a positive, supportive experience for every child. (All information is kept confidential.) 💰 Refunds & Cancellations We know plans can change! Please review our camp refund policy below: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollments include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date: refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp start date: No refund unless we can fill your spot, in which case you’ll receive camp credit minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email. Transfers to another camp week may be requested (based on availability). A 20% fee applies for transfers requested within 30 days of the original camp week.

Sign up for each week- we have a new curriculum each week! Kids will enjoy 4 hours of Art and Art related Activities! Day Camp is a drop off program & for ages 4 and older. Each day includes a variety of Cookies & Canvas event, One Day Workshop, OR Pottery Painting & Open Studio time. Most projects will go home same day. (If they have pottery painting that day, they will need to be picked up following week) Kids enjoy stations as well as several art projects during their 4 hours of fun at the Art Studio! Groups separated by age under K-4 grades, 5-8 grades. Bring peanut free sack lunch, snack & water bottle. Please dress for the weather- as we do take a walk in the neighborhood and eat in the garden on days when we can.

🌎 Country of Focus: Costa Rica 🇨🇷 Nature Quest (Expedición Natural) Experience Spanish and nature together in an immersive, hands-on way! During Nature Quest, campers explore Costa Rica’s rainforests, wildlife, and culture while building Spanish language skills through creativity, movement, and play. 🌿 This Week’s Highlights Include: 🎥 Explore Costa Rica Through Video Tours Travel virtually through Costa Rica’s rainforests and tropical habitats using engaging video tours, photos, and guided discussions that bring the country to life—en español. 📓 Create a Bilingual Nature Journal Campers observe plants, animals, and ecosystems while recording discoveries in a Spanish–English nature journal, building vocabulary and confidence along the way. 🏞️ Build a Costa Rica Habitat Diorama Design and construct a tropical habitat diorama, replicating rainforests and wildlife zones while learning key geography and environmental terms en español. 🎨 Pura Vida–Inspired Crafts & Culture Celebrate Costa Rican culture with Pura Vida–inspired crafts and activities, exploring traditions, symbols, and everyday life through art and storytelling. 🗣️ Spanish Through Play Throughout the week, campers strengthen spoken Spanish and early biliteracy skills through interactive games, collaborative projects, music, and movement. ✨ End-of-Week Showcase 🎉 Parents and caregivers are invited to a camp showcase where campers proudly present their projects and share what they’ve learned—in Spanish! *Campers receive a daily snack, a take-home souvenir, time for lunch and all activity supplies. Campers bring their lunch from home. —----------------------------------- Cancellation policy: When a camp registration is canceled by the camper(s) and/or the family, a refund will be provided only if we receive notification two weeks in advance. We will, however, retain 5% of the total registration fees for processing costs. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than two weeks in advance. Please Bring: Lunch (No NUTS please!) Comfortable Clothes Sweater or sweatshirt (in case indoors is chilly) Close-toed shoes (sneakers are best) Book bag (for taking home projects) Water bottle (Reusable) Complete change of clothes (K-2)

Step into a world where baking is alchemy, blending science, creativity, and art to transform wholesome ingredients into extraordinary creations! In this camp, kids will explore the intersection of cooking, STEM, and artistic expression, crafting a variety of sweet and savory dishes while uncovering the magic behind every recipe. Each session sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and inspires creativity in the kitchen. Your young baker will: -Discover the science behind baking, from rising dough to golden crusts -Experiment with new ingredients and techniques to create both classics and inventive twists -Build essential skills through hands-on measuring, mixing, and tasting -Develop kitchen safety habits and a confident, intuitive approach to baking Daily Schedule: 9:00-9:30 AM: Arrivals and Activity Centers ‍9:30-9:50 AM: Welcome Circle and Stretching ‍9:50-11:00 AM: Cook Brunch ‍11:00-11:30 AM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍11:30-12:45 PM: Cook Lunch and STEAM Activity ‍12:45-1:15 PM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍1:15-2:15 PM: Outdoor Play ‍2:15-2:40 PM: Snack and Cleanup ‍2:40-3:00 PM: Closing Circle and Pick-Up

Step into a world where baking is alchemy, blending science, creativity, and art to transform wholesome ingredients into extraordinary creations! In this camp, kids will explore the intersection of cooking, STEM, and artistic expression, crafting a variety of sweet and savory dishes while uncovering the magic behind every recipe. Each session sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and inspires creativity in the kitchen. Your young baker will: -Discover the science behind baking, from rising dough to golden crusts -Experiment with new ingredients and techniques to create both classics and inventive twists -Build essential skills through hands-on measuring, mixing, and tasting -Develop kitchen safety habits and a confident, intuitive approach to baking Daily Schedule: 9:00-9:30 AM: Arrivals and Activity Centers ‍9:30-9:50 AM: Welcome Circle and Stretching ‍9:50-11:00 AM: Cook Brunch ‍11:00-11:30 AM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍11:30-12:45 PM: Cook Lunch and STEAM Activity ‍12:45-1:15 PM: Eat, Cleanup, and Quiet Time ‍1:15-2:15 PM: Outdoor Play ‍2:15-2:40 PM: Snack and Cleanup ‍2:40-3:00 PM: Closing Circle and Pick-Up

Farm Camp is run from our 1-acre school farm in the Mission Terrace neighborhood. We provide an opportunity for children to connect with nature while directly participating in the daily rhythms of farm life. Our day camp is designed to inspire a connection with and love of the natural world, and also a chance to get hands dirty in fun and educational ways. Activities include animal care for our chickens, weeding, watering, mulching, harvesting, compost care, crafts and free play. Children should bring snacks and lunch and come prepared to get dirty!

Farm Camp is run from our 1-acre school farm in the Mission Terrace neighborhood. We provide an opportunity for children to connect with nature while directly participating in the daily rhythms of farm life. Our day camp is designed to inspire a connection with and love of the natural world, and also a chance to get hands dirty in fun and educational ways. Activities include animal care for our chickens, weeding, watering, mulching, harvesting, compost care, crafts and free play. Children should bring snacks and lunch and come prepared to get dirty!

In Drawing/Painting Class we will create a variety of fine art projects focusing on technique and style, composition, brushwork, and systematic practice. KVArteest will give input on our subject matter, as we together decide what we want to learn.

In Drawing/Painting Class we will create a variety of fine art projects focusing on technique and style, composition, brushwork, and systematic practice. KVArteest will give input on our subject matter, as we together decide what we want to learn.

In Drawing/Painting Class we will create a variety of fine art projects focusing on technique and style, composition, brushwork, and systematic practice. KVArteest will give input on our subject matter, as we together decide what we want to learn.

Go beyond playing Minecraft — learn how to change it. If your student loves Minecraft and is ready to take the next step, Minecraft Modding shows them how to turn their ideas into real, playable features inside the game. In this camp, students learn how to create their own Minecraft mods (short for modifications) that add new worlds, biomes, characters, and items to the game. Campers move from simply playing Minecraft to understanding how it works behind the scenes - and how to shape it themselves. Using MCreator, a powerful yet beginner-friendly drag-and-drop, Java-based modding tool, students design and build custom mods through an intuitive visual interface. Along the way, they’re introduced to core Java programming concepts, learning how code brings their creations to life. What students will do: Design custom Minecraft mods using MCreator Create new worlds, biomes, characters, and items Learn how games are structured and modified Explore introductory Java programming concepts Develop problem-solving, logic, and creative thinking skills This camp blends creativity, game design, and real-world coding foundations in a way that’s engaging and accessible. Many parents see Minecraft Modding as a natural gateway into deeper coding and software development skills—and kids love seeing their ideas come alive inside a game they already enjoy. If your student loves Minecraft Modding, they may also enjoy: Coding 101 BattleBots Game Design camps Minecraft Modding is where creativity meets code - and where players become creators.

week 3 - outerspace

Farm Camp is run from our 1-acre school farm in the Mission Terrace neighborhood. We provide an opportunity for children to connect with nature while directly participating in the daily rhythms of farm life. Our day camp is designed to inspire a connection with and love of the natural world, and also a chance to get hands dirty in fun and educational ways. Activities include animal care for our chickens, weeding, watering, mulching, harvesting, compost care, crafts and free play. Children should bring snacks and lunch and come prepared to get dirty!

🧱✨ Build, Create, and Imagine at GrowFit’s LEGO® + All-Sports Camp Calling all young builders and creative thinkers in grades 1–3! GrowFit’s LEGO® + All-Sports Camp at Valle Verde Elementary delivers a full day of creativity, engineering challenges, movement, and fun. Mornings spark imagination with LEGO® builds—afternoons keep kids active and energized with our All-Sports Camp. It’s the perfect blend of hands-on creativity and play! ⭐ Why Choose GrowFit’s LEGO® + All-Sports Camp? 🧱 Hands-On LEGO® Building: Campers dive into daily themes—from bridges and vehicles to towers, mazes, robots, and entire LEGO® worlds. 🧩 STEM-Inspired Challenges: Kids practice problem-solving, design thinking, and early engineering skills through playful, engaging activities. 🤝 Collaboration & Creativity: Campers brainstorm, build, and test ideas together—building friendships and gaining confidence along the way. 📈 Full-Week Progression: Projects grow more complex each day, so drop-ins are not available. Full-week registration ensures campers get the most out of this immersive program. 🎉 Active All-Sports Afternoons: After lunch, campers join our All-Sports program for a rotating lineup of games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, bounce house tag, and more! Camp Details — Walnut Creek 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🧱 Morning: LEGO® Camp (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: Valle Verde Elementary School Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM at the GrowFit desk in front of the school Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM at the Gymnasium What to Bring: Comfortable clothing Water bottle Two snacks Lunch With over a decade of experience delivering engaging, confidence-building camps, GrowFit’s LEGO® + All-Sports Camp gives kids the perfect balance of creativity, movement, problem-solving, and fun. Your child will come home proud of what they built—and excited for the next day’s adventures! 🛠️ Ready to Build Something Amazing? Spots fill quickly—register today! Refunds and Cancellations 30+ days before camp: Full refund minus a 10% fee Within 30 days: Credit for future GrowFit camps Day-of or after camp begins: Non-refundable

Don't worry about a sitter! Give yourself a parents' night off and send your child to our Kids' Night Out! Pizza party dinner will be included, as well as multiple arts and crafts, and a big, instructor-led project! $40 for the first child and $35 for additional siblings. Each child will go home with a full bag of art that they create.

lego steam week 2

In Game Art Studio, campers explore the world of pixel art and animation using Aseprite, a professional tool used to create graphics for 2D video games. Students learn how to design characters, environments, icons, and animated sprites while building strong foundations in color, shading, and animation timing. Throughout the week, campers create original game-ready artwork such as character walk cycles, enemies, backgrounds, and user interface elements. They also learn how pixel art is used in real games and how their creations can be exported for use in 2D games, Scratch or Flowlab projects, Godot or Unity games, Minecraft-style mods, and animated GIFs. This camp is ideal for creative kids who love games and want to bring their ideas to life. No prior art or coding experience is required. Recommended for ages 10 - 15.