STEM Programs Near Me

Are you ready to use your creative superpowers and build amazing things? Our Discovery Builders will use their hands, brains, and lots of fun materials to bring their biggest, wildest ideas to life! Every day is a new building adventure! Campers will pretend to be real builders and engineers, thinking about how things go together. We'll use simple counting and measuring (like using our hands and feet!) to help us plan our creations. Don't worry, we'll make it super fun and easy!

Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026 A Summer of Discovery, Creativity, and Fun! At Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026, children entering TK through third grade will embark on a summer filled with imagination, friendship, and adventure. Each themed week is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage creativity through hands-on learning and play. From inventing and building during Maker’s Week to celebrating freedom and culture during Juneteenth: Freedom to Dream Week, every day brings new opportunities to explore, create, and grow. Campers will enjoy a wide variety of engaging activities, including art projects, outdoor games, field trips, science explorations, cooking projects, and meaningful community experiences that connect learning with fun. Our experienced and caring staff create a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to try new things, develop friendships, and discover their unique strengths. Whether your child is a budding artist, an enthusiastic explorer, or a hands-on maker, Camp Footsteps Junior Explorers 2026 offers an unforgettable summer filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. Week 1 – Maker’s Week: How Things Work Field Trip : Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito Get ready to imagine, create, and build! Maker’s Week is all about hands-on exploration where children become inventors, artists, builders, and problem-solvers. Campers will dive into fun projects using everyday materials—crafting unique art, designing simple structures, experimenting with science, and bringing their ideas to life. Through guided activities, teamwork, and plenty of creativity, children will practice critical thinking and collaboration while discovering the joy of making. Maker’s Week encourages curiosity, confidence, and creativity—all in a fun and supportive environment for our youngest innovators. Special Event (Friday, June 12, 2026): Footsteps Maker Fair Campers will set up booths to showcase inventions, recycled creations, and STEM challenges. Families are invited Friday afternoon to visit the “Maker Fair” and see children’s projects.

We are offering 11 different art camps/ new curriculum for Art Camps this summer. Art Camp at All Things Art Studio is the best way to experience total immersion in a summer art program! It's fun & and students get a chance to delve into their creative selves without crazy time restraints. Students will also get to Tie Dye an All Things Art Studio Camp Shirt (or other item for repeat campers) on Day 1! (included in the fee of camp). In the mornings, they will be working on individual projects, and the afternoon art academy will give them a relaxed but focused exercise in fine arts. There will be landscape drawing and painting, and still life exploration. We explore drawing, clay, printmaking, textiles, weaving, watercolor, acrylics, tempera paint, glazing & more! We will work with canvas, clay, watercolor, tissue paper and many other types of medium as well. Every camp is a different curriculum, so please register for as many as you can :) It's an amazing week for students, they meet and make new art friends and enjoy the warm summer weather. Bring a sack lunch each day and a water bottle, We will have outdoor lunch & walk in the neighborhood- plus outdoor "en plain air" instruction in their daily journal/ sketchbook. Bring it on! Some of our Elementary, Middle School and High School groups will be offered at the same times & days (convenient for families with older & younger children). But the Camps will be separated by the groups and have different curriculum and locations within the studio. (MS/HS have a seperate registration with separate curriculum)

Get ready for a week packed with creativity, color, and hands-on fun! Our Slime & Ceramics Camp gives young makers the best of both worlds—messy, stretchy, sensational slime and beautifully hand-painted ceramics. From glitter and glow-in-the-dark slimes to fluffy, crunchy, and scented varieties, kids will learn slime-making techniques that spark imagination and sensory play. On the ceramics side, campers can pick from a variety of pieces to paint or try simple clay-building projects that let them express their unique style. With guided instruction, plenty of creative freedom, and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere, every child will finish the week with a collection of custom slimes and ceramic treasures to take home. It’s the perfect blend of art, science, and pure fun—ideal for kids who love to create, experiment, and get a little messy! ​For full day please pack a NUT FREE snack and lunch. Half day only a NUT FREE snack. PLEASE EMAIL A PDF REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP TO bethel@thegigglingpig.com

Develop leadership and responsibility while making lifelong friends. Through hands-on activities, teens will learn valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all while giving back to their community in meaningful ways. It’s a fun, enriching experience that sets them up for success and gets them off their devices. Outdoor field games in local area parks daily, swimming twice weekly, kayaking and rock climbing once weekly each. Campers participate in outdoor field games in local area parks daily, swimming twice weekly. We spend the first and last hour of the day inside doing arts and crafts, STEM projects, and indoor sports such bowling and ping pong. The rest of the morning and afternoon we are outdoors doing field games and traditional activities utilizing local area parks. CITs may participate in the special activities if they wish, and should have appropriate clothing for those activities. Swim days are planned to be Tuesdays and Thursdays each week during the morning session. Kayaking are Wednesdays during the morning session, weather permitting. Rock climbing is on Fridays. We are open rain or shine, during inclement weather and poor air quality days we spend more time inside doing crafts, indoor sports and other activities. Hot lunch and healthy snacks are included. Early Bird pricing of 25% off, and ends 3/30. Early Bird pricing of 20% off, and ends 4/30. Early Bird pricing of 10% off, and ends 5/31. Discounts do not stack with other discounts, you will receive the best discount available to you at check out.

Students will assume the role of a veterinarian and learn how to perform a nose-to-tail exam, the importance of proper nutrition, perform a tick check, and identify animal body language. Each student will take home their own stuffed animal dog that they will adopt along with tape measures, dog journal, dog bone cookie cutter and so much more! Day 1: Intro + What is in the Veterinarian’s Office? Day 2: The ABC’s of Dog Care! Day 3: Lacerations and Ticks Day 4: The Immune System and Vaccinations! Day 5: Vet Fun and Graduation

Are you ready for a summer filled with adventure, learning, and fun? At Sundial Farmstead, we offer experiences on a real, working farm where children can explore, create, and grow! A Day at Camp: Each day begins with a gathering of singing and readings from a classic book, followed by rotations through farm activities, morning snack, hands-on agriculture or forestry lessons, and creative handicrafts. After lunch, campers will enjoy free play and relaxation before diving back into an afternoon rotation of activities - sports, nature study & science notation journals, and additional farming activities. We wrap up each day with group clean up time. This ensures that kids learn how to maintain a well-ordered environment and leave camp feeling satisfied with their accomplishments!

A hands-on introduction to real-world robotics and engineering. One of Silicon STEM’s most popular camps, LEGO Robotics introduces campers to the powerful LEGO® Mindstorms robotics platform—the same system widely used in middle and high school robotics programs. Campers work in pairs to design and build different machine-style robots, then bring them to life using block-based programming in the EV3 coding environment. As they test and refine their robots, students learn how code controls movement, sensors, and decision-making. Depending on the build, robots may be programmed to: Sort objects Perform pick-and-place tasks Balance or react to sensors Complete structured engineering challenges This camp is perfect for students who love tinkering, building, and figuring out how things work. Along the way, campers develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and teamwork—core abilities used by engineers and roboticists. What students will do: Build robots using the LEGO Mindstorms platform Learn block-based coding and robotics logic Program robots to complete real-world style tasks Test, troubleshoot, and improve designs Collaborate with a partner on engineering challenges LEGO Robotics is an excellent “get ahead” experience for students interested in future robotics programs and competitions, and a natural next step toward BattleBots, Rocketry, and advanced engineering camps. Note: This is a collaborative camp. Students will work in pairs throughout the week.

A Week-Long Exploration of Engineering! Curious builders and problem-solvers this camp was made for you! Dive into the exciting world of engineering, where science meets real-world design and innovation. Campers will tackle hands-on challenges across five major engineering fields, use professional-grade tools and materials, and discover how engineers shape the world around us. Campers will gain confidence as they explore, discover, and learn like real scientists. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

IN THE ART GARDEN Come for a morning of creativity and hands on fun. At this camp your child will join the worlds of science and art with a sculpture of their favorite animal as a flower pot! Sculptures will be made using polymer clay which is baked and cooled and then painted using acrylic paint. Campers come home with a completed work of art. Spaces are limited, register today. Scroll through the pictures to see more examples of this camp.

**MUST be in RISING Grades 2-4…NO Exceptions! Northern VA/DMV Area! We are back for the ULTIMATE IN-PERSON Summer Programs for your kids in our Reston Center! Public speaking skills are absolutely ESSENTIAL to academia, future career success, and to simply making friends! Effective and engaging storytelling and writing are key skills, not only for language arts, but to better engage with people, think creatively, persuade, and enhance ANYTHING we say! (It's also SUPER fun!) Welcome to Week 2: “Sensational Storytellers! -Fundamentals of Storytelling!" In this fully interactive class, we will have a ton of fun learning the elements of effective storytelling, playing hilarious storytelling games, and practicing multiple storytelling assignments! In this 5 day, 3-hours per day program, we will cover: - How to best PERFORM any kind of story! - How to conquer any level of NERVOUSNESS and become a more CONFIDENT storyteller! - The ELEMENTS of stories! - How to STRUCTURE and WRITE a story! - Different TYPES of stories from fiction, fantasy, stories about ourselves, motivational stories, and even news stories! - How to USE storytelling to enhance anything you do! Every day, the students will have multiple opportunities to practice what WE preach and receive feedback! Our 3-Hour day is broken into: Part I (1-1.5 hours) - Ice Breaker Activity - Lesson for the day - Practice through Game or Structured Assignment in Breakout Sessions! BREAK (15 minutes: Please bring a drink and snack.) Part II: Group Discussion of Previous Exercise/Lessons Lesson Cont. Practice through Games or Structured Assignment in Breakout Sessions! Wrap-Up We ALWAYS have two or more instructors to ensure EVERY student gets plenty of individual attention and truly improves their speaking skills! All of our instructors are teachers/public speaking professionals and are ALSO stand-up comics/performers, so your child is bound to have a great time! This limited sized class WILL sell out FAST! Reserve your spot TODAY! This is the greatest skill you can give your kids, while they have an absolute blast! ***NO class prerequisites necessary! Basic grade level reading skills ARE needed. Previous and New Students will ALL benefit from this program!

Fresh air, curiosity, and hands-on exploration come together in Outdoor Discovery Camp, a five-day outdoor experience for children ages 4.5–11. Designed with age-appropriate activities and guided participation, this camp encourages children to explore nature, move their bodies, and learn through real-world experiences beyond the classroom.

Calling all wizards, witches, and muggles! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at Sea Crest's Hogwarts School of Magic Camp. Whether your camper is a seasoned Hogwarts expert or just discovering the magic of the wizarding world, all are welcome to join. The Sorting Ceremony awaits, where the ancient Sorting Hat will reveal which Hogwarts house will claim your camper as one of their own. For one week, they'll embody the spirit of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, or Slytherin, and compete in challenges to earn precious house points. In our magical classes, campers will master the art of Care of Magical Creatures, brew potions, cast charms, defend against the Dark Arts, and chase the snitch in Quidditch matches. But beware: the Dark Arts are lurking, and Dementors may be lurking around camp. Campers will learn the Patronus Charm to defend themselves against the forces of darkness. Join us for a spellbinding week where we will have some of our old favorite classes and try out some new ones! All of the camps come together for lunch, recess breaks, and special events. There are free choice activities in the morning/afternoon including games and crafts. **This camp is for the grades listed in the title only** ***REGISTER BY APRIL 24th to RECEIVE A FREE SUMMER AT SEA CREST T-SHIRT*** Please look out for an email (sent to the email you register with) a week or two prior to the start of camp with more details, including any special days happening that week. Our aftercare at camp runs from 3:00pm-4:00pm the charge is an additional $15 a day, if your child is not picked up by 3:05pm they will automatically be checked into aftercare and we will charge the card on file. Aftercare after a long camp day is definitely a time for decompression and may include board games and/or educational films. We also combine all campers at this time including our JK/TK and Kindergarten camp. All camps will run contingent upon a certain number of campers signing up. If your camp is cancelled, you will be notified at least 30 days prior. We may also combine the 1st and 2nd grade camps with the 3rd-6th grade camps if there is low enrollment. Cancellation Policy: Registrations canceled at least 30 days prior to the start of camp will receive a full refund. Registrations canceled 15-29 days prior to camp will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of the start of camp will not be refunded. Please wear sunscreen and bring a jacket daily because we never know what coastal weather will bring. Campers are required to bring a lunch, snack and water bottle daily.

🟣 Week 2: Sensational Storytellers! Fundamentals of Storytelling & Creative Expression 📅 July 13–17, 2026 **Must be RISING GRADES 2-4! NO Exceptions! Are your kids creative and LOVE making up stories? Do you just want to encourage their creativity, their voices, AND their writing skills? This creativity-filled week helps students turn imagination into confident performance while learning how storytelling strengthens all types of communication! Students will learn how to: - Perform stories with confidence, expression, and clarity - Become more confident storytellers, even if they feel shy - Understand the core elements of great storytelling - Structure and write engaging stories - Explore different story types, including fiction, fantasy, personal stories, and motivational stories - Use storytelling to enhance public speaking, presentations, and everyday communication - Students practice daily and grow more expressive and confident with every performance. 🧠 Daily Camp Structure (3 Hours) Part I (1–1.5 hours): Icebreaker activity Lesson of the day Practice through games or structured speaking assignments (small groups) Break (20 minutes) Please bring a snack and drink. Students remain indoors and use our break room or watch an age appropriate show/video/movie. Part II: Group discussion and reflection Continued lesson Additional practice through games or structured assignments Wrap-up and celebration of progress 🎁 Why Parents Love Ultimate Speak! - Tons of speaking practice — not just lectures - Supportive, encouraging coaching - ONLY Professional Coaches and 2-4 coaches per class (max class 24 students) - Confidence that carries into school and life - Kids leave proud, energized, and excited to speak on a DAILY basis! ✨ Give your child the gift of confident communication this summer — while they have a blast! ** Camps are for beginners as well as our experienced students. We work from each student’s baseline to ensure value!

Explore, Experiment & Discover the Science of Life Step into the fascinating world of living things! Biology Camp gives young scientists hands-on experience exploring DNA, microorganisms, plants, animals, and the human body. Throughout the week, campers conduct experiments, observe specimens under microscopes, and investigate how life works at every level—from cells to organs. Whether they love biology, enjoy experiments, or are curious about the natural world, campers will gain confidence as they explore, discover, and learn like real scientists. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

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.

Come Celebrate our 22 YEAR ANNIVERSARY at our Cow Hollow Kids Club! Reserve your space today for our special event jam packed with fun for the entire family to celebrate this annual milestone! The event will be from 10am-11am and will include a Music Class with Team JAMaROO! Join us for some of your favorite JAMaROO songs! We will also have Art, Bubbles, Face Painting, Sensory Play, Snacks, Games and More! Get your Ticket to Reserve your spot Today Space is Limited Each child is $45 (all siblings are 40% off)! Email jamarookids@gmail.com with any questions!

A Week of Discovery, Innovation & Out-of-This-World Science🛰️ Reach for the stars, literally! Throughout this exciting week, campers take on the ultimate challenge: designing and building their very own weather balloon that will be launched through the atmosphere and into space at the end of camp. From mission planning to liftoff, young scientists will learn how to track space flight navigation, sense environments during flight, and experience firsthand what it takes to send something beyond our skies. Whether your camper is a first-time explorer or a future aerospace engineer, this camp blends creativity, problem-solving, and real hands-on science in a fun, supportive environment. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Get ready to blast off into space! In this daylong camp, we will dive into pretend play that explores the magic of outer space. Come along as we adventure to the Solar System of Make-Believe Planets... this is a wonderful camp for kiddos who feel a connection to the stars and like to imagine worlds beyond our own! Drop off is from 9am - 9:30 and pick up is anytime between 3:30 - 4:00pm. Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refund policy. Full credits will be issued for anything with a 4 week notice and can be used for any future Rabbit Hole activity. After 4 weeks we are unable to credit. If your child is sick or you need to miss a day of camp we will have a camp bag ready for you at the studio. This bag will be filled with enchanted projects, art materials, audio and video links and anything your kiddo might be missing in class. Please email us ahead of time and let us know if you need to miss and would like an at-home camp bag! Photography Notice: We love to share the joy of our experiences on SmugMug and social media! Photos taken during our sessions may be used on our social media platforms. If you would prefer not to have photos taken of your kiddo, please add a note to your child's account on Care.com.

Investigate, Analyze & Solve Mysteries Like a Real Scientist Step into the world of forensic science! Junior Detectives gives young investigators hands-on experience with DNA, fingerprints, microbiology, and crime scene analysis. Campers explore how scientists uncover clues, examine evidence, and piece together the story behind a case through fun and engaging experiments. Whether they love solving puzzles, studying biology, or dreaming of becoming a detective, campers will gain confidence using real scientific techniques to investigate, analyze, and solve mysteries. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

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!