Activites, Camps and After School Classes Near Me

Dive into a week of sun-soaked creativity! Our Sandcastles & Seashells Art Camp brings the magic of the beach to the art studio, with oceans of imaginative projects inspired by sandy shores, shimmering seashells, and everything coastal. Each morning and afternoon, campers will explore a brand-new hands-on art activity. Throughout the week, young artists will paint, sculpt, build, and craft using a mix of exciting materials like sand, clay, watercolor, collage, and natural elements. From whimsical sandcastle sculptures to seashell mosaics and ocean-themed masterpieces, every session encourages creativity, experimentation, and beach-day wonder. Perfect for kids who love the sea, this camp blends art making with playful summer vibes, giving campers a chance to explore texture, color, and design in fun, refreshing ways. By week’s end, they’ll head home with a collection of ocean-inspired artworks as unique as the treasures you find along the shore. ​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

At Singing Sensations Camp, we blend the magic of music with the fun of visual art. Campers will explore their favorite musicians, musicals, and kids’ movies, turning iconic songs and characters into vibrant works of art. Each day, campers dive into hands-on projects inspired by the sounds they love. Painting expressive portraits of favorite singers, designing posters for beloved musicals, creating art from popular kids’ movies, and crafting colorful music-themed masterpieces. Whether it’s Broadway show tunes, pop stars, or animated movie soundtracks, every project celebrates creativity and self-expression. This camp is perfect for young artists who light up when the music starts. Come join us for a week filled with art, rhythm, imagination, and lots of singing fun! ​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

Dive into a week of sun-soaked creativity! Our Sandcastles & Seashells Art Camp brings the magic of the beach to the art studio, with oceans of imaginative projects inspired by sandy shores, shimmering seashells, and everything coastal. Each morning and afternoon, campers will explore a brand-new hands-on art activity. Throughout the week, young artists will paint, sculpt, build, and craft using a mix of exciting materials like sand, clay, watercolor, collage, and natural elements. From whimsical sandcastle sculptures to seashell mosaics and ocean-themed masterpieces, every session encourages creativity, experimentation, and beach-day wonder. Perfect for kids who love the sea, this camp blends artmaking with playful summer vibes, giving campers a chance to explore texture, color, and design in fun, refreshing ways. By week’s end, they’ll head home with a collection of ocean-inspired artworks as unique as the treasures you find along the shore. ​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

During this week campers get to enjoy a different ceramic, slime or canvas painting daily. There will also be options to create freely in our recycled section! We know going home we so many slimes and ceramics can be overwhelming - so we have you covered we more options this year. From fluffy slime to glow in the dark and snow slime - we will keep the campers day filled with exciting activities! ​

Design it. Build it. Take it home. If your child loves creating, building, and figuring out how things work, this camp is a perfect fit. In 3D Printing & Design Lab, students step into the role of a real product designer. They’ll learn how to design objects from scratch using professional-grade CAD software (TinkerCAD by AutoCAD - the same tool used by engineers and product teams), then bring those ideas to life using actual 3D printers. This is a hands-on, project-driven camp. Students don’t just watch or follow instructions - they design, iterate, and improve their creations throughout the week. From gadgets and tools to creative models and custom parts, students experience the full design-to-production process. What students will do: Learn the fundamentals of 3D modeling and CAD design Use industry-standard software in a kid-friendly way Design multiple original projects Watch their designs become real on a 3D printer Take home their printed creations Along the way, students build confidence, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how modern products are actually made - skills that translate directly into engineering, design, and STEM careers. Important note: Because 3D printing takes time, some projects may finish printing after camp hours. In those cases, completed prints will be available for pickup at Silicon STEM following the camp. This is one of our most popular camps for a reason - kids leave proud of what they’ve built, and parents love seeing real skills turn into real objects. If your student likes this class, they will love the Advanced 3D Printing camp (we use Onshape as the 3D CAD program) focused on more advanced design concepts, or another design-oriented camp like the Virtual Reality camp, or perhaps consider a more hands-on type camp like Battlebots with VEX Robotics.

Turn imagination into a Minecraft world of your own. If your child loves Minecraft, this camp shows them how to go beyond playing the game and start creating inside it. In Junior Minecraft, campers learn the foundations of Minecraft modding (short for "modifying") using an age-appropriate, block-based coding system that’s intuitive, visual, and fun. Students explore how Minecraft works behind the scenes as they customize characters, modify gear, and make meaningful changes to their worlds...all in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Campers work inside curated Minecraft worlds designed specifically for learning. Through guided challenges and creative projects, they’re introduced to the core ideas of “modding” while building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of ownership over what they create. What students will do: Learn the basics of block-based coding Customize Minecraft worlds, characters, and items Explore how games are built and modified Follow structured challenges with room for creativity Build confidence using technology as a creator, not just a player This camp is ideal for younger Minecraft fans who are curious, creative, and ready to take their first steps into coding and game design—no prior experience required. Important note: This camp requires a Minecraft Java Edition account, available at: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-edition If your student enjoys Junior Minecraft, they may also love: Junior Game Designers (Scratch Programming) LEGO Robotics Roblox Game Design Junior Minecraft is often the first step in a longer STEM journey...and one of our most popular ways for kids to discover that learning can be just as fun as gaming.

A fun first step into coding, creativity, and game design. In Junior Game Designers, campers are introduced to the exciting world of coding and game creation in a way that’s visual, playful, and easy to understand - perfect for beginners. Using Scratch, the award-winning platform developed by MIT, students learn how to bring characters to life, design interactive games, and tell stories through block-based coding. By snapping together visual code blocks, campers quickly see how their ideas turn into real, playable creations. This camp focuses on creative problem-solving and logical thinking, helping students understand how games are built while encouraging imagination and experimentation in a supportive, low-pressure environment. What students will do: Learn the basics of coding and game logic using Scratch Animate characters and design simple games Create interactive stories and challenges Practice sequencing, problem-solving, and debugging Build confidence as creators - not just players No prior coding experience is required - just basic keyboarding skills and a creative mindset. This camp is an excellent stepping-stone into our Junior Minecraft programs, as well as LEGO Robotics and other game design and coding camps as students grow. Ages: 7–10 Junior Game Designers is often where kids discover that learning to code feels a lot like playing—and where a long-term love of STEM begins.

Build, Engineer & Compete. Design it. Build it. Battle it. If your student loves building, problem-solving, and friendly competition, BattleBots delivers an unforgettable hands-on engineering experience. In this camp, students work in teams to design and build their own robots using VEX IQ robotics kits, the same platform used in competitive robotics programs worldwide. Campers start from the ground up—planning, constructing, testing, and improving their robots as they learn how engineering decisions impact real-world performance. Once their robots are built, teams customize and fine-tune their designs in preparation for a series of exciting challenges. The week culminates in a BattleBots®-style tournament, where robots face off in a structured, high-energy competition that rewards strategy, teamwork, and creative problem-solving. What students will do: Design and build a robot from scratch using VEX IQ Learn mechanical design and basic engineering principles Test, troubleshoot, and improve robot performance Collaborate with teammates and follow design constraints Compete in a fun, structured robot tournament While campers do not take their robots home, they gain something even more valuable: engineering experience, teamwork skills, and confidence built through hands-on problem-solving. Ages: 10–15 Prerequisite: Ability to work collaboratively and follow building guidelines If your student enjoys BattleBots, they may also love: Rocketry 3D Printing & CAD Advanced Robotics and Engineering camps BattleBots is where creativity, strategy, and engineering collide and one of our most popular camps for students ready to level up their STEM skills.

An exciting introduction to the science of flight and propulsion. Rocket Academy introduces campers to the fundamentals of rocketry through hands-on design, building, and real rocket launches. Students explore how rockets work, then put those ideas into action as they design and launch a variety of rocket types using different propulsion systems. Throughout the week, campers learn how forces like thrust, momentum, and energy work together to lift rockets off the ground. These concepts are introduced in an age-appropriate, engaging way, allowing students to connect real science to what they see in the sky during launch activities. This camp emphasizes experimentation and discovery. Campers test designs, compare results, and refine their thinking as they explore what makes rockets fly higher, straighter, and farther. What students will do: Design, build, and launch multiple model rockets Explore how rockets operate and why they fly Learn the basic principles of propulsion, including thrust and momentum Compare different propulsion types and launch outcomes Build confidence through hands-on engineering and experimentation Model rocketry has long been a source of inspiration for scientists and engineers, and Rocket Academy gives campers an early opportunity to experience that spark firsthand. This camp is a great fit for students who enjoy building, testing ideas, and seeing science come to life—and pairs naturally with BattleBots, LEGO Robotics, and 3D Printing & CAD.

Messy experiments. Big discoveries. Endless curiosity. If your child loves asking “what happens if…?”, Weird & Wacky Science Lab is where curiosity takes center stage. In this hands-on science camp, campers roll up their sleeves and dive into the fun, surprising, and sometimes messy side of science. Through exciting experiments and outdoor exploration, students investigate the basics of chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science—all in a way that’s engaging, playful, and age-appropriate. Campers will pop, squish, ooze, build, and explore as they conduct experiments using everyday materials and items found in nature. From examining pond water under microscopes to creating eye-catching chemical reactions, this camp turns big scientific ideas into unforgettable experiences. What students will do: Create hands-on experiments like neon slime, solar ovens, and sound-making instruments Explore chemistry and physics through safe, guided reactions Investigate biology by examining bugs, pond water, and natural materials Learn about photosynthesis and energy through outdoor experiments Build confidence asking questions, testing ideas, and making discoveries This camp is held both indoors and outdoors, encouraging movement, exploration, and curiosity. Getting messy isn’t just allowed—it’s part of the learning. Weird & Wacky Science Lab is a favorite for younger campers and a perfect introduction to STEM thinking. Students who enjoy this camp often love moving on to LEGO Robotics, Junior Game Designers, or other hands-on engineering camps.

Messy experiments. Big discoveries. Endless curiosity. If your child loves asking “what happens if…?”, Weird & Wacky Science Lab is where curiosity takes center stage. In this hands-on science camp, campers roll up their sleeves and dive into the fun, surprising, and sometimes messy side of science. Through exciting experiments and outdoor exploration, students investigate the basics of chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science—all in a way that’s engaging, playful, and age-appropriate. Campers will pop, squish, ooze, build, and explore as they conduct experiments using everyday materials and items found in nature. From examining pond water under microscopes to creating eye-catching chemical reactions, this camp turns big scientific ideas into unforgettable experiences. What students will do: Create hands-on experiments like neon slime, solar ovens, and sound-making instruments Explore chemistry and physics through safe, guided reactions Investigate biology by examining bugs, pond water, and natural materials Learn about photosynthesis and energy through outdoor experiments Build confidence asking questions, testing ideas, and making discoveries This camp is held both indoors and outdoors, encouraging movement, exploration, and curiosity. Getting messy isn’t just allowed—it’s part of the learning. Weird & Wacky Science Lab is a favorite for younger campers and a perfect introduction to STEM thinking. Students who enjoy this camp often love moving on to LEGO Robotics, Junior Game Designers, or other hands-on engineering camps.

Design games. Build worlds. Bring ideas to life. In Game Makers Lab, campers become game designers as they create their own 2D video games from start to finish—no traditional coding required. Using Flowlab, a powerful and intuitive game design platform, students design characters, build imaginative levels, and define how their games work. Inspired by classic games like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders, campers learn how professional game designers think about gameplay, movement, challenges, and fun. While there’s no typing code in this camp, students still learn the logic behind game design—using visual tools to control physics, triggers, and interactions that bring their games to life. What students will do: Design and build original 2D video games Create characters, enemies, power-ups, and levels Use visual logic to control gameplay and interactions Explore physics, movement, and game mechanics Playtest, refine, and share their games with others This camp is perfect for creative students who love games and want to understand how they’re built, even if they’re new to programming. It’s also a great stepping-stone into more advanced game design, Minecraft Modding, and coding camps. Ages: 9+ Prerequisite: Basic keyboarding skills; no prior coding experience required Game Makers Lab empowers students to turn imagination into interactive experiences—and often sparks a deeper interest in coding and game development.

Messy experiments. Big discoveries. Endless curiosity. If your child loves asking “what happens if…?”, Weird & Wacky Science Lab is where curiosity takes center stage. In this hands-on science camp, campers roll up their sleeves and dive into the fun, surprising, and sometimes messy side of science. Through exciting experiments and outdoor exploration, students investigate the basics of chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science—all in a way that’s engaging, playful, and age-appropriate. Campers will pop, squish, ooze, build, and explore as they conduct experiments using everyday materials and items found in nature. From examining pond water under microscopes to creating eye-catching chemical reactions, this camp turns big scientific ideas into unforgettable experiences. What students will do: Create hands-on experiments like neon slime, solar ovens, and sound-making instruments Explore chemistry and physics through safe, guided reactions Investigate biology by examining bugs, pond water, and natural materials Learn about photosynthesis and energy through outdoor experiments Build confidence asking questions, testing ideas, and making discoveries This camp is held both indoors and outdoors, encouraging movement, exploration, and curiosity. Getting messy isn’t just allowed—it’s part of the learning. Weird & Wacky Science Lab is a favorite for younger campers and a perfect introduction to STEM thinking. Students who enjoy this camp often love moving on to LEGO Robotics, Junior Game Designers, or other hands-on engineering camps.

In this all-day game development bootcamp, teens take on the role of an indie game designer and build a complete, playable video game from start to finish using the professional game engine, Godot. (Godot is open-source software, but offers comparable quality to Unity3D.) Campers learn how real games are designed, coded, and refined as they create gameplay mechanics, characters, levels, and user interfaces while working through the full development process. Throughout the week, students will write game logic using GDScript, implement physics and movement, design enemies or NPCs, and test their games through play-testing and feedback. By the end of the bootcamp, each camper should be able to complete a fully playable game and leave with a deeper understanding of real-world game development concepts. 13+ Recommended (but not required): Prior basic coding knowledge in Scratch, Coding 101, Python, or another programming language. Motivated beginners are welcome.

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.

Does your child love books and storytelling? This week, we'll be using children's stories to inspire our artwork. With a different book each day, kids will create art that explores the connection between books, storytelling, and art. As they unleash their imagination and create their own unique interpretations and artwork, projects might include a mix of drawing, painting, sculpture, and more!

Join us for Open Gym time just for our Babies and Toddlers! This open gym is designated for babies up to children who are new walkers.

It's time to let your creativity run wild in this week's Alexander Calder project. Famous for his kinetic abstract sculptures, Calder changed the game by introducing mobility to fine art. Students will mimic this adjustable art by incorporating various movable parts to wire and clay sculptures, challenging their concept of balance and design. Art Lessons perfect for ages 4-6 years. 1-hour class We will use a variety of media, including watercolor, acrylic & tempera paints, oil pastels, mixed media, and clay for our beginner classes throughout the school-year! Join us on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday each week... or whenever it's convenient for you! We do the same project each of those days for each week, and then something new for the next week!

This week we’re celebrating the truly iconic artist and activist Augusta Savage! Known for her sculptures and influential art gallery, Savage is responsible for educating and encouraging a generation of nationally renowned artists born out of the Harlem Renaissance. We will experiment with the tactile approach of clay by making an antelope bust. Students will expand their sculpting techniques while learning about armature support construction, troubleshooting with different approaches to balance and application. To top it all off, they will add their own lively touch by painting their masterpiece, focusing on value and form.

PreK & Kinder-Club 🌟🏅 Our PreK & Kinder-Club is the perfect introduction to sports and active play! Designed for young athletes, this class blends team sports, schoolyard games, and PE activities to help children develop confidence, coordination, and a love for movement. Through engaging and age-appropriate activities, kids will build language skills, fine and gross motor skills, social-emotional growth, and teamwork—all while having a blast! 📅 Important Notes: No class on: 11,26, 12/19-1/4, 3/23-3/29 Must be potty trained 🚽 Credits only—no refunds (Credits given for illness, family emergencies, or special circumstances.) Deposits are non-refundable Join us for an action-packed season of fun, learning, and play at Hi-Five! 🎉

We will take your child step by step through a painting breaking it down for all to follow. With a very loose and organic stroke everyone who can pick up a paint brush will be able to recreate their very own work of art with our staff's guidance. During the process our staff will educate everyone on technique which will help them to be able to walk away with the ability to practice at home. During each session the children will be able to break for snacks and drinks to help make their time even more fun!