STEM Programs Near Me

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.

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.

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.

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. NO CAMP HELD ON FRIDAY JULY 3RD.

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.

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.

***For Casa Esperanza Montessori Charter School Students ONLY*** Be more than just a dog's best friend, become it’s doctor! Grab your newly adopted plush puppy and role-play real veterinarian activities! Make healthy dog treats, sew stitches, vaccinate, remove ticks, treat lacerations, and more. Have fun while becoming an expert on your dog's well-being. If you love dogs, this club is for you!

Explore, Experiment & Unleash Your Inner Scientist Step into the exciting world of chemistry! This camp gives young scientists the chance to investigate the building blocks of matter through colorful reactions, hands-on experiments, and playful discovery. Throughout the week campers explore how atoms connect and how materials behave. From bubbling mixtures to crystal creations to stretchy polymers, this camp lets kids experience the wonder of chemistry up close. Whether they dream of becoming a chemist, love experimenting, or simply enjoy figuring out how things work, campers will build confidence as they explore real scientific concepts in a fun and engaging environment. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Create, Design & Print Your Own 3D Creations! Step into the future of making! 3D Printing Camp gives young innovators the tools and skills to bring their ideas to life—layer by layer. Throughout the week, campers learn how 3D printers work, explore design software, and create custom models they can print and take home. From imagination to finished product, this camp shows campers the full journey of digital fabrication. Whether they dream of engineering, art, game design, or just love creating cool things, campers will gain confidence using real-world tools and technology. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Explore, Experiment & Cook Up Some Science Step into the delicious world of food science! Kitchen Scientists combines hands-on experiments with fun cooking challenges, giving campers the chance to explore chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry through tasty creations. From observing crystals to testing enzymes, making butter, and even creating ice cream, campers see science in action while preparing real food. Whether they love cooking, experimenting, or discovering how everyday ingredients work, campers will gain confidence applying scientific concepts in the kitchen and end the week with a friendly cook-off. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Explore Space, Experiment & Train Like a Real Explorer Blast off into a week of discovery! Astronaut Boot Camp lets young explorers investigate the Moon, stars, planets, and the science of space travel through hands-on experiments and creative engineering challenges. From lunar landings to Mars missions, campers get an exciting introduction to the wonders of space and the skills astronauts use every day. Whether they dream of becoming an astronaut, love space science, or simply enjoy exploring how the universe works, campers will gain confidence as they experiment, build, and think like true space explorers. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

Turn imagination into digital creations—layer by layer! In SiliconValley4U’s 3D Design & Modeling Program, students learn how real-world objects are imagined, designed, and prepared using professional 3D design tools. This hands-on, beginner-friendly program introduces students to 3D modeling and digital design, where they create original objects using easy-to-learn software. Students design models from scratch, explore how designs are built in three dimensions, and learn how these models are prepared for real-world applications such as 3D printing, animation, and virtual environments. Students will learn: The fundamentals of 3D modeling and design How digital objects are created, modified, and refined The design process behind real-world 3D printing and manufacturing Creative problem-solving and spatial thinking skills How 3D design is used in games, movies, engineering, and product design Taught in person by experienced instructors, this program emphasizes creativity, hands-on learning, and practical skills that bridge art, technology, and engineering. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and a love for creating. 🎯 Perfect for students ages 8+ who are interested in design, technology, and building things in 3D.

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!

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!

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!

Calling all builders, tinkerers, and curious creators! In Recycled Robots, artists will design, build, and bring to life their own robot creations using recycled materials, cardboard, and loose parts. This four-week workshop blends engineering, imagination, and hands-on construction—perfect for kids who love to build, problem-solve, and think in 3D. Each week, builders will explore a new construction challenge as they create robot bodies, moving parts, and imaginative features. Projects may include robot vehicles, cardboard structures, bridges and towers, marble runs, and a painted robot city where their creations live and interact. Emphasis is placed on planning, trial and error, and creative problem-solving—no templates, no rushing. This workshop celebrates process over product and gives children the confidence to experiment, adapt, and proudly say, “I built this.”

For Grades 2–4 5-Session Series This super fun and high-energy 5-session class helps our tweens and teens learn to think fast, speak boldly, and express themselves with confidence in ANY situation! Through exciting games, silly prompts, movement, and tons of speaking practice, students learn the exact tools they need to speak up without fear. Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or communicating with adults, this skill WILL help them be the best version of themselves. At Highest Speak, we work on WHAT to say, HOW to structure it, and HOW to say anything at ANY time with confidence! ⭐ How Each 1-Hour Class Works 1. High-Energy Ice Breaker & Warm-Up We start with fun, fast, confidence-boosting games that get kids moving, laughing, and ready to speak. Instant comfort → instant participation. 2. Fun Lesson of the Day A quick, kid-friendly lesson teaches one key impromptu skill—how to organize thoughts fast, how to start strong, or how to speak clearly without overthinking. Short, simple, and immediately useful. 3. Small-Group Practice + LOTS of Speaking Kids jump into pairs or small groups for fast-paced speaking rounds and fun challenges. Every child speaks multiple times each class and receives warm, supportive, personalized feedback! All sessions are led by our expert Highest Speak instructors, ensuring your child gets focused attention and guidance in a fun, supportive environment. For any more than 10 students, we always have two instructors to ensure plenty of individual attention and feedback. This lively, upbeat class helps kids find their brave voice, think on their feet, and shine—one fun, high-energy moment at a time!

Encourage curiosity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play and more. Teachers also read children's books that explore and nurture key social and emotional skills, engage in activities that require cooperation