STEM Programs Near Me

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.

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.

New policy to discourage no shows: a fee will be charged when you register and refunded to you when you attend class. We know that things come up, but a simple email, call or text (571-250-7719), even right before class starts, will get your fee back if you can't attend. We just don't want people holding a spot that could have gone to someone else who really wanted to attend. **************************************** We will show you simple ways to engage your child's five senses through materials commonly found around the house. Expect to spend at least an hour and a half for each Playgroup: -30 minute structured class where fine motor skills are practiced -Playtime to encourage social interaction -Snacks/Lunch eaten together as a class (please bring your own food)

Advanced 3D Printing & Design Design smarter. Print better. Build like an engineer. Advanced 3D Printing & Design is designed for students who are ready to go beyond the basics and take their 3D modeling and printing skills to the next level. In this hands-on, project-driven camp, students dive deeper into professional-level CAD design, learning how engineers and product designers create efficient, functional, and refined models. Campers explore advanced concepts such as parametric design, complex assemblies, and design optimization, giving them greater control over how their creations look and perform. Students also gain deeper experience with the 3D printing process itself, learning how advanced slicing settings—like infill patterns, layer height, and print speed—affect strength, detail, and print quality. To finish things off, campers are introduced to post-processing techniques such as sanding, smoothing, and custom finishing to elevate their projects from prototypes to polished products. What students will do: Create advanced CAD models using professional design techniques Build multi-part assemblies and optimized designs Fine-tune print settings for strength, detail, and efficiency Learn post-processing methods to improve finish and durability Bring multiple original designs to life with 3D printing This camp emphasizes problem-solving, iteration, and real-world engineering thinking, making it an excellent next step for students interested in design, engineering, or manufacturing. Prerequisite: Intro to 3D Printing & CAD (or equivalent experience) Ages: 10+ Important note: Due to printing time, some projects may finish after camp hours and will be available for pickup at Silicon STEM. Advanced 3D Printing & Design is a natural progression for students who want to deepen their skills and take pride in creating high-quality, functional designs.

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.

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.

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.

The Ultimate Slime Makers Camp Get ready to Make and Create! This isn't just a camp; it's a deep dive into the art of making, designing, and innovating with two of the most fun materials on earth: SLIME and CARDBOARD! Design, Build, and Innovate! Tap into your inner Slime Scientist. Campers will get to use our Innovation Lab. Every day is a part of the adventure: Slime Engineering: We'll master a new formula or slime-related project daily. Creative Construction: Put your building skills to the test! We'll use recycled materials and other building supplies to design and construct unique "slime houses" and structures worthy of your creations. Custom Containment: Every masterpiece needs a home. We will design and decorate some custom containers and storage solutions for our slimy creations. This is the perfect opportunity to combine science, engineering, creativity, and messy fun. Come ready to embrace the goo! Quick Tip for Slime Scientists: Please wear old clothing that can be permanently covered in colorful, slimy goo! 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. ***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/K tide pool 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.

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

Does your child freeze when they’re put on the spot? Or hesitate when asked a question? Not know how to start or struggle if talking to adults? This high energy, 2-hour workshop helps students learn exactly what to say—even when they don’t have time to prepare! Through interactive speaking games and guided challenges, students will practice organizing their thoughts quickly and responding with clarity and confidence! This workshop focuses on what to say and how to think on your feet. In this workshop, your child will: Learn how to respond quickly without freezing Practice organizing thoughts in seconds Build confidence in unexpected speaking situations Improve focus, creativity, and quick thinking This is a favorite format for students—it feels like fun, but builds powerful real-world communication skills! With two or more instructors to give plenty of individualized feedback and smaller group classes, students walk out much more confident speaking on the spot!

Journey to a place where cooking and creativity coalesce to celebrate cultures from around the world. Each day, kids will explore global cuisines, discover new foods, and experiment with enticing ingredients, creating vibrant dishes inspired by diverse traditions. Along the way, they’ll discover how food and creativity expand our understanding of the world, fostering connection, appreciation, and unity through the shared stories and flavors that bring us together. Your young chef will: -Learn baking and cooking techniques from different cultures and prepare authentic dishes using traditional ingredients -Create food-inspired art projects that celebrate global traditions and cultural expressions -Cultivate curiosity for new foods by exploring international herbs, spices, and flavors -Build cultural awareness and appreciation through stories, traditions, and the shared experience of preparing and enjoying meals together 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

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.

Spin. Soar. Engineer. In this high-energy LEGO® Robotics theme, students explore machines that spin, soar, splash, and perform dramatic actions—all while learning to code and control their creations. Each build uses rare and hard-to-find LEGO® elements to create dynamic motion and expression. Students will program motors and sensors using a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface, building both engineering and creative skills in every session. Sample Builds: Spin Art Bot, Orbit Station, Sky Racer, Wave Rider, Combat Champ, Ghost Cycle Disclaimer: Students will not take home any LEGO® kits, parts, or creations. This program is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the LEGO Group.

⚙️💡 Ignite Creativity at GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp! Does your child love building things, taking them apart, and imagining what’s possible? GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp invites young creators in grades 1–3 to dream big, test bold ideas, and bring their inventions to life—then burn off energy with an afternoon of action-packed sports! This is where imagination meets movement, and every child becomes a problem-solver, builder, and innovator. Why Choose GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp? 🛠️ Hands-On Building Adventures: Campers use simple materials—cardboard, tape, recycled parts, craft sticks, rubber bands, and more—to design and build their own inventions. Think launchers, bridges, contraptions, machines, and imaginative creations that surprise even them! 💡 Creative Engineering: Through guided challenges, kids explore engineering, design thinking, and “What happens if…?” experimentation in a playful, age-appropriate way. 🧠 Invent, Test, Improve: Campers sketch ideas, build prototypes, test them out, and refine their creations—just like real inventors. It’s all about growth, curiosity, and celebrating the “aha!” moments. 🏅 Active, High-Energy Afternoons: After lunch, campers join our All-Sports Camp for a daily mix of games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, bounce house tag, and more. It’s the perfect blend of brains and play! 🤝 Teamwork & Problem-Solving: Whether building a tower with teammates or working together on a group invention, campers collaborate, communicate, and cheer each other on. 📈 Full-Week Experience: Each day builds on the last, allowing young inventors to brainstorm, create, and improve throughout the week. Full-week registration is required. Camp Details 🕘 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:The Plex Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM at the BACK of The Plex. Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM at the BACK of The Plex. 🎒 What to Bring: Comfortable clothes for building, water bottle, lunch, and two snacks. With over a decade of creating unforgettable experiences, GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp inspires creativity, confidence, resilience, and joy—where ideas take shape and kids discover what they’re capable of! ⚙️ Ready to Invent, Build, and Play? Spaces fill fast—register today and watch your child’s imagination soar! Refunds and Cancellations: 30+ days before camp: full refund minus 10% fee Within 30 days: credit for future GrowFit camps On or after the start date: non-refundable Tax ID: 81-1018163

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.

This combination class offers children a sampling of art projects using various media such as painting, clay, watercolors, collage, and pastels. It is amazing what you can create when you explore with your imagination. A variety of materials are used to create your many masterpieces – Many projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Projects are new every session & seasonal, so sign-up for all sessions.

A. Course Overview: The Python Programming curriculum is a one-semester course covering topics typically found in introductory computer programming (coding) courses. Other introductory programming courses are not required; students merely need to have typical computer usage skills prior to starting this course. B. Teaching Strategies: The course material is designed to appeal to a variety of students, from traditional learners who thrive on written text to audio-visual students who enjoy a multi-media format. All content is delivered through an online system that allows students to work seamlessly both in the classroom and at home. The main chapters concentrate on Python programming and computer science topics. Certain states may require additional topics ranging from computing ethics and security to career exploration to the impact of computers on modern society. The course contains additional supplemental chapters at the end that can optionally be used to meet common state requirements. Teachers may choose to assign Supplemental Lessons as desired to meet state standards or student interest. The final “Creative Project” is optional and can be completed in small groups C. Course Planner: Some classes may move faster or slower than the suggested pace. The planner assumes students are working daily with approximately 45 to 60 minutes of class time. In most cases, the planner estimates one day per lesson (including the lesson quiz), one day per graded chapter activity (lab), and one day per chapter test. Some larger labs are assigned more time. D. Reading and Objectives: Chapter One: Fundamentals of Python • Introduction to Python • Running Python Programs • Writing Python Code Chapter Two: Working with Data • Data Types and Variables • Using Numeric Variables • Using String Variables Chapter Three: Input and Output • Printing with Parameters • Getting Input from a User • String Formatting Chapter Four: Making Decisions • Logical Expressions • The “if” Statement • Logical Operators • More Complex Expressions Chapter Five: Finding and Fixing Problems • Types of Errors • Troubleshooting Tools • Using the Python Debugger Chapter Six: Lists and Loops • Lists and Tuples • List Functions • “For” Loops • “While” Loops Chapter Seven: Numeric and Data • Dates and Times • Advanced Data and Time Management • Random Numbers • The Math Library Chapter Eight: Working with Strings • Character Data • String Functions • Input Validation with “try / except” Chapter Nine: Functions • Writing and Calling Functions • Function Inputs and Outputs • Local and Global Scope Chapter Ten: Python Classes • Thinking about Objects • Class Variables and Methods • Managing Class Files Chapter Eleven: Class Instances • Creating Objects with Instance Data • Instance Methods • Managing Objects Chapter Twelve: Food Fight Project • Introducing “Food Fight” Chapter Thirteen: Creative Project Requirements (Scale as desired to meet available time) Design • Project Life-cycles and teams Coding Testing • Supplemental Chapter One: Python on Your Computer • Installing Python • Managing Projects • Using the Python IDE • Supplemental Chapter Two: Computers and Individual exercises per lesson Modern Society • Global Computing Issues • Managing Your Digital Identity • Impact of Computing • Artificial Intelligence Classes will be taught on-site or on-line CANCELLATION POLICY: All sign-ups are final. No cancellations or refunds will be issued after registration. Note: Students will also receive access to NexClap.com for online course materials and NexGenKlick.ai to capture and showcase their learning journey.

Step inside the Creative Sparks Toy Factory, where imagination turns into real, working toys. Designed for curious creators ages 4.5–11, this hands-on S.T.E.A.M camp invites children to think like toy designers—sketching ideas, building prototypes, testing movement, and improving their creations through playful engineering challenges.

Step inside the Creative Sparks Toy Factory, where imagination turns into real, working toys. Designed for curious creators ages 4.5–11, this hands-on S.T.E.A.M camp invites children to think like toy designers—sketching ideas, building prototypes, testing movement, and improving their creations through playful engineering challenges.