STEM Programs Near Me

In STEM in the Kitchen, students blend creativity, science, and culinary skills as they explore how ingredients come together to create delicious results. Each session features a fun, age-appropriate recipe that reinforces basic STEM concepts like measuring, temperature, and chemical changes—all through low-flame or no-flame cooking that’s safe and classroom-friendly. We provide all ingredients, including fresh items, and all necessary cooking equipment. Only the instructor will operate the induction stove and oven. Recipes will not include common food allergens.

Get ready to measure up and dive into data in this exciting Math Workshop Session! We’ll learn to collect, organize, and interpret information, and use our measurement skills to explore the world around us. We’ll apply our understanding of measurement to solve problems involving distance, time, liquid volumes, mass, and money. We’ll explore different units of measurement within the same system. We’ll learn to tell time to the nearest minute and solve problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals. We’ll measure lengths using rulers and explore different units of measurement. We’ll work with liquid volumes and masses, learning to estimate and measure them. We’ll create and interpret scaled bar graphs to represent data. We’ll learn to represent and interpret data using line plots. Come join us and have fun!

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.

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

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.

Learn how technology thinks — not just how to use it. Coding isn’t about memorizing commands or trying to compete with AI. It’s about learning how to think clearly, logically, and creatively in a digital world...and that skill is more important than ever. In Coding 101, students are introduced to the fundamentals of programming in a way that is approachable, engaging, and confidence-building. Through hands-on projects and interactive challenges, campers learn how code actually works behind the scenes — and how humans guide technology to do meaningful things. This camp focuses on core thinking skills: Breaking big problems into smaller steps Recognizing patterns Testing ideas and fixing mistakes Understanding cause and effect These are the same skills used by software engineers, game designers, data scientists — and even the teams who build and train AI systems. What students will do: Learn the basics of coding logic and structure Write programs and interactive projects Understand how computers “follow instructions” Practice problem-solving, debugging, and iteration Build confidence working with technology, not just consuming it For Loops, If/Else Statements, While Loops used daily by software engineers! Rather than treating coding as a rigid or intimidating subject, Coding 101 makes it accessible and empowering. Students leave with a strong foundation that prepares them for more advanced camps like game design, robotics, Minecraft modding, and beyond. For parents wondering whether coding is still relevant in an AI-powered world: AI doesn’t replace coding — it amplifies the people who understand it. Learning to code helps students become creators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers who can shape technology instead of being shaped by it. This camp is an ideal starting point for students who are curious about how technology works and want to build skills that will serve them across school, careers, and life.

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!

Northern VA / DMV Area! We are back with the Ultimate IN-PERSON Communication Intensive for High School Students at our awesome Highest Speak Center in Reston, VA! Camp runs from 1:30–4:30 PM — perfect for high schoolers who like sleeping in during the summer! High school is when communication skills truly start to matter. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, present projects, interview for internships and leadership roles, collaborate in groups, and soon interview for college and jobs. Yet most students are rarely taught how to organize their ideas clearly, write strong arguments, and present them confidently! That’s exactly what this program focuses on. In this high-energy, 5-day program (3 hours per day) students will build powerful communication skills while having a TON of fun through engaging speaking challenges, interactive activities, and real-world scenarios. Students will practice both writing and presenting, learning how to develop ideas quickly and communicate them clearly in front of others. Throughout the week, students will learn how to: • Organize their ideas quickly and clearly • Write and structure short speeches effectively • Present their ideas with confidence and clarity • Think on their feet during impromptu speaking • Manage nervousness when speaking in front of others • Respond thoughtfully to unexpected questions • Develop stronger social communication skills and presence Students will practice both prepared speaking and impromptu speaking, which are critical skills for high school success. This IS the time to help your teen be their MOST confident self! Prepared speaking helps students learn how to develop and structure strong ideas, while impromptu speaking teaches them how to respond confidently when put on the spot — a skill that becomes essential in class discussions, interviews, leadership roles, and real-world situations. Students will work on: • Short written speeches and presentations • Impromptu speaking prompts and challenges • Persuasive speaking • Storytelling and engaging delivery • Debate-style thinking and structured responses Most importantly, students practice constantly. Every day includes multiple speaking opportunities and personalized feedback so students can quickly improve. And most importantly — this program is a BLAST. Expect high-energy speaking games, creative prompts, fun challenges, and lots of laughter along the way. Our 3-Hour Day Part I (1–1.5 hours) • High-energy Icebreaker Activity • Communication Lesson of the Day • Writing or Speech Development Exercise • Practice through Games or Structured Assignments in Breakout Sessions BREAK (15 minutes — please bring a snack and drink) Part II • Group Discussion and Feedback • Lesson Continuation • Impromptu Speaking Challenges and Practice Rounds • Individualized Feedback and Coaching • Wrap-Up We ALWAYS have at least two instructors to ensure students receive personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to speak. For this program, Highest Speak’s founder herself, Sumedha Bahri — Patent Attorney, Adjunct Professor, Federal Orals Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Stand-Up Comic — will be instructing alongside one or more of Highest Speak’s engaging and energetic instructors. This WILL sell out FAST! Reserve your spot TODAY! Strong communication skills can shape college opportunities, leadership roles, internships, and future careers. The earlier students learn how to write clearly, think quickly, and speak with confidence, the more advantage they gain. At Highest Speak, students build these skills while having an absolute blast. NO prerequisites necessary! Both new and returning students will benefit, as our exercises evolve each year to provide new challenges and growth.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.