STEM Programs in San Francisco, CA

We are excited to share the week being creative, building community and friendships. Drop off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is anytime between 2:30-3:00pm. During our days at Hilltop Creative Camp we will start our mornings off with free play, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. We will have outdoor time on a neighborhood hike up to the Hilltop and visit our local playgrounds Bernal Heights, Holly Park or St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will be indoors and we will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative for the campers.

Join the Dream Squad for a week of unicorn-inspired art and imagination! Campers will create magical creatures, build dreamscapes, and design sparkling sculptures full of color and creativity. It’s a joyful week for anyone who believes in magic. Messy Art Lab Summer Camp Info 🌈 Art Show Each week ends with a special Art Show, where campers proudly share their amazing creations with family and friends! It’s a joyful celebration of their creativity and the wonderful work they’ve done all week. 🕘 Schedule Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM Aftercare: available 3:00–5:00 PM Aftercare Details: Aftercare can be purchased as a weekly package. We do not offer aftercare on Fridays. If you’d like to book individual aftercare days, please email Betty@messyartlab.com for availability. 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day. 🚫 No nuts or nut products of any kind, please. -Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) -Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) -A refillable water bottle -Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes -A jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play -Sunscreen applied before camp -A full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To keep our camps safe, fun, and creative for everyone: -Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the first day of camp. (We’re not able to make exceptions to this policy.) -Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and engage in activities for about 30 minutes at a time. -Campers must be fully potty-trained and able to use the bathroom independently. -Please share any medical, behavioral, or developmental information (such as allergies, neurodiversity, or trauma) during registration. This helps us prepare thoughtfully and ensure a positive, supportive experience for every child. (All information is kept confidential.) 💰 Refunds & Cancellations We know plans can change! Please review our camp refund policy below: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollments include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date: refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp start date: No refund unless we can fill your spot, in which case you’ll receive camp credit minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email. Transfers to another camp week may be requested (based on availability). A 20% fee applies for transfers requested within 30 days of the original camp week.

Start summer off with a sparkle! Campers will mix, stretch, swirl, and create their own shimmering slime while experimenting with glitter, color, and texture. It’s a week full of sensory play, messy fun, and sparkly art-making — the perfect kick-off to a creative summer. Messy Art Lab Summer Camp Info 🌈 Art Show Each week ends with a special Art Show, where campers proudly share their amazing creations with family and friends! It’s a joyful celebration of their creativity and the wonderful work they’ve done all week. 🕘 Schedule Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM Aftercare: available 3:00–5:00 PM Aftercare Details: Aftercare can be purchased as a weekly package. We do not offer aftercare on Fridays. If you’d like to book individual aftercare days, please email Betty@messyartlab.com for availability. 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day. 🚫 No nuts or nut products of any kind, please. -Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) -Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) -A refillable water bottle -Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes -A jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play -Sunscreen applied before camp -A full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To keep our camps safe, fun, and creative for everyone: -Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the first day of camp. (We’re not able to make exceptions to this policy.) -Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and engage in activities for about 30 minutes at a time. -Campers must be fully potty-trained and able to use the bathroom independently. -Please share any medical, behavioral, or developmental information (such as allergies, neurodiversity, or trauma) during registration. This helps us prepare thoughtfully and ensure a positive, supportive experience for every child. (All information is kept confidential.) 💰 Refunds & Cancellations We know plans can change! Please review our camp refund policy below: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollments include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date: refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp start date: No refund unless we can fill your spot, in which case you’ll receive camp credit minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email. Transfers to another camp week may be requested (based on availability). A 20% fee applies for transfers requested within 30 days of the original camp week.

Step into a world of color and wonder. Campers will imagine magical lands for their fairies, unicorns, and mermaids, then bring them to life through painting, building, and storytelling. It’s a week filled with creativity, friendship, and plenty of fairy dust. Messy Art Lab Summer Camp Info 🌈 Art Show Each week ends with a special Art Show, where campers proudly share their amazing creations with family and friends! It’s a joyful celebration of their creativity and the wonderful work they’ve done all week. 🕘 Schedule Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM Aftercare: available 3:00–5:00 PM Aftercare Details: Aftercare can be purchased as a weekly package. We do not offer aftercare on Fridays. If you’d like to book individual aftercare days, please email Betty@messyartlab.com for availability. 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day. 🚫 No nuts or nut products of any kind, please. -Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) -Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) -A refillable water bottle -Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes -A jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play -Sunscreen applied before camp -A full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To keep our camps safe, fun, and creative for everyone: -Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the first day of camp. (We’re not able to make exceptions to this policy.) -Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and engage in activities for about 30 minutes at a time. -Campers must be fully potty-trained and able to use the bathroom independently. -Please share any medical, behavioral, or developmental information (such as allergies, neurodiversity, or trauma) during registration. This helps us prepare thoughtfully and ensure a positive, supportive experience for every child. (All information is kept confidential.) 💰 Refunds & Cancellations We know plans can change! Please review our camp refund policy below: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollments include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date: refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp start date: No refund unless we can fill your spot, in which case you’ll receive camp credit minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email. Transfers to another camp week may be requested (based on availability). A 20% fee applies for transfers requested within 30 days of the original camp week.

We are excited to spend the week being creative, building community and making friendships. Drop Off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is between 3:30-4:00pm. During our days together at Hilltop Creative Summer Camp we will start our mornings off with free exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. We will have outdoor time on neighborhood hikes and also will visit our local playgrounds and recreational areas Bernal Heights, Holly Park and St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will gather indoors and will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative.

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

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

Calling all super-sleuths and curious minds! Are you ready to crack codes, follow clues, and solve thrilling puzzles? This camp transforms every day into a new "mystery" where campers use their sharp math skills to become the ultimate Math Detectives! Campers will dive into exciting activities like deciphering secret codes using substitution ciphers and uncovering hidden messages in number patterns. Throughout the week, we'll sharpen key math powers: logic, problem-solving, measurement, basic cryptography, and spatial reasoning. Get ready to put on your thinking caps, collaborate with your fellow detectives, and use the power of STEM to solve every perplexing puzzle thrown your way!

We're going to unlock all the incredible, hidden secrets of botany. You'll transform into a buddy botanist, discovering exactly how plants grow, what they 'eat,' and how they stay super healthy. Our hands-on fun includes awesome seed extractions – carefully freeing tiny seeds from tasty fruits and veggies! Then, grab your imaginary lab coats as we become soil chemists, figuring out the perfect recipe for happy, healthy soil. But the best part? You'll plant your own seeds and witness the pure magic of life as they sprout and grow! This camp includes a trip to the Children's Garden in the Golden Gate Park on Friday. Students will take the Muni to the designation.

Join us for a special day of cooking, playing, crafting, and tasting! Kid-chefs will get to craft their own breakfast, lunch, and sweet snack throughout the day, spend time outdoors, create fun food-inspired art, and much more! General Schedule: 9:00-9:30 am - Arrivals & Activity Centers I 9:30-10:00 am - Circle Time, Story + Stretching 10:00-11:30 am - Cooking Activity 1 + Brunch 11:30-12:45 pm - STEM Activity + Cooking Activity II 12:45-1:15 pm - Lunch + Quiet Time 1:30-2:30 pm - Outdoor Play and/or Art Projects 2:30-2:45 pm - Snack 2:45 - 3:00 pm - Sharing Circle and Pick-Up Max of 26 students in this camp.

Junior Conservationists are invited to discover the magic of ecosystems—the special homes where every plant and animal works together. We will explore the vital jobs different creatures have, like how bees pollinate blooms and bears disperse seeds, and see why every single species is essential to the balance of nature. It’s like a complex puzzle where every piece matters. If one animal disappears, the whole picture changes! You will also discover that humans are a part of this puzzle, too. We’ll learn how our daily choices affect the plants (flora) and animals (fauna) around us, and how we can all be better friends to our planet.

Calling all Number Ninjas-in-training! Are you ready to jump, count, and solve super-fun number challenges? This camp is where every day is a new "mission" to use our amazing math powers and become super-duper Number Ninjas! Each morning, a secret mission awaits! We'll zoom into exciting games like cracking number codes with silly pictures and finding hidden numbers in cool patterns. We'll learn to measure with our steps and hands, finding out how big or small things are. Get ready for fun puzzle challenges that make our brains strong! We'll follow "ninja maps" to find secret treasures and count our way through obstacle courses! All week long, we'll train our math muscles! We'll learn how to think cleverly (that's logic!), how to solve tricky problems, how to measure everything, and how to understand secret number messages. Put on your ninja headbands, team up with your friends, and use the power of STEM to conquer every number challenge!

What if you had the power to understand the world's biggest mysteries? In 'Science Power,' you'll meet the real-life superheroes – scientists! We'll explore what they study and how they do it, uncovering the 'out-of-this-world' power of their knowledge and discoveries. Learn their methods, think like they do, and discover the science power within you

Calling all super-sleuths and curious minds! Are you ready to crack codes, follow clues, and solve thrilling puzzles? This camp transforms every day into a new "mystery" where campers use their sharp math skills to become the ultimate Math Detectives! Campers will dive into exciting activities like deciphering secret codes using substitution ciphers and uncovering hidden messages in number patterns. Throughout the week, we'll sharpen key math powers: logic, problem-solving, measurement, basic cryptography, and spatial reasoning. Get ready to put on your thinking caps, collaborate with your fellow detectives, and use the power of STEM to solve every perplexing puzzle thrown your way!

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

Calling all curious scientists! Are you ready to unravel the amazing mysteries hidden deep inside every living thing – including you? During Genetic Genius, we'll dive into the fascinating world of Genetics & DNA to discover what makes you, YOU! We'll start by learning all about traits – like why your eyes are a certain color or why you might have curly hair! We'll explore how these traits are passed down from parents to kids, a bit like a secret family recipe. Then, we'll get up close with DNA structures, discovering what these incredible twisted ladders look like and what amazing information we can find inside DNA that tells every cell what to do!

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

We are thrilled to welcome your young chef to a delicious adventure exploring the vibrant world of California cuisine! Through hands-on cooking and baking experiences, kids will discover the rainbow of flavors that make our Golden State's food culture so special. In this nourishing and nurturing camp, your child will embark on a sensory journey celebrating local, seasonal ingredients. Each day brings new opportunities to create, taste, and learn as we transform fresh produce into colorful culinary masterpieces. From bright yellow squash to deep purple berries, we'll explore how nature's color palette enhances both body and imagination. Your young chef will: - Master kid-friendly cooking techniques while building kitchen confidence through hands-on preparation of breakfast, lunch, and snacks using fresh, local ingredients - Engage in food-inspired art projects and outdoor activities that connect our plates to California's abundant natural environment - Learn about seasonal ingredients through sensory exploration, discovering how different colors, textures, and flavors come together to create delicious dishes - Build community through shared meals and collaborative cooking sessions, culminating in a festive family gathering and art show. 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

Science: So Many Ways to Explore! Dive into the amazing world of science! From Chemistry experiments and Engineering builds to Biology investigations and Physics discoveries, students will see how different fields help us understand everything. Spark your curiosity and launch your own exciting scientific adventure!

We are thrilled to welcome your young chef to a delicious adventure exploring the vibrant world of California cuisine! Through hands-on cooking and baking experiences, kids will discover the rainbow of flavors that make our Golden State's food culture so special. In this nourishing and nurturing camp, your child will embark on a sensory journey celebrating local, seasonal ingredients. Each day brings new opportunities to create, taste, and learn as we transform fresh produce into colorful culinary masterpieces. From bright yellow squash to deep purple berries, we'll explore how nature's color palette enhances both body and imagination. Your young chef will: - Master kid-friendly cooking techniques while building kitchen confidence through hands-on preparation of breakfast, lunch, and snacks using fresh, local ingredients - Engage in food-inspired art projects and outdoor activities that connect our plates to California's abundant natural environment - Learn about seasonal ingredients through sensory exploration, discovering how different colors, textures, and flavors come together to create delicious dishes - Build community through shared meals and collaborative cooking sessions, culminating in a festive family gathering and art show. 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

We are excited to share the day being creative, building community and friendships. Drop off is from 9am-9:30 and pick up is anytime between 2:30-3:00pm. During our days at Hilltop Creative Camp we will start our mornings off with indoor exploration, morning greetings, snack and an indoor creative activity. Nature is a huge focus of Hilltop Creative. We will have outdoor time on a neighborhood hike up to Bernal Hill and visit our local playgrounds Bernal Heights, Holly Park or St Mary's. Towards the end of the day we will be indoors and we will have an afternoon snack provided by Hilltop Creative for the campers.