Themes

Designed by expert curriculum directors. It’s hands-on, using real tools and simple materials to make something extraordinary.

Primo

Pre K – K (in the fall)

  • Exploring Light and Shadow

    Our shadows go with us everywhere! But where do they come from? We will observe the sun as a source of light, and explore the cause and effect of light and shadows at different times of the day.

    • Observe the changes to shadows during the course of the day. Synthesize how this relates to night and day.
    • Investigate creativity with shadows – drawing, painting, and shadow puppets will inspire campers’ imaginations.
    • Utilize different multi-sensory light sources such as flashlights, LEDs, light projectors, and even natural light in combination with materials that respond to illumination.
    • Become a scientist as you explore the properties of transparent, translucent, and opaque materials in relationship to light.

  • Sound and Movement

    Sound and movement have been important to humans since the first human discovered dance! This year we will investigate rhythm from a multi-cultural perspective. There is a science to the sense of hearing, but there is also an element of art and social-emotional engagement that is intensely creative.

    • Study how our ears work to help our brains process sound.
    • Develop fine motor skills and rhythm with instruments.
    • Explore through art the close relationship between music and emotions.
    • Let it all go with kinesthetic experiences that will develop your gross motor skills, cognitive processing, and emotional intelligence.

  • Myths and Legends

    Come discover the stories of the before-time. Experience ancient myths and legends, and learn about local Native American folklore. Play with Coyote and Raven while exploring elements of character and theater. Are you a trickster or a hero?

    • Learn about oral storytelling traditions in different cultures.
    • Investigate different versions of traditional fairy tales!
    • Think about character traits in stories, and how to tell a story dramatically.
    • Complete the theater experience writing your own myth, creating characters, rehearsing, and performing for an audience.

  • Marvels of the Natural World

    Slow down and really pay attention. Investigate nature all around us – that we can only see if we look carefully. Insects and spiders, dirt and rocks, leaves and sticks transform with magnification. You can visit a whole new world.

    • Become an entomologist as you study the physical science behind all kinds of creepy crawly things!
    • Expand your critical thinking skills as you compare and contrast humans with bugs, birds, and other kinds of mammals.
    • Experience magnification and the detail it adds to your observation – then use it for art.
    • Explore different kids of artistic expression with natural materials, including Native weaving and pottery!

  • Building and Engineering

    Calling all architects and engineers! Design, build and test your structures as you learn to apply different construction principles. Since working with friends is not only fun but also very helpful in the creative process, you will develop construction strategies in collaboration with your peers.

    • Learn the basic engineering design process as you experiment with balance, gravity, measurement, symmetry, and spatial relationships.
    • Develop your divergent thinking as you prototype different three-dimensional designs in different environments.
    • Play with different combinations of materials including rocks and logs, metal and magnets, and new and recycled materials as you test their impact on your structures.

Spark

Grade 1 – 5 (in the fall)

  • Electron Extravaganza

    Circuits and magnets will take center stage this week. Buddy up to complete fun projects full of light, movement, and sound. Pull it all together in the form of a fully active town!

    • Learn the basics of magnetism and circuits, and use this knowledge to complete projects and challenges.
    • Design and build a city … Electro City, an interactive miniature town, complete with a showcase of camper projects.

  • Medieval Engineering

    Castles don’t have to just be made out of stone and iron. Use medieval era technology to build a cardboard or wood castle and many of the things you might find in one! Make your own paper and ink to create a tome for secrets, or just fun pictures!

    • Learn about simple mechanisms like pulleys and use this knowledge to build a kid-sized castle.
    • Make ink, paper, quills, and stamps. Then put them all together to create a personalized book.
    • Look out! Mini-catapults might be on the menu. Watch out for flying ping-pong balls!

  • Energy Enquiry

    Ready to unlock the mysteries of motion and energy? Watch potential energy transform into kinetic energy as you design and test your creations. Turn curiosity into action and ideas into reality!

    • Unleash the power of rubber bands to power your very own helicopter, car or rocket. Learn about tension, energy transfer, and Newton’s 3rd law of motion.
    • Fuse the magic of motion and energy with your artistic flair. Channel your inner Simon Hurley and Alexander Calder to create mesmerizing kinetic art.

  • PVC Pursuits

    So you’re a master with LEGOs. How about giving PVCs a try and make fun, useful  creations? PVC is like LEGOs for adults, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Your imagination is the limit and we are here to get you started.

    • Build a periscope to look around corners and over objects, and a marshmallow shooter.
    • Work as a team in PVC marble run challenges.

  • Playscapes

    Did you know that playing improves the way your brain functions, stimulates new neuron growth, boosts creativity, improves your relationships with your friends and relieves stress? That’s why we’re building our famous DIY Carnival that is 100% designed and run by you!

    • Design, build, and run your own carnival including all of the booths, games, and prizes.
    • Investigate the meaning and importance of play and find opportunities to incorporate systems of play into everything you do.
    • Explore why logic and rules are needed to create structured play (sports and games) versus non-structured play.
    • Offered the week of 6/30.

  • Marine Marvels

    Embark on a week of marine-themed innovation and creativity, where you’ll dive deep into the world of engineering and art, making waves with unique creations. Experience the marvels of marine engineering and make a splash in the world of renewable energy and robotics.

    • Harness the power of the wind and discover how water can be turned into a powerful energy source. Finish the week with robot arm creations and competition.
    • Craft stunning models of ocean creatures and submarines, then bring it all together in a captivating under-the-sea diorama.

Techs

Grade 3 – 8 (in the fall)

  • Video Game Design

    Design and conquer custom Minecraft parkour maps that challenge players’ skills and creativity! Dive into the world of level design by testing existing maps, understanding player psychology, and crafting your own unique parkour challenges. Small teams will work collaboratively to plan, build, and refine epic Minecraft parkour maps.

    • Learn the art of game design through iterative testing and peer feedback.
    • Create maps that balance difficulty with player engagement.

  • Command-Line Coding + Art

    Unleash your creativity while learning command-line tools like WorldEdit to transform Minecraft worlds at the speed of code! Build breathtaking maps for both creative expression and survival challenges.

    • Design your own custom maps using advanced building tools and techniques.
    • End the week with stunning maps showcasing your artistic and technical prowess.

  • Screencasting

    Step into the director’s chair and bring your Minecraft stories to life through filmmaking! Work with your team to plan, build, and star in original short videos. Start with a fun house-building contest to build confidence and teamwork, then dive into crafting your cinematic masterpiece.

    • Learn the basics of planning, filming, and editing short videos in Minecraft.
    • Collaborate to create imaginative builds and storylines for your film.
    • Premiere your finished movie for an audience at the end of the week!