STEM Programs Near Me

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!

Bees, butterflies, and moths, oh my! Ever wonder about the tiny but crucial role pollinators play? Become a Pollinator Protector! In this camp, students put on their explorer wings to learn about these small but mighty creatures and their vital contribution to biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and even our food security. We'll investigate the challenges pollinators face and discover ways we can help protect them. Find out why we need pollinators, and why they definitely need us!

🛠️💡 Invent, Build, and Create at GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp Calling all young makers, builders, and big-thinkers in grades 1–3! GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp at Valle Verde Elementary blends a morning of hands-on invention with an afternoon of high-energy sports fun. It’s the perfect full-day experience for curious kids who love to tinker, test ideas, and bring their creations to life! ⭐ Why Choose GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp? 🛠️ Engineering for Kids: Campers use cardboard, tape, recycled parts, craft sticks, rubber bands, and more to build creative inventions—bridges, launchers, contraptions, machines, gadgets, and imaginative designs. 💡 Design Thinking in Action: Kids brainstorm, sketch prototypes, test ideas, and refine their builds just like real inventors. Every “What if…?” moment becomes a chance to learn. 🤝 Team Challenges & Collaboration: Campers work together to solve problems, create shared inventions, and cheer each other on through building challenges. 📈 Full-Week Inventing: Each day builds on the last as projects become more creative and advanced. Drop-ins are not available to ensure campers get the full hands-on experience. 🎉 Action-Packed All-Sports Afternoons: After lunch, campers join our All-Sports Camp for games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, bounce house tag, and more—keeping bodies active and minds sharp. Camp Details — Walnut Creek 🕘 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: Valle Verde Elementary School Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM at the GrowFit table at the front of the school Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM at the gymnasium What to Bring: Comfortable clothing (inventing can get messy!) Water bottle Two snacks Lunch Extra clothes are recommended for younger campers With over a decade of experience offering programs that spark creativity and confidence, GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp empowers kids to explore ideas, experiment with materials, collaborate with friends, and build amazing creations—all while staying active and having fun. 💡 Ready to Invent, Explore, and Play? Spots fill fast—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

For Grades 5-8 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!

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.

3... 2... 1... Blast Off into Flight Academy! Ready for takeoff? Campers will become junior aerospace engineers as they explore the thrilling science of flight and space! Get hands-on designing and testing awesome paper airplanes, building kites that soar, and constructing parachutes for safe landings. Discover the secrets of lift, drag, thrust, and gravity as we launch powerful stomp rockets and water bottle rockets! We'll even investigate how wings work using Bernoulli's principle and journey beyond our atmosphere by building models of planets and constellations. Join us for a high-flying week of building, testing, launching, and learning!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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

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

Embark on a vibrant adventure into the mysteries of light, color, and sound! We'll explore the fascinating science of electromagnetic radiation, uncovering how it allows us to see the world in a dazzling spectrum of colors. Discover how our eyes interpret the hues of the rainbow and how different paints create such brilliant visual experiences. But our exploration won't stop there – we'll also delve into the captivating world of sound, understanding its waves, how we hear, and how it adds another rich layer to our perception of the world. Get ready to awaken your senses!

Calling all future architects, engineers, and master builders! Are you ready to unleash your creativity and construct amazing structures? In Makerspace Marvels, we combine the power of math, measurements, and units with hands-on engineering and architecture to bring your biggest ideas to life! Each day, campers will face exciting design challenges, learning to think like real engineers. We'll dive into the practical side of math, using measurements to plan our creations and understanding different units (like inches, feet, and centimeters) to make sure our designs are perfect. Precision is key when you're building! Note: Campers will have the opportunity to utilize various kid friendly tools to bring their innovative designs to life.

Turn off the lights and watch the art glow! Kids will explore color and light while building glowing worlds that come alive under black light. They’ll paint, build, and experiment with bright materials in a fun, hands-on week that shines from start to finish. 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.

A brand-new week for returning Dream Squad artists (and new ones too)! Campers will take unicorn-inspired art even further with new materials, bigger ideas, and plenty of sparkle. Every project is magical in its own way. 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.

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.

***For Thales Academy Raleigh Students ONLY*** Students will conduct an in-depth analysis of a sea turtle, learning details about different types of sea turtles and will even adopt their very own plush sea turtle. As a class, students will work together to rescue, rehabilitate and release a Leatherback sea turtle. The class culminates with the sea turtle release as the students graduate from Little Medical School as Little Marine Biologists.