STEM Programs Near Me

In this hands-on engineering camp, students learn how to build their own interactive electronic devices. Using user-friendly microcontrollers, campers will build circuits, then code them to create systems that light up, buzz, react to motion & sound, and more. Students begin with the basics—how electricity flows, how devices collect data, and how coding controls hardware—then apply those skills to build smart alarms, reaction-time games, simple monitors, and interactive devices. (No coding experience required.) By the end of the week, each camper will have developed a working knowledge of physical computing, controls, sensors and more. This camp is ideal for students new to electronics as well as those ready to level up their engineering skills. Recommended for ages 11-15.

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.

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!

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!

This 2 hr. drop off class encourages curiosity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play and more. Teachers also read children's books that explore and nurture key social and emotional skills, engage in activities that require cooperation.

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.

***This course is ONLY for Grades 3-5*** The Kids Obstacle Course and Fitness Training combine calisthenics, dynamic movements, gymnastics, and body weight strength training to help physical development in children. Each class will have 4 parts: a warm-up, a relay race, a strength training workout, and an obstacle course. The strength elements are crucial for optimized bone and muscle growth, while the gymnastics and dynamic elements train the children's vestibular system, improving their balance and coordination. Our coaches are trained to adjust the workouts based on the children's needs, so the class is suitable for all levels of physical development. This class is a fun way to develop physical skills required for all sports and daily activities. We look forward to a great program with the children. If you would inquire about scholarship opportunities please contact: | Si desea consultar sobre oportunidades de becas, comuníquese con: Heather Cayanan | hcayanan@nredlearn.org

***This course is ONLY for Grades K-2*** Stitch up some fun with our Narwhal Notes & Stitches class! Kids in grades 1–5 Are you ready for an art expedition? Let the wonder and beauty of the animal kingdom inspire your empathy, curiosity, and creativity. Learn about lions, elephants, sharks and more, and find out how wildlife conservationists are working to protect species around the globe. Experiment with a variety of art techniques using Crayola® products to create animal-inspired art projects, from frog paintings to polar bear sculptures! Let your creativity run wild and bring your handiwork home to build a menagerie of animal-themed masterpieces. Our young artists will receive Crayola products to take home, and wildlife trading cards that contain fun facts about the featured animal and a biography of a real conservationist working with these animals. If you would inquire about scholarship opportunities please contact: | Si desea consultar sobre oportunidades de becas, comuníquese con: Heather Cayanan | hcayanan@nredlearn.org

***This course is ONLY for Grades 3-5*** Welcome to Crime Lab, where curious kids become junior investigators! In this hands-on science class, students explore the world of forensic investigation through fun, age-appropriate mysteries. Each week, they’ll analyze fingerprints, test mystery powders, decode secret messages, and uncover clues using real scientific techniques. Along the way, they’ll build critical thinking skills, learn how to follow evidence, and experience the thrill of solving classroom “crimes”—no scary stuff, just smart, engaging fun! If you would inquire about scholarship opportunities please contact: | Si desea consultar sobre oportunidades de becas, comuníquese con: Heather Cayanan | hcayanan@nredlearn.org

***This course is ONLY for Grades K-2** Immerse yourself in a hands-on exploration of iconic landmarks and engineering marvels across North America with our LEGO Classics Engineering program. Designed for young builders, this dynamic course invites participants to embark on a creative journey as they recreate famous structures such as the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, CN Tower, and more using LEGO bricks. Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn about the architectural principles and engineering techniques behind each landmark while honing their problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning abilities. From designing their own skylines to constructing intricate replicas, LEGO Classics Engineering: North America offers an engaging platform for young minds to unleash their imagination and discover the rich history and innovation of North American architecture. Join us as we build, explore, and celebrate the wonders of engineering with LEGO bricks! If you would inquire about scholarship opportunities please contact: | Si desea consultar sobre oportunidades de becas, comuníquese con: Alicia Hardy-Josephs | ahardyjosephs@nredlearn.org

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!

Encourage curiosity and build self-confidence in your preschooler through art, science exploration, play and more. Teachers also read children's books that explore and nurture key social and emotional skills, engage in activities that require cooperation. This is a 3-hour separation class suitable for 3-5 years old.

***This course is ONLY for Grades K-2*** Immerse yourself in a hands-on exploration of iconic landmarks and engineering marvels across North America with our LEGO Classics Engineering program. Designed for young builders, this dynamic course invites participants to embark on a creative journey as they recreate famous structures such as the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, CN Tower, and more using LEGO bricks. Guided by experienced instructors, students will learn about the architectural principles and engineering techniques behind each landmark while honing their problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning abilities. From designing their own skylines to constructing intricate replicas, LEGO Classics Engineering: North America offers an engaging platform for young minds to unleash their imagination and discover the rich history and innovation of North American architecture. Join us as we build, explore, and celebrate the wonders of engineering with LEGO bricks! If you have a financial hardship, please contact: | Si tiene dificultades económicas, póngase en contacto con: Rachel Long at rlong@nredlearn.org

Our five senses allow us to enjoy the world around us -- the taste of our food, the sound of music, the beauty of a sunrise, the softness of a cat's fur, and the fragrance of a rose. Children may recognize the importance of their senses, but they don't often focus on them individually. Senses send information collected to various parts of the brain. We will explore how our five senses work and why they are so important to the human experience.

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.