Every kid looks forward to summer vacation, then inevitably ends up bored halfway through. Attending a camp—either in-person or online—is a great way to keep that boredom at bay and make sure kids keep their skills sharp for the school year ahead. No matter whether they go to sleepaway camp or a day program, it's an opportunity for kids to make friends, learn new things, deepen their interest in a subject, and experience some independence. If you're looking for a summer camp for your budding engineer, consider one of these options:
Ages 9-11
This is a week-long immersive program where kids get to try equipment adapted from real astronaut training, including a 1/6th Gravity Chair, Five Degrees of Freedom simulator, and Multi-Axis Trainer. They will also get to make and launch their own model rockets, learn about life aboard the International Space Station, experience simulated space missions, and even design their own simulated Martian colony. It's a great way for young space enthusiasts to get real, hands-on experience, and learn about career opportunities in the aerospace industry.
Ages 12-18
This is a two-week online session for older kids, featuring engineering courses taught by leading engineering scholars. In the Discover Engineering Academy (for ages 12-14), kids will get an introduction to various fields, ranging from computer sciences, to robotics, to biomedical engineering. In the World Engineers Academy (for ages 15-18), teens learn more advanced concepts, including materials science, hydraulics, aerodynamics, and engineering degrees and careers. The courses offer 20 hours of instruction, as well as one-on-one tutorials with a professor, and lifetime access to all of the video instruction for future reference.
Ages 7-18
Create & Learn offers a range of summer programs for kids of all ages. Younger children will love learning about coding through the Scratch Ninja program or Minecraft Coding Quest, and have fun with the Apple- and Stanford-designed Junior Robotics course. Kids in grades 4-6 will get to explore artificial intelligence through AI Explorers, learn all about data science with Data Superpower, tackle robotics, and more. Older teens will get to explore more advanced concepts, like coding cellphone apps, digital design, and working with Python.
Ages 4-14
KidzToPros offers socially distant on-site camps in California, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, and New Jersey. There, children learn subjects they're passionate about from knowledgeable STEM instructors. There are programs for game designs, coding, robotics, 3D modeling, and more, and each day consists of a variety of structured activities interspersed with unstructured play. There are lots of programs available, so there's sure to be one to suit pretty much every child.
Ages 5-18
Is your budding engineer fascinated by emerging technologies? Are they captivated by machine learning, drones, or 3D tech? NextWave STEM might have the perfect program for them. Their programs offer an innovative educational experience either in-person or online. Early learners will get an introduction to the technology they love, and other courses range in skill level from beginner to advanced.
Ages 6-18
National Computer Camp has been America's premier computer camp since 1977. They offer a remote program and an in-person day camp, where kids can learn to code, design games, understand cryptography, create phone apps, design and print 3D objects, make their own website, and even disassemble computer hardware. If your child loves all things computers, this is the camp for them. Kids won't just have fun, they'll get comprehensive instruction on every aspect of computer literacy and build important skills for the future.
Age 4-10
Supernow offers online STEM programs for young kids that gives them the opportunity to learn from experts and have fun with other campers around the world. The curriculum is specifically designed to be engaging for young children, taking kids to different areas of the Supernow “campground” to enjoy themed activities. Sessions are flexible and don't require commitment or prep, making them perfect for busy parents.
It's not at all uncommon for children to experience some skill losses during the summer months. Help your young engineers keep up their skills and stay engaged with a summer program in a subject they love. These camps are there to help kids learn real skills and have experiences that they'll never forget.
