STEM Programs Near Me

Welcome to Camp Footsteps Adventurers! Footsteps Child Care, in partnership with the City of Belmont Parks and Recreation, is excited to offer nine weeks of summer camp designed specifically for older children and youth entering fourth grade through middle school. This summer, we are thrilled to feature specialized classes provided by Lando, including Advanced LEGO Robotics and Clay Studio Lab. Field Trip: Shoreline Lake Paddle Adventure, Mountain View Special Event: Junior Camp Counselors at Nesbit judging Camp Footsteps Red Carpet Premiere Every day brings something new to discover, learn, and explore—making camp an unforgettable adventure! MONDAY kicks off the week with team-building activities that help campers connect and collaborate, plus Advanced LEGO Robotics (10am-12pm), where they will choose a robotics challenge, plan their build, and test it with real data. Using LEGO® bricks and Technic components (beams, axles, gears, motors, and sensors), they will tune for speed, lift, or control, log test results, and present how each modification improved their design. In the afternoon campers can participate in a group cooking project. TUESDAY features morning hikes through local trails followed by recreational swimming at the Carlmont High School pool. WEDNESDAY is field trip day, with exciting excursions designed for adventure and exploration. Campers will experience thrilling attractions, water activities, outdoor adventures, and even an overnight camping experience! Each trip offers opportunities to build friendships, try new activities, and create unforgettable summer memories. THURSDAY offers flexible morning time for activities and games, along with a trip to the Belmont Library, followed by recreational swim time in the afternoon. FRIDAY wraps up each week with special events, community service projects, or Counselors-In-Training opportunities. From 2pm to 4pm, campers can also join Clay Studio Lab, where they will create gallery-ready, multi-module scenes using internal armatures, balanced bases, and clean joins. They will refine their work with cohesive color palettes and textures while explaining how their design choices enhanced structural integrity and visual clarity.

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!

​This drawing class is designed for students of all levels of drawing experience, and would like to learn some advanced techniques and explore new mediums. Students will have the opportunity to explore with charcoal. colored chalk pastels, oil pastels, different graphites and more. Many projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects at the end of the session. During our last class, we will meet the last 10-15 minutes of class for an Art Show Presentation. Students will present their pieces in an art show to guests. Parents- Invite grandparents, friends and family. All pieces go home the last day of class. Such a fun way for students to share what they have learned through process and design.

Messy experiments. Big discoveries. Endless curiosity. If your child loves asking “what happens if…?”, Weird & Wacky Science Lab is where curiosity takes center stage. In this hands-on science camp, campers roll up their sleeves and dive into the fun, surprising, and sometimes messy side of science. Through exciting experiments and outdoor exploration, students investigate the basics of chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science—all in a way that’s engaging, playful, and age-appropriate. Campers will pop, squish, ooze, build, and explore as they conduct experiments using everyday materials and items found in nature. From examining pond water under microscopes to creating eye-catching chemical reactions, this camp turns big scientific ideas into unforgettable experiences. What students will do: Create hands-on experiments like neon slime, solar ovens, and sound-making instruments Explore chemistry and physics through safe, guided reactions Investigate biology by examining bugs, pond water, and natural materials Learn about photosynthesis and energy through outdoor experiments Build confidence asking questions, testing ideas, and making discoveries This camp is held both indoors and outdoors, encouraging movement, exploration, and curiosity. Getting messy isn’t just allowed—it’s part of the learning. Weird & Wacky Science Lab is a favorite for younger campers and a perfect introduction to STEM thinking. Students who enjoy this camp often love moving on to LEGO Robotics, Junior Game Designers, or other hands-on engineering camps.

Messy experiments. Big discoveries. Endless curiosity. If your child loves asking “what happens if…?”, Weird & Wacky Science Lab is where curiosity takes center stage. In this hands-on science camp, campers roll up their sleeves and dive into the fun, surprising, and sometimes messy side of science. Through exciting experiments and outdoor exploration, students investigate the basics of chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science—all in a way that’s engaging, playful, and age-appropriate. Campers will pop, squish, ooze, build, and explore as they conduct experiments using everyday materials and items found in nature. From examining pond water under microscopes to creating eye-catching chemical reactions, this camp turns big scientific ideas into unforgettable experiences. What students will do: Create hands-on experiments like neon slime, solar ovens, and sound-making instruments Explore chemistry and physics through safe, guided reactions Investigate biology by examining bugs, pond water, and natural materials Learn about photosynthesis and energy through outdoor experiments Build confidence asking questions, testing ideas, and making discoveries This camp is held both indoors and outdoors, encouraging movement, exploration, and curiosity. Getting messy isn’t just allowed—it’s part of the learning. Weird & Wacky Science Lab is a favorite for younger campers and a perfect introduction to STEM thinking. Students who enjoy this camp often love moving on to LEGO Robotics, Junior Game Designers, or other hands-on engineering camps.

A fun first step into coding, creativity, and game design. In Junior Game Designers, campers are introduced to the exciting world of coding and game creation in a way that’s visual, playful, and easy to understand - perfect for beginners. Using Scratch, the award-winning platform developed by MIT, students learn how to bring characters to life, design interactive games, and tell stories through block-based coding. By snapping together visual code blocks, campers quickly see how their ideas turn into real, playable creations. This camp focuses on creative problem-solving and logical thinking, helping students understand how games are built while encouraging imagination and experimentation in a supportive, low-pressure environment. What students will do: Learn the basics of coding and game logic using Scratch Animate characters and design simple games Create interactive stories and challenges Practice sequencing, problem-solving, and debugging Build confidence as creators - not just players No prior coding experience is required - just basic keyboarding skills and a creative mindset. This camp is an excellent stepping-stone into our Junior Minecraft programs, as well as LEGO Robotics and other game design and coding camps as students grow. Ages: 7–10 Junior Game Designers is often where kids discover that learning to code feels a lot like playing—and where a long-term love of STEM begins.

Advanced 3D Printing & Design Design smarter. Print better. Build like an engineer. Advanced 3D Printing & Design is designed for students who are ready to go beyond the basics and take their 3D modeling and printing skills to the next level. In this hands-on, project-driven camp, students dive deeper into professional-level CAD design, learning how engineers and product designers create efficient, functional, and refined models. Campers explore advanced concepts such as parametric design, complex assemblies, and design optimization, giving them greater control over how their creations look and perform. Students also gain deeper experience with the 3D printing process itself, learning how advanced slicing settings—like infill patterns, layer height, and print speed—affect strength, detail, and print quality. To finish things off, campers are introduced to post-processing techniques such as sanding, smoothing, and custom finishing to elevate their projects from prototypes to polished products. What students will do: Create advanced CAD models using professional design techniques Build multi-part assemblies and optimized designs Fine-tune print settings for strength, detail, and efficiency Learn post-processing methods to improve finish and durability Bring multiple original designs to life with 3D printing This camp emphasizes problem-solving, iteration, and real-world engineering thinking, making it an excellent next step for students interested in design, engineering, or manufacturing. Prerequisite: Intro to 3D Printing & CAD (or equivalent experience) Ages: 10+ Important note: Due to printing time, some projects may finish after camp hours and will be available for pickup at Silicon STEM. Advanced 3D Printing & Design is a natural progression for students who want to deepen their skills and take pride in creating high-quality, functional designs.

We are offering 3 different art camps/ new curriculum for Middle and High School Art Camps this summer. Art Camp at All Things Art Studio is the best way to experience total immersion in a summer art program! It's fun & and students get a chance to delve into their creative selves without crazy time restraints. Students will also get to Tie Dye an All Things Art Studio Camp Shirt (or other item for repeat campers) on Day 1! (included in the fee of camp). In the mornings, they will be working on individual projects, and the afternoon art academy will give them a relaxed but focused exercise in fine arts. There will be landscape drawing and painting, and still life exploration. We explore drawing, clay, printmaking, textiles, weaving, watercolor, acrylics, tempera paint, glazing & more! We will work with canvas, clay, watercolor, tissue paper and many other types of medium as well. Every camp is a different curriculum, so please register for as many as you can :) It's an amazing week for students, they meet and make new art friends and enjoy the warm summer weather. Bring a sack lunch each day and a water bottle, We will have outdoor lunch & walk in the neighborhood- plus outdoor "en plain air" instruction in their daily journal/ sketchbook. Bring it on! Some of our Elementary, Middle School and High School groups will be offered at the same times & days (convenient for families with older & younger children). But the Camps will be separated by the groups and have different curriculum and locations within the studio. (MS/HS have a seperate registration with separate curriculum)

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

Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026 A Summer of Discovery, Creativity, and Fun! At Camp Footsteps Explorers 2026, children entering TK through third grade will embark on a summer filled with imagination, friendship, and adventure. Each themed week is thoughtfully designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage creativity through hands-on learning and play. From inventing and building during Maker’s Week to celebrating freedom and culture during Juneteenth: Freedom to Dream Week, every day brings new opportunities to explore, create, and grow. Campers will enjoy a wide variety of engaging activities, including art projects, outdoor games, field trips, science explorations, cooking projects, and meaningful community experiences that connect learning with fun. Our experienced and caring staff create a safe, nurturing environment where children are encouraged to try new things, develop friendships, and discover their unique strengths. Whether your child is a budding artist, an enthusiastic explorer, or a hands-on maker, Camp Footsteps Junior Explorers 2026 offers an unforgettable summer filled with laughter, learning, and lasting memories. Week 1 – Maker’s Week: How Things Work Field Trip : Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito Get ready to imagine, create, and build! Maker’s Week is all about hands-on exploration where children become inventors, artists, builders, and problem-solvers. Campers will dive into fun projects using everyday materials—crafting unique art, designing simple structures, experimenting with science, and bringing their ideas to life. Through guided activities, teamwork, and plenty of creativity, children will practice critical thinking and collaboration while discovering the joy of making. Maker’s Week encourages curiosity, confidence, and creativity—all in a fun and supportive environment for our youngest innovators. Special Event (Friday, June 12, 2026): Footsteps Maker Fair Campers will set up booths to showcase inventions, recycled creations, and STEM challenges. Families are invited Friday afternoon to visit the “Maker Fair” and see children’s projects.

Create, Experiment & Discover the Chemistry of Beauty Step into the world of beauty and science! Cosmetic Science Camp gives campers hands-on experience making their own lipsticks, perfumes, bath bombs, and makeup while exploring the chemistry behind pigments, fragrances, and formulations. Campers learn how everyday products are created and discover the science that makes them work. Whether they love experimenting, enjoy creative projects, or are curious about the chemistry behind cosmetics, campers will gain confidence as they mix, design, and create their own beauty products. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

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.

Unleash Your Child's Creativity This Summer! Calling all young creators for an unforgettable summer filled with imagination, self-expression, and fun! Creator's Camp inspires campers to connect with their creativity while developing their skills in storytelling, art, music, and hands-on projects. Guided by award-winning Lando educators, campers will explore painting, drawing, and arts and crafts—engaging their hands, heads, and hearts while building lasting friendships. Weekly Schedule Each week combines traditional camp activities with specialized Lando classes. Campers attend two Lando sessions on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (each class offered twice weekly), with Wednesdays reserved for exciting field trips. Field Trips: - Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Campers will experience Four Award-Winning Lando Classes: Summer LEGO® Robotics Lab – Build a new robot daily using LEGO® bricks, motors, and sensors. Tackle the Kickoff Challenge, then upgrade during Engineering Sprints. Explore gears, pulleys, and measurable goals like distance and lift. Storyboarding and Comic Sketching – Create a finished storyboard each class. Learn drawing techniques and storytelling, then bring ideas to life during Studio Time with collaborative jams and peer feedback. Clay Sculpting and Scene Building – Sculpt connected scenes across the week. Practice techniques in daily warm-ups, then pinch, coil, and build your world—from beach stalls to sea monsters—for the Showcase Parade. Mini-Game Coding Studio – Code arcade games using Lando's Scratch-based iPad app. Build and remix multi-level mini-games, then test each other's creations in Playtest Lab while learning loops, events, and variables. Families receive weekly emails with photos, skills summaries, and ideas to continue exploring at home. Enroll today and watch your child's confidence and creativity soar!

Outdoor field games in local area parks daily, swimming twice weekly, kayaking and rock climbing once weekly each. We spend the first and last hour of the day inside doing arts and crafts, STEM projects, and indoor sports such bowling and ping pong. The rest of the morning and afternoon we are outdoors doing field games and traditional activities utilizing local area parks. Swim days are planned to be Tuesdays and Thursdays each week during the morning session. Kayaking are Wednesdays during the morning session, weather permitting. Rock climbing is on Fridays. We are open rain or shine, during inclement weather and poor air quality days we spend more time inside doing crafts, indoor sports and other activities. Hot lunch and healthy snacks are included. Early Bird pricing of 10% off, and ends 4/30. Early Bird pricing of 5% off, and ends 5/31. There is a sibling discount of 20% for each child beyond the first. Discounts do not stack with other discounts, you will receive the best discount available to you at check out. There is a sibling discount of 20% for each child beyond the first. Discounts do not stack with other discounts, you will receive the best discount available to you at check out.

Welcome to Camp Footsteps Adventurers! Footsteps Child Care, in partnership with the City of Belmont Parks and Recreation, is excited to offer nine weeks of summer camp designed specifically for older children and youth entering fourth grade through middle school. This summer, we are thrilled to feature specialized classes provided by Lando, including Advanced LEGO Robotics and Clay Studio Lab. Field Trip: Explore San Francisco Special Event: Junior Camp Counselors at Nesbit Mini City Festival Every day brings something new to discover, learn, and explore—making camp an unforgettable adventure! MONDAY kicks off the week with team-building activities that help campers connect and collaborate, plus Advanced LEGO Robotics (10am-12pm), where they will choose a robotics challenge, plan their build, and test it with real data. Using LEGO® bricks and Technic components (beams, axles, gears, motors, and sensors), they will tune for speed, lift, or control, log test results, and present how each modification improved their design. In the afternoon campers can participate in a group cooking project. TUESDAY features morning hikes through local trails followed by recreational swimming at the Carlmont High School pool. WEDNESDAY is field trip day, with exciting excursions designed for adventure and exploration. Campers will experience thrilling attractions, water activities, outdoor adventures, and even an overnight camping experience! Each trip offers opportunities to build friendships, try new activities, and create unforgettable summer memories. THURSDAY offers flexible morning time for activities and games, along with a trip to the Belmont Library, followed by recreational swim time in the afternoon. FRIDAY wraps up each week with special events, community service projects, or Counselors-In-Training opportunities. From 2pm to 4pm, campers can also join Clay Studio Lab, where they will create gallery-ready, multi-module scenes using internal armatures, balanced bases, and clean joins. They will refine their work with cohesive color palettes and textures while explaining how their design choices enhanced structural integrity and visual clarity.

Prepare for a super exciting adventure deep inside your head – into your amazing brain and mind! We'll start by exploring all the different parts of your brain and what incredible jobs each one does. You'll discover just how special and unique your brain is – it's one-of-a-kind, just like you! Then, we'll uncover the secret superpower of sleep, learning why getting good rest helps your mind sparkle and shine its brightest.

We are offering 11 different art camps/ new curriculum for Art Camps this summer. Art Camp at All Things Art Studio is the best way to experience total immersion in a summer art program! It's fun & and students get a chance to delve into their creative selves without crazy time restraints. Students will also get to Tie Dye an All Things Art Studio Camp Shirt (or other item for repeat campers) on Day 1! (included in the fee of camp). In the mornings, they will be working on individual projects, and the afternoon art academy will give them a relaxed but focused exercise in fine arts. There will be landscape drawing and painting, and still life exploration. We explore drawing, clay, printmaking, textiles, weaving, watercolor, acrylics, tempera paint, glazing & more! We will work with canvas, clay, watercolor, tissue paper and many other types of medium as well. Every camp is a different curriculum, so please register for as many as you can :) It's an amazing week for students, they meet and make new art friends and enjoy the warm summer weather. Bring a sack lunch each day and a water bottle, We will have outdoor lunch & walk in the neighborhood- plus outdoor "en plain air" instruction in their daily journal/ sketchbook. Bring it on! Some of our Elementary, Middle School and High School groups will be offered at the same times & days (convenient for families with older & younger children). But the Camps will be separated by the groups and have different curriculum and locations within the studio. (MS/HS have a seperate registration with separate curriculum)

Get ready for a week packed with creativity, color, and hands-on fun! Our Slime & Ceramics Camp gives young makers the best of both worlds—messy, stretchy, sensational slime and beautifully hand-painted ceramics. From glitter and glow-in-the-dark slimes to fluffy, crunchy, and scented varieties, kids will learn slime-making techniques that spark imagination and sensory play. On the ceramics side, campers can pick from a variety of pieces to paint or try simple clay-building projects that let them express their unique style. With guided instruction, plenty of creative freedom, and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere, every child will finish the week with a collection of custom slimes and ceramic treasures to take home. It’s the perfect blend of art, science, and pure fun—ideal for kids who love to create, experiment, and get a little messy! ​For full day please pack a NUT FREE snack and lunch. Half day only a NUT FREE snack. PLEASE EMAIL A PDF REGISTRATION FORM & MEDICAL PRIOR TO THE START OF CAMP TO bethel@thegigglingpig.com

Develop leadership and responsibility while making lifelong friends. Through hands-on activities, teens will learn valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all while giving back to their community in meaningful ways. It’s a fun, enriching experience that sets them up for success and gets them off their devices. Outdoor field games in local area parks daily, swimming twice weekly, kayaking and rock climbing once weekly each. Campers participate in outdoor field games in local area parks daily, swimming twice weekly. We spend the first and last hour of the day inside doing arts and crafts, STEM projects, and indoor sports such bowling and ping pong. The rest of the morning and afternoon we are outdoors doing field games and traditional activities utilizing local area parks. CITs may participate in the special activities if they wish, and should have appropriate clothing for those activities. Swim days are planned to be Tuesdays and Thursdays each week during the morning session. Kayaking are Wednesdays during the morning session, weather permitting. Rock climbing is on Fridays. We are open rain or shine, during inclement weather and poor air quality days we spend more time inside doing crafts, indoor sports and other activities. Hot lunch and healthy snacks are included. Early Bird pricing of 25% off, and ends 3/30. Early Bird pricing of 20% off, and ends 4/30. Early Bird pricing of 10% off, and ends 5/31. Discounts do not stack with other discounts, you will receive the best discount available to you at check out.

Students will assume the role of a veterinarian and learn how to perform a nose-to-tail exam, the importance of proper nutrition, perform a tick check, and identify animal body language. Each student will take home their own stuffed animal dog that they will adopt along with tape measures, dog journal, dog bone cookie cutter and so much more! Day 1: Intro + What is in the Veterinarian’s Office? Day 2: The ABC’s of Dog Care! Day 3: Lacerations and Ticks Day 4: The Immune System and Vaccinations! Day 5: Vet Fun and Graduation

Northern VA / DMV Area! We are back with the Ultimate IN-PERSON Communication Intensive for High School Students at our awesome Highest Speak Center in Reston, VA! Camp runs from 1:30–4:30 PM — perfect for high schoolers who like sleeping in during the summer! High school is when communication skills truly start to matter. Students are expected to participate in class discussions, present projects, interview for internships and leadership roles, collaborate in groups, and soon interview for college and jobs. Yet most students are rarely taught how to organize their ideas clearly, write strong arguments, and present them confidently! That’s exactly what this program focuses on. In this high-energy, 5-day program (3 hours per day) students will build powerful communication skills while having a TON of fun through engaging speaking challenges, interactive activities, and real-world scenarios. Students will practice both writing and presenting, learning how to develop ideas quickly and communicate them clearly in front of others. Throughout the week, students will learn how to: • Organize their ideas quickly and clearly • Write and structure short speeches effectively • Present their ideas with confidence and clarity • Think on their feet during impromptu speaking • Manage nervousness when speaking in front of others • Respond thoughtfully to unexpected questions • Develop stronger social communication skills and presence Students will practice both prepared speaking and impromptu speaking, which are critical skills for high school success. This IS the time to help your teen be their MOST confident self! Prepared speaking helps students learn how to develop and structure strong ideas, while impromptu speaking teaches them how to respond confidently when put on the spot — a skill that becomes essential in class discussions, interviews, leadership roles, and real-world situations. Students will work on: • Short written speeches and presentations • Impromptu speaking prompts and challenges • Persuasive speaking • Storytelling and engaging delivery • Debate-style thinking and structured responses Most importantly, students practice constantly. Every day includes multiple speaking opportunities and personalized feedback so students can quickly improve. And most importantly — this program is a BLAST. Expect high-energy speaking games, creative prompts, fun challenges, and lots of laughter along the way. Our 3-Hour Day Part I (1–1.5 hours) • High-energy Icebreaker Activity • Communication Lesson of the Day • Writing or Speech Development Exercise • Practice through Games or Structured Assignments in Breakout Sessions BREAK (15 minutes — please bring a snack and drink) Part II • Group Discussion and Feedback • Lesson Continuation • Impromptu Speaking Challenges and Practice Rounds • Individualized Feedback and Coaching • Wrap-Up We ALWAYS have at least two instructors to ensure students receive personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to speak. For this program, Highest Speak’s founder herself, Sumedha Bahri — Patent Attorney, Adjunct Professor, Federal Orals Coach, Keynote Speaker, and Stand-Up Comic — will be instructing alongside one or more of Highest Speak’s engaging and energetic instructors. This WILL sell out FAST! Reserve your spot TODAY! Strong communication skills can shape college opportunities, leadership roles, internships, and future careers. The earlier students learn how to write clearly, think quickly, and speak with confidence, the more advantage they gain. At Highest Speak, students build these skills while having an absolute blast. NO prerequisites necessary! Both new and returning students will benefit, as our exercises evolve each year to provide new challenges and growth.