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!

week 7 - bugs and insects

In Game Art Studio, campers explore the world of pixel art and animation using Aseprite, a professional tool used to create graphics for 2D video games. Students learn how to design characters, environments, icons, and animated sprites while building strong foundations in color, shading, and animation timing. Throughout the week, campers create original game-ready artwork such as character walk cycles, enemies, backgrounds, and user interface elements. They also learn how pixel art is used in real games and how their creations can be exported for use in 2D games, Scratch or Flowlab projects, Godot or Unity games, Minecraft-style mods, and animated GIFs. This camp is ideal for creative kids who love games and want to bring their ideas to life. No prior art or coding experience is required. Recommended for ages 10 - 15.

Give your child the best of both worlds this summer a place to play, explore, and grow while building the skills that set them up for academic success. At All-Star Academy, we believe in the power of hands-on learning through play, where every adventure sparks curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable experience!

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.

This combination class still offers students a sampling of art projects using various media such as clay, painting, watercolors, printmaking, collage, and pastels. Several projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Students encouraged to create their own designs by using new materials and mediums. New materials are introduced, and students are guided in how to interpret their project design. Projects are new every session, so sign up for all sessions.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.

This combination class offers children a sampling of art projects using various media such as painting, clay, watercolors, collage, and pastels. It is amazing what you can create when you explore with your imagination. A variety of materials are used to create your many masterpieces – Many projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Projects are new every session & seasonal, so sign-up for all sessions.

This combination class offers children a sampling of art projects using various media such as painting, clay, watercolors, collage, and pastels. It is amazing what you can create when you explore with your imagination. A variety of materials are used to create your many masterpieces – Many projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Projects are new every session & seasonal, so sign-up for all sessions.

Investigate, Analyze & Solve Mysteries Like a Real Scientist Step into the world of forensic science! Junior Detectives gives young investigators hands-on experience with DNA, fingerprints, microbiology, and crime scene analysis. Campers explore how scientists uncover clues, examine evidence, and piece together the story behind a case through fun and engaging experiments. Whether they love solving puzzles, studying biology, or dreaming of becoming a detective, campers will gain confidence using real scientific techniques to investigate, analyze, and solve mysteries. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

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)

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)

This combination class still offers students a sampling of art projects using various media such as clay, painting, watercolors, printmaking, collage, and pastels. Several projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Students encouraged to create their own designs by using new materials and mediums. New materials are introduced, and students are guided in how to interpret their project design. Projects are new every session, so sign up for all sessions.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.

The world of making your own clay creations! This class will teach you how to create several hand-built clay pieces. Students will be introduced to Kiln firing, and procedures, as well as stages of clay: Wet, Greenware, Bisqueware, and more. Each student will custom glaze each project, and have all pieces fired in our kiln. 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.

This combination class still offers students a sampling of art projects using various media such as clay, painting, watercolors, printmaking, collage, and pastels. Several projects are “built upon” each class, so that students experience a variety of mediums and take home several projects. Students encouraged to create their own designs by using new materials and mediums. New materials are introduced, and students are guided in how to interpret their project design. Projects are new every session, so sign up for all sessions.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.

CREATING CHARACTERS Come create at our afternoon camp with hands on art and a whole lot of fun! At this camp your child will create an animal sculpture in they style of the popular video game and movie, Minecraft. Sculptures will be made using polymer clay which is baked and cooled and then painted. Your child will come home with a unique work of art. At this camp your child will get to learn about art, get their creative juices flowing, and have fun creating artwork of their own. Spaces are limited. Save your child's spot by registering today!

Ready to spark a lifelong love for learning? 🚀 Our Toddler STEAM classes offer a research-based approach to play. We provide hands-on projects that encourage toddlers to ask "why" and "how" while developing essential early-childhood skills. What to Expect: ✅ Hands-on Experiments: Messy, marvelous, and educational. ✅ Skill Building: Focused on fine motor, sensory, and cognitive growth. ✅ Community: A welcoming environment for toddlers and caregivers alike. 🎟️ Your Registration Includes: A 60-minute guided STEAM class plus Full Access to the PlaySpace after class. It’s the perfect way to transition from "Learning Mode" to "Social Mode."

Sign up for each week- we have a new curriculum each week! Kids will enjoy 4 hours of Art and Art related Activities! Day Camp is a drop off program & for ages 4 and older. Each day includes a variety of Cookies & Canvas event, One Day Workshop, OR Pottery Painting & Open Studio time. Most projects will go home same day. (If they have pottery painting that day, they will need to be picked up following week) Kids enjoy stations as well as several art projects during their 4 hours of fun at the Art Studio! Groups separated by age under K-4 grades, 5-8 grades. Bring peanut free sack lunch, snack & water bottle. Please dress for the weather- as we do take a walk in the neighborhood and eat in the garden on days when we can.

In Drawing/Painting Class we will create a variety of fine art projects focusing on technique and style, composition, brushwork, and systematic practice. KVArteest will give input on our subject matter, as we together decide what we want to learn.

In Drawing/Painting Class we will create a variety of fine art projects focusing on technique and style, composition, brushwork, and systematic practice. KVArteest will give input on our subject matter, as we together decide what we want to learn.

An exciting introduction to the science of flight and propulsion. Rocket Academy introduces campers to the fundamentals of rocketry through hands-on design, building, and real rocket launches. Students explore how rockets work, then put those ideas into action as they design and launch a variety of rocket types using different propulsion systems. Throughout the week, campers learn how forces like thrust, momentum, and energy work together to lift rockets off the ground. These concepts are introduced in an age-appropriate, engaging way, allowing students to connect real science to what they see in the sky during launch activities. This camp emphasizes experimentation and discovery. Campers test designs, compare results, and refine their thinking as they explore what makes rockets fly higher, straighter, and farther. What students will do: Design, build, and launch multiple model rockets Explore how rockets operate and why they fly Learn the basic principles of propulsion, including thrust and momentum Compare different propulsion types and launch outcomes Build confidence through hands-on engineering and experimentation Model rocketry has long been a source of inspiration for scientists and engineers, and Rocket Academy gives campers an early opportunity to experience that spark firsthand. This camp is a great fit for students who enjoy building, testing ideas, and seeing science come to life—and pairs naturally with BattleBots, LEGO Robotics, and 3D Printing & CAD.

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.