Expert teachers, small groups, hands-on, and in person! 
Keep learning and interacting with teachers and peers.

​We are offering full-day, 1-week summer camps. Each camp week consists of our award-winning STEM camps and is a different theme or focus. Each day consists of a fun, well-rounded day of activities including:

• Two hands-on science or engineering labs based on the theme
• A computer science lab to learn coding and computational thinking, as well as building teamwork and communication skills in Minecraft Education Edition.
• Daily outdoor time in the form of nature hikes or outdoor play in our fenced play area.
• Daily enrichment in math & logic and literature.
• Lunch and a 30-min science or engineering movie (e.g. Bill Nye the Science Guy (a camp favorite!), Disney Imagineering, Popular Mechanics for Kids)
• Campers will be grouped by age/grade

Camp times (Monday - Friday)

• Regular camp day is from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm 
• Before Care available from 8 - 8:30 am for Morning Explorers ($40 per week)
• After care available from 3:30 - 6:00 pm ($140 per week)​

Method and Location: In person at 12340 Pinecrest Road, #100, Reston, Virginia 20191
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Notes

• If a camp week is full, please email [email protected] with the name and grade of your child this fall to be added to the waiting list. 
• Due to Virginia licensing requirements, the child must be 6 years old before the first day they attend camp. 
• Individual pre-packaged lunches may be ordered through Schoolhouse Grill for individual days. We will provide the link for ordering with the welcome email the week before the start of each camp week. The cost for lunches is not included in the camp cost. 

Best STEM Camp

Register

Sample Schedule

Each day consists of two science or engineering labs, a book club, math & logic enrichment time, computing lab, and outdoor time. 

If your plans change and you need to register for extended care after the initial camp registration, please do so here:

Register for Extended Care

Descriptions

Date	Name	Description	Cost	Registration
​6/17 - 6/21* ​no camp on 6/19	Microscopic World	Young scientists are introduced to the concepts of the invisible, microscopic world around them! Students will first learn about the power of microscopes and what they can see under magnification. Each week the class will talk about the microscope universe including atoms, molecules, crystals, DNA, protists, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Students will peer into microscopes, create models, and perform experiments to examine evidence and effects of these microscopic marvels. Each class will have a brief discussion followed by classroom demonstrations, hands-on activities, and labs. Computer Lab: Coding and Minecraft Education Edition Students will explore computer science using computational exercises from Code.org. In Minecraft Education Edition, work collaboratively to build a research facility and design a virus.​ Students will also have one virtual reality lab during the week.	$400	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
​6/24 - 6/28	Future World: Green Engineering	Roll up your sleeves and get building - the future is coming! Explore green engineering as you design, build, and test sustainable technologies in our labs. Build a solar-powered, recycled racer while learning about electricity and electric motors. Explore the wind energy as you construct a windmill that generates electricity. As an architect, dream up a building of the future and then build a scale model. Examine the efficiency of systems, investigate sustainable technologies, and apply the engineering design process in this fast-paced, hands-on adventure. Computer Lab: Coding and Minecraft Education Edition. Students will explore computer science using computational exercises from Code.org. In Minecraft Education Edition, work collaboratively to design and build a sustainable home. Students will also have one virtual reality lab during the week.	$500	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
​7/1 - 7/3* ​no camp on 7/4 & 7/5	Architecture: Supporting Tamagotchi Life	Animal lovers everywhere - bring the digital world to life in this week where imagination meets engineering and architecture. Explorers bring their Tamagotchi (digital pet) to life by designing and engineering a home and furniture for them. Explore principles in design and styles of architecture in this creative, hands-on journey. Throughout the week, students will care for their Tamagotchi, while imagining and architecting their habitat. Computer Lab: Coding and Minecraft Education Edition. Students will explore computer science using computational exercises from Code.org. In Minecraft Education Edition, work collaboratively to design and build a futuristic home.​	$300	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
​7/8 - 7/12	Lunar Expedition	An out-of-this-world adventure! Campers learn about rocket design, then build and launch their own rockets. In our space labs, plan a trip to another galaxy, engineer space habitats, and tour the universe using planetarium software as campers learn about galaxies, nebulae, supernovas, and stars. As space explorers, campers launch into the field of astronomy and aerospace engineering, designing and building model satellites, investigating planetary geology, and experimenting with rocket science as they build and launch rockets. With Kerbal Space Program, we'll explore the physics and engineering of space flight with rockets, then build and launch our vehicles in this exciting simulation. Computing Lab: Kerbal Space Program for the older campers (~ages 9 -12). Because of the complexity of Kerbal, our younger campers (~ages 6-8) will build and program using LEGO SPIKE Prime robotics to create Star Wars inspired robots. Students will also have one virtual reality lab during the week.	$500	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
​7/15 - 7/19	Chemical Reactions	Explorers become chemists in this exploration of substances and their chemical identities. We experiment with a range of different chemical reactions to produce a variety of results. We begin with chemical concepts of acids and bases and matter then move to to awe-inducing exothermic reactions. We explore electrochemistry, food chemistry, and materials chemistry. Campers will gain an appreciation and understanding of how chemistry and change make up the world around us. ​ Computer Lab: Coding and Minecraft Education Edition Students will explore computer science using computational exercises from Code.org. In Minecraft Education Edition, work collaboratively to learn about polymers and compounds. Students will also have one virtual reality lab during the week.	$500	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
​7/22 - 7/26	Operation Spy	Your mission: uncover the science behind the gadgets and methods used by top secret spies. The undercover adventure includes building our own spy gear, learning to make and break codes, and using science and technology to complete our secret missions. Learn electronics to create alarm systems, explore exotic places and cultures, practice the art of disguise and deception to fulfill secret missions. Explore electricity, GPS navigation, lasers, chemical reactions, and world cultures. ​ ​Computer Lab: Coding and Minecraft Education Edition Students will explore computer science using computational exercises from Code.org. In Minecraft Education Edition, work collaboratively to design and engineer a hidden spy base. Students will also have one virtual reality lab during the week.	$500	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
7/29 - 8/2	Escape Room Design: Minecraft Style	Over the course of the week, we use science, engineering, and logic skills to make and break puzzles. Together we apply our creativity to design and build a Minecraft-inspired escape room. Our week concludes with an escape room challenge. Will you make it out? ​​Computer Lab: Coding and Minecraft Education Edition. Students will explore computer science using computational exercises from Code.org. In Minecraft Education Edition, work collaboratively to design and build.​ Students will also have one virtual reality lab during the week.	$500	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
​8/5 - 8/9	Ideabusters	Inspired by MythBusters, campers will bust myths themselves using science and engineering. Just as in the show, campers will be challenged to brainstorm ways to test to see if a myth is verified, plausible or busted. If you like coming up with ideas and testing them, welcome to Ideabusters. We won't stop until all our myths are fully tested! ​Computer Lab: Coding and Minecraft Education Edition. Students will explore computer science using computational exercises from Code.org. In Minecraft Education Edition, work collaboratively to build a fully sustainable artificial island. Students will also have one virtual reality lab during the week.	$500	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.
8/12 - 8/16	​Adventures in Engineering	Imagination and creativity fuel this week-long adventure where we explore different fields of engineering through hands-on building challenges. We investigate amazing engineering creations, the science behind them, and then try our hand at fabricating our own inventions. From biomedical engineering (repairing bone breaks) to electrical engineering, environmental engineering to mechanical engineering, we will explore the world of engineering through hands-on labs and hand-made inventions. In our laboratories, students will learn and practice the engineering design process, study the science of materials, forces, and energy, and gain experience working with different materials to complete our inventions. ​ Computer Lab: Coding and Minecraft Education Edition Students will explore computer science using computational exercises from Code.org. In Minecraft Education Edition, work collaboratively to explore skyscrapers, hidden doors, bridges, and aqueducts. Students will also have one virtual reality lab during the week.	$500	FULL Please email [email protected] to be added to the waitlist.

FAQs ​
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​What happens if my child needs to be quarantined for the camp session? If your child needs to quarantine and is not able to attend camp for an extended period of time (the full week), please provide a doctor's note, and we will refund the prorated amount based on the time attended/missed. Due to the very hands-on nature of the program, we won't be able to have a concurrent virtual access to camp. Note: we will not be able to refund tuition for non-COVID illness, vacation, or other events. Of course, if there is a serious family issue, please call and speak with Mr. Ryan (co-founder). 

Withdrawals and Refunds:
If you need to withdraw from a course, please send an email to [email protected] requesting the withdrawal. We will not process withdrawals from voicemails. Refunds minus the $100 non-refundable fee can be processed prior to June 1. After June 1, refunds minus the $100 non-refundable fee can be processed if we are able to fill the spot in the course. We appreciate your understanding, as this is a small program, and we make commitments to our faculty for their summer. ​