Young scientists are in for a summer of learning with 20 different camps at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. Starting June 3 and offering 10 weeks of discovery, the camps are open to children ages 4-14, each offering diverse STEM themes.
Science Summer Camp themes include Ocean Commotion, Chamber of Science with magical adventures, Astro World exploring the depts of space and training young astronauts, CSI Spy Academy, Kitchen Chemistry and more. Tech themes include MineCraftEDU: Next Level! with coding and creating, Make Control, Take Control testing skills by building custom game controllers, DRL: Drone Reimagination League training drone pilots and racers, and RoboCode that will take campers through a robot infestation to track down the evil leader MegaByte. Each week features a different theme with tons of hands-on science and tech exploration. The days will fly-by as children assume the roles of astronaut, chef, movie director or computer coder, guided by Science Center expert educators.
“We are thrilled about this summer’s lineup of camps,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “We want to give every kid a chance to be excited about science as a career, and you never know what exposure will make all the difference. Not only will these children have fun, they will be in a safe, educational environment where they can explore their creative interests and develop their talents.”
While the full schedule is available at the Science Center campus in West Palm Beach, some of these camps will also be offered at STEM Studio in Jupiter located in Downtown Abacoa at 1209 Main Street, #112.
All campers will have the opportunity to experience the Science Center’s current exhibit, Rainforest Adventure, on display through September 4. In this exhibit for all ages, visitors experiment with physical and mental challenges as they descend through the four layers of rainforest. By the time visitors reach the forest floor, they are better equipped with an understanding of how humans impact this diverse yet fragile forest, and how they can make a difference. Guests will see diversity across the many layers of rainforest, investigate fragility and adaptability of flora and fauna, foster awareness of biodiversity, interconnectedness and sustainability, and learn what each of us can do to preserve this vital habitat.
In addition to Rainforest Adventure, campers will also be able to explore Journey Through the Human Brain, a $2.5 million, 2,500-square-foot permanent exhibit now open after three years of development. According to Science Center President Lew Crampton, it is the most advanced exhibit on the human brain to be found anywhere in the world. Visitors will learn about ways to adopt a healthy brain lifestyle and students are encouraged to consider careers in health sciences.
The new, outdoor Fisher Family Science Trail is also open to campers where they will get the wiggles out on a quarter-mile long backyard trail including a Physics Forest, Splash Pad, Gem Panning Station, Dinosaur Trail and more.
Science Center Summer Camp is held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended hours of structured activities available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for an additional $10 fee per day. Camps range in price from $204 To $305 for non-members with discounts offered to members. For questions, more information or to register as space is limited, visit www.sfsciencecenter.org/Camps, call 561-832-2026 or email programs@sfsciencecenter.org.
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and in addition to its fresh and saltwater aquarium and new backyard Science Trail, the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. The newest addition includes a $2.5 million permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain” and features the most advanced neuroscience research and technology in the world.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission is $17.95 for adults $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12 and free for kids under 3. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.
Additional details about each week of Science Summer Camp:
June 3rd – 7th, (Ages 4-12) – Ocean Commotion
Our oceans are home to more life than we could ever imagine! Make a splash as we navigate the seas to find our aquatic acquaintances. Conduct a dissection, study the coral reefs, and even get a behind-the-scenes tour of our Aquarium.
$255/non-member & $230/member
June 3rd – 7th, (Ages 7-14) – RoboCode
The robot infestation has spread further than we can contain! Take a tech trek with us as we code our way back into control of these rowdy Dash bots, Ozobots, mBots, and their leader – MegaByte.
$305/non-member & $280/member
June 3rd – 7th (Ages 10-14) – Young Scientists Space Program
See Florida from space as you send a camera soaring 112,000 ft (22 miles) into the stratosphere on a high-altitude balloon! Learn about buoyancy, atmospheric conditions, electronics and balloon launching using the latest technology in this exciting adventure.
$305/non-member & $280/member
June 10th – 14th (Ages 4-12) – Vroom! Zoom! Boom!
Cars, boats, planes, and trains! Get a crash course in physics as we find out what it takes to get where we want to go. Build model cars, launch bottle rockets and test which paper plane designs fly the best. Even try to send a trash can rocket to the moon!
$255/non-member & $230/member
June 10th – 14th (Ages 7-14) – From Code to Creation
With the power of today’s technology, our imagination is only bound by our ability to code. See how far your coding skills can take you as we create 3D designs, web pages, and more!
$305non-member & $280/member
June 17th – 21, 2019 (Ages 4-12) – The Chamber of Science
Calling all wizards and witches! Join us for this fun-filled magical adventure where you will explore the art of levitation, attend a potions class to brew dry ice potions and learn to cast spells of electricity and fire. Minds at the ready!
$255non-member & $230/member
June 17th – 21 (Ages 7-14) – MineCraftEDU: Next Level
Time to take our learning to the Next Level! Using Minecraft Education Edition, push the limits to the absolute max as we code, collect, break and create like never before in order to bring the science to the extreme.
$305non-member & $280/member
June 24th – 28th (Ages 4-12) – CSI: Spy Academy
Oh no! There have been a string of thefts at the Science Center! Become Crime Scene Investigators and help us track down the bandits. Learn how we test for fingerprints, blood samples, and DNA to narrow down the list of suspects. Will you crack the case?
$255non-member & $230/member
June 24th – 28th (Ages 7-14) – Forge Ahead
Take your imagination to the next level as we forge our way from idea to finished product in mere minutes! Using our Glowforge Laser Printer, campers will create and enhance amazing projects using different materials like wood, glass, acrylic and leather.
$305non-member & $280/member
July 1st – 5th, 4-day Camp (Ages 4-12) – Astro World
We have liftoff! Explore the depths of space in an out-of-this-world experience that will have you identifying constellations, studying the planets, and training like an astronaut. Do you have the guts to complete our Astronaut Training Course? Take the giant leap
$204non-member & $184/member
July 1st – 5th, 4-day Camp (Ages 7-14) – Make Control, Take Control
Ever wondered what it takes to build your own video game controller? From Super Mario to Smash Brothers, Flash Pong to Fortnite, test your gaming skills as we build our way through video game history using custom-built controllers with our MakeyMakey kits. Game on!
$244non-member & $224/member
July 8th – 12th (Ages 4-12) – Survivor: Camping Xtreme
What would you do if you were stranded with no help? Science of course! Join us on a wilderness adventure as we teach you how to use chemistry to build a fire, forage for food like a botanist and build a survival structure like an engineer. Do you have what it takes to survive?
$255non-member & $230/member
July 8th – 12th (Ages 7-14) – DRL: Drone Reimagination League
Drones have taken over our airways! Take to the skies as we learn how to pilot these drones, use them to survey the land below and compete in our Drone Racing League competition
$305non-member & $280/member
July 15th – 19th (Ages 4-12) – Rambunctious Rainforests
The world around us is buzzing with life! Journey around the world with us as we study the many aspects of life from the sands of the desert to the endless treetops of the rainforest. Taste interesting diets, study unique habitats, and come face to face with wild animals! Adventure awaits.
$255non-member & $230/member
July 15th – 19th (Ages 7-14) – Simulation: Initiated
With today’s technology, reality is no longer bound to what is physical. Venture into the realm of virtual and augmented reality as we take you to places never before possible and generate new realities right before your eyes. Beginning simulation sequence in 5…4…3…2…1…
$305non-member & $280/member
July 22nd – 26th (Ages 4-12) – Past, Present, Future!
Science as we know it today has been forged by great minds of the past. Travel back in time as we look at some of the most amazing scientific discoveries! Electrify the air with a Tesla Coil, study the stars like Galileo, build circuits to light the way like Edison, and more. Talk about a blast from the past.
$255non-member & $230/member
July 22nd – 26th (Ages 7-14) – Movie Magic!
Lights, camera, action! Be the star of your very own production with this star-studded week of videography and fun. Film your own masterpiece using a green screen while watching the power of technology at work as your movie comes alive right before your eyes. Finish the week with our red carpet event as we present to you our SFSCA Film Festival!
$305non-member & $280/member
July 29th – August 2nd (Ages 4-12) – Kitchen Chemistry
We’re cooking up new sciences for everyone! Get whisked away as we explore the chemical nature of all things food. Trick the senses with our Smell & Taste Test, cook up creamy liquid nitrogen ice cream and 3D print your own pancake designs using our PancakeBot! Science has never tasted so good.
$255non-member & $230/member
July 29th – August 2nd (Ages 7-14) – Mindstorm: Into Orbit
Build your future alongside our First LEGO League coaches as we attempt to go where few have gone: Space! Using our LEGO robotics kits, your team will build a rover strong enough, fast enough and smart enough to beat our Lunar Gauntlet.
$305non-member & $280/member
August 5th – 9th (Ages 4-12) – Festival of Science!
Come one, come all to the most exciting week of camp ever concocted as we host our Festival of Science! Explore the best sciences from this past summer including rocket launches, dissections, 3D-printed pancakes, and more. Send summer out with a bang with our 5th Annual End-of-Summer Science Spectacular full of games, music, face painting, and the chance to pie your counselors in the face! It’s the event everyone at school will be talking about.
$255non-member & $230/member