STEM CAMP WEEKLY THEMES
Whether your child is already passionate about a topic, or just wants to learn more, our STEM camp is the place to be. We take each theme and bring it to life in a fully immersive experience. We don’t just discuss a topic, we explore and experience it from all angles, through a combination of carefully selected hands-on experiments, indoor and outdoor games, discussions of relevant scientists, and exciting daily challenges.
Woven into each week’s theme is one of our Super Six, which campers practice over the course of the week, with each day’s lesson building on the day before. This same thread runs throughout all camps on site, so that every camper everywhere is working to earn a wristband representing the same skill by the end of the week.
STEM I
Kid Explorer Flight School
Maker Camp: Intro to Robotics
iPad Coding: Animation Studio
Mission to Mars
iPad Coding: Beginner Game Design
Kid Explorer Case Crackers
Deconstruction Junction
STEM II
The Need for Speed
iPad Coding: Game Design
Maker Camp: STEM Robotics
iPad Coding: Video Game Design
Game Design with Scratch Coding
CSI: Camp Scene Investigators
LEGO® – Mine, Craft, Build Survival Week
LEGO® – Superhero Master Engineering
LEGO® – Jedi Master Engineering
LEGO® – STEM Challenge
STEM III
Guardians of the Greenery
Advanced Makers: High Tech Tinkering
Coding: Mod Design
Coding: 3D Game Design
Patent Pending
Bits & Bytes: Computer Programming
Advanced Makers: Robotic Engineering
LEGO® – Mine, Craft, Build Survival Week
LEGO® – Superhero Master Engineering
LEGO® – Jedi Master Engineering
LEGO® – STEM Challenge
STEM I
KID EXPLORER FLIGHT SCHOOL
We’re taking to the skies this week as campers learn about all things aviation. Campers will explore the four principles of flight – Lift, Thrust, Drag, and Weight – while exploring how these forces interact on devices such as airplanes, gliders, helicopters, and even hot air balloons. How high can you soar?
MAKER CAMP: INTRO TO ROBOTICS
In this new, cutting-edge robotics camp, young campers will utilize Ozobots as an introduction to robotics and coding. Ozobots are specifically designed to respond to color-coded commands, proving an easy way for campers to familiarize themselves with core programming concepts, such as events, conditionals, and loops. Without even realizing it, campers will be developing their ability to think critically and reason logically, all while engaging in a fun, accessible, and dynamic environment.
IPAD CODING: ANIMATION STUDIO
In our brand-new iPad coding animation program, campers will utilize the ScratchJr software to create their own unique, interactive stories. ScratchJr was specifically designed as an introductory visual programming language, allowing campers to familiarize themselves with fundamental coding principles through an accessible and easy to understand interface. This course is the perfect introduction to coding for young campers as they learn how to articulate their thoughts and creative ideas through technology.
MISSION TO MARS
Houston, we have a problem – we’re having too much fun at camp. This week is dedicated to learning all about space and our solar system. After completing their astronaut training, campers will blast off on an exciting journey to Mars. Once there, they’ll construct Martian landers, build rovers to explore the terrain, and design an autonomous Martian colony. One small step for the summer, one giant leap for your camper.
IPAD CODING: BEGINNER GAME DESIGN
Kid Explorer’s Beginner Game Design course is designed as an engaging introduction for young campers to the world of STEM and computer programming. Using the intuitive and developmentally appropriate ScratchJr program, campers will be able to create their own interactive games, learning how to use technology as a tool for creative expression. As they create their own games, campers will hone their reasoning and logic skills, key components to future programming success.
KID EXPLORER CASE CRACKERS
A missing diamond. A mysterious note. A glass of spilled milk. Campers must sift through the clues this week as they solve puzzles, unravel mysteries, and catch criminals. Employing real-life techniques, campers will dive deep into the exciting world of forensics. Even Sherlock Homes would be impressed.
DECONSTRUCTION JUNCTION
Using colorful elements young campers will build fun and simple models such as spinning tops, rolling vehicles, seesaws, and rafts as an introduction to robotics through simple machines. If your camper enjoys pulling things apart and putting them back together, this is the perfect camp to engage and foster their dabbling desires.
STEM II
THE NEED FOR SPEED
“A mind in motion remains in motion” – that’s the motto for Kid Explorer’s physics themed week, dedicated to the science behind all things fast. Rockets, roller coasters, and wave runners – we’re exploring Newtonian physics in the most exciting ways possible. Campers will learn about velocity, acceleration, collisions, and friction by designing, testing, and refining in this hands-on, action-packed course.
IPAD CODING: GAME DESIGN
Utilizing a project-based curriculum, campers in our new iPad Game Design program will be introduced to and further refine key programming skills. Camp will focus on using technology as a creative and empowering outlet for campers, harnessing their imaginative spirit with a developmentally appropriate interface. Campers will become acquainted with important coding concepts, such as sequences, variables, and conditionals, all within the accessible world of video game design.
MAKER CAMP: STEM ROBOTICS
Our STEM Robotics camp brings fundamental STEM concepts to life, making them both inviting and engaging for campers at a crucial developmental age. Campers are taught core design concepts and then challenged to create machines and robots to accomplish specific tasks in increasingly complex situations. Adaptable mechanical components allow campers to apply real-world solutions, with a focus on design, testing, reflection, and adaptation.
IPAD CODING: VIDEO GAME DESIGN
In our new iPad Coding: Video Game Design course, campers will learn valuable coding techniques and concepts in an engaging and accessible environment. A perfect introduction to an exciting STEM field, campers will embrace video game programming as an empowering tool, rather than as a finished product to be passively experienced. With a project based curricula, this course is designed to allow campers to unleash their creative potential while still developing the important technical skills needed for success.
GAME DESIGN WITH SCRATCH CODING
The sky is the limit when it comes to computer programming. Using Scratch, a programming language developed by MIT, campers will be able to imagine, innovate, and create their own amazing games, stories, and animations. Specifically designed as an introductory language to the world of coding, the robust program serves as a perfect instrument for teaching the concept of coding by drawing upon creativity, imagination, and interests.
CSI: CAMP SCENE INVESTIGATORS
Missing gemstones. Hidden clues. Suspicious characters. It’s just another week at Kid Explorer CSI. Join us in the crime lab where we’ll utilize real-world forensics techniques, including fingerprint evaluation, fiber tracing, and handwriting analysis to solve crimes and unravel mysteries.
LEGO® – MINE, CRAFT, BUILD SURVIVAL WEEK
Bring Minecraft to life using LEGO®materials! Resourcefulness, creativity, and cooperation come together in this unique building adventure game; roll the dice to mine for resources, craft tools, and watch out for Creepers! This ultimate Minecraft experience using LEGO®materials is an original game designed by Play-Well, using gameplay elements and characters inspired by popular Minecraft video game. Students will have a blast even without any prior experience with Minecraft or LEGO®materials.
LEGO® – SUPERHERO MASTER ENGINEERING
Superheroes need your help to defeat the destructive forces of evil arch-villains as they threaten LEGOpolis! Explore the tools and techniques of your favorite caped crusaders and learn what makes them not only superheroes, but super engineers. An engineering curriculum challenges our heroes to design, build, and save a city where ingenuity and imagination can solve any conflict.
LEGO® – JEDI MASTER ENGINEERING
The Force Awakens in this advanced engineering course for young Jedi! Discover key engineering concepts such as gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics, and eccentric motion. Build LEGO®X-wings, AT-AT walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, Settlements, Fortresses, and other complex machines and structures from a galaxy far, far away.
LEGO® – STEM CHALLENGE
The Force Awakens in this advanced engineering course for young Jedi! Discover key engineering concepts such as gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics, and eccentric motion. Build LEGO®X-wings, AT-AT walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, Settlements, Fortresses, and other complex machines and structures from a galaxy far, far away.
STEM III
GUARDIANS OF THE GREENERY
Kid Explorer goes green as we devote a week to nature and environmental conservation. Featuring interactive activities and experiments as well as exciting group projects, we’ll be exploring some of nature’s most magnificent marvels and the threats they face today. Along the way, we’ll focus on conservation techniques, innovative methods for safeguarding the environment, and cutting-edge green technology.
ADVANCED MAKERS: HIGH TECH TINKERING
Get your camper excited about STEM by introducing him or her to the fascinating world of robotics. Using real parts, real science, and real engineering, campers can build sophisticated robots that will ignite their passion for technology and engineering. Featuring both dedicated builds and problem-solving challenges, this hands-on, fun, and engaging experience provides a strong foundation in core STEM concepts.
CODING: MOD DESIGN
In this camp from Youth Digital, kids learn real Java programming as they design and code their own Minecraft mods from start to finish. Kids will learn the basics of one of the most popular coding languages in the world as they modify real Java code to build their own blocks, items, mobs, and more. During camp, kids will master introductory computer programming concepts including object-oriented programming, methods and parameters, instantiation of new objects, and more.
CODING: 3D GAME DESIGN
In this camp from Youth Digital, kids learn fundamental video game design skills as they design and create their own 3D video game. Kids will learn advanced 3D Design Concepts to control everything in their game by sculpting terrain like mountains, lakes and caves, modeling structures like factories, cities, or space stations, and bringing final polish with lighting, and special particles. Kids take their game from start to finish with a powerful 3D game design program called OWL Game Creator.
PATENT PENDING
Ever had a million-dollar idea? Enjoy taking things apart to see how they work? Wish you could figure out a better or faster way to do something – get to school, pack lunch, or mow the lawn? Join us for this invention themed week. We’ll learn about famous innovators and the obstacles they had to overcome. We’ll also explore how concepts like gamification and smartphone technology are impacting everyday routines. And campers will explore their own innovations in an environment that embraces taking risks and doesn’t fear failure. It’s the only way to stay woke and be the “Game Changer”.
BITS & BYTES: COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
Kid Explorer’s Arduino-based computer program allows campers to explore how computers and programming work together in real world applications. By studying the “guts” of a single-board microcontroller, campers can gain empirical knowledge in a way that makes computer science fun and accessible. Using Arduino clones, campers will be able to light LEDs, control motors, and create gadgets like thermometers, video game controllers, and ultrasonic sensors.
*At the end of the week, campers will be able to take their Arduino clones home to continue refining and tinkering on their projects.
ADVANCED MAKERS: ROBOTIC ENGINEERING
Featuring robot battles, races, and competitions, this brand-new week fully embraces the exciting world of STEM robotics. Campers will be able to construct complex mechanisms which they can control using the VEX IQ robot brain, controller, and smart sensors. An awesome curriculum and amazing robot builds will leave your camper saying, “Wow!” and looking for his or her next STEM learning activity.
LEGO® – MINE, CRAFT, BUILD SURVIVAL WEEK
Bring Minecraft to life using LEGO®materials! Resourcefulness, creativity, and cooperation come together in this unique building adventure game; roll the dice to mine for resources, craft tools, and watch out for Creepers! This ultimate Minecraft experience using LEGO®materials is an original game designed by Play-Well, using gameplay elements and characters inspired by popular Minecraft video game. Students will have a blast even without any prior experience with Minecraft or LEGO®materials.
LEGO® – SUPERHERO MASTER ENGINEERING
Superheroes need your help to defeat the destructive forces of evil arch-villains as they threaten LEGOpolis! Explore the tools and techniques of your favorite caped crusaders and learn what makes them not only superheroes, but super engineers. An engineering curriculum challenges our heroes to design, build, and save a city where ingenuity and imagination can solve any conflict.
LEGO® – JEDI MASTER ENGINEERING
The Force Awakens in this advanced engineering course for young Jedi! Discover key engineering concepts such as gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics, and eccentric motion. Build LEGO®X-wings, AT-AT walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, Settlements, Fortresses, and other complex machines and structures from a galaxy far, far away.
LEGO® – SUPERHERO MASTER ENGINEERING
Superheroes need your help to defeat the destructive forces of evil arch-villains as they threaten LEGOpolis! Explore the tools and techniques of your favorite caped crusaders and learn what makes them not only superheroes, but super engineers. An engineering curriculum challenges our heroes to design, build, and save a city where ingenuity and imagination can solve any conflict.
LEGO® – STEM CHALLENGE
The Force Awakens in this advanced engineering course for young Jedi! Discover key engineering concepts such as gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics, and eccentric motion. Build LEGO®X-wings, AT-AT walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, Settlements, Fortresses, and other complex machines and structures from a galaxy far, far away.
*“LEGO®” is a trademark of its respective owner. Kid Explorer Camp is not affiliated with or sponsored or endorsed by any of those entities.
FAST FACTS
HOURS
9am–4pm
AGES
Rising 2nd to 7th Grade
RATIO
10:1
PROGRAM LOCATIONS
- South Loop -Chicago, IL
- Lakeshore – Chicago,IL