STEM Programs Near Me

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.

**MUST be in RISING Grades 2-4…NO Exceptions! Northern VA/DMV Area! We are back for the ULTIMATE IN-PERSON Summer Programs for your kids in our Reston Center! Public speaking skills are absolutely ESSENTIAL to academia, future career success, and to simply making friends! Effective and engaging storytelling and writing are key skills, not only for language arts, but to better engage with people, think creatively, persuade, and enhance ANYTHING we say! (It's also SUPER fun!) Welcome to Week 2: “Sensational Storytellers! -Fundamentals of Storytelling!" In this fully interactive class, we will have a ton of fun learning the elements of effective storytelling, playing hilarious storytelling games, and practicing multiple storytelling assignments! In this 5 day, 3-hours per day program, we will cover: - How to best PERFORM any kind of story! - How to conquer any level of NERVOUSNESS and become a more CONFIDENT storyteller! - The ELEMENTS of stories! - How to STRUCTURE and WRITE a story! - Different TYPES of stories from fiction, fantasy, stories about ourselves, motivational stories, and even news stories! - How to USE storytelling to enhance anything you do! Every day, the students will have multiple opportunities to practice what WE preach and receive feedback! Our 3-Hour day is broken into: Part I (1-1.5 hours) - Ice Breaker Activity - Lesson for the day - Practice through Game or Structured Assignment in Breakout Sessions! BREAK (15 minutes: Please bring a drink and snack.) Part II: Group Discussion of Previous Exercise/Lessons Lesson Cont. Practice through Games or Structured Assignment in Breakout Sessions! Wrap-Up We ALWAYS have two or more instructors to ensure EVERY student gets plenty of individual attention and truly improves their speaking skills! All of our instructors are teachers/public speaking professionals and are ALSO stand-up comics/performers, so your child is bound to have a great time! This limited sized class WILL sell out FAST! Reserve your spot TODAY! This is the greatest skill you can give your kids, while they have an absolute blast! ***NO class prerequisites necessary! Basic grade level reading skills ARE needed. Previous and New Students will ALL benefit from this program!

Get ready to measure up and dive into data in this exciting Math Workshop Session! We’ll learn to collect, organize, and interpret information, and use our measurement skills to explore the world around us. We’ll apply our understanding of measurement to solve problems involving distance, time, liquid volumes, mass, and money. We’ll explore different units of measurement within the same system. We’ll learn to tell time to the nearest minute and solve problems involving addition and subtraction of time intervals. We’ll measure lengths using rulers and explore different units of measurement. We’ll work with liquid volumes and masses, learning to estimate and measure them. We’ll create and interpret scaled bar graphs to represent data. We’ll learn to represent and interpret data using line plots. Come join us and have fun!

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.

SENSORY-MOTOR GROUP Led by Kelly McDonald — M.S. in Occupational Therapy | 20 Years of Experience Our Sensory Motor Group supports young children in building the foundational skills they need for play, learning, and everyday life—through a playful approach. Led by a licensed pediatric occupational therapist, this small group helps children strengthen: 🌟 Sensory processing and self-regulation 🌟 Fine motor skills (cutting, grasping, pre-writing) 🌟 Core strength, balance, and coordination 🌟 Following directions and daily routines 🌟 Emotional regulation and expressing feelings 🌟 Social skills and making friends Each session includes movement, sensory-rich play, calming strategies, crafts, and games that help children learn to understand their bodies, manage big feelings, and interact positively with peers. Perfect for children who need support with sensory processing, experience big emotions, or benefit from extra help with focus, transitions, or motor skills—in a nurturing and fun environment. ★ This class meets once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. 👉 First-time families may try one introductory class at a discounted rate ($25)! If you and your child find it to be a good fit, you are invited to register for a 4-class consecutive package. These sessions build on each other to offer maximum benefit through consistent participation.

SOCIAL PLAY GROUP Led by Ms. Paula — M.Ed. in Education & Special Education | 18+ Years of Experience This small-group program supports early social development in children ages 2 to 4. Through play-based activities, storytelling, and guided interactions, children learn essential skills such as sharing, turn-taking, following directions, identifying emotions, and engaging in cooperative play. The group fosters a safe, nurturing environment where young learners build confidence, empathy, and positive peer relationships. Key Outcomes: 💬 Sharing, turn-taking, and peer interaction 🧠 Emotion identification & regulation 🗣 Learning to express needs with words 🤝 Making friends and playing cooperatively 💛 Gaining confidence in a group setting PRICE INCLUDES: - 30 minute class - 1 hour of Open Play (w/ caregiver) REQUIREMENTS: 1. Signed waiver 2. Socks are required (adults & children) 3. Advanced registration

SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP Led by Paula Kelly, M.ED This play-based group supports young children in developing essential social skills for building friendships and navigating group settings. Through guided play, sensory activities, and structured routines, children learn to: - Greet peers and initiate play - Take turns, share, and follow group expectations - Recognize and talk about their own and others’ feelings - Use words to solve problems and express needs - Practice flexible thinking, cooperation, and self-control Each session is tailored to the unique needs of the group, offering a safe, inclusive space where children can build confidence, connect with others, and strengthen early relationship skills in a developmentally appropriate way. ★ This class meets once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. 👉 First-time families may try one introductory class at a discounted rate ($25)! If you and your child find it to be a good fit, you are invited to register for a 4-class consecutive package. These sessions build on each other to offer maximum benefit through consistent participation.

Get ready to blast off into space! In this daylong camp, we will dive into pretend play that explores the magic of outer space. Come along as we adventure to the Solar System of Make-Believe Planets... this is a wonderful camp for kiddos who feel a connection to the stars and like to imagine worlds beyond our own! Drop off is from 9am - 9:30 and pick up is anytime between 3:30 - 4:00pm. Refund Policy: Please note that we have a no refund policy. Full credits will be issued for anything with a 4 week notice and can be used for any future Rabbit Hole activity. After 4 weeks we are unable to credit. If your child is sick or you need to miss a day of camp we will have a camp bag ready for you at the studio. This bag will be filled with enchanted projects, art materials, audio and video links and anything your kiddo might be missing in class. Please email us ahead of time and let us know if you need to miss and would like an at-home camp bag! Photography Notice: We love to share the joy of our experiences on SmugMug and social media! Photos taken during our sessions may be used on our social media platforms. If you would prefer not to have photos taken of your kiddo, please add a note to your child's account on Care.com.

This Middle School Class is perfect for an after school Art Experience. We will complete roughly 1 project each day- :) Includes all sitting fees, materials and glaze/ studio fees. Yes- You can bring a snack to class & eat before we begin.

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)

Spring Break Speak Up Camp | Grades 2–5 Half Day Camp | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM A super fun, game-based public speaking camp where kids build confidence, creativity, and communication skills without even realizing they’re learning! Students will: • Explore multiple forms of public speaking including storytelling, persuasive, impromptu, and performance speaking • Learn the three core pillars of great speaking: Content, Structure, and Performance • Practice both on-the-spot speaking and written speeches and perform what they create • Receive constant coaching, encouragement, and individual feedback • Grow in confidence in a supportive, high-energy environment This camp is great for both our current students to sharpen their skills and for brand new students just getting started. We always maintain two instructors to keep activity groups small and ensure every child receives plenty of individual attention and feedback. Daily Schedule: 9:55-10am: Parent Drop-Off 10:00–11:30 Ice breakers, lessons, speaking games, confidence-building activities 11:30–11:45 Snack and social break 11:45–12:55 Speech activities, writing assignments, performances, and personalized feedback! 12:55-1:00pm Parent Pick-Up This camp is perfect for both shy and outgoing kids. It’s so engaging and fun that most kids don’t even realize they’re learning. They just know they’re having an amazing time.

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!

Turn creativity into content - and ideas into polished videos. In YouTube Creator Lab, campers learn what it really takes to create engaging video content - from planning and filming to editing and presentation. This camp focuses on creative storytelling, video production, and responsible content creation, not just posting videos online. Throughout the week, students use a professional video-editing application to transform raw footage into polished videos. They learn how thoughtful editing choices - like titles, transitions, music, and effects - can dramatically improve the quality and impact of a video. Campers also explore what makes content compelling and learn best practices around audience engagement, branding, and digital citizenship, helping them understand how creators grow channels responsibly and creatively. What students will do: Plan and storyboard video ideas Edit videos using industry-standard tools Add titles, transitions, music, and visual effects Learn the basics of storytelling and audience engagement Explore how creators grow channels and build an online presence This camp is perfect for students who enjoy video, storytelling, creativity, and media production. Whether they dream of being a creator or simply want to build valuable digital skills, campers leave with confidence and a stronger understanding of how content is made. Prerequisite: Basic computer and keyboarding skills Ages: 10–15 YouTube Creator Lab pairs well with Game Design, Pixel Art, and other creative technology camps for students who love expressing ideas through digital media.

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.

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

Learn how technology thinks — not just how to use it. Coding isn’t about memorizing commands or trying to compete with AI. It’s about learning how to think clearly, logically, and creatively in a digital world...and that skill is more important than ever. In Coding 101, students are introduced to the fundamentals of programming in a way that is approachable, engaging, and confidence-building. Through hands-on projects and interactive challenges, campers learn how code actually works behind the scenes — and how humans guide technology to do meaningful things. This camp focuses on core thinking skills: Breaking big problems into smaller steps Recognizing patterns Testing ideas and fixing mistakes Understanding cause and effect These are the same skills used by software engineers, game designers, data scientists — and even the teams who build and train AI systems. What students will do: Learn the basics of coding logic and structure Write programs and interactive projects Understand how computers “follow instructions” Practice problem-solving, debugging, and iteration Build confidence working with technology, not just consuming it For Loops, If/Else Statements, While Loops used daily by software engineers! Rather than treating coding as a rigid or intimidating subject, Coding 101 makes it accessible and empowering. Students leave with a strong foundation that prepares them for more advanced camps like game design, robotics, Minecraft modding, and beyond. For parents wondering whether coding is still relevant in an AI-powered world: AI doesn’t replace coding — it amplifies the people who understand it. Learning to code helps students become creators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers who can shape technology instead of being shaped by it. This camp is an ideal starting point for students who are curious about how technology works and want to build skills that will serve them across school, careers, and life.

Design games. Build worlds. Bring ideas to life. In Game Makers Lab, campers become game designers as they create their own 2D video games from start to finish—no traditional coding required. Using Flowlab, a powerful and intuitive game design platform, students design characters, build imaginative levels, and define how their games work. Inspired by classic games like Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders, campers learn how professional game designers think about gameplay, movement, challenges, and fun. While there’s no typing code in this camp, students still learn the logic behind game design—using visual tools to control physics, triggers, and interactions that bring their games to life. What students will do: Design and build original 2D video games Create characters, enemies, power-ups, and levels Use visual logic to control gameplay and interactions Explore physics, movement, and game mechanics Playtest, refine, and share their games with others This camp is perfect for creative students who love games and want to understand how they’re built, even if they’re new to programming. It’s also a great stepping-stone into more advanced game design, Minecraft Modding, and coding camps. Ages: 9+ Prerequisite: Basic keyboarding skills; no prior coding experience required Game Makers Lab empowers students to turn imagination into interactive experiences—and often sparks a deeper interest in coding and game development.

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 Trip: Explore San Francisco Week 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!

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!

Duration: 5 Weeks | 1 Hour and 15 Minutes Per Class Get ready for a high-energy, fun-packed experience where your tween/teen will discover the power of persuasion in the most exciting way! Persuasive speaking is a life-changing skill that helps kids express their ideas with confidence, influence others, and make their voices heard. Through lively games, engaging lessons, and creative challenges, your child will master the art of persuasion while having an absolute blast! LEARN • Explore the elements of persuasive speech and writing through interactive lessons and fun, real-world class discussions. • Be introduced to simple debate techniques in a playful and approachable way that boosts confidence. • Learn how to quickly structure both impromptu and prepared persuasive speeches in dynamic, fast-paced activities. • Discover techniques to captivate an audience with humor, creativity, and confidence. • Learn how to persuade different audiences with the right content while keeping things fun and engaging. • Learn how to better manage public speaking anxiety and nervousness, building confidence to speak up and present with ease. • Build a solid understanding of structure, tone, and delivery for persuasive presentations in a lively, supportive environment. DO • Work on both impromptu and prepared pitches, presentations, and speeches with high-energy practice activities. • Create imaginative and hilarious pitches with teammates for collaborative, laughter-filled challenges. • Participate in energetic demonstrations, role-playing, and interactive games that make learning unforgettable. • Receive individualized feedback, regardless of your child’s starting skill level, to ensure they improve in every session. IMPROVE • Sharpen public speaking and persuasion skills through instant feedback and hands-on practice. • Use the feedback instantly to ensure that the student captures it and applies it right away. • Benefit from personalized coaching that challenges and supports every student from their baseline. • Develop confidence, creativity, and clarity in expressing ideas, whether at school or in everyday life. Also, for classes with more than 10 students, two enthusiastic instructors will lead the sessions to guarantee every child gets the attention and feedback they deserve. Oh, and did we mention? Our instructors are professional educators AND performers who bring tons of energy and humor to every class. Your child will laugh, learn, and leave feeling excited for the next session! Please note: Occasional assignments will be given to maximize the class benefits.