STEM Programs Near Me

🎤 Persuasive Speaking: Level 2 Duration: 5 Weeks | 1 Hour Per Class Prerequisite: Students must have taken the 2024–2025 Persuasive Speaking class OR be recommended by a Highest Speak instructor. For eligibility questions, please email info@highestspeak.com . Get ready for a high-energy, challenge-packed series designed to take persuasive speaking skills to the next level! Level 2 dives deeper into structure, reasoning, clarity, and performance. Students will work with longer 1–3 minute speeches, more complex prompts, and higher-level persuasive strategies—all while keeping the fun, creativity, and excitement that Highest Speak is known for. This course is perfect for students ready for more challenge, more depth, and more speaking time. ⭐ LEARN • Dive deeper into the elements of powerful persuasive speaking, with more advanced frameworks and techniques. • Strengthen simple debate and reasoning skills in a fun, age-appropriate way. • Learn how to quickly and clearly structure longer 1–3 minute persuasive speeches, both prepared and impromptu. • Explore how to hook an audience with stronger openings, examples, humor, and emotional appeal. • Understand how to tailor persuasion to different audiences with the right tone, structure, and approach. • Practice strategies to manage nerves and speak with calm, confident energy—even under time pressure. • Build a more advanced understanding of organization, tone, evidence, and delivery in a supportive, encouraging environment. ⭐ DO • Create both impromptu and prepared 1–3 minute persuasive speeches using Level 2 prompts and frameworks. • Work on high-energy challenges, persuasive “pitches,” and creative team activities. • Participate in dynamic role-plays, demonstrations, mini debates, and interactive games that make learning unforgettable. • Receive targeted, individualized feedback designed to stretch each student from their current level and help them grow every session. ⭐ IMPROVE • Strengthen persuasive structure, clarity, confidence, and delivery through instant application and practice. • Learn to take feedback and implement it immediately in the next speaking round. • Benefit from personalized coaching that challenges advanced students and supports those still growing. • Build confidence, creativity, organization, and expressive skills—at school, socially, and in everyday communication. ⭐ INSTRUCTOR EXPERIENCE For classes with more than 10 students, two expert, high-energy instructors will lead the sessions to ensure every child receives ample individualized feedback and speaking time. Our instructors are professional educators and performers who bring energy, humor, and warmth to every class. Students leave each session laughing, learning, and excited for the next challenge. Please note: Occasional at-home assignments may be given to maximize progress and reinforce new skills.

Give your child the gift of confidence and the joy of cooking! Our culinary program offers hands-on cooking lessons for budding young chefs. We learn more than how to follow a recipe at Lil’ Chef School. We utilize math, science, teamwork, creativity, and more. Children learn about cuisines of the world and enhance their experience with fruits, vegetables, herbs & spices while gaining confidence and experience in the kitchen that will last them a lifetime. Children will make 2 recipes each week and will get a tasting of the food they made at the end of class. Recipes are provided online.

🔬⚡ Spark Curiosity and Creativity at GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp! Calling all young scientists, inventors, and curious creators! GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp gives kids in grades 1–3 the perfect full-day experience—mornings filled with hands-on experiments and afternoons packed with high-energy All-Sports fun! It’s the best of both worlds: messy, exciting science + active play and teamwork. ⭐ Why Choose GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp? 🔬 Exciting Experiments: From glow-in-the-dark bouncy balls and fizzing erupting volcanoes to DIY kaleidoscopes, campers explore science through fun, creative projects every day. 🧪 Hands-On Discovery: Kids dive into chemistry, physics, and simple engineering—all through playful, age-appropriate activities that inspire confidence and curiosity. 🤝 Teamwork & Collaboration: Campers work together on builds, experiments, and challenges, building social skills and learning how inventions come to life. 📈 Full-Week Progression: Each day adds new skills and new discoveries. Because activities build throughout the week, drop-ins are not available. Camp Details 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🔬 Morning: Science Camp (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: The Plex Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM at the BACK of The Plex. Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM at the BACK of The Plex. What to Bring: Comfortable clothes for messy science fun Water bottle Two snacks Lunch GrowFit has over a decade of experience delivering camps that blend learning, movement, and unforgettable fun. Our Science + All-Sports Camp gives kids the perfect balance of discovery, creativity, and active play—they’ll go home excited to tell you everything they built, mixed, erupted, and explored! ⚡ Ready to Discover Something Amazing? Spots are limited—register today! Refunds and Cancellations: 30+ days before camp: Full refund minus 10% fee Within 30 days: Credit for future camp Day-of or after camp begins: Non-refundable

Calling all future architects, engineers, and master builders! Are you ready to unleash your creativity and construct amazing structures? In Makerspace Marvels, we combine the power of math, measurements, and units with hands-on engineering and architecture to bring your biggest ideas to life! Each day, campers will face exciting design challenges, learning to think like real engineers. We'll dive into the practical side of math, using measurements to plan our creations and understanding different units (like inches, feet, and centimeters) to make sure our designs are perfect. Precision is key when you're building! Note: Campers will have the opportunity to utilize various kid friendly tools to bring their innovative designs to life.

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 this program, young scientists will dive into the world of microbiology, learning techniques for working with bacteria, DNA, and more. They’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools and methods to unlock the secrets of the microscopic world. Join us to explore, experiment, and ignite your passion for science!

Drone Explorers: STEM Missions is an exciting indoor program for students in grades 4–8. Kids will learn to fly and code real drones while solving hands-on, real-world challenges. Each session blends science, technology, and teamwork in a fun and engaging way. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and creativity. All equipment is provided, and classes are held safely indoors.

In the Applied Science Lab, students explore real-world science through fun, hands-on experiments. Each week, they build working projects like helicopters, flashlights, wind turbines, and more using everyday materials. The class encourages creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork while teaching core science and engineering concepts. No screens or kits—just engaging, interactive learning. It’s the perfect class for curious kids who love to build, explore, and discover how things work

Messy experiments. Big discoveries. Endless curiosity. If your child loves asking “what happens if…?”, Weird & Wacky Science Lab is where curiosity takes center stage. In this hands-on science camp, campers roll up their sleeves and dive into the fun, surprising, and sometimes messy side of science. Through exciting experiments and outdoor exploration, students investigate the basics of chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science—all in a way that’s engaging, playful, and age-appropriate. Campers will pop, squish, ooze, build, and explore as they conduct experiments using everyday materials and items found in nature. From examining pond water under microscopes to creating eye-catching chemical reactions, this camp turns big scientific ideas into unforgettable experiences. What students will do: Create hands-on experiments like neon slime, solar ovens, and sound-making instruments Explore chemistry and physics through safe, guided reactions Investigate biology by examining bugs, pond water, and natural materials Learn about photosynthesis and energy through outdoor experiments Build confidence asking questions, testing ideas, and making discoveries This camp is held both indoors and outdoors, encouraging movement, exploration, and curiosity. Getting messy isn’t just allowed—it’s part of the learning. Weird & Wacky Science Lab is a favorite for younger campers and a perfect introduction to STEM thinking. Students who enjoy this camp often love moving on to LEGO Robotics, Junior Game Designers, or other hands-on engineering camps.

A hands-on introduction to real-world robotics and engineering. One of Silicon STEM’s most popular camps, LEGO Robotics introduces campers to the powerful LEGO® Mindstorms robotics platform—the same system widely used in middle and high school robotics programs. Campers work in pairs to design and build different machine-style robots, then bring them to life using block-based programming in the EV3 coding environment. As they test and refine their robots, students learn how code controls movement, sensors, and decision-making. Depending on the build, robots may be programmed to: Sort objects Perform pick-and-place tasks Balance or react to sensors Complete structured engineering challenges This camp is perfect for students who love tinkering, building, and figuring out how things work. Along the way, campers develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and teamwork—core abilities used by engineers and roboticists. What students will do: Build robots using the LEGO Mindstorms platform Learn block-based coding and robotics logic Program robots to complete real-world style tasks Test, troubleshoot, and improve designs Collaborate with a partner on engineering challenges LEGO Robotics is an excellent “get ahead” experience for students interested in future robotics programs and competitions, and a natural next step toward BattleBots, Rocketry, and advanced engineering camps. Note: This is a collaborative camp. Students will work in pairs throughout the week.

🛠️💡 Invent, Build, and Create at GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp Calling all young makers, builders, and big-thinkers in grades 1–3! GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp at Valle Verde Elementary blends a morning of hands-on invention with an afternoon of high-energy sports fun. It’s the perfect full-day experience for curious kids who love to tinker, test ideas, and bring their creations to life! ⭐ Why Choose GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp? 🛠️ Engineering for Kids: Campers use cardboard, tape, recycled parts, craft sticks, rubber bands, and more to build creative inventions—bridges, launchers, contraptions, machines, gadgets, and imaginative designs. 💡 Design Thinking in Action: Kids brainstorm, sketch prototypes, test ideas, and refine their builds just like real inventors. Every “What if…?” moment becomes a chance to learn. 🤝 Team Challenges & Collaboration: Campers work together to solve problems, create shared inventions, and cheer each other on through building challenges. 📈 Full-Week Inventing: Each day builds on the last as projects become more creative and advanced. Drop-ins are not available to ensure campers get the full hands-on experience. 🎉 Action-Packed All-Sports Afternoons: After lunch, campers join our All-Sports Camp for games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, bounce house tag, and more—keeping bodies active and minds sharp. Camp Details — Walnut Creek 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🛠️ Morning: Inventor’s Lab (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: Valle Verde Elementary School Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM at the GrowFit table at the front of the school Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM at the gymnasium What to Bring: Comfortable clothing (inventing can get messy!) Water bottle Two snacks Lunch Extra clothes are recommended for younger campers With over a decade of experience offering programs that spark creativity and confidence, GrowFit’s Inventor’s Lab + All-Sports Camp empowers kids to explore ideas, experiment with materials, collaborate with friends, and build amazing creations—all while staying active and having fun. 💡 Ready to Invent, Explore, and Play? Spots fill fast—register today! Refunds and Cancellations 30+ days before camp: Full refund minus a 10% fee Within 30 days: Credit for future GrowFit camps Day-of or after camp begins: Non-refundable

In this hands-on engineering camp, students learn how to build their own interactive electronic devices. Using user-friendly microcontrollers, campers will build circuits, then code them to create systems that light up, buzz, react to motion & sound, and more. Students begin with the basics—how electricity flows, how devices collect data, and how coding controls hardware—then apply those skills to build smart alarms, reaction-time games, simple monitors, and interactive devices. (No coding experience required.) By the end of the week, each camper will have developed a working knowledge of physical computing, controls, sensors and more. This camp is ideal for students new to electronics as well as those ready to level up their engineering skills. Recommended for ages 11-15.

Give your child the gift of confidence and the joy of cooking! Our culinary program offers hands-on cooking lessons for budding young chefs. We learn more than how to follow a recipe at Lil’ Chef School. We utilize math, science, teamwork, creativity, and more. Children learn about cuisines of the world and enhance their experience with fruits, vegetables, herbs & spices while gaining confidence and experience in the kitchen that will last them a lifetime. Children will make 2 recipes each week and will get a tasting of the food they made at the end of class.

Explore, Experiment & Discover the Science of Life Step into the fascinating world of living things! Biology Camp gives young scientists hands-on experience exploring DNA, microorganisms, plants, animals, and the human body. Throughout the week, campers conduct experiments, observe specimens under microscopes, and investigate how life works at every level—from cells to organs. Whether they love biology, enjoy experiments, or are curious about the natural world, campers will gain confidence as they explore, discover, and learn like real scientists. All Summer Campers receive a free TCSL t-shirt!

⚡🔬 Spark Curiosity and Movement at GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp! Calling all future scientists, inventors, and explorers in grades 1–3! GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp blends the excitement of hands-on discovery with the energy of multi-sport fun. Mornings are all about science experiments, creativity, and discovery—while afternoons are packed with sports, teamwork, and laughter. It’s the perfect balance of brain power and playtime! Why Choose GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp? 🔬 Explosive Science Fun: From building erupting volcanoes and creating glow-in-the-dark bouncy balls to crafting colorful kaleidoscopes, campers explore the magic of science through exciting hands-on experiments. 🧪 Curious Minds at Work: Campers dive into chemistry, physics, and engineering concepts in a playful, age-appropriate way that sparks critical thinking and creativity. 🏅 Active Afternoons: After lunch, the fun continues with our All-Sports Camp—featuring a variety of games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, and bounce house tag. 🤝 Teamwork and Discovery: Whether mixing experiments or mastering teamwork on the field, campers collaborate, problem-solve, and celebrate each other’s successes. 📈 Full-Week Experience: Each day builds on the last, so full-week registration is required—giving kids the time to fully explore, experiment, and grow. Camp Details: 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🔬 Morning: Science Camp (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: The Academy 🚗 Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM | Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM 🎒 What to Bring: Comfortable clothes that can get messy, a water bottle, lunch, and two snacks. With over a decade of experience delivering enriching and fun-filled camps, GrowFit’s Science + All-Sports Camp inspires curiosity, confidence, and connection—where discovery meets play every single day! ⚡ Ready to Experiment, Explore, and Play? Spots fill quickly—register today and watch your child’s curiosity and creativity come to life! Refunds and Cancellations: Cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the camp date will be eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% cancellation fee. For cancellations within 30 days of the camp start date, we’re happy to offer a credit for future participation. Please note: cancellations on or after the start of camp are non-refundable. Tax ID: 81-1018163

🧱🏅 Build, Create, and Play at GrowFit’s LEGO® + All-Sports Camp! Calling all young builders and active adventurers in grades 1–3! GrowFit’s LEGO® + All-Sports Camp combines hands-on building and creative problem-solving with a high-energy afternoon of sports and games. Mornings are all about imagination, design, and engineering challenges—while afternoons are packed with teamwork, movement, and laughter! Why Choose GrowFit’s LEGO® + All-Sports Camp? 🧱 Creative Building Projects: Campers tackle new LEGO® challenges every day—from constructing bridges and vehicles to building cities and imaginative creations that bring ideas to life. 🧩 STEM-Powered Fun: Through hands-on projects, campers explore engineering, design, and collaboration in a playful, confidence-building environment. 🏅 Active Afternoons: After lunch, campers join our All-Sports Camp for a mix of games like soccer, basketball, gaga ball, and bounce house tag—keeping energy and smiles high! 🤝 Teamwork & Collaboration: Whether designing a LEGO® masterpiece or strategizing on the field, campers learn the power of communication and cooperation. 📈 Full-Week Experience: Each day builds on the last, so full-week registration is required—ensuring campers fully explore both their creative and athletic sides. Camp Details: 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Full-Day Program) 🧱 Morning: LEGO® Camp (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🏅 Afternoon: All-Sports Camp (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM) 📍 Location: The Academy 🚗 Drop-off: 8:45–9:00 AM | Pick-up: 3:30–4:00 PM 🎒 What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, a water bottle, lunch, and two snacks. With over a decade of experience delivering dynamic, enriching programs, GrowFit’s LEGO® + All-Sports Camp inspires creativity, teamwork, and active fun—building skills and friendships that last far beyond camp week. 🧱🏅 Ready to Build, Play, and Imagine? Spots are limited—register today and let your child experience the best of both worlds! Refunds and Cancellations: Cancellations made at least 30 days prior to the camp date will be eligible for a full refund, minus a 10% cancellation fee. For cancellations within 30 days of the camp start date, we’re happy to offer a credit for future participation. Please note: cancellations on or after the start of camp are non-refundable. Tax ID: 81-1018163

A magical art adventure packed with sparkles, imagination, and fun! - 4 -8 years old. NO EXCEPTIONS. - Children must be ready to follow safety guidelines and engage in their projects for 30 minutes or more. - Children must be fully potty-trained and capable of handling their bathroom needs independently. - Any medical conditions (such as allergies or diabetes) and/or behavioral needs (neurodiversity, trauma) your child may have must be informed during the sign-up process. This information will help us make any necessary preparations and provide a supportive and enjoyable environment for everyone. Please note that all information shared is kept confidential. The policy for Messy Art Lab Camps is as follows: - 100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of registration. - All enrollment fees include a non-refundable deposit of 20%. - Refund of enrollment fee minus 20% non-refundable deposit if cancellation is made prior to 30 days of session start date. - No refund for cancellations made within 30 days of session start date, unless the spot is filled, in which case a refund credits minus the 20% non-refundable deposit will be issued. - Cancellations must be requested in writing via email. - Approval for transfer of camp week to another week will be determined on a case-by-case basis and per availability, with a penalty fee of 20% non-refundable deposit if made within 30 days of original camp week start date.

Turn imagination into a Minecraft world of your own. If your child loves Minecraft, this camp shows them how to go beyond playing the game and start creating inside it. In Junior Minecraft, campers learn the foundations of Minecraft modding (short for "modifying") using an age-appropriate, block-based coding system that’s intuitive, visual, and fun. Students explore how Minecraft works behind the scenes as they customize characters, modify gear, and make meaningful changes to their worlds...all in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. Campers work inside curated Minecraft worlds designed specifically for learning. Through guided challenges and creative projects, they’re introduced to the core ideas of “modding” while building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of ownership over what they create. What students will do: Learn the basics of block-based coding Customize Minecraft worlds, characters, and items Explore how games are built and modified Follow structured challenges with room for creativity Build confidence using technology as a creator, not just a player This camp is ideal for younger Minecraft fans who are curious, creative, and ready to take their first steps into coding and game design—no prior experience required. Important note: This camp requires a Minecraft Java Edition account, available at: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-edition If your student enjoys Junior Minecraft, they may also love: Junior Game Designers (Scratch Programming) LEGO Robotics Roblox Game Design Junior Minecraft is often the first step in a longer STEM journey...and one of our most popular ways for kids to discover that learning can be just as fun as gaming.

Tiny builders, big ideas! This week, campers design and decorate their own dream dollhouses using cardboard, clay, fabric, and imagination. From tiny furniture to colorful wall art, they’ll bring their miniature homes to life in the most delightful, creative way. Messy Art Lab Summer Camp Info 🌈 Art Show Each week ends with a special Art Show, where campers proudly share their amazing creations with family and friends! It’s a joyful celebration of their creativity and the wonderful work they’ve done all week. 🕘 Schedule Drop-off: begins at 9:00 AM Pick-up: 2:45–3:00 PM Aftercare: available 3:00–5:00 PM Aftercare Details: Aftercare can be purchased as a weekly package. We do not offer aftercare on Fridays. If you’d like to book individual aftercare days, please email Betty@messyartlab.com for availability. 🧺 What to Bring Please help your child come prepared for a fun (and messy!) creative day. 🚫 No nuts or nut products of any kind, please. -Two healthy snacks (morning & afternoon) -Lunch (no candy, gum, or sugary drinks) -A refillable water bottle -Comfortable, paint-friendly clothes -A jacket, sunhat, and layers for outdoor play -Sunscreen applied before camp -A full change of clothes (just in case!) 🧒 Camper Requirements To keep our camps safe, fun, and creative for everyone: -Campers must be 4 years and 6 months old by the first day of camp. (We’re not able to make exceptions to this policy.) -Campers should be able to follow safety instructions and engage in activities for about 30 minutes at a time. -Campers must be fully potty-trained and able to use the bathroom independently. -Please share any medical, behavioral, or developmental information (such as allergies, neurodiversity, or trauma) during registration. This helps us prepare thoughtfully and ensure a positive, supportive experience for every child. (All information is kept confidential.) 💰 Refunds & Cancellations We know plans can change! Please review our camp refund policy below: 100% refund for cancellations made within 24 hours of registration. All enrollments include a non-refundable 20% deposit. Cancellations made 30+ days before the camp start date: refund minus the 20% deposit. Cancellations made within 30 days of the camp start date: No refund unless we can fill your spot, in which case you’ll receive camp credit minus the 20% deposit. All cancellation requests must be sent in writing via email. Transfers to another camp week may be requested (based on availability). A 20% fee applies for transfers requested within 30 days of the original camp week.

Develop leadership and responsibility while making lifelong friends. Through hands-on activities, teens will learn valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all while giving back to their community in meaningful ways. It’s a fun, enriching experience that sets them up for success and gets them off their devices. Outdoor field games in local area parks daily, swimming twice weekly, kayaking and rock climbing once weekly each. Campers participate in outdoor field games in local area parks daily, swimming twice weekly. We spend the first and last hour of the day inside doing arts and crafts, STEM projects, and indoor sports such bowling and ping pong. The rest of the morning and afternoon we are outdoors doing field games and traditional activities utilizing local area parks. CITs may participate in the special activities if they wish, and should have appropriate clothing for those activities. Swim days are planned to be Tuesdays and Thursdays each week during the morning session. Kayaking are Wednesdays during the morning session, weather permitting. Rock climbing is on Fridays. We are open rain or shine, during inclement weather and poor air quality days we spend more time inside doing crafts, indoor sports and other activities. Hot lunch and healthy snacks are included. Early Bird pricing of 25% off, and ends 3/30. Early Bird pricing of 20% off, and ends 4/30. Early Bird pricing of 10% off, and ends 5/31. Discounts do not stack with other discounts, you will receive the best discount available to you at check out.

Spin. Soar. Engineer. In this high-energy LEGO® Robotics theme, students explore machines that spin, soar, splash, and perform dramatic actions—all while learning to code and control their creations. Each build uses rare and hard-to-find LEGO® elements to create dynamic motion and expression. Students will program motors and sensors using a beginner-friendly drag-and-drop interface, building both engineering and creative skills in every session. Disclaimer: Students will not take home any LEGO® kits, parts, or creations. This program is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the LEGO Group.