Discover Science Camp in California

AstroCamp is a science and adventure summer camp for kids between eight and 17 with one or two-week sessions. Here, your child can explore electricity in our Magnetism Lab, visit the Telescopes Viewing Center to peek at the night sky, or build their own robots. They’ll do all of this and more in a classic camp environment with additional outdoor activities.

If your child is more interested in the creative side of science, Geek Week is the perfect pick. During this week-long session, campers dive deeper into some of the camp’s most popular creative-based activities: 3D printing, animation, metalsmithing, and live-action role-playing.

Hear From Happy Parents

Year after year, families and schools return for AstroCamp summer camp. Here’s why they say it’s worth it!

“We love AstroCamp! Camp has been my son’s home away from home for the past four summers. The depth of friendships and connections formed from his experience speak to the kind and inclusive nature of camp, where everyone gets to be exactly as they are and is encouraged to try incredible new activities. The joyful hellos and tearful goodbyes tell the story of time well spent. AstroCamp is now part of my son’s DNA.” – Karen, 4th Year Parent

“My son Lance had such a great time at AstroCamp! He told me so many amazing things and I know he was well taken care of. This was his first experience going away from home and so we were both feeling a little nervous, but thanks to the amazing staff we both felt very comfortable. I appreciate all the pictures and the letters we were able to send back and forth while Lance was away. Also, thank you for all the pre-camp emails – they made everything from directions to packing very clear for us as a newcomer. We also loved the warm welcome we got from the staff when I dropped him off at camp last week. All thethr staff, from the parking lot to the check-in, were over and beyond friendly and helpful. Lance had so many beautiful things to say about his counselor, Kieran. He definitely made the experience wonderful for him. I truly feel like this single week at camp has made such a big impact on Lance. He returned home noticeably more confident and vibrant. He has clearly developed some new skills socially, academically, and physically.” – Lexia, 3rd Year Parent 

“My son attended this camp and enjoyed his time at AstroCamp thoroughly. We were very impressed with the structure of the activities and the well-organized electives. The counselors were amazing, and Diana Huff truly went above and beyond to accommodate us and make me feel comfortable.” – Nina, 1st Year Parent

Camp Activities at AstroCamp

Power Pole

Campers test their fear of heights in this wacky adventure. They climb up a telephone pole (strapped to a safety harness, of course) all the way to the top where there’s a little platform. Swinging next to the pole is a tether ball. Campers then jump off the pole, trying to hit the ball.

GaGa Ball

An exciting version of dodgeball. It’s played in a “pit”—aka a dirt patch that is surrounded by a short wooden fence—and campers use their hands to tap the ball toward opposing players. If a camper is hit on the knee or below, they’re eliminated. Last kid standing wins!

LARP-ing

Campers are encouraged to get into character and enter into a new world. During this activity, kids take on the role of a new character and embark on an adventure that takes them all over camp. Through exploration, quests, and investigations, campers experience a unique adventure journey.

Metalsmithing & Welding

Your camper can become a master of metal in these courses! Metalsmithing starts with campers learning the skills they need to complete a project: including blacksmithing, welding, and copper work. Once those skills are mastered, campers are able to tackle their own project to take home.

Campers can elect to just take our welding course where they’ll learn the techniques including Gas Metal Arc Welding and Plasma Cutting. We of course start with basic skills to create personalized designs. Some art will stay on the AstroCamp campus, leaving their permanent mark! They also get to take home some projects as well.

Adventure Overnights 

Adventure overnights are off-site camping trips where campers get to experience the great outdoors in a dynamic, immersive setting. Your child will sleep under the vast network of stars that paint the skies above California’s San Jacinto Mountains.

AstroCamp: The Best Science Camp for Kids!

At AstroCamp, we designed our summer camp with your science-obsessed kid in mind. That’s why we hire awesome camp instructors and provide a balance of science and outdoor camp activities. 

There’s never been a better time (or place!) to meet new friends, learn new things, and have a blast. Check out our summer camp’s dates and rates, and enroll today to help your child have the summer of their dreams.

The post Science Made Fun: Science Camps for Kids appeared first on AstroCamp.

One-Week Session Outdoor Activities

Here are some of the activities during our one-week-long session that campers can’t get enough of. 

Power Pole

Campers test their fear of heights in this wacky adventure. They climb up a telephone pole (strapped to a safety harness, of course) all the way to the top where there’s a little platform. Swinging next to the pole is a tether ball. Campers then jump off the pole, trying to hit the ball.

GaGa Ball

An exciting version of dodgeball. It’s played in a “pit”—aka a dirt patch that is surrounded by a short wooden fence—and campers use their hands to tap the ball toward opposing players. If a camper is hit on the knee or below, they’re eliminated. Last kid standing wins!

LARP-ing

Campers are encouraged to get into character and enter into a new world. During this activity, kids take on the role of a new character and embark on an adventure that takes them all over camp. Through exploration, quests, and investigations, campers experience a unique adventure journey.

Mountain Biking

Shift gears optimally, ride on trails, and learn the basics of mountain biking during this exhilarating outdoor adventure. AstroCamp has private mountain trails, perfect for the eager beginner or the cycling-crazed enthusiast. Everyone will take their skills to the next level with a series of fun biking challenges. 

Low Ropes Course

During this program, campers learn trust, teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills by tackling problem-solving activities as a group. This is a prerequisite for other ropes courses and we couldn’t recommend it enough! 

Two-Week Session Outdoor Activities

In addition to those same one-week session activities, our two-week session offers unique outdoor activities that keep campers coming back year after year. 

AstroCamp Renaissance Festival 

Knights, kings, queens, jesters, and mages swarm the camp during this day of fun and adventure. Our campers craft flower crowns and candles and embark on a whole LARP campaign during this day of improv and jest.

Metalsmithing & Welding

Your camper can become a master of metal in these courses! Metalsmithing starts with campers learning the skills they need to complete a project: including blacksmithing, welding, and copper work. Once those skills are mastered, campers are able to tackle their own project to take home.

Campers can elect to just take our welding course where they’ll learn the techniques including Gas Metal Arc Welding and Plasma Cutting. We of course start with basic skills to create personalized designs. Some art will stay on the AstroCamp campus, leaving their permanent mark! They also get to take home some projects as well.

Adventure Overnights 

Adventure overnights are off-site camping trips where campers get to experience the great outdoors in a dynamic, immersive setting. Your child will sleep under the vast network of stars that paint the skies above California’s San Jacinto Mountains.

Wilderness Survival

For an even more immersive wilderness experience, your camper can partake in our wilderness survival course. They’ll learn how to build a shelter, search for food, what orienteering is, and other essential survival skills. This course is for anyone who loves being out in the woods exploring. 

Outdoor Adventure at AstroCamp

These are just some of the outdoor adventure courses we offer at AstroCamp—and we didn’t even get into all the STEM-based activities! If your child loves the outdoors and also enjoys geeking out with like-minded kids, then AstroCamp is the place for them. Be sure to enroll today and secure your child a spot for this summer.

The post Explore the Great Outdoors: Join Our Outdoor Summer Camp appeared first on AstroCamp.

Unbeatable Weather

Set at 5,400 feet elevation (that’s a mile high!), the climate here can’t be beat—you get all four seasons with the additional bonus of a Southern California backdrop. The seasons are picturesque with the scent of lilacs in the air in spring, warm summers, vibrant autumn colors, and snowy winters. This incredible weather paves the way for this area’s most iconic attraction, its alpine forest abounding with wildlife.

Beautiful Forests & Adventure-full Hikes

The town is nestled within the San Jacinto Mountains and there’s no shortage of hiking trails. Plus, the trail system across the San Jacinto Mountains is shared between both Mount San Jacinto State Park and the San Bernardino National Forest—so any avid hiker is sure to find a path that suits them. 

There are easier shorter hikes, like the Panorama Point Trail that’s a one-mile loop with minimal elevation gain, perfect for kids and grandparents alike! If you’re looking for more of a challenge, there are a lot of options due to the significant elevation gain from most Idyllwild trailheads. For example, the Deer Springs Trail to San Jacinto Peak is an 18.4-mile out-and-back with a 5,300-foot elevation gain. 

Sweet, Eclectic Downtown

Another magical moment of this pine tree-dotted town is its artsy downtown. Home to a premier arts school Idyllwild Arts Academy and a destination for creatives The Art Alliance of Idyllwild, art and craftsmanship oozes into the streets creating a lively place to shop and eat. There’s a vintage candy shop, a record store with retro concert tees, and a purple cottage that sells loose-leaf tea. There are also lots of tasty local eateries that’ll fuel you up before or after one of those challenging (and rewarding) hikes.

Meet Max, The Golden Retriever Mayor

Yep, you read that right! Idyllwild’s mayor is an extremely pettable golden retriever named Max. He’s downtown nearly every day so you can hopefully grab a glance or a pet after shopping around or enjoying yummy local food. If you want to ensure a visit, you can email his office, at max@mayormax.com, and Chief of Staff Phyllis will let you know the Mayor’s downtown visiting schedule or can arrange a private visit for special events at the location where you are staying or at the Mayor’s home.

Join AstroCamp: An Idyllwild Summer Camp

As you can see, there are many reasons to love this town, but we love it because we get to call it home. AstroCamp’s campus is located in a beautiful, wooded area in the San Jacinto Mountains, providing 80 acres of mountain meadow that’s surrounded by pine, oak, and manzanita trees. Our facilities and labs offer state-of-the-art equipment for exploring physical and earth sciences and the natural world. 
If your child is looking for an unforgettable summer full of science, look no further than AstroCamp. (P.S. After dropping them off, might we recommend grabbing some doughnuts for the drive home.)

The post Discover the Magic of Idyllwild: Join Our Camp appeared first on AstroCamp.

Say Hello

First impressions are so important for making summer camp friends. Instead of waiting for other kids to approach first, encourage your child to be brave and make the first step. Remember, it’s probably just as scary for the other kids as it is for your child! But a big smile and laugh with a friendly “hello!” can easily erase their fears.  

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Asking honest and interesting questions is one of the best ways to make someone feel special, liked, and comfortable. After your child introduces themselves to another camper, they should ask about where they’re from, how old they are, where their bunk is at camp, or what activities they’re excited about. Not only will the other camper feel like your child genuinely cares about them, but this is a quick way to find similarities between the two kids. Maybe they’re in the same program, or come from the same state! 

Invite Others To Do Things Together

Camps are a great place to try out new experiences—but they’re so much more fun with a friend. After your child talks to someone, they should invite them to do something together. It can be as simple as walking from the bunk house to their first program, or trying a new activity that they’re both interested in! If it goes well, ask them to do something else. This will keep the connection going and form the foundation of a wonderful new friendship. 

Roleplay Conversations

Rehearse these kinds of conversations with your child so they feel prepared when they go off to camp. Practice saying hello, asking questions, and inviting them to do something together later. This is a great way to help kids overcome fears of conversation or rejection. Slip in some wildcards or interesting comments to make the roleplay a fun game!

Be Yourself

Kids can feel pressure to act differently in order to fit in, especially in a new place. But tell your child that they should never be ashamed of who they are. Pretending to be someone else is exhausting and will keep them from having fun at summer camp. It’s much easier and better to be genuine about who you are! Tell your child they don’t need to be friends with everyone, just the people who will like them for who they are. These are the friendships that can last a lifetime and help us become better people as we grow.

Learn How to Make Friends at Summer Camp at AstroCamp

Camp is the perfect place for any child to make new friends and develop important, lifelong social skills. At AstroCamp, we train our staff of friendly, passionate people to help every camper form a sense of independence, try new things, and develop their own individual character. AstroCamp is inclusive of all individuals, making our diverse community of students, campers, and staff a safe place for everyone to grow and develop. Here, your child can become the best version of themselves while having a blast learning about science!

Check out our summer camp’s dates and rates, and enroll today to help your child make friendships for a lifetime.

The post How to Make Friends and Have Fun at Summer Camp appeared first on AstroCamp.

Developing Independence & Gaining Confidence

Someday, our kids will be adults, responsible for their own lives and decisions. To make their futures as bright as possible, we should give them the chance to develop the skills they need now. Independence and confidence are two of the most important things a child can learn, and overnight camp is a great place to develop these traits. Instead of relying on their parents, they’ll learn to take charge of their schedules at camp, showing up on time to programs and meals. Once they’ve had a chance to do things on their own and succeed, they’ll become so much more confident in who they are!

Improving Social Skills

At overnight camp, children meet new kids—some are similar to them, most will be different. They’ll see them around the clock in programs and meals, and even live with them in the same bunks. It’s a great way to learn healthy communication, teamwork, cooperation, empathy, listening skills, and even conflict resolution. Your camper will have a strong support system of counselors and cabin mates to help them too. Imagine all the new friendships your child could make—some that could last a lifetime.

Learning Something New

Camp is a great place for kids to learn more about a passion they already have, or discover something new! AstroCamp is a fun, educational summer camp that shows kids the power and joy of learning through various STEM-themed programs. Campers can pick from various science camp activities, from astronomy to rocketry to our signature Geek Week. Highly specialized camps like ours offer unique experiences different from traditional camps. And since kids are here overnight for several days or weeks at a time, there’s more time to dive into the material and get the most out of it.

Decreased Screen Time

Most camps, including AstroCamp, are device-free zones. This gives kids a chance to unplug and look up at the world around them—a crucial step in developing all of the skills we’ve talked about. However, once day camps are done for the day, most kids will likely go back to their screens afterward. One study from Harvard showed that decreased screen time can help kids sleep better and develop their brains fully. Overnight camps keep the screens away for longer, increasing the impact of this device-free time.

Cost-Efficiency

It’s true, the best overnight camps can be more expensive than day camps. But day camps don’t cover a lot of costs—like three meals a day, for example. Most day camps start after breakfast and finish before dinner, while some last only half a day and don’t provide any meals at all, only snacks. There’s also the cost of transportation. Some day camps have buses that take kids to and from certain stops, but otherwise, you’ll have to pick them up and drop them off each day. 

All those extra costs for time, food, and transportation can add up quickly for day camps, but overnight camps have everything included: meals, transportation to any off-campus adventures, and more. There’s also the convenience for you, the parent. Once you drop your child off at overnight camp, you’ll have time to yourself until you pick them up again! 

Come to AstroCamp, an Overnight Camp in California

Sending your child to an overnight camp like AstroCamp is one of the best decisions you could make for them! Our camp gives kids the chance to explore their passions in one or two-week sessions with other science-loving kids. They’ll spend their days having a blast in state-of-the-art labs or romping around our campus in the beautiful, outdoorsy state of California. Check out our summer camp’s dates and rates to get started.

The post 5 Reasons Why Overnight Camps Are the Best Summer Experience! appeared first on AstroCamp.

Future Engineers

Does your child love to spend hours building or creating things? You might have a budding engineer on your hands! This activity lets campers test their skills in design and construction, along with new camp friends who share the same interest and skills. They’ll undergo a series of kid-sized challenges, from building bridges to making robots to launching ballistic machines.

Advanced Rocketry

These aren’t the plastic water bottle rockets you may have made in your backyard when you were a kid. In this activity, campers will make real combustion rockets—ones that can fly thousands of feet into the air. They can choose to make their rocket from a kit, or if they want an extra challenge, from scratch. Once made, we drive the kids to a special off-campus launch pad to safely execute their rockets. The highest one wins!

Robotics

Has your child ever dreamed of building a robot? That’s what this activity is all about! Kids with a mechanical mind who love to understand why things work the way they do will love this course. We’ll teach them the basics of robot design, engineering, and programming. They’ll make a robot that can accomplish a simple task, and work as a team with their camp friends.

Electricity & Magnetism Lab

Maybe your child loves building their own circuits, watching thunderstorms with lightning, or testing the magnets on your fridge. This lab would be a great place for them to explore the properties of electricity and magnets. They’ll perform several experiments with electric currents, and different levels of magnetism, and perhaps even have their hair stand up straight with static electricity!

Telescopes & Star Nights

Future astronauts and astronomers will love taking night hikes up to one of our signature Telescope Viewing Areas. They’ll learn how to use binoculars and our telescopes to look for deep-sky objects, ranging from planets to stars. And they can see images we’ve taken with our digital telescope cameras! This activity is truly out of this world.

Come to AstroCamp, a STEM Summer Camp

If your child would love any of these activities, AstroCamp sounds like the perfect place for them to spend the summer. Our camp gives kids the chance to explore their passions with other like-minded kids while having a blast in state-of-the-art labs. Our instructors and staff are equally as passionate and often create the activities from the ground up before leading the kids in their fun. 

Sending your child to camp is one of the best decisions you could make for them! Check out our summer camp’s dates and rates, and enroll today to help your child have the summer of their dreams.

The post From Robots to Rockets: STEM Summer Camp Activities in California appeared first on AstroCamp.

A History of Idyllwild 

Long ago, the Cahuilla (Native Californians) lived in Idyllwild’s area for seasonal hunting.  You can still find their trails crossing the mountain, and scientists have discovered several bedrock mortars in or near the area. Mortars are round depression rocks that people used for grinding grain, acorns, or other food products. The mortars date back hundreds and perhaps thousands of years, giving evidence of long-term human habitation for our campers to study. 

European settlers used the high country similarly to native people, hunting the abundant deer. Later, loggers harvested the hillsides of pine trees while breeding domestic sheep and cattle on the fragile mountain meadows. Finally, in 1897, President Grover Cleveland created the San Jacinto Forest Reserve to help contain and control these practices. 

Beautiful Idyllwild Weather

The town of Idyllwild sits about a mile up in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. The climate is like a tropical paradise, often called a “sky island” due to the numerous species of flora, fauna, and animals that dwell here. The temperature is much milder here than in the surrounding valleys, which can reach triple-digit temperatures in the summer and drop below zero in the winter. Our sky island still gets all four seasons throughout the year, ranging from rain to snow to sun. The summer months are beautiful, usually sunny and temperate—perfect for being outdoors in nature all day, every day.

Lots of Things to Do

People come from all over to explore Mount San Jacinto State Park, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and recreational fun. These are popular activities at AstroCamp too! 

Visitors often take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, one of the world’s largest and longest single-lift passenger tramways. This carries passengers 2.5 miles from the Valley Station in Chino Canyon to the Mountain Station. From the top, you can see the greens of Palm Springs golf courses, agricultural regions of the Coachella Valley, and a sweeping windmill farm. Not to mention there are beautiful sunsets and clear skies for stargazing at night! This is one of the reasons why we can study the skies so well here.

Spectacular Natural Wonders

Idyllwild and the rest of the San Jacinto Mountains rest on a major fault block with a distinct westward tilt. It’s seismically active and slowly rising in elevation. It also has one of the steepest cliffs in the world, plunging 9,000 feet in less than four miles. There are stunning Nature Granite peaks, sub-alpine forests, and mountain meadows to explore.

Living in the park are a variety of plants and animals. Our campers can spot white-headed woodpeckers, Steller’s jays, and mountain chickadees from day to day. They can hear the noisy Clark’s nutcrackers and red crossbills feed on the seeds of the forest’s pines.

Come to AstroCamp, an Idyllwild Summer Camp

The beauty and natural resources of Idyllwild allow AstroCamp to offer our signature Mountain Science Adventure Summer Program. Over the course of the one or two-week programs, campers get the unique opportunity to explore nature, science, and space. They’ll have some activities in our specialized labs, but most of the time, we get them outside to engage in mountain adventures. Campers learn valuable skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in an encouraging and supportive community—as well as a stunning natural environment.

Check out our virtual tour so you can see the beauty of Idyllwild for yourself. Once you see it, you and your camper will be hooked on AstroCamp! Explore our summer camp’s dates and rates, and enroll today to send your child to the best place for camp in the country.

The post Escape to Nature: Idyllwild Summer Camp for Science Lovers appeared first on AstroCamp.

Our Astronomy Camp Activities

We offer two kinds of programs at AstroCamp: one-week sessions for ages 8-13, and two-week sessions for campers ages 12-17. Both sessions have a lot of overlap, but the two-week camp has some specific activities for older kids, such as advanced astronomy and advanced rocketry. For specific astronomy activities during one week sessions, we have telescopes and star nights, cosmic lander, and building and launching rockets! You won’t find activities like this at any other camp. Here are some of our most popular activities. 

Astronomy

This elective dives into big questions like why black holes exist, explores deep space objects, and observes the planets and stars orbiting our own planet. Campers will make models of astronomical objects (like supernovas!) and learn how scientists search for objects in the night sky. We’ll do experiments to discover the power of the sun, and explore our signature vortex room.

Atmosphere and Gases Lab

How come we can breathe easily on Earth, but would need space suits to breathe on Mars? This lab explores planetary atmospheric conditions in a hands-on approach. Campers get to learn about temperature, pressure, density, and other gas properties through exciting and energetic experiments!

Building & Launching Rockets/Advanced Rocketry

Our campers get to build real combustion rockets that can go thousands of feet up in the air. Kids design their own rockets from scratch or use one of our kits, then we go off campus on a rocket-launching adventure to our official launch area. 

Telescopes and Star Nights

In one of our signature evening programs, campers will take a short night hike up to a telescope viewing area. They’ll learn how to use telescopes and binoculars to view objects far, far away. 

Micrometeorites

Campers use microscopes and magnets to collect and identify tiny meteorites and learn how they journey from space all the way to our camp!

Cosmic Lander

Kids get to learn about space travel by building their own space lander and testing its ability to survive space on simulated planet surfaces.

Microgravity

Suitsuits are required for this activity! Campers will construct a mock satellite in a neutrally buoyant environment—in our case, a pool or the ocean. 

Come to AstroCamp, an Astronomy Camp in CA

Does your child love science or nerd out about the stars? We believe these interests are wondrous talents to celebrate. Our camp gives kids the chance to explore their passions with other like-minded kids while having a blast in state-of-the-art labs located in the beautiful, outdoorsy state of California. Our camp instructors and staff are equally as passionate and often create the activities from the ground up before leading the kids in their fun. 

Sending your child to astronomy camp is one of the best decisions you could make for them! Check out our summer camp’s dates and rates, and enroll today to help your child have the summer of their dreams.

The post What the Astronomy Camp Experience is Like at AstroCamp appeared first on AstroCamp.

Now, most of our activities are held outdoors because the weather here in sunny California is unbeatable. However, there are a handful of activities that can only be done outside and only at AstroCamp.

Outdoor Camp Activities at Our One-Week Session

The programs we offer differ between our one-week and two-week sessions. Here are a few outdoor activities available to our campers during the week-long session.

Telescope & Star Nights

After a short hike to one of our telescope viewing areas, campers learn how to gaze at the stars and see deep-space objects. We’re able to take images of the night sky using our digital telescope camera—so your camper can take home a photo of their favorite constellation.

SkyCoaster

Strap into summer camp’s biggest swing! After being buckled into the SkyCoaster’s harness, fellow campers elevate their friends via a pulley system all the way to the top of the tree line. Then the swing is let loose, and you swing through the air almost like you’re flying.

Archery & Axe Throwing

In this course, campers learn the fundamentals of target archery and axe throwing. Novices and experts alike feel welcome in this course as they learn new skills. Not to worry, parents—the focus is on safety and proper technique! 

Power Pole

Campers test their fear of heights in this wacky adventure. They climb up a telephone pole (strapped to a safety harness, of course) all the way to the top where there’s a little platform. Swinging next to the pole is a tether ball. Campers then jump off the pole, trying to hit the ball.

Outdoor Activities at Our Two-Week Session

Wilderness Survival 

For an immersive wilderness experience, your camper can partake in our wilderness survival course. They’ll learn how to build a shelter, search for food, what orienteering is, and other essential survival skills. This course is for anyone who loves being out in the woods exploring.

Mountain Biking 

Campers get to rip it up on our very own mountain biking trails. During this course, campers learn to shift gears strategically, ride on trails, and other basics of this sport. We set up a series of biking challenges that help take the camper’s riding skills to the next level. 

Adventure Overnights 

Adventure overnights are off-site camping trips where campers get to experience the great outdoors in a dynamic, immersive setting. Your child will sleep under the vast network of stars that paint the skies above California’s San Jacinto Mountains.

Geocaching 

A geocache is a treasure left behind that you have to find using a handheld GPS device and clues—a real-life treasure hunt! During this course, campers travel around the camp hunting for these hidden gems. Plus, they’ll even get the opportunity to create their own geocache. 

Advanced Rocketry

We go a step further than water bottle rockets in this course. Campers build their own combustion rockets that go thousands of feet into the air. During the two weeks, they’ll build their rocket, then at the end, there is an off-site launch to see who goes the highest. 

Outdoor Adventure at AstroCamp

These are just some of the outdoor adventure courses we offer at AstroCamp—and we didn’t even get into the myriad of STEM-based activities! If your child loves the outdoors and also enjoys geeking out with like-minded kids, then AstroCamp is the place for them. Be sure to enroll today and secure your child a spot for this summer.

The post 9 Outdoor Camp Activities That You Can Only Do at AstroCamp appeared first on AstroCamp.

Geek Week is a weeklong camp session for 10 to 17-year-olds. All of the instructors are trained and just as excited as the campers to jump into this action-packed week. Check out what types of activities we offer during this time at camp.

LARP (Live-Action Role Play)

Campers can get into character and enter a new world! In this creative class, they take on the role of a new character for a whole adventure that takes them all over the camp. Campers will have the opportunity to play a role in a unique adventure experience and bring it to life through exploration, quests, investigations, and creative problem-solving. 

Improv

This activity will introduce campers to improv comedy and the rules of improv. It’s a great way to learn creative storytelling because you have to work with a partner or a group to create an engaging (and sometimes funny) story. Campers will also learn the value of public speaking, how to listen to their peers, and gain confidence in front of crowds. 

Robotics

Campers can build their own robot at camp! Here they’ll learn the basics of robot design, programming, and engineering to create a robot that will complete a task. Robotics is a great way to practice problem-solving in science. If the robot isn’t functioning as designed, then it’s up to your camper to think outside the box to solve the problem. 

Dungeons & Dragons 

One of our most popular courses! Campers love this game because it involves strategy, creativity, and being your unique self. One of our very own Dungeon Masters will teach campers the basic rules of this dice-rolling game. They will then help each player create a character to take through a brand-new fantasy adventure. If your camper has never tried this game before but is a fan of games and fantasy, then this is their chance.

Campfire

More than a firepit with roasting marshmallows, Geek Week campfires are where kids and counselors put on their best performance. The opening campfire is where the staff act out skits and sing songs to welcome campers to camp. Later in the week, another campfire is held. But this time campers are the stars of the show—putting on acts for the counselors and other kids. 

Enroll and Totally Geek Out!

We couldn’t fit all of the fun, nerdy, and creative activities we offer at Geek Week in this article, so be sure to check out the rest of the offerings. And if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. If all of this has gotten you and your camper excited about the endless opportunities this summer, check out the dates and rates and enroll today.

The post What is Geek Week at AstroCamp? appeared first on AstroCamp.

But which one to choose? There are a lot of options out there no matter the interests of your child, but it can feel overwhelming simply figuring out where to begin. Here we’ll outline five tips for you to follow when searching for potential summer camps with your child.

1. Decide What Size of Camp You & Your Child Wants

If your child wants a summer camp with lots of different activities and fellow kids running around, then you might want to look for a larger summer camp with a wide breadth of options. Or if your kid has a specific interest, you’ll likely have more luck with a smaller more specialized camp.

Another thing to consider when deciding on a camp size is your child’s comfort level of meeting new people and making new friends. If they’re shyer and more reserved, a large camp with a lot of loud kids might not be the best environment for them.  

AstroCamp is a specialized camp with science labs and mountain adventure activities. Due to our unique programming, we like to keep the number of kids in our sessions low so everyone gets an opportunity to participate and learn. Campers broaden their horizons and learn valuable communication skills in this encouraging and supportive environment.

2. Make Sure the Camp Has Appropriate Age Ranges 

The last thing you’d want is your 7-year-old attending a summer camp designed for 16-year-olds. So as you’re pursuing camp websites make sure they have programming designed for different age groups. That could mean different sessions entirely, or simply different parts of the camp allotted to different ages. 

There are two different camp sessions at AstroCamp. A one-week session for eight to 13-year-olds and a two-week session for 12 to 17-year-olds. We designed it this way because the two-week camp is more intensive as the teens get to choose from a wide breadth of activities that are then uniquely tailored to their interests. 

3. Find a Length of Camp That’s Appropriate for Your Camper

Similar to what we just mentioned, it’s tougher for smaller kids to be away from home for long periods of time. When looking for camps not only pay attention to the age ranges, but also the camp’s duration. That’s why we designed the one-week session for the younger children and the two-week session for older kids. 

4. Choose a Camp with Activities Your Child Enjoys

Your child who’s all about art should go to a camp that will allow their artistic talent to flourish. If your kid is a sports nut, drop them off at a camp with many different sports and coaches. Your child doesn’t have to be excited about all activities, just a majority. It’s the activities that they’re not interested in, try anyways, and become obsessed with that make summer camp so special. 

For your science-loving kid who’s always trying to build kitchen-table volcanoes, send them to AstroCamp. In addition to our standard camp sessions that are chock full of labs, experiments, and outdoor adventures, we have Geek Week for the child who loves nerding out. 

Geek Week is a specialty session designed specifically to dive deeper into some of the most popular creative-based activities at camp. Our epic weeklong journey through one-of-a-kind activities embraces everyone’s inner geek. There’s metalsmithing, LARPing, D&D, robotics, 3D printing, and more!

5. Learn About the Facilities & Staff Available at the Camp

Facilities and staff play a major role in determining if your child has a fun time at summer camp. Do some research into what’s available, when things have been renovated, and what type of training the staff has. A valuable resource is always the parent FAQ page.

Our facilities and labs offer state-of-the-art equipment for exploring physical and earth sciences and the natural world. Plus, we’ve even got our own escape room. Campers are housed in comfortable dorms and meals are served in our lodge-style dining hall. 

When it comes to our counselors, we only hire the best! They’re all current university students with a background working with children. Applicants go through a rigorous hiring process including multiple interviews, a background check, and drug testing. Many cabin counselors were even campers themselves. They then go through an intensive 9-day training program before any campers arrive. Counselors are trained in team-building, group-leading, child development, safety, and being sensitive to individual camper’s needs and life experiences. 

AstroCamp is THE Camp For Your Child

At AstroCamp, we designed our summer camp with your science-obsessed kid in mind. That’s why we hire awesome camp instructors and provide a balance of science and outdoor camp activities. 

There’s never been a better time (or place!) to meet new friends, learn new things, and have a blast. Check out our summer camp’s dates and rates, and enroll today to help your child have the summer of their dreams.

The post 5 Tips for Choosing A Summer Camp appeared first on AstroCamp.

Here we’ll outline six different holiday gifts for kids who love all kinds of science—from the astronomer to the chemist, and everyone in between.

Kids Microscope

If your child is interested in the smaller things in life, then a children’s microscope is the perfect gift. This National Geographic Microscope for Kids comes with ​​six prepared plant slides, six rocks and minerals, and six blank slides to prepare at home—they’ll be entertained for hours! Plus, there’s a pipette, specimen dish, tweezers, and easy-to-follow instructions, so your kid can investigate the world around them just like real scientists.

Starter Telescope 

Is your child more interested in looking up than looking down? Get them a beginner’s telescope this holiday season. This Lunar Telescope for Kids is easy to assemble and allows your child to see the moon in incredible detail. With two eyepieces included they’ll be able to zoom in and see the moon’s craters and who knows, maybe even an alien.  

Kids Lab Coat

No matter what STEM subject your kid is interested in, help them look the part by gifting them a lab coat. With this trusty lab coat, they can experiment with elephant toothpaste, homemade volcanoes, or even baking (an extremely tasty form of chemistry). Bonus: this lab coat is machine washable and comes with a complementary pocket-sized field guide complete with a glossary of scientific terms. 

Engino Sets

When building forts or stacking blocks is the name of the game for your child, we recommend giving the gift of an Engino Set. Engino is a STEM-based toy company that creates building sets for your young engineer. These sets are a great introduction to physics and building. What’s really exciting is they have sets designed for kids anywhere from three to 12 years old—so no matter where your child is in their scientific journey, Engino can help guide them. 

Kids Chemistry Set

Candy plus chemistry—what’s not to love? This Candy Chemistry Set for kids marries your child’s two favorite things, science, and their sweet tooth. With this set, they’ll learn about crystallization, measurements and conversions, volume, and heat while they create rock candy, gummy bears, chocolates, and more. Who knew learning could be so delicious?

Model Rocket Kit

If your child is beginning to outgrow building blocks and candy chemistry, why not introduce them to the world of rocket science? This model rocket makes it easy to build and launch their own rocket more than 200 feet into the air! Here they’ll learn about jet propulsion, physics, and aerodynamics. We love how this kit comes with everything you need—including a screwdriver—and you don’t have to paint or sand anything. 

Take Science to The Next Level With AstroCamp

At AstroCamp we take rocket building, engineering, moon gazing, and microscopic discovery to a whole new level with our immersive experimental learning programs. At our summer camp, your child will learn, grow, and have fun participating in AstroCamp’s most popular hands-on science labs and outdoor adventure activities. Our team of counselors and instructors will guide campers to exploration, adventure, and connection.

The post Holiday Gifts for Kids Who Love Science appeared first on AstroCamp.