Summer is all about having fun, right? But here’s the catch: Learners can lose a month's worth of academic progress during summer break (Cooper et al., 1996). That’s where out-of-school programs save the day by creating learning experiences just as cool as sunny beach days. 

Dive into Fun and Engaging STEM Themes

PCS Edventures STEM-themed camps are the ultimate summer experience, complete with everything needed to provide meaningful and motivating activities throughout the season. Whether it’s coding robots or exploring the world beyond classroom walls, STEM sparks curiosity and creativity, putting an end to that dreaded “summer slide.”

What’s the secret to keeping learners engaged all summer?

STEM-themed programming keeps campers fully engaged and excited about learning. Each PCS Edventures program is an adventure on its own — but grouped together, their power is unmatched! By grouping programs with a common theme, campers embark on a summer-long journey that deepens their understanding and confidence in a cohesive STEM topic.

Find the STEM-Themed Journey That’s Right for You!

Creative Technology

Calling all techies! Explore the wonders of robotics with hands-on design challenges. These programs
focus on coding, encouraging learners to discover creative tech solutions.

Grades 1-3

Kick-off with:
Cubelets BOT Builder

Introduce your youngest roboticists to a lifelong love of STEM. Through scaffolded lessons and the engineering design process, learners collaborate to build robots that move, sense and adapt.

 

Continue with:
Rockin' Robots

Build on campers’ newfound engineering skills by integrating art and music into coding. Take the Sphero indi on a tour through a STEAMtastic fusion of music and robotics. Explore songs, craft instruments and design a melodic coding challenge!

Grades 4-8

Kick-off with:
Cosmic Coders

Embark on a space-themed adventure that fuels a passion for STEM. Learners explore space, code robots and collaborate with their crew to tackle cosmic challenges and maneuver their Astrobot across the galaxy!

 

Continue with:
Influencer Camp

Explore the world of digital influencers! Acquire the skills for a safe, responsible and positive online presence through collaborative learning and video production that emphasizes authenticity, honesty and reliability.

Nature Detectives

Blending creativity and scientific exploration, campers find inspiration by exploring the world around them.
They become nature detectives facing eco-challenges, creating sustainable projects and more!

Grades 1-3

Kick-off with:
Dirt Camp

Young learners collaborate, reflect and problem-solve their way through a
hands-on celebration of soil. With multi-subject integration, learners roll up their sleeves to experiment, engineer and excavate.

 

Continue with:
Plants and Seeds

Through whimsical tunnel books, learners explore seed dispersal and the life cycle of plants. Each lesson builds problem-solving skills, confidence and creativity as students create a unique work of art.

Grades 4-8

Kick-off with:
Oceanic Exploration

With so much to explore below sea level, these activities guide campers to become true eco-detectives. They’ll be hooked as they investigate significant ecological challenges such as migration, overfishing and extinction.

 

Continue with:
Build a Better World

Scientists and engineers are tackling eco-challenges above ground too! Campers see firsthand how their creativity and ingenuity help safeguard the world’s inhabitants from natural disasters.

We Make Planning Easy for Summer Camp Coordinators!

Check out the top five advantages of integrating STEM-centered programming:

1. Simplified Planning Process

Planning and setting up activities can be tedious and time-consuming tasks. That’s why we offer detailed activity blueprints along with all the necessary resources required to deliver an engaging and interactive learning experience.

Whether your educators are experienced facilitators or new to their roles, we provide them with everything they need to confidently deliver a successful camp program that meets objectives and exceeds campers’ expectations.

2. Seamless Implementation

Limited resources, budgets or staff expertise shouldn't hold back summer learning. That's why we're confident our support can be invaluable for camps facing these challenges.

Flexible Learning: Each program includes 12 engaging 1-hour lessons, allowing you to adapt the pace to your schedule. Need longer sessions? Extension activities are included. Materials are provided for up to 30 learners.

Many programs feature reusable materials, ideal for cost-conscious camps. Our team can help explore refill kits, add-ons and potential customizations to fit your budget and needs.

3. Increases Camper Engagement and Satisfaction

Wondering how summer camps turn learning into a blast? It’s all about getting everyone on board. Time and again, educators have reported just how much their learners want to be active participants in STEM activities.

Dirt Camp
03/13/2023
Robin B.
I am LOVING Dirt Camp!
So many great activities for our younger youth to explore. The comprehensive supplies list and the way the lessons are organized makes prepping for each lesson much easier than some other curricula we've used. The few test lessons I have done were a hit and allowed the youth plenty of space to observe and experiment.

STEM activities are inherently interactive, meaning campers are up and out of their seats, getting messy or tinkering away, all in the name of learning. It’s an adventure that takes campers on a journey of discovery, where they encounter challenges, overcome obstacles and develop a deeper appreciation for the world.

4. Aligns with Educational Standards

The “summer slide” has no place in a STEM-themed camp. Integrating STEM learning into the camp curriculum fills each day with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math concepts through hands-on projects.

PCS Edventures programs encourage creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills that benefit campers long after camp has ended.

Take a closer look at how STEM takes educational standards to the next level in these blog posts:

• Coding for Kids: How to Boost Academic Achievement, which features Rockin’ Robots
• STEM Meets the Science of Reading, which features Plants and Seeds and Ready, Set, Drone!

5. Attracts and Retains Campers

High engagement and educational value are crucial for attracting both campers and staff. But there’s another important factor camp coordinators must consider: STEM-themed programming appeals to parents and guardians looking to bridge summer learning gaps.

As they search for the perfect summer program, they’re asking two questions:

• What are the benefits of attending?
• Will my child have an enjoyable summer at this camp?

Once they’ve experienced a PCS Edventures program, it is easy for them to answer both questions with a resounding YES! Don’t believe us yet? Check out this stellar 5-star review.

Build a Better World
08/10/2019
Teacher ant D.B.E.S.
Students Loved This Course!
The students loved this course. I had several comments from parents about how much their child loved this class. Some parents even said their students were building things and talking about their day and what was done in class.

STEM builds excitement campers can't get enough of. You can bet parents will be eager to maintain that enthusiasm year after year.

Make the Most of Summer with STEM

With so many programs available, selecting the perfect fit for your camp can be a daunting task. Don’t worry! Our knowledgeable STEM Program Specialists and resources are here to guide you toward a truly remarkable summer experience.

Turn every summer day into a chance to explore and grow. Embrace the power of STEM, making this the most memorable summer yet!

Author: Jessica Ventre

An experienced elementary educator and science instructional coach, Jessica’s passion for STEM instruction and student-led learning is always at the forefront of her lessons and professional development workshops.

Resources

Cooper, H., Nye, B., Charlton, K., Lindsay, J., & Greathouse, S. (1996). The Effects of Summer Vacation on Achievement Test Scores: A Narrative and Meta-Analytic Review. Review of Educational Research, 66(3), 227–268. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543066003227