2026 Enrichment Class Descriptions
2026 Summer Adventures features classes designed to spark curiosity, inspire learning, and make summer unforgettable. The 2026 lineup will continue to expand—more classes coming soon!
Please note this is a full list of classes offered in 2026. Not all classes will be offered each session. Please refer to the courses offered specifically in Session 1, Session 2, and Session 3 when registering online.
A - C
3D Printing
Imagine and innovate with 3D printing! Nexplore 3D Printing Start+ empowers students to bring their imaginations into reality with 3Doodler pens. Each lesson combines a structured STEAM project with wiggle room to doodle, explore, and create their own ideas. Students might construct landforms to learn about geography or use geometry to make their own shapeshifters. Nexplore 3D Printing Start+ transforms STEM concepts into 3D projects and sparks joy as students watch science come to life.
Amazing Appetizers
This hands-on cooking class is focused on making incredible and delicious appetizers! Learn to prepare a variety of crowd-pleasing party snacks. Campers will enjoy making bite-sized or shareable recipes each day. All classes are nut-free and allergy-friendly substitutes are available. Instructor: Cathy Yafchak
Art Around the World
Go on an artistic journey around the world! In Art Around the World, students travel around the globe, exploring different countries and their cultures. Then, they create art that represents what they learned from that culture, like a model pagoda from China or Matryoshka Dolls from Russia. Students both develop important artistic techniques like color mixing and perspective while building confidence, creativity, and cultural understanding as they make unique works that reflect the diversity of nature and human society. Instructor: Nexplore
Arts & Crafts Around the World
Come travel across the world as we explore different countries, their geography, and their various cultures and traditions. Campers will create an exciting and culturally rich craft to take home. Instructor: Kim Darling
Barrel of Laughs
Students will have a great time learning about motivation, stage directions, and teamwork by playing classic improv games. They'll learn to accept their partners' contributions to a scene by playing games such as Props, Yes and..., Freeze and Justify, Party Quirks, and many more. They're guaranteed to learn and laugh the whole class! Instructor: Julie Gibbons
Broadway Bound Showcase
Do you like telling stories? Do you enjoy storytelling with song and dance? Have you ever had that inner wish to take the stage, feel that spotlight shining down on you and wowing a captive audience with your performance? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you will love the experience of our NEW Broadway Bound Showcase! We will spend two weeks together diving into the stories of various broadway musical songs, learning about how to use the full actor’s toolkit to perform, and putting together a showcase performance for families and friends to enjoy at the end of the session. Join us and take your place in the spotlight! Instructors: Sessions 1 & 3: Beverly Preuss
Build a Bot
Calling all engineers and scientists! Build a Bot is a fun inquiry-based hands-on STEAM experience that engages students in design and robotics. In this program, students practice their engineering skills to create a series of robot models, each operating with a different mechanism and fulfilling a unique purpose. Students challenge their hands and minds to build fascinating bots, like the Fiber Optic Lamp, Powered Boat, Bubble Blower, and more! This program is fully aligned with NGSS standards and students even get to keep their creations. Instructor: Nexplore
Celebrations Throughout The Year
Come celebrate with food! Campers will learn about festive food from special days throughout the year. From Fourth of July to Halloween, we will be cooking exciting recipes that they can make for their next celebration. Instructor: Cathy Yafchak
Celebrity Chef Inspired Cooking
Get to know your favorite celebrity chefs by recreating one of their recipes each day. Bobby Flay, Ina Garten and Rick Bayless, just to name a few. Instructor: Cathy Yafchak
Ceramics
1st & 2nd Grade: Campers will be introduced to the basic theories of how ceramics materials work. They will explore texture stamping, pinch pot making, slip and score techniques, basic sculpting, as well as glazing and painting techniques.
3rd & 4th Grade: Campers will learn intermediate ceramics theory and how materials work. They will explore pinch pot making, slab pot making, slip and score techniques, basic sculpting, as well as glazing and painting techniques.
5th-8th Grade: Campers will learn advanced ceramics theory and how materials work. They will explore slab pot making, slip and score techniques, basic sculpting, banding wheel use and basic wheel throwing techniques, glazing and painting techniques, as well as basic kiln loading and theory.
Instructor: Michael Idzikowski
Chemistry in Action
Campers will have a blast conducting hands-on experiments using common household items like baking soda, vinegar, food coloring, shaving cream, and cornstarch. We will create an exploding volcano, Oobleck, DIY lava lamps, different variations of slime, and more. Each day begins with a science read aloud, followed by a hands-on experiment and a journal reflection. Campers have the opportunity to mix, create, observe and analyze chemical reactions in a manner that they may not have the opportunity to do in a traditional, larger classroom setting. Experiments will repeat for all three sessions. Instructor: Christine Cheung
Chess For Success!
This exciting summer chess program offers all students an opportunity to experience the fun, excitement, and experience of chess. Lessons will be geared to each group of students so that they will grow in knowledge and, if already a player, move to a new level of expertise. We know how dynamic chess is in helping students develop analytical and critical thinking skills, decision making skills, problem solving skills, new vocabulary, and math skills, plus learn to win graciously and learn how to turn a loss into a learning experience. This program is ideal for 1st - 8th graders. Instructors: Chess Ed.
Cooking Across America
Get ready for a road trip! Each day will find us in another state, creating one of their signature dishes. From Washington to Maryland, campers will cook their way from coast to coast. Maximum of 8 students. Instructor: Cathy Yafchak
Create Your Own "I Survive" Book
In this exciting summer course, students will become authors as they create their own I Survived–style books inspired by real historical events. Students will choose a moment in history to research and explore, using the I Survived series as a mentor to study how authors blend factual information with realistic characters and suspenseful storytelling. Through guided planning, writing, and revising, students will craft an original narrative that places a fictional character inside a historical event. Familiarity with the I Survived series is helpful, as students will use the structure and style of the books as a model for their own writing. By the end of the course, students will have a completed historical fiction story that demonstrates creativity, historical understanding, and strong storytelling skills. Instructor: Haley Thurman
Create Your Own Manga
Students discover this unique Japanese art form that’s spread across the globe. Young artists take pencil to paper and learn the fundamentals that make manga so iconic like how to draw expressive faces and striking hairstyles. Even more, the instructor guides students through its history and cultural significance. As they develop their artistic skills, students add bodies, outfits, backgrounds, and dialogue to create their own characters and scenes. At the end of the course, students create and proudly showcase their own original manga story. Instructor: Nexplore
Creative Writing
In this imaginative course, students will explore the art of storytelling through daily writing prompts, mini-lessons, and peer sharing. They'll develop characters, build vivid settings, and experiment with dialogue, genre, and poetic language. With a focus on voice, word choice, and creative risk-taking, students will craft original pieces and gain confidence as writers. The course culminates in a showcase of student work. All levels welcome! Instructor: Melissa Cannata
D - L
Dance, Act, Perform!
Summer Adventures is thrilled to have Fisher Arts as part of our summer program. This class focuses on fostering personal growth and empowerment through artistic expression. By leveraging various art forms, the class provides a platform for campers to discover their voices, build confidence, and explore their academic and creative potentials. Each session ends with a performance. Instructor: Robin Fisher
Eating the Alphabet
Come along on an alphabet journey. Each camper will create a recipe using ingredients that begin with a specific letter; for example, C for chicken. Everyday will be a new letter. We will prepare, cook and eat what we've made each day! Maximum of 8 students. Instructor: Cathy Yafchak
Eco Innovators Lab: Trash to Treasure Design Challenge (3rd/4th)
Turn everyday waste into something amazing!Students will take on real-world challenges in sustainability by finding creative ways to reduce waste, conserve energy, and use recycled materials in new ways. Activities include: Trash to Treasure Design Challenge – Turning old materials into functional products. Reusable Bag Design – Creating custom, reusable fabric bags. Eco-Friendly Business Proposals – Coming up with ideas for businesses that help the environment. Recycling Race – A hands-on challenge to sort and repurpose waste effectively.
Electronic Game Design
Make and code your own games! In Electronic Game Design, students create classic games by combining the innovative Makey Makey® device and programming with Scratch. Makey Makey® is a customizable circuitry tool that students transform into a controller for their games. They’ll learn about how circuits work with computers, coding, and how to design and build a fun game. Expert instructors guide students through making games like Operation and teach them the tools to bring their imaginations to life. Students combine their love for games with their drive to learn in this hands-on STEAM course. Instructor: Nexplore
Floral Design
Learn to express yourself creatively with a connection to nature in this floral design class. Starting with “flower of the day,” the students will learn about the different varieties they will work with. We will learn how to arrange fresh flowers with greenery to create beautiful and unique bouquets, arrangements, flower crowns and more. Instructor: Naomi Perlow
Filmmaking
Within this course, campers will learn the basics of professional filmmaking and create their own silent short film. Campers will learn how to operate a camera and utilize it to tell their story. Additionally, campers will be introduced to editing software that is used for professional productions. All projects will be camper-created and produced. Come ready to collaborate and create! Instructor: Colin Schuberth
Gardening
Do you love being outside and digging around in the dirt? Do you enjoy flowers and plants of all sorts? If so, then this class is for you! Campers will work together to design flower beds and vegetable gardens outside and learn how to maintain gardens while fostering plant growth. Students will also create their own herb pot gardens to take home at the end of the session! Instructor: Maylene Adleman
Hand Stitching Plushies
It's time to learn how to hand stitch! This "Hand Stitching Class" is a simple class where students will learn basic hand sewing techniques, including various stitches like how to thread a needle, perform a running stitch, whip stitch, and back stitch. This summer, our campers will be making a Super Soft Baby Seal Plushie, along with other plushies of their choice, if time allows. All done by hand, focusing on proper needle threading, knotting, and fabric manipulation. Let’s have fun!~~ Instructor: Opal Perlow
International Cooking
Let's explore some favorite recipes from around the world. Each day will find the campers learning about and cooking a recipe from various countries. From Greece to Japan, we will travel the globe through food. Maximum: 8 students Instructor: Cathy Yafchak
Gymnastics
Gymnastics engages young minds and bodies, offering a unique opportunity for students to explore their gymnastic potential in a structured and playful environment. As they tumble and soar, students boost their physical strength, flexibility, and coordination while developing heightened self-esteem and healthy habits. Led by experienced instructors, our gymnastics classes promise a fun-filled experience and a journey of personal growth and achievement. Instructor: Nexplore
Jewelry Making
Learn to express yourself creatively with a hands on experience using beads, buttons, crystals, and more in this jewelry making class. We will learn techniques to design jewelry, keychains, and wind chimes to create your own unique pieces. Instructor: Naomi Perlow
Junior Shark Tank (3rd-4th)
Campers become inventors and entrepreneurs as they brainstorm, prototype, and pitch their own product ideas. Each class focuses on creativity, teamwork, and presentation skills — all leading to a fun “Shark Tank Showcase” at the end of the session. Instructor: Nexplore
KEVA Planks
“KEVA Planks are simple, small, all-natural, maple wooden building blocks, proudly made in the USA. They are all the same size and require no glue or connectors, so they can be enjoyed for years. They embody the definition of heirloom toy. The planks are the perfect combination of weight and surface tension, making the planks feel almost magnetic.” In this class, campers will have the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild! The focus will be on both team-building and individual construction projects while learning about the physics of it all. Instructor: TBD
Kid-Prov
Students will have a great time learning about motivation, stage directions, and teamwork by playing classic improv games. They'll learn to accept their partners' contributions to a scene by playing games such as Props, Yes and..., Freeze and Justify, Party Quirks, and many more. They're guaranteed to learn and laugh the whole class! Instructor: Julie Gibbons
Latin
In this creative summer course, students will explore the foundations of Latin through vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling. They'll learn to read simple Latin sentences, discover Latin roots in English, and connect ancient language to Greco-Roman mythology and culture. Through games, mini-conversations, and imaginative writing prompts, students will build confidence and curiosity while uncovering the timelessness of the Latin language. No prior experience required! Instructor: Melissa Cannata
Laughing Matters
Students will have a great time learning about motivation, stage directions, and teamwork by playing classic improv games. They'll learn to accept their partners' contributions to a scene by playing games such as Props, Yes and..., Freeze and Justify, Party Quirks, and many more. They're guaranteed to learn and laugh the whole class! Instructor: Julie Gibbons
LEGO Engineering
LEGOs are much more than toys! This popular introductory class covers basic engineering principles using LEGOs. Campers work individually or in partners to plan, build, and test a variety of structures. Each session is based around a theme, and campers model their designs and construction from photos of real examples. Examples of previous LEGO challenges include skyscrapers, castles, bridges, off world colonies, vehicles, cities, and more. Instructor: Kim Lewis
LEGO Stop-Motion Animation Studio
Are you ready to create and animate? This class is the perfect opportunity for campers to use their imagination and creativity to build characters and sets, film stop-motion scenes, add sound, and produce short animated videos. This is a fun opportunity for campers to let their imaginations take over while they dive deeply into the work of stop-motion animation. Instructor: Kodely
LEGO Robotics
We have upgraded to the brand new LEGO Mindstorms Robot Inventor kit! Campers program and test their robots in order to complete a variety of tasks. Each camper tracks their progress in a personal workbook. These challenges involve programming the motion of the robot and using one or more sensors to guide their robot, and campers use conditional decision making, a fundamental programming concept (e.g. programming a robot to move through a maze of foam blocks). As the session progresses, campers take on more and more complex challenges. Instructor: Simon Apley
Let's Party
Come join in the fun as we make everything from bite-sized appetizers, sharable dips and even desserts. At the end of the session, campers will have all the recipes they need to host a party of their own! Maximum of 8 students. Instructor: Cathy Yafchak
M - Z
Magic and Performance
Welcome to the world of magic where everyone is a star! In this unique course, students build self-confidence, performance skills, and theatrical charm to wow their audience with tricks from their very own magic kits! With an experienced instructor, step-by-step guidebook, and access to tutorial videos, students can learn the tricks of the trade and then practice them at home. Young magicians showcase their new skills for family and friends in a culminating magic show! Instructor: Nexplore
MakeSpace Studio
MakeSpace Studio is a fun place where students bring common objects from around the house to class, to make art! Students will transform ordinary household or natural objects into expressive pieces. Using items like cardboard, old magazines, foil, buttons, and elements from nature, students experiment with texture, composition, and designs to show that art is everywhere. Use your imagination to make use of everything and anything around you! No art experience or special supplies required. Instructor: Lidija Dugalic
Martial Arts
Dive into an action-packed martial arts practice! This martial arts course empowers students with confidence and discipline. Students develop cool techniques, build super strength, and make friends while they train in a safe, and structured environment. They will have a blast mastering martial arts moves that improve their flexibility, health, and ability to focus. Expert instructors blend fun and discipline, teaching strength and self-control through carefully-designed and engaging exercises. Instructor: Nexplore
Math Enrichment
Young mathematicians will explore math challenges and solve math puzzles. Campers will learn about ancient numbering systems from around the world, create their original numbering systems, work with tangram puzzles, build with Magna Tiles, and stretch their mathematical skills with multi-step story problems. Each class begins with a math storybook, followed by small group work on multi-step math challenges. Favorite authors of math storybooks include Greg Tang and Brian Cleary. Campers benefit from collaborating with their peers to practice and apply critical thinking and analytical thinking skills. The math class is the same topic each session, but students will have differentiated math journals and students will work at their own pace. Campers can repeat this class moving into higher levels of math each session. Instructor: Christine Cheung
Mini Med School
Students step into the role of junior doctors and biomedical engineers — exploring anatomy, the five senses, and simple medical tools through hands-on labs. They’ll design stethoscopes, test reflexes, and create models of organs, blending science and creativity in every activity. Instructor: Kodely
The Modern Stitch Lab
Unleash your creativity, one stitch at a time! In this class, students will learn the basics of embroidery using fun patterns and colorful threads. From simple shapes to cute characters, students will explore stitching techniques, practice hand-eye coordination, and create their own unique fabric masterpieces. No experience is needed—just bring your imagination and a love for making! Instructor: Lidija Dugalic
Nature's Watch
Bring environmental science into the palms of your hands! Nature Watch’s interactive, project-based lessons center around hands-on activities that engage, enlighten, and enliven the learning process. In a given course, students dive deep into topics like animals, ecosystems, climate, and more. Nature Watch’s activity kits align with NGSS, advance 21st-century science education, and are mapped for STEAM extensions. To further promote discovery, all kits include a craft so each student can “make and take” their project home.
Origami
See the magic of origami unfold. Nexplore Origami takes a modern STEAM spin on traditional paper folding. Students hone their fine motor skills while learning standard folds and turning ordinary objects into extraordinary creations. While making art, students learn about the world through hands-on STEAM activities, like using their paper basketball hoops to conduct experiments about force or their sailboats to discover lines of symmetry. Paper artists will feel a sense of achievement with the beautiful figures they take home to keep. Instructor: Nexplore
Origami Originals
Explore the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. We will be constructing animals and creatures from the sea and sky. There will be houses with furniture and flowers. Additionally, we will create boats, planes, and a variety of boxes. You will be amazed at the adventures that will un”fold”! Instructor: Kim Darling
Paint, Paper, Scissors
Welcome to the new and returning students who want to travel to the far East for our fun, creative and engaging Chinese summer program! Campers will be introduced to a variety of Chinese customs, history, culture traditions, Holiday / Festival, Chinese philosophy and some Chinese language.
The class approach is through reading stories,playing games, calligraphy (Chinese brush)and creating art projects. Older campers will also have a chance to learn Chinese calligraphy mixed with painting to introduce Chinese characters from 4,000 years ago to the modern day. In this way children will experience more rich Chinese old stories, Chinese culture, history and Chinese philosophy.
Each camper's learning materials will be designed by the course instructor to best meet the needs of each camper based on age and level of experience and knowledge about Chinese. Materials and projects are all new this year to make sure there are new and engaging experiences for campers Instructor: Ah Hsia Bigelow
Podcasting
Podcasting empowers students to discover their voice and share what’s exciting to them. In this course, an experienced instructor guides them through the fundamentals that define the podcasting medium like using audio equipment, podcast types, and how different sounds affect the listener. Then, they’ll plan, record, edit, and publish their own podcast with its own structure and theme. Students walk away with stronger communication and technological skills plus a fantastic podcast that shows off their style and abilities. Instructor: Nexplore
Pokémon Game Design Lab + Minecraft Builders
Students bring their favorite worlds to life by designing and coding Pokémon-inspired characters and adventures, then extend that creativity into a Minecraft-inspired builders challenge where they craft virtual or physical worlds that connect to their game designs. The session blends storytelling, coding logic, and world-building — a favorite among both STEM and creative learners. Instructor: Kodely
Pottery
Pottery offers a unique outlet for young artists to sculpt their ideas into one-of-a-kind creations, fostering self-expression and building confidence. Students learn to use their hands and sculpting tools to create pottery staples and imaginative projects like pinch pot monsters, pottery pets, and their favorite characters. As they sculpt and paint, they develop transferable artistic skills such as conceptualizing, sketching, and refining their designs. Manipulating clay helps students understand that they can change something with their own hands and influence the outside world. Instructor: Nexplore
Quilting for All Seasons
Interested in learning to sew or become an advanced sewer? Learn the basics of how to safely operate a sewing machine, choose fabric, and learn cutting and measuring techniques. We will create different items in each session, including snap bags, burrito pillow cases, sleeping bags for your stuffed animals, and tote bags. Campers will go home with some amazing final projects! Instructor: Kim Darling
Robin Hood Adventures: Archery
It's not summer camp without archery! Imagine aiming the arrow at the target like Princess Merida or Robin Hood. Summer camp is all about developing new skills and learning archery which provides opportunities to practice discipline, concentration and perseverance. It is a great feeling when campers can hit the bullseye! Campers will learn the basic terminology, technique, and safety for archery. Each day includes practice rounds and challenge games like Target Tic Tac Toe and War of the Worlds. Due to the importance of maintaining a safe environment, campers must be prepared to follow all safety instructions. This class takes place outside (tent available for shade) but moves inside during inclement weather. Instructor: Joan Pinz
Robotics with Edison
Coding meets bricks in this interactive robotics adventure!Robotics with Edison combines computational thinking, computer programming, and 21st-century education in an engaging way. Edison is a safe programmable robot and interactive STEM teaching resource for coding and robotics. In Nexplore Robotics, students progress through different programming languages as their skills grow, starting with icon-based drag-and-drop coding, through block-based coding, and on to text-based programming. Students build both this important 21st century skill and their confidence through exploration, iteration, and collaboration. Instructor: Nexplore
RoboCoding
Discover a real-world introduction to coding and robotics! RoboCoding gives students a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of both coding and robotics by challenging them to build and execute programs with real robots. Using award-winning Cubelets, students combine robotic cubes to craft machines that can light up, move, and interact with the world around them. Collaborating on coding activities reinforces life skills like teamwork and problem-solving, and completing challenges leaves students feeling confident and proud. Instructor: Nexplore
Robot Maker’s Club
Calling all inventors and innovators!This exciting engineering program inspires students to pursue futures in science and technology. While working with Maker Kits, students build mechanical, artistic, and engineering skills and learn to act as inventors in their own right. They design remote-controlled hydraulic arms, learn to harness energy to power race cars, and experiment with structural design. Students keep their inventions and proudly share their projects with family and friends.
Rollercoaster Engineering
Constructional engineering meets adrenaline as students build their own roller coasters! Dive into the exciting world of roller coaster engineering! In this hands-on program, students design and build their own roller coasters while discovering concepts like gravity, motion, and structural engineering. From blueprint to final model, they’ll tackle real engineering challenges, test models, and balance valuable STEM education with excitement. Students create heart-racing loops and turns that bring scientific concepts to life while applying the engineering design process. Instructor: Nexplore
Scratch Jr
This is an introduction to the amazing world of coding with ScratchJr (https:// www.scratchjr.org/)! Campers will learn to organize programming blocks to make their characters move, jump, dance and sing. Using these skills, campers can create their own interactive stories and games to share with friends and family at home. During the first week, campers take on simple coding challenges each day, such as making a car move across the town, making animals race, and making characters talk to each other. After learning to code simple programs, campers brainstorm, collaborate and create programming for original works during the second week. By the end of the session, campers have the building blocks to learn Scratch programming in the future. Instructor: Christine Cheung
"See Me" Books
In this engaging summer course, students will explore storytelling and design through the creation of See Me books—interactive books for early readers that feature a cut-out space for the reader’s face. Students will begin by studying a mentor See Me book to understand how authors and illustrators create stories specifically for young audiences. They will then plan, write, and design their own See Me books, focusing on simple text, clear storytelling, and engaging illustrations. By the end of the course, students will have created one or more original See Me books designed to delight and connect with younger readers, while building skills in writing, creativity, and audience awareness. Instructor: Haley Thurman
Soccer Stars (5th-8th grades)
Get ready for an action-packed soccer camp experience inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held right here in North America! Players will take part in skill challenges, learn about the playing styles and cultures of countries competing in the tournament, and enjoy spirited games that build teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence on the field. Guided by experienced coaches, participants will leave camp with sharper technical skills, tactical awareness, and a stronger sense of teamwork developed through fun, game-based learning. Instructor: Soccer Stars of Chicago
Soccer Stars (1st/2nd grades; 3rd/4th grades)
Get ready for an action-packed soccer camp experience inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held right here in North America! Players will take part in exciting skill challenges and mini-games, celebrate teamwork and sportsmanship, and enjoy World Cup–themed activities that bring the world’s biggest sporting event to life. Guided by experienced and high-energy coaches, participants will leave camp with a strong understanding of the fundamentals of the game and plenty of fun memories along the way. The program uses positive reinforcement and a low player-to-coach ratio to ensure every child feels supported and encouraged while developing at their own pace. Instructor: Soccer Stars for Chicago
Speech and Debate
Cultivate poise and self-confidence through the art of debate! Join a community of passionate students dedicated to honing critical thinking, persuasive communication, and leadership abilities. In Nexplore Speech & Debate, orators learn to organize and articulate their ideas on a wide range of topics. Open-minded discussions require students to actively listen, think on their feet, and communicate complex ideas with empathy and eloquence. Along with planned debates, the course integrates exciting strategy activities and improvisation, so students have a blast while developing important rhetorical skills.
Spy Science and Secret Agents
Calling all spies and secret agents! Join If you are interested in solving some mysteries and exploring fingerprint analysis, invisible ink chemistry, laser maze challenges, coded messages, and forensic problem-solving, this is the class for you! Instructor: Kodely
Squishy Circuits
Campers will combine their imaginations with an electrical engineering curriculum to bring the dough sculptures to life. Interactive lessons guide students as they learn about electrical energy and how it flows through circuits. They use dough and circuits together to create models that light up, spin, and make noise while learning about insulators, conductors, short circuits and more! The course culminates in an exciting final project where they engineer their own dough circuit challenge. Instructor: Nexplore
Structural Engineering: Roller Coaster Engineering
Constructional engineering meets adrenaline as students build their own roller coasters! Dive into the exciting world of roller coaster engineering! In this hands-on program, students design and build their own roller coasters while discovering concepts like gravity, motion, and structural engineering. From blueprint to final model, they’ll tackle real engineering challenges, test models, and balance valuable STEM education with excitement. Students create heart-racing loops and turns that bring scientific concepts to life while applying the engineering design process. Instructor: Nexplore
Survival Science
Prepare for the great outdoors!As survivalists, students learn exactly what to do in an emergency through the team-based study of real-world survival skills. From investigating the utility of tools to working through challenging situations, students use ingenuity to gain crucial skills such as knot tying, water purification, and compass navigation. With each unique activity, students gather their senses, put their new skills to the test, and conquer every challenge Mother Nature throws their way!
Trojans & Dragons*
Delve into a world of magic and mystery in the most successful role-playing game of all time: Dungeons & Dragons! We will be playing in a world inspired by the Trojan War! Join to become a legend of your own making as you gain honor through battle. We'll be playing Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, and teaching the rules as we go. New players are welcome. Come join us! Instructor: Simon Apley
*Important: Trojans & Dragons is a two-hour class spanning the 10:00am and 11:00am class periods. Campers who join this class can pick one more course for the 9:00am class period.
Virtual Reality-World Building
Create a new world to explore! Nexplore Virtual Reality empowers students to develop games and immersive experiences in virtual reality using CoSpaces. By creating their own virtual worlds, students express creativity and engage with cutting-edge technology that builds important STEAM skills like programming and logic. Students may build a 3D personal museum of their family history or their own zoo, and then strap on a cardboard VR viewer to walk around it and share it with their friends. With this innovative software, students build 21st-century technology skills that are out of this world. Instructor: Nexplore
Wacky Science
Blast off into scientific discovery with Wacky Science! Wacky Science, a Nexplore original, ignites curiosity through hands-on fun and interactive discovery! Students develop critical thinking skills and scientific literacy while experimenting with fascinating projects like Hovercrafts and Lava Lamps. This interactive course transforms abstract physics and chemistry concepts into tangible discoveries, boosting confidence as little scientists observe, question, and problem-solve. Watch their eyes light up with each “wow” moment as they learn that science isn’t just educational—it’s explosively entertaining! Instructor: Nexplore
Yoga
This energizing and calming yoga course invites students to explore movement, breath, and mindfulness in a supportive and creative environment. Through age-appropriate yoga flows, breathing exercises, and reflective journaling, students will build strength, flexibility, and self-awareness. Each session blends physical activity with emotional wellness, helping students develop tools for focus, stress relief, and confidence. No prior yoga experience needed, just a willingness to move, breathe, and grow! Instructor: Melissa Cannata
Young Creative Writers
In this class, campers will have a chance to write in a variety of genres everyday. Campers work in a creative writing prompts journal and play engaging vocabulary games including Mad Libs, Hangman, Charades, and More. We will also be reading award-winning children's books, writing a dialogue journal, writing original fairy tales, poetry, and working with wordless picture books. By the end of the session participants will bring home a collection of their original works! The writing class is the same curriculum, but campers who repeat the class will be encouraged to write new ideas. Instructor: Christine Cheung