STEAM Summer Camps

Want to experiment with textures, paint, and movement to create museum-worthy art pieces? We welcome all curious artists and scientists to join us in Art and Design! We’ll explore light, color, texture, and motion through hands-on art projects. Come prepared to get very messy as we discover what makes art fun, scientific, and beautiful. We’ll use water guns to tie-dye shirts, spin paint cans to make splatter art, and collaborate to imitate artists like Van Gogh and Monet!

Using the latest LEGO® Spike Robotics kits, campers will develop basic robot design and coding skills as they design, build and program a robot to complete fun daily challenges. Students will experiment with movement, robotic sensors, sound, light, and conditionals as they learn how to code with blocks and even some python. Through the engineering design process, campers will build problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork skills they can use for life!

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or camp.

Put on your thinking cap and let’s get to work! Each day, campers will explore a new building material, from LEGO® bricks and wood to clay and recycled materials. Through guided challenges, students will think like architects and engineers, learning how buildings stand tall and stay strong. Campers will experiment with balance, shape, and structure while working together to build, and improve their designs. Little Builders encourages creativity, problem solving, and teamwork in a playful, supportive environment. Perfect for kids who love building, drawing plans, and turning ideas into real creations!

Step into the lab and discover the colorful world of chemistry! In Little Chemists, campers will explore exciting hands-on experiments that fizz, bubble, and change before their eyes. Throughout the week, students will investigate chemical reactions, states of matter, and the science behind everyday materials through fun, interactive activities. With plenty of hands-on fun, Little Chemists makes science exciting, memorable, and full of discovery.

The eagle has landed! Join us this summer for a camp designed for space enthusiasts curious about our galaxy and the universe. Over the week, we will explore everything from planets and moons to stars and galaxies through interactive activities and games to discover the wonders of the universe! Get ready to blast off into a world of exploration and curiosity, and leave with a heightened knowledge of our galactic home.

Join us for a week full of activities all about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM). We’ll explore each subject in fun and unique ways and learn how each impacts the world around us! With cool experiments, creative projects, and awesome challenges every day, campers will think like scientists, invent like engineers, and create like artists.

Step into a world where magic meets science! At Wizarding STEM Academy, young wizards and witches will brew real-life potions, participate in enchanted engineering, and design mythical creatures! With hands-on experiments, spellbinding challenges, and magical discoveries, campers will uncover the real-world science behind their favorite wizarding wonders. Join us for a summer of learning, creativity, and adventure—no wand required!

Campers will learn the basics of color theory, composition, value, and form while experimenting with a wide range of materials and techniques. From painting and drawing to sculpting with clay, woodworking, laser cutting, and 3D printing, this camp blends traditional and modern art-making for a unique, creative and fun experience. Grab your smock!

At Chemistry Quest, campers will learn that Chemistry is more than beakers and lab coats. Through hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and even an escape room activity, we’ll embark on a journey through Biochemistry, Geochemistry, Electrochemistry, and even Forensic Chemistry. Throughout the week, campers will discover an appreciation for the Chemistry that surrounds us every day!

In CSI: Fab Lab edition, campers will become detectives for the week as they explore the intersection of Forensics and STEAM. Throughout the week, they’ll uncover a crime scene, collect and analyze evidence, identify suspects, and crack the case, all while building creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

Gear up for an epic introduction to the diverse world of engineering! Exploring civil, environmental, mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering, campers will work together to design, build, and test. Campers will leave with an understanding and appreciation of everything it takes to solve real-world challenges!

Step into the kitchen, but don’t forget your lab coat! You’ll explore the science behind some of your favorite foods and candies through hands-on experiments and creative kitchen challenges. You’ll discover how ingredients transform, why flavors taste the way they do, and what makes everyday foods react in surprising ways. From mixing and measuring to tasting and testing, we’ll learn about the science behind every bite you take.

Step back in time and become a young creator of the Middle Ages! From knights to castle builders, discover how engineering and science shaped history. Blending modern technology with ancient ingenuity, campers will discover how science, creativity, and teamwork were used to solve big problems.

Grab your popcorn and step into the spotlight at Movie Mania. Throughout the week, campers will participate in experiments, crafts, and challenges inspired by kid-friendly movies. How can engineers make sure that Dorothy’s house isn’t blown over by a tornado again? Can we explain Elsa’s powers using food and chemistry? Are Star Wars galaxies astronomically accurate? Campers will be ready for the red carpet in no time as they discover the science behind their favorite movie scenes. We can’t wait to see you on set!

Let’s explore the hidden math and science woven throughout our natural world! Campers will investigate and analyze the repeating patterns, shapes, and structures found in nature, such as the symmetries in flowers and crystals, the Fibonacci sequence, and why bees form perfect hexagonal honeycombs. Together, we’ll turn patterns into projects and fractals into fun!

Behind every spin, toss, and loop, Physics is at work. Campers will test the science of motion, forces, and center of mass in carnival rides, plus design and build their own funfair games. Throughout the week, we’ll learn how physics creates thrills, strategy, and sometimes even a little trickery. Step right up!

Camp is held at Suncoast Polytechnical High School Monday-Thursday and at the Fab Lab on Friday.

Are you ready to discover the wonderful world of woodworking and bring your ideas to life?! Throughout the week, campers will explore the fundamentals of woodworking and learn safe use of basic woodworking tools to craft their own personalized projects, like treasure boxes and games. With access to a state-of-the-art makerspace, you woodn’t want to miss it!

In World of Science camp, campers will explore a new branch of science each day. From the tiniest atom to the vastness of space, campers will embark on a scientific journey! Diving into Biology, concocting reactions in Chemistry, launching into Physics, building with Engineering, and blasting off into Astronomy. Through hands on activities and experiments, each day is packed with fun, teamwork, and discovery!

In this camp, students will use digital tools to create real-world objects through computer-aided design and 3D printing. They will start with TinkerCAD and then move on to Fusion 360 to develop more advanced 3D modeling skills. Campers will also learn how to operate slicing software and 3D printers, including our new large-scale BigRep Studio G2 printer, which can produce objects more than 3 feet wide! Campers will leave with complete projects they designed and printed themselves.

AI Camp is an engaging experience where students explore the exciting world of artificial intelligence in a fun and approachable way. Campers will discover how smart technology works, learn about real-life uses of AI, and take part in interactive activities that build creativity and problem-solving skills. Through discussions, simple tech challenges, and team projects, students will gain a better understanding of how AI is shaping the future. Each day encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Camp is held at Suncoast Polytechnical High School Monday-Thursday and at the Fab Lab on Friday.

Aerospace Engineering camp is an exciting, hands-on program designed to ignite a passion for science and engineering. Campers will create and test their own landing vehicles, explore the science behind aeronautical systems, and experience real rocket demonstrations. Along the way, they will plan, test, and pitch their projects in a Shark Tank-style challenge, developing problem-solving, leadership, and engineering skills. The week culminates with a launch of their own designed and lab-built rockets. Camp led by Fab Lab’s Aerospace Club, the SunSurfers.

Step beyond Earth and explore the science of the universe! In this camp, students will dive into astronomy and astrophysics to learn how stars form and die, how planets move, and how gravity shapes everything from moons to galaxies. Campers will participate in hands-on activities like modeling orbits, exploring star life cycles, and building constellations. Along the way, they’ll discover fascinating objects like black holes, neutron stars, and distant galaxies while learning how physics and space are interconnected. By the end of the camp, students will be able to use science to explain the hidden forces and incredible phenomena that shape our universe.

Lights, camera, create! Campers will explore how science, engineering, art, and imagination come together to make unforgettable special effects. From illusions and stop-motion animation to clever camera tricks and mind-bending perspective, they’ll experiment with the tools and techniques used to bring movie magic to life. By the end of the week, campers won’t just watch movies, they’ll understand how the magic works and leave with hands-on experience (and cool creations!) they can use to keep making special effects long after camp ends.

Level up your programming skills at the Fab Lab! Through engaging and interactive code guidance, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and engineering skills. Campers will code and work with Python programs to learn how to create models, draw conclusions from data, and integrate AI into their coding. Join us for a week of fun with Python, numbers, and artificial intelligence. Prior experience with the Python coding language or past participation in a Fab Lab coding camp is strongly recommended.

Step into a world of heroes, villains, and epic quests at Dungeons & Dragons Design camp! Whether you’re rolling dice around the table or crafting foam swords for a live-action battle against evil monsters, this camp takes fantasy beyond the page. Learn how to play the game, join an elite team of adventurers, and use your design and engineering skills to bring your characters from tabletop to reality.

Power up your curiosity and spark your creativity! This camp is the perfect outlet for campers to explore the science and applications of electricity. They’ll learn the fundamentals of circuits and currents, then put that knowledge to work by building and racing cars, taking on a wind turbine blade design challenge, and constructing their own hydroelectric generators. Perfect for curious builders and future problem-solvers. It’s sure to be electric!

Boom! Pow! Get ready to ignite excitement and curiosity in this high-energy camp. Sparks will ignite as campers discover the science behind combustion and chemical reactions through fiery projects! Campers will explore how and why chemical reactions happen, observe colorful changes and surprising results, and learn how chemistry connects to everyday life. What better way for campers to further their knowledge of chemistry than with a bang? It’s sure to be a blazing good time!

This camp is being offered twice. Both sessions are the same.

Dive into a world of inventiveness, hands-on design, and FABrication. Middle school students will learn how to use software like CorelDraw and Autodesk Fusion 360 to digitize their project ideas, then learn to use machines like laser cutters, vinyl cutters, 3D printers and more. Whether we’re using the woodshop to make custom chess boards or using the 3D printers to create our own fidget toys, we’ll help you bring your imagination to life.

Get ready to mix science, engineering, and a dash of friendly competition! In this camp, you’ll use machines to spark movement-inspired creativity and inventions. From laser-cut projects to hands-on challenges, you’ll design and build fun sports-inspired creations that explore agility, balance, and motion.

What controls everything in your life? Your brain! Delve into the fascinating world of brain chemistry and anatomy to uncover the secrets behind your actions and emotions. What chemicals trigger happiness or sadness? How do we control our limbs? Through hands-on activities and even a real cow eye dissection, campers will explore the brain's incredible functions. This camp is perfect for aspiring neuroscientists or anyone interested in biology.

Beginning with LEGO® and block coding, students will learn the fundamentals of sensors, program movement, and troubleshoot engineering challenges. Advancing to Python programming language, campers will build a more advanced LEGO® robot to compete in various challenges. They’ll end the week exploring platforms like Arduino to program a vehicle on a custom laser-cut chassis!

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or camp.

Blast off into the future of design, engineering, and imagination, where students become space architects. Campers will explore how material science and structures, combined with gravity, oxygen, temperature, and terrain, affect architecture and support life in space. Using high-tech lab equipment, students will create space stations and futuristic buildings of their own design. This camp is perfect for designers and engineers of the future!

Level up for a weeklong deep dive into the world behind your favorite video games! In this hands-on camp, students will design and build their own 3D game from the ground up. Along the way, they’ll learn the fundamentals of C# programming, create custom 3D models, and practice planning and problem-solving like real game developers. By the end of the week, each student won’t just understand how games are made, they’ll have built one powered by their own ideas, creativity, and code.

Wood-n’t you love to spend a week fabricating at the Fab Lab? Get ready to become a master carpenter in this camp! Throughout the week, campers will explore the fundamentals of woodworking and learn the safe use of woodworking tools like the bandsaw and laser cutter to craft their own personalized projects. Then, they’ll work together to leaf their mark on the lab through a collaborative project.

Camp grade levels are determined by the grade your child is entering in the 2026-2027 school year. Please abide by rising grade levels or your registration will be cancelled.

The registration portal has the most up-to-date information on sold-out camps.

Check-in will be at 8:30am (or 1:30pm for afternoon sessions) at the rear of the Fab Lab (4452 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233). Volunteers and/or staff will help you check-in your child outside. Please arrive on time each day so the schedule is not disrupted. You are also required to sign your child out when picking them up at 12:30pm (or 5:30pm for afternoon sessions).

Camps at Suncoast Polytechnical High School: Check-in will take place Monday-Thursday at 8:30am in the main office of Suncoast Polytechnical High School (4650 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231). Pick up is at the same location at 12:30pm. Please note that camp will be held at the Fab Lab on Fridays (4452 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233) with the same check-in/out times.

If someone other than you will be picking up your child, please notify staff at check-in so they can be added to your account.

Your child will receive suitable safety gear when using machines or performing experiments and will always be supervised by a certified volunteer or staff member.

Our lab and equipment undergo professional cleaning and sanitization every night using EPA-approved products. Antibacterial hand soap and hand sanitizer are readily available throughout the lab.

Please keep your child’s profile in the registration portal updated with the latest medical, allergy, and emergency contact information. If your child has specific triggers, anxieties, or fears, feel free to note them in the system.

Students should wear comfortable, non-baggy, casual clothing along with closed-toe/closed-heel gym or tennis shoes. Crocs, open-toe sandals or flip flops are NOT permitted for safety reasons. Campers arriving with open-toe shoes will require a closed-toe pair before participating in camp activities. Dangling jewelry should be removed and long hair should be tied back when using machines.

We kindly ask that personal items other than snacks not be brought to the lab unless approved by Fab Lab staff. This includes toys, games, blankets, or electronics.

Don’t forget to pack a snack or lunch for your child to enjoy during our daily snack time. If your camper is staying for both morning and afternoon sessions, please pack them a full lunch. You may also send them with a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated at our water station. We do not provide snacks, so please send your child with something to fuel their creativity!

Programs that qualify for direct pay include Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) or Personalized Education Program (PEP) scholarships. Families who intend to pay for STEAM Saturdays class(es) through their Education Market Assistant (EMA) account/Step Up For Students scholarship must enter the coupon code STEPUP when registering in the Fab Lab portal. They must then reserve the funds in EMA within 12 hours of registering. If the funds are not reserved within 12 hours of registration, the student will be moved to the program's waitlist.

After the program is complete, the reserved funds will be pulled from EMA. If the student has insufficient funds in their EMA account at that time, then the family will be required to pay out-of-pocket upon receipt of invoice.

Completion of Waiver of Liability, Media Release and Authorization forms are mandatory for your child’s participation in Fab Lab Summer Camps. You were required to acknowledge these forms during camp registration.

To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 14 days prior to your enrolled camp session. Cancellations made less than 14 days from the camp session qualify for a 50% refund. All cancellations and refunds are subject to a $15 processing fee.

Please submit cancellation requests in writing to info@suncoastscience.org or by calling 941-840-4394; voicemail cancellations will not be accepted. No-shows are not eligible for refunds. There are no refunds for missed camp time due to late drop-off, early pick-up, absence, or removal due to behavioral issues.

You will NOT be charged when adding yourself to a camp waitlist. Students on the waitlist will be notified in the order they were added to the waitlist if a spot becomes available. We will notify you as early as possible by phone or email if there is an opportunity to move off the waitlist and include instructions on how to process your camp payment.

For each student to have a positive, safe experience in our summer camps, we have established the following expectations:

1. Always listen to and follow the instructions of your camp instructors.
2. Walking is our preferred mode of transportation while in the lab. No running please!
3. No food or drink (including candy and gum) is allowed in classroom or machine areas unless agreed upon with staff or volunteers. The snack/lunch you bring will be set aside for snack time.
4. The Golden Rule… Treat others as you would like to be treated! This means raising your hand to speak, respecting others’ personal space and keeping your hands to yourself, being considerate, kind and helpful, using appropriate language, etc.
5. Treat our machines and tools respectfully… like they are your own!

We have multiple camps running each week. Please be sure to stay with your group at all times and never leave the building without a volunteer or staff member.

To maintain a safe and welcoming learning environment, we implement a Three Strikes policy in relation to the above expectations.

Reminder: The student will receive a reminder of our expectations.

Warning: The student will be removed from camp activities temporarily.

Action: We will discuss the student’s behavior when you pick up your child. This is the student’s first strike.

If the behavior continues, we will contact you during camp hours for further discussion. You may be required to pick up your child at this time. This is the student’s second strike.

If the behavior ceases to stop after the first two strikes, we will contact you to immediately pick up your child from camp. This is the student’s third and final strike and they will not be permitted to return to camp.

In rare circumstances, we reserve the right to bypass the above policy and immediately dismiss a camper if we deem the behavior or actions too severe for them to continue.