We're going to Camp EdTech!

I can't believe it has been two weeks since The Pea and I got back from our Expanding Your Horizons conference!  My mind is still swimming with ways to nurture my kids' interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  I came back from that conference full of great information, tips, and resources.

One of the most useful things I brought back home was a list of STEM opportunities around the Bay Area for the summer.  There are so many summer camp providers in the area, it was great to have a list of camps specifically geared towards STEM!  Since the conference was held at UC Berkeley, many of the most interesting camps were located around Berkeley and Oakland, which was kind of a bummer, because that's an hour drive for us.  Fortunately, several on the list had campuses conveniently located all over the Bay Area -- including a gem right in our own back yard, Camp EdTech!  I thought I knew all of the summer camps in our part of town, so I was delighted to discover Camp EdTech.  Even more exciting, Camp EdTech is inviting one of my kids to experience a week at camp!

As the name implies, Camp EdTech has a clear focus on hi tech:  campers get down and dirty with real-life, hands-on engineering projects like creating Android-compatible apps, developing video games, creating animated films, soldering circuits and simple machines, and honing their digital photography skills.  Here's their session list:

2-D Video Gaming
3-D Video Gaming
Digital Photography
Film Making
Animation
App Creation
Maker Studio

Isn't it amazing that kids so young get to do these kinds of activities! It's so great that Camp EdTech introduces kids to these kinds of skills and gets them thinking about the kinds of STEM careers they can pursue!

What really excites me about Camp EdTech is that the curriculum was developed with the help of the Children's Creativity Museum and the California Academy of Sciences, two of the coolest museums in the Bay Area!  My kids love, love, love, going to those museums because they have so many amazing exhibits and hands-on activities. Any camp activity designed with their help is sure to be a great experience!

If your child is younger than the 5th-8th grade range for Camp EdTech, don't despair.  The same group that runs Camp EdTech (Edventure More) also has a camp for Pre-K through entering 4th grade!  Camp Edmo offers week-long summer camps for kids who love to learn and explore.  Like Camp EdTech, the curriculum at Camp Edmo is designed in partnership with the California Academy of Sciences and the Children's Creativity Museum -- so you just know your child is going to have tons of fun!

Camp Edmo has camps for all kinds of interests and all kinds of kids:

Art and Science camps
This year's themes for Art and Science include Incredible Edibles (exploring the physical sciences), Magic & Medieval Times (exploring the physical sciences), Critterville (exploring the natural sciences), and Planet Power (exploring the natural sciences).  All themes include art and outdoor recreation activities.

Animation camps
You're never too young to learn about technology!  Campers will create an animated short film from start to finish.  Each week has a different animation theme and covers different stop-motion animation techniques.

Park program
Camps are held in local and regional parks, and campers spend lots of time outdoors, going on hikes, enjoying nature activities, playing games, and completing art and science projects.  This year's themes are Bay Camps, Sprout About, Sea Creatures, and Smart Art.  What a great way to get your child closer to nature!

Check out the Camp EdTech and Camp Edmo websites for more details including locations, times, dates, and prices.  Discounts are available for multiple weeks, multiple siblings, referrals, and financial aid is available.


Disclosure: I am receiving a free week of camp for one of my children and a discount for additional weeks and/or additional children. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.
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