Winter Break Camps 2023-2024

Join us for Winter Break Camps that combine the best of fun and learning!
Campers will explore awesome projects and experiments while learning collaborative teamwork skills.
Each camp is a brand new curriculum, so you get the first look at our new annual winter programs.
Whether you book one or all days, your student will have a super COOL time!

Please remember to read all camp policies at the bottom of the page before registering.

Members: $70 per day
Non-members: $80 per day
(
Prices include all instructional materials and take-home projects. Camp runs from 9AM – 4PM daily.)

Important Links: 2023 Camp Health Form, Sci-Tech Covid-19 Camp Policies, Email Questions Here

 

Grades 1-2:

 

Date Event
December 27 Toymaker’s Workshop:
Learn to make your own fun! From crafting playful stuffed animals to building wooden cars, let your imagination lead the way. Discover that the things you make yourself are extra special!
December 28

Snow Way: 

Prepare to be amazed at the frozen wonders of winter! Join us for a frosty adventure where you’ll discover the incredible science of ice and snow. From growing your very own snowflake to mastering the art of igloo construction, our super ‘cool’ winter camp promises a flurry of fun and learning.

December 29

Winter Wonderlab: 

Use science to make the Winter wonderful! Spread cheer as you create an LED light-up snowflake, sweeten the day with candy of your own creation, and make memories in this enchanting camp.

 

 

Grades 3-4:

Date Event
December 27

Winter Wonderlab:

Inspire your inner inventor as you electrify holiday cards to light up the frosty night and concoct the perfect liquid to make a wintery snow globe. Join us to uncover the mysteries of the season together!

December 28

Toymaker’s Workshop:

Become a master toymaker! Roll up those sleeves to design, build, and personalize a variety of toys, from plush friends to imaginative board games and creative contraptions.

December 29

Snow Way:

The experiments in this camp are so cool, they’ll make you say, “Snow Way!”. From making instant ice to testing some of the coldest substances imaginable, students will become experts of the science of temperature. Join us for a day filled with frosty excitement as we explore the chilling science of all things cold.

 

 

Grades 5-6:

Date Event
December 27

Snow Way: 

Spectacular snowy fun awaits you as exploring the science of winter! Learn about concepts like freezing points and cold weather meteorology and then get hands on making instant slushies with supercooled water and even explore flash frozen fun with liquid nitrogen.

December 28

Winter Wonderlab:

Pop in our lab this winter as we learn to solder and code holiday lights. Then discover how to stay cozy with the chemistry of winter pyrotechnics. End the year on a bright note with Winter Wonderlab!

December 29

Toymaker’s Workshop:

Ever wondered how some of your favorite toys worked? Explore the engineering in toymaking: take apart animatronic toys, dive into videogame hardware, and upgrade your circuitry skills. By the end of camp, you’ll be a tech toy expert!

 

Grades 1-2:

Date Event
January 3 

Critter Care

Welcome to ‘Critter Care’ Camp, where kids embark on a journey into the world of animal caretakers! Campers will learn how veterinarians nurture and care for our furry, feathered, and scaly friends through hands-on science activities, explore how zoo keepers care for exotic animals, and finish the day with real animal encounters!

January 4

Earth Explorers 

Budding paleontologists and geologists will embark on a thrilling adventure of discovery, digging up fossils and exploring the rocky wonders of the Earth. Get ready for a camp that will unearth a passion for science and the mysteries of our planet’s history!

January 5

Engineering Explorers

Join ‘Engineering Explorers’ camp and ignite your passion for innovation! Dive into hands-on engineering challenges, from building structures to launching rockets. Unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills as you learn how to be an engineer!

 

 

Grades 3-4:

Date Event
January 3 Creative Construction 

Unleash your imagination as you build, design, and innovate in this exciting hands-on camp about life as an engineer. Explore the world of construction, from crafting towering structures to electrical engineering a contraption of your own! Join us for a day of creativity and construction that will inspire the builder in you!

January 4 Junior Vet

Get a glimpse into the day in the life of a veterinarian! From an anatomy overview on real animals to learning basic medical procedures, see all the skills you can start working on now to take care of all your favorite animal friends as your future career.

January 5 Stones and Bones

Join us for a day of animal adventures as students step into the shoes of real-life veterinary student. You’ll try out practical sessions on blood draws and stitches and even do real vitals checks on the museum’s animal friends in this fun and educational day-long career exploration!

 

 

Grades 5-6:

Date Event
January 3 

Fossil Finders

Hone your excavation techniques in this rocky camp designed for students interested in geology and paleontology careers! Learn how to use the real tools and techniques of professionals for excavation and casting as well as mineral sampling and analyzation.

January 4

Build it Big!

Activate your construction skills on this day of city planning. Discover how engineers in urban environments lay out your city’s landmarks, then bring them to life as you refine your carpentry abilities. Embrace the challenge, and little by little, your city will come to life.

January 5

Vet Science

Join us for a day of animal adventures as students step into the shoes of real-life veterinary student. You’ll try out practical sessions on blood draws and stitches and even do real vitals checks on the museum’s animal friends in this fun and educational day-long career exploration!

 

Camp Policies & Frequently Asked Questions

What will camp look like for my learner?

  • Camp features a balance of hands-on experiments, activities, and crafts mixed in with age appropriate breaks, play time, and STEAM themed games.
  • Generally, older campers experience about 1 “Brain Break” per 1 hour of instruction time as well as a 30 minute lunch break and 30 minute museum exploration time. Younger students will have more frequent breaks.
  • While lessons feature many TEKS aligned activities, the primary focus in camps in placed on the scientific process and inquiry-based learning. Campers will use their own observations, questions, and discoveries to guide their learning journey!

Who is with the campers?

  • All camps are led by experienced certified teachers or experienced museum informal science educators.
  • Teaching assistants are all experienced in working in informal STEM camp environments and go through education/inquiry-based learning training.
  • Students are with instructors at all times and will NEVER be alone in a private space with a single adult.

What do we bring?

  • Campers SHOULD bring:
    • NUT FREE snacks and a sack lunch (Full Day Camps Only)
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Any medications or Epi-Pens (Please give directly to the Camp Manager or Instructor)
    • Closed-toe shoes for lab and/or workshop safety
  • Campers should NOT bring:
    • Backpacks or large bags
    • Toys, phones, tablets, or handheld gaming devices
    • Money
    • Food containing nuts or nut products

What time is camp?

  • FULL DAY: 9AM – 4PM
  • HALF DAY: 9AM – 12PM or 1PM – 4 PM
  • Doors will open for drop off at 8:50AM
  • Students will be available for pick up by 3:50PM
  • Campers picked up after 4:10PM will be charged a $1/minute Late Pick-Up Fee

How much does camp cost?

  • FULL DAY:
    • Members: $70/Day
    • Nonmembers: $80/Day
  • %10 Discount when booking 3 or more camps

Can I cancel/get a refund?

  • Yes, you may cancel your Winter Break Camp reservation. However, refunds are given on a sliding scale based on advance notification of cancellation.
    • 2 Weeks in Advance = 100% Refund
    • 1 Week in Advance = 50% Refund
    • Less than 1 Week Notice = 0% Refund

Which age group should I select for my learner?

  • Please select the grade level in which your student is currently enrolled.
  • If your learner is taking courses at different or higher levels than their peers, we recommend choosing what most closely aligns with their age, as it is easier on many children’s social skills in informal learning environments.

Is there anything I need to do before camp begins?

  • Please download the Camp Health Form and complete it for all of your campers. This form MUST be returned before your student will be allowed into camp for safety reasons.
  • Double check that the food you are sending is NUT FREE.
  • Make sure you are sending your learner in clothes you are comfortable with getting messy.
  • Communicate any health or medical concerns directly to our Camp Manager by emailing us at camp.admin@scitechdiscovery.org.

Do you have a behavior or disciplinary plan?

  • We believe in ensuring that all students feel safe and nurtured within their classroom environment. This means offering age-appropriate support for conflict or disruptive behavior.
  • Instructors may use techniques such as:
    • Utilizing a “Cool Down Corner” where students can rest on a rug and use toys or pillows to calm down after an incident
    • Having a guided discussion about how they are feeling, identifying emotions, and reflecting on actions
    • Assigning students to different groups who struggle with communicating/cooperating with each other
  • Intentional violence is NOT tolerated at Sci-Tech. If a camper actively hurts another student, the issue will be immediately addressed and parents will be notified.
  • If a behavior issue cannot be remedied after discussion with parents/guardians or if there is physical harm/threat of harm to staff or students, Sci-Tech reserves the right to dismiss a camper from the program without a refund.

My learner is neurodivergent/has special needs. Can you accommodate them?

  • While students of all abilities are welcome to participate in camps, please note that Sci-Tech staff is not specifically trained to work with children with special needs and cannot provide one-on-one care.
  • You may opt to provide your child with an aide during camp to assist them. This could be anyone from a trained professional to a sibling, so long as they are familiar with meeting your student’s needs.
  • If you have questions about whether our camps may be a good fit for your student, please feel free to reach out at camp.admin@scitechdiscovery.org.

My child does not speak English yet. Can they still attend camp?

  • Due to safety working with chemicals, equipment, and other dangerous materials, we do require that all campers understand and speak conversational English or have a translator present.