What are the best STEM summer camps for children in Palm Beach County. How can kids explore science, technology, and robotics during their summer break. Which camps offer hands-on learning experiences in coding, space exploration, and marine biology.
Diverse STEM Camp Offerings for Different Age Groups
Palm Beach County offers a wide array of engaging STEM summer camps catering to children and teenagers aged 5-18. These camps provide immersive experiences in various scientific disciplines, technology, and engineering concepts. From secret agent training to space exploration and robotics, there’s something to spark every young mind’s curiosity.
Age-Specific Camp Groupings
- 5-6 years old: Introductory science concepts
- 7-9 years old: Intermediate STEM activities
- 10-12 years old: Advanced technology and engineering projects
- 13-18 years old: Specialized tech camps (e.g., drone technology)
By tailoring activities to specific age groups, these camps ensure that participants are challenged appropriately and can fully engage with the material.
Science Adventure Camps: Exploring the Wonders of Nature and Technology
Science Adventure Camps offer an exciting blend of hands-on experiments, interactive demonstrations, and creative problem-solving activities. These camps are designed to ignite a passion for scientific discovery in young minds.
Popular Science Adventure Camp Themes
- Declassified: Secret Agent Camp
- Out of this World! (Space Exploration)
- Microscopic Mania
- Sur-FIN Safari (Marine Biology)
- Modern Marvels (Superhero Science)
- What’s Up, Doc? (Human Body)
Do these camps include field trips? While the camp descriptions don’t explicitly mention field trips, many science camps often incorporate visits to local scientific institutions or outdoor exploration to enhance the learning experience.
Tech Camps: Nurturing Future Innovators and Programmers
Tech Camps focus on developing crucial skills in coding, robotics, and digital creativity. These programs are designed to prepare young participants for the increasingly technology-driven world.
Exciting Tech Camp Options
- Aspiring Inventor Camp: Using Makey Makey® for creative inventions
- Mission: Mars: Exploring space travel technology and Mars rovers
- Level Up!: Video game design and development
- Sci-Fi to Sci-FACT: Examining how science fiction becomes reality
- Pokécode: Coding inspired by popular pocket monster characters
- Build-a-Bot: LEGO robotics and programming
How do these tech camps benefit children’s future careers? By introducing kids to coding, robotics, and digital creation at an early age, these camps help develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological literacy skills that are increasingly valuable in many professional fields.
Specialized Camps: Drones and Robotics
For older children and teenagers, specialized camps focusing on cutting-edge technologies like drones and advanced robotics are available. These programs offer in-depth exploration of emerging fields in technology and engineering.
Drone Summer Camp (Ages 6-18)
The Drone Summer Camp provides a unique opportunity for children and teens to learn about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their applications. Participants gain hands-on experience with drone technology, learning about flight principles, safety regulations, and potential career paths in this rapidly growing field.
What skills do children learn in drone camps? Participants typically learn:
- Basic principles of flight and aerodynamics
- Drone piloting techniques
- Safety protocols and regulations
- Applications of drone technology in various industries
- Basic drone maintenance and troubleshooting
Camp Schedules and Availability
The summer camps in Palm Beach County run throughout June, July, and early August. Most camps operate on a weekly basis, with some offering 4-day options around holidays. It’s important to note that many popular camps fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended.
Sample Camp Schedule
- June 26th – 30th: Secret Agent Camp and Aspiring Inventor Camp
- July 3rd – 7th: Out of this World! and Mission: Mars (4-day camps)
- July 10th – 14th: Microscopic Mania and Level Up!
- July 17th – 21st: Sur-FIN Safari and Sci-Fi to Sci-FACT
- July 24th – 28th: Modern Marvels and Pokécode
- July 31st – August 4th: What’s Up, Doc? and Build-a-Bot
Are there options for extended care or full-day programs? While not explicitly mentioned in the provided information, many summer camps offer extended care options for working parents. It’s advisable to check with the camp organizers for specific details on available schedules and care options.
Pricing and Membership Benefits
Camp prices vary depending on the type of camp and duration. Science Adventure Camps are generally priced at $300 for non-members, while Tech Camps are slightly higher at $325 for non-members. Shorter 4-day camps during holiday weeks are priced proportionally lower.
Membership Advantages
Members of the science center hosting these camps receive an 8% discount on camp fees. This can lead to significant savings for families enrolling multiple children or signing up for several weeks of camp.
Is a membership worth it for summer camps? For families planning to attend multiple weeks of camp or those who frequently visit the science center throughout the year, a membership can offer substantial savings and additional benefits beyond just camp discounts.
Registration Process and Policies
To ensure a smooth registration process, parents should be aware of the following key points:
- Some camps have limited availability and fill up quickly
- Waitlists are available for fully booked camps
- A refund policy is in place and should be reviewed before registration
- Member discounts are automatically applied during the registration process
How can parents stay informed about camp availability? The camp organizers recommend emailing [email protected] to inquire about waitlists or check for newly opened spots in previously sold-out camps.
Preparing for STEM Summer Camp
To make the most of their STEM summer camp experience, children should come prepared and excited to learn. Here are some tips to help campers get ready:
- Dress comfortably and appropriately for hands-on activities
- Bring a water bottle and snacks (if allowed)
- Pack sunscreen for outdoor activities
- Bring any required materials or equipment (as specified by the camp)
- Get a good night’s sleep to be energized for each day’s activities
How can parents support their child’s STEM learning at home? Parents can extend the camp experience by:
- Discussing daily camp activities and learnings
- Encouraging at-home experiments and projects related to camp themes
- Visiting local science museums or nature centers
- Providing access to age-appropriate STEM books, games, and educational apps
Palm Beach County’s diverse array of STEM summer camps offers children and teens an exceptional opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in engaging, hands-on environments. From secret agent training to space exploration and robotics, these camps inspire curiosity, foster critical thinking, and nurture the next generation of innovators. By participating in these programs, young learners not only have a fun-filled summer but also gain valuable skills and knowledge that can shape their future academic and career paths.
Summer Camps West Palm Beach
We have opened up new spots for some of our previously sold-out weeks! Check below for availability.
Please email [email protected] to go on a waitlist for an age group that is currently full.
Before registering your child for camp, please review our refund policy HERE.
Upcoming Summer Camps:
June 26th – 30th – Declassified: Secret Agent Camp (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-12) – Following the clues in this week-long camp will teach you what it takes to become a secret agent! Learn the technology forensic investigators use to help them solve crimes and the mental puzzles they put together to keep bad guys off the streets. (Non-member $300 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – 5-6 year old and 7-9 year old groups are FULL
June 26th – 30th – Aspiring Inventor Camp (Tech Camp, ages 7-12) – Calling all budding inventors! Learn how to make a variety of inventions using Makey Makey® in this entertaining week-long camp! (Non-member $325 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – 7-9 year old group is FULL
July 3rd – 7th – Out of this World! (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-12) – (4-Day Camp, no camp on July 4th) Blast off this planet and become a solar system explorer! In this 4-day camp, you will make new discoveries learning about the planets and stars. Become the next shooting star to travel across the Milky Way and back! (Non-member $240 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – 5-6 and 7-9 year old groups are FULL
July 3rd – 7th – Mission: Mars (Tech Camp, ages 7-12) – (4 Day Camp, no camp on July 4th) Get ready for your mission to Mars! Learn all about the technology behind space travel and the rovers that roam around the Martian surface in this week-long camp. (Non-member $260 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – 7-9 year old group is FULL
July 10th – 14th – Microscopic Mania (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-12) – Discover a tiny unseen world by examining specimens under a microscope! During this week-long camp, you will create your own slides to zoom in on everyday objects and even your own DNA. (Non-member $300 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – 5-6 and 7-9 year old groups are FULL
July 10th – 14th – Level Up! (Tech Camp, ages 7-12) – Ever wonder how your favorite video games are made? Learn all about this and more in this week-long tech camp where we explore the science behind making video games. (Non-member $325 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – ALL GROUPS ARE FULL
July 17th – 21st – Sur-FIN Safari (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-12) – Calling all junior Marine Biologists! Interested in learning more about what life can be found in our oceans? Grab your dive gear and take a deep dive to explore the different organisms that call our ocean home! What’s the difference between fish, sharks, plankton, and marine mammals? You’ll discover all this and more. (Non-member $300 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – new 5-6 year old spots available!
July 17th – 21st – Sci-Fi to Sci-FACT (Tech Camp, ages 7-12) – Join us as we explore the many ways that science fiction became science fact while diving deeper into our Science Fiction, Science Future exhibit. Explore cyborgs, holograms, and more in this futuristic adventure. (Non-member $325 | Members will receive an 8% discount)
July 24th – 28th – Modern Marvels (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-12) – What makes a super hero, a super hero? Is it their speed? Their strength? Ability to fly? Learn about the science behind some of our favorite super heroes and what makes them successful in saving the world. (Non-member $300 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – new 5-6 year old spots available! 7-9 and 10-12 year old groups are FULL
July 24th – 28th – Pokécode (Tech Camp, ages 7-12) – Learn the science behind how your favorite Pokécode characters are created, while acquiring more coding skills in this pocket monster-themed coding camp. (Non-member $325 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – 7-9 year old group is FULL
July 31st – August 4th – What’s Up, Doc? (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-12) – Dream of becoming a doctor? Listen to your heart and learn more about the human body in this week-long camp. During this camp you’ll learn how your body tries to protect you from colds and injuries, along with the important jobs your body assigns to certain organs. (Non-member $300 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – new 5-6 year old spots available! 7-9 and 10-12 year old groups are FULL
July 31st – August 4th – Build-a-Bot (Tech Camp, ages 7-12) – Learn about engineering design and the basics of programming as you build a LEGO robot. Test your skills on our FIRST LEGO League robot challenge course! (Non-member $325 | Members will receive an 8% discount) – ALL GROUPS ARE FULL
August 7th – 9th – Summer Fun Days (Science Adventure Camp, ages 5-12) – During this three-day camp, we will explore the best parts of all the summer camps offered during the 2023 summer season. The camp will conclude with our annual field day extravaganza to celebrate a season of fun and friendship! (Non-member $180 | Members will receive an 8% discount)
*Starting this summer, CSCA will be using a new camp registration system. We hope the new system will improve the registration experience by streamlining the process and giving you better access to important information. We will also be able to store your registration information for future use. Please note that you will need to set up a new account upon your first time using the new system.
Please click the button below to access the new Camp Registration portal:
Questions? Please call (561) 832-2026 or email programs@coxsciencecenter. org.
Thank you to our Camp Sponsor
Click HERE to learn more about the Florida 529 Savings Plan.
Camp Information:
Please be aware payment is due at the time you register for a camp session. If you have an outstanding balance your spot is subject to cancellation until the previously owed balance is paid in full.
Camp runs from 9:00am-4:00pm, with drop off from 8:30am-9:00am and pick up from 4:00pm-4:30pm. Before/Aftercare is 7:30am-9am and 4pm-5:30pm for an additional $15 per day.
Age groups for camps: 5-6 (Select Science Camps Only), 7-9, and 10-12
Late fee policy: The latest pick-up for camp is 4:30 p.m. The grace period is 10 minutes. After the grace period, an instant flat fee of $5.00 will be charged. In addition to the flat fee, $3.00 will be charged per minute.
For our full refund policy, click here.
For more information on what to bring to camp, click here.
For a sample weekly camp schedule, please click here. All camp schedules are subject to change. Not all camp age groups / tech camps will follow the same schedule.
Camp Scholarships:
We do not currently have any camp scholarships available. Any updates will be posted here.
Rockin’ Reviews
“My 7-year-old son has been attending science summer camp at the museum for 6 weeks and he absolutely loves it. Every week has a different theme and he’s made a lot of new friends. I love that the counselors are very attentive and seem to enjoy their jobs. We’ll definitely be coming back next summer!”
“After attending tech camp, my daughter now has a love for learning she never had before and feels more confident with new things.”
“Science Center Camp offers a perfect mix of fun and learning! Both of our kids loved the outdoor and indoor exhibit exploration and the weekly themed science lessons. “
Summer Learning / Camps
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Overview
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Summer Camps and Activities
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Camps
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Locations
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Virtual Experiences
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Family Activities & Resources
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Parent Resources
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Camps are located in every community and offered by the School District, community agencies, and private organizations across Palm Beach County. There are also special programs for students of all ages.
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Have fun this summer at one of the summer camps in Palm Beach County. The School District runs camps at school locations from June to July/August, depending on location. Other camps in the area have special programs for a variety of interests, such as art, science, sports, aquatics, theater, and more, for all ages.
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- School District Summer Camps
- Achievement Centers Ages 5-18 (Delray)
- Band Camp in PBC
- Boys and Girls Club Summer at Home
- CROS Ministries Summer Camp
- Cultural Camp Guide
- Delray Beach Playhouse
- Delray Beach Summer Camps / Classes
- Delray Camps in the City
- Frost Museum of Science Summer Camp
- Junk Camp at Resource Depot
- Jupiter Daily Summer Camp Guide
- Jupiter Outdoor Center
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- Lighthouse Art Camp
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center Summer Camp
- Mounts Botanical Garden Explorers Camp
- The Palm Beaches Summer Camp Guide
- PBC Summer Camp
- PB Parenting Camp List
- Palm Beach Zoo Camp
- Pine Tree Camp (Lynn University)
- Sea Turtle Adventures Camp
- Science and Tech Camps – Cox Science Center
- South Florida Summer Camps Roundup
- Summer Camp Guide – Macaroni Kid
- West Palm Beach – City Fun Summer Camp
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Special programs are run during the summer for young children, youth, and teens
- Summer Science Programs in Palm Beach County
- Apple Summer Programs (students age 8-12 have options that include music, coding, moviemaking, or art and design)
- Discovery Science – MLB Sustainability Challenge (students can login through their portal for additional resources)
- FAU Pine Jog Summer Day Camp
- FAU Sports Camps
- iD Tech Camps (FAU)
- Mandel Summer Programs for Children
- Milagro Center (call for summer information)
- Palm Beach State Youth College (Science, Literature, Arts, Math)
- Compass Youth Program (ages 12-18)
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- Discovery Education – Virtual Day Trips
- Prime Time Palm Beach County Virtual Summer Camp
- Varsity Tutor – Virtual Summer Camps
- Wild About Wildlife Virtual Summer Camp – Partnership with Manatee Lagoon, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Lion Country Safari, and Palm Beach Zoo
- Wellington Black Dog Productions Virtual Summer Camp
- Wide Open School from Common Sense Media
Giving Back – International College Counselors
International College Counselors is dedicated to giving back to the community. From PTSA partnerships and free seminars to counselor training and volunteer counseling, we are committed to students and the communities in which we operate.
PTSA Partnership
Mandy Heller Adler International College Counselors presents a check to the PTSA at the choice of the ICC student.
International College Counselors conducts free student and parent information seminars at PTSA meetings and college fairs throughout the school year.
Pro Bono
An important part of International College Counselors Our mission is to maximize educational opportunities for students in all schools and professions. Every year, International College Counselors provides free support to highly motivated, high potential students who cannot afford to pay.
Free seminars and webinars
International College Counselors conducted free seminars for organizations in selected areas Florida , New York , New Jersey , Connecticut , North Carolina , Ohio , Washington , 90 017 Maryland, CA and Virginia . Families from across the US and around the world have also benefited from the free ICC webinars. If you are associated with a company that would like to host a dynamic and informative seminar or webinar, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Workshop locations included:
High Schools
Alexander Mussa High School in Israel (AMHSI)
Alonzo and Tracy Funeral High School
Montessori Beach Village
Ben Gamla Preparatory Academy
Cooper City High School
Coral Gables High School
High School Cypress Bay School
Donna Klein Jewish Academy
Dr. Michael M. Krop High School
Dreyfus High School
FAU High School
Oakland Highlands High School
Education Senior High School
MAST Academy
Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School
Miami Beach High School
Northwest High School
Nova High School
Palm Beach Day Academy
Pompano Beach High School
Rye High School
Southwood Middle
Spanish River High School
St. Bernard School
Montessori Quest Summit
Suncoast High School Daytime
Companies
Bayview Finance
Brain Empowerment
Broward County Gifted Advisory Board
Broward Teaching Services
Dale Carnegie
Evolve Learning Center
Fusion Academy
West Palm Beach Good Samaritan Hospital
Hightower Counselors
Huntington Learning Center
Inlingua Language Centers
IMACS (Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science)
Family JM
Exam Preparation Kaplan
Language and Leisure Center
Matnasium
Mensa International
Riverside Partners
Smart Test
Young Presidents Organization (YPO)
Libraries
Boynton Beach Library (FL)
Brockway Library (FL)
Broward County Public Libraries (FL)
Fairfield Library (CT)
Hagen Delray Library (FL)
Library Palm Beach Gardens (FL)
Stewart Library Roberta Morgade (FL)
Sterling Road Library in Hollywood (FL)
Westport Library (CT)
Nonprofit
Black 100 College and Expo Scholarship
Reach Miami
Art Shack Miami
Broward Gifted Advisory Board
Brothers Big Sisters
Bowerrest Camp
B’nai Amun Congregation
Florida Youth Orchestra
Scouts
Broward Girls Club
Jewish Home Life 9 0043 Mandel JCC Palm Beach Gardens
Michael Ann Russell JCC
Museum of Discovery and Science
Girls Tempo Center
Rotary Club Palm Beach
Rotary Club of South Miami
Temple Beth Sholom of Miami Beach
Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El Plantations
Temple of Sinai Hollywood
Temple of Solel Hollywood
Women of Tomorrow
International College Counselors Grant Admission
Purpose of International College Counselors The essay competition for high school students is designed to raise awareness of the value of higher education among high school students.
International College Counselors The essay competition is open to all students in grades 9-11 in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach County, and outside of Florida. Two winners of $250 each will be selected.
Click Here for Scholarship Information
Previous Winners
Fellows 2023
Calliope Cuomo , American Heritage, Plan tation, FL
Alejandro Guerrero-Mattias St. Pius X High School, Houston , Texas
Fellows 2022
Gabriel Hecht , St. Andrew’s School, Boca Raton, FL
Nandana Varie , John P. Stevens High School, Edison, NJ 9Scholarships 2020
Alexis Ulfe , Marjorie Stoneman High School Douglas, Parkland, FL
Dia Patel , Hillsborough High School, Hillsborough, NJ
Fellows 2019
Gabriel Leizorek , Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr., Miami, FL
Trang Tron , Florina High School, Sacramento, CA
2018 Fellows
Emma Sayler , North Broward Prep, Coconut Creek, FL
McKinley Wilson , Rickards High School, Tallahassee, FL
2017 Fellows
Charles Hanlon , Nova High School, Davie, FL
Ashley Weiss , Bucks Central High School, Jamison, PA
Catalina Lisarazo , St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Fellows 2016
Michelle Silveira , New Bedford High School, New Bedford, MA
Alissa Guarinello , Coral Glades High School, Coral Springs, FL 9 0003
Fellows 2015
Carly Goldberg , North Broward Preparatory School, Pompano Beach, FL
Andres Gutierrez , Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Miami, FL
Layla Doty , Western Sierra University Academy, Rocklin, CA
Fellows 2014
Jonathan DeWayne College Prep Chaminade Madonna Miami FL
Bethany Kirkpatrick Battle Ground Academy Franklin TN
Chloe i Schuman , West High School, Davie, FL
Angel Rodriguez , Palm Beach Central High School, Wellington, FL
Fellows 2013
Nicole Malanga , Everglades High School, Miramar, FL
Bianca Roberson , Dr.