Summer STEM Camps

Our camp programs are designed to immerse children in nature and foster their connection to the natural world. Through hands-on, engaging STEM activities, our certified instructors guide campers through an exploration of the natural world and the role we all play in our own environment. Campers participate in a variety of outdoor projects and play activities that inspire curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

Learn more about our current camp options below. For more information about youth camps, contact us at education@hsvbg.org or 256-830-4447 ext. 253.

Is a camp you want to attend full? Email education@hsvbg.org to get put on a wait list. 

In 2022, we are offering 10 different summer STEM camp themes in June and July, with options available for ages 4-11 (students entering kindergarten through grade 6). Scroll down to browse all of our summer camp programs, or click the button below to view a summary of dates, times, grade levels, and themes.

Extended Care is available in the morning and/or afternoon for an additional fee. Morning Extended Care hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Afternoon Extended Care hours are 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Additional information and registration for Extended Care can be found at the bottom of this page.

Questions? Contact us at education@hsvbg.org or 256-830-4447 ext. 253.

Below are the brief descriptions of our 2022 Summer STEM Camps.

Backyard Science

May 31 – June 3, June 20 – 24, July 25 – 29
Ages 4 – 11 years
Let’s go on an adventure in our 112-acre “backyard!” Campers will have outdoor adventures completing a variety of activities, including experiments, nature walks, scavenger hunts, nature play, and more. Campers will learn more about the wonders of their own backyard and be split into grade levels to allow for age-appropriate hands-on activities. Each week of Backyard Science will be unique and exciting, so come explore with us!

Fairies in the Forest

June 6 – 10, July 18 – 22
Ages 4 – 7 years
Magical discovery awaits your camper in this journey into the forest. Imaginations will run wild while campers build fairy houses, discover amazing plants, and learn about other mystical creatures that call a forest home. All campers will end the week by dressing up like forest fairies themselves!

Camp “I wanna know why!”

June 6 – 10, July 11 – 15
Ages 4 – 7 years
Does your child love to ask questions? This camp will encourage your child to ask nature-based questions while we find the answers in the world of plants. Every day will start with engaging questions that will then use STEM experiments, nature hikes, and hands-on activities to find the answers.

Garden Detectives

June 6 – 10
Ages 8 – 9 years
It’s time to put on our detective hats and pull out our magnifying glasses to solve some of nature’s mysteries. How does dirt become soil? What really makes plants green? What makes a plant grow roots? The natural world is filled with mysteries to solve. Campers will discover the answers to how nature works through STEM activities, including experiments, exploration, and self-discovery throughout the Garden.

By Nature’s Design

June 6 – 10
Ages 10 – 11 years
Veins in leaves, petals on flowers, and meandering rivers. The patterns in nature’s beauty help it to do the most with the least: the tightest fit, the shortest path, the least energy expended. Let your camper get their creative juices flowing with this nature-based STEM camp with an artistic flair! Campers will explore patterns in nature and creatively express their love of science.

Gardening for Kids

June 13 – 17, July 18 – 22
Ages 4 – 11 years
In this interactive experience, campers will explore the ins and outs of gardening. Hands-on experiments with soil, plants, and water will reveal how plants grow and how we, as gardeners, can help them grow even better! Campers will get their hands dirty working with Garden staff, and by the end of the week, they will know everything they need to know to start a garden of their own at home.

Bugs: Heroes and Villains

June 20 – 24, July 18 – 22
Ages 4 – 7 years
Hero versus villain. There’s a battle every day between bugs and plants. Campers will learn which ones are heroes and which are villains through hands-on exploration and discovery. They will also learn how we can help defeat the bug villains and join the hero force. 

Outdoor Scientist

June 27 – July 1
Ages 4 – 11 years

4 – 7 years
Let’s dive into science! Campers will discover a new passion for science and nature as we look into what plant scientists do, how plant explorers venture to the tops of trees, and so much more! Renowned author, Heather L. Montgomery, will join us for hands-on exploration and activities from her new book What’s in Your Pocket? focused on how various scientists got excited about science at a young age. Activities will be adapted to be appropriate for each age level.

8 – 11 years
Let’s dive into science! Campers will have a chance to discover a new passion for science and nature as we look at soil, scat, plants, animals, and so much more! We will be joined by renowned author, Heather L. Montgomery, for hands-on exploration and activities featuring her book The Scoop on Poop. Activities will be adapted to be appropriate for each age level.

Nature’s Engineers

July 11 – 15
Ages 8 – 9 years
Organisms in nature are pretty amazing engineers! Campers will discover the science behind spider webs, plant structures, and more in this week-long dive into natural engineers. They will get the chance to use their skills to recreate some of these marvels of engineering to see if they can do as well as plants and animals!

Garden STEM Challenge

July 11 – 15
Ages 10 – 11 years Who doesn’t love a challenge? This camp is all about STEM, as campers complete a variety of garden-based engineering challenges. Inspired by the natural world around them, they will design, test, and improve engineering creations that mimic the functions found in nature.