STEM Build Camp: Engineer, Test, and Share!

Parents: A hands-on engineering camp designed for curious builders who love to create, test, and improve. In just one day, campers take on a series of fun STEM building challenges using simple materials and real engineering thinking. As they design, test, and redesign, students explore science concepts like motion, structures, buoyancy, and problem-solving in a way that feels creative, active, and exciting.

Kids: Build, test, and invent all day long! You might race a balloon car, build a strong bridge, create something that floats, or solve a surprise design challenge. Try out your ideas, make changes, and see what works best as you think like a real engineer.

Project Model

Campers rotate through hands-on STEM building challenges that introduce the engineering design process: ask, imagine, plan, build, test, and improve. Students work individually and with partners to explore how different materials and design choices affect performance. Each challenge is designed to be beginner-friendly, creative, and achievable within one day.

Daily Structure

4 ninety-minute sessions per day (S1–S4)
Hands-on build challenges with guided instruction, testing, and reflection
Differentiation built into each session with Try This First and Level Up options
Tools: Craft materials, measuring tools, testing stations, safety gear

Day 1: Build, Test, Improve

Outcomes: Learn the engineering design process, explore multiple STEM concepts, and complete several build-and-test challenges in one day.

S1 Motion Builders
Activities: Explore forces and motion by building a simple moving creation such as a balloon car or rolling vehicle. Campers test how far and how straight their design can go, then make improvements.
Words: force, motion, friction, axle, distance, test.
Try This First: Build a simple car that rolls or moves forward.
Level Up: Adjust the design to improve speed, distance, or straightness.

S2 Strong Structures
Activities: Design and build a small bridge or tower using basic materials. Campers learn how shapes and supports help structures stay strong.
Try This First: Build a structure that can hold a small weight or stand on its own.
Level Up: Redesign to support more weight or reach a greater height.

S3 Float and Balance
Activities: Explore buoyancy by building a small boat, barge, or floating platform. Campers test how much weight it can hold before tipping or sinking and then improve the design.
Try This First: Make a floating design that stays upright.
Level Up: Increase the amount of weight it can carry.

S4 Solve a Surprise Engineering Challenge
Activities: Campers apply what they learned in a final mini challenge that may involve movement, stability, strength, or teamwork. Students test, redesign, and share their solutions with the group.
Reflection: What helped your design work better? What did you change after testing?
Level Up: Add an extra feature, improve efficiency, or explain the science behind your design.

Why Families Love This

For Parents: Campers get a full day of hands-on STEM learning that builds creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. The camp encourages experimentation, teamwork, and confidence while making science and engineering feel fun and approachable.
For Campers: You get to build cool things, test your ideas, and make them even better.

Inclusion & Confidence Builders

• Beginner-friendly design challenges with step-by-step support
• Multiple right answers and creative design choices
• Testing and redesign built into every activity
• Partner sharing and group celebration
• Mistakes treated as part of the engineering process

Camp Essentials

Ages: 7 to 9 years old
Times:

• Full-Day: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
• AM: 8:30 AM–1:00 PM
• PM: 12:30 PM–5:00 PM

Location: 2171 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
What to Bring: Water bottle, lunch, and one or two light snacks
Video Gaming: Not allowed
Tech Provided: Computers and robotics kits (for in-camp use only; equipment stays with us)
Skill Level: Beginners welcome; no prior experience required
Dress Code: Comfortable clothes; indoor-friendly shoes
Contact: camps@yblueridgeboost.com • (434) 260‑0636
Allergies/Medical: Share details during registration; bring any necessary meds
Behavior & Safety: Kindness first; follow staff directions; safety rules apply

Note: Camps listed for ages 6 to 12 may be divided into two groups by age.