Get outside this summer! The STEM Connection invites campers into full-day, week-long STEM adventures where they connect with nature, make friends, and discover the engaging world of STEM. Open to students entering K–6th grades in the fall. Discounts are available for households that qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch and for sibling registrations.
Basic Info:
Address: 8407 Moore Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46278
Phone: (317) 213-9169
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.thestemconnection.org/
Type of Camp or Summer Program: Day
Basic Category: STEM, Wilderness
Special Needs Offered: ADA accessible restroom. More details: https://www.thestemconnection.org/accessibility.
Dates: June 15–18; June 22–25; June 29–July 2; July 13–16; July 20–23 (Girls Week).
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Ages: Youth entering grades K–6 and 7–9; minimum age 5.
Activities: STEM activities, hiking, woodworking workshop, art, live animal workshop.
Is this camp participating in the Virtual Fair? Yes.
Q&A with The STEM Connection:
What makes The STEM Connection unique?
The STEM Connection offers a unique camp experience by immersing youth in the great outdoors on our 30-acre farm while they learn about the engaging world of STEM. Camps are 100% outdoors, with the occasional need to step inside the yurt during unexpected inclement weather.
What activities are offered at The STEM Connection?
The STEM Connection offers three themes. Families can choose a favorite or sign up for all three.
- Camp Constructors: Makers, crafters, creative thinkers, and problem solvers draw inspiration from nature and use a variety of materials to imagine, design, and create solutions for everyday challenges, as well as works of art and engineering.
- Fantastic Four: Humans impact Earth’s air, life, land, and water. Campers become “Earth Superheroes” while learning ways to protect Earth’s atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and hydrosphere.
- Critter Quest: Indiana is home to many different animals. Campers investigate local wildlife, explore habitats, learn how to be nature caretakers, and more while discovering animals that live in Indiana.
What is the camper-to-counselor ratio?
The camper-to-counselor ratio is 8:1.
How much time do the campers spend outside?
Camp is 100% outdoors, with the rare need to move inside to the yurt in the event of unexpected inclement weather.
Does The STEM Connection provide lunch/snacks, or do parents need to provide them?
Snacks are provided daily. Campers need to bring their own lunch.
What is the typical daily schedule for campers?
- Arrival & Belonging: 9:00–9:45 a.m.
- Literacy: 9:45–10:00 a.m.
- Choice Activity #1: 10:00–10:45 a.m.
- Break: 10:45–11:00 a.m.
- Lesson #1: 11:00–11:30 a.m.
- Rest & Relaxation: 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Lunch: 12:00–12:30 p.m.
- Literacy: 12:30–12:45 p.m.
- Lesson #2: 12:45–1:15 p.m.
- Choice Activity #2: 1:15–2:00 p.m.
- Break #2: 2:00–2:15 p.m.
- Playworks: 2:15–3:00 p.m.
- Reflection & Pack Up: 3:00–3:45 p.m.
- Camper Dismissal: 3:45–4:00 p.m.
How old are the counselors and how are they trained?
Group Leaders are carefully selected young adults, generally ages 19–25. Most attend (or have graduated from) a post-secondary institution. Group Leaders are CPR certified and receive multiple days of training, including sessions on positive behavior intervention, character education, and general camp training that adheres to ACA best practices.
Activity Leaders are adults who have led youth programs at The STEM Connection for at least one prior season. Many have been with the organization for 2+ years, and several are licensed Indiana educators. Activity Leaders are CPR certified and receive multiple days of training, including sessions on positive behavior intervention, character education, and general camp training that adheres to ACA best practices. Specialized Activity Leaders receive additional training in their subject area.
What accommodations are made for campers with special needs?
The STEM Connection offers ADA accessible restrooms, raised garden beds, and finely crushed gravel to accommodate children of varying physical abilities. More information about accessibility is available here: https://www.thestemconnection.org/accessibility.
