STEAM Summer Camps

Join the Fab Lab for a dino-mite adventure where we will be traveling back to the Age of the Dinosaurs and other ancient creatures! Campers will become young paleontologists for the week as we unearth the mysteries of these extraordinary prehistoric lifeforms. We will immerse ourselves in thrilling hands-on activities to guide us through the prehistoric world of Dinosaurs! 

Led by Jake & Aleah

Come join us as we harness our imagination and artistic skills and capture the essence of summer through various forms of creative expression. From painting summer sunsets to crafting with seashells, or even getting creative with sand, the possibilities for artistic expression are endless during the summer months. Let’s bring the vibrant scenes of summer to life through art and design!

Led by Kenzie & Taytum

This immersive camp is designed to ignite young minds and inspire a passion for engineering through fun and engaging activities and challenges! Throughout the camp, children will have the opportunity to explore various fields of engineering, including mechanical, electrical, civil, and aerospace. Our goal is to provide a stimulating and supportive environment where young learners can develop a strong foundation in engineering principles while having an unforgettable summer experience.

Led by Ali & Bella

Using the latest LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Robotics kits, campers will develop basic robot design and coding skills as they design, build and program a robot to complete fun daily challenges. Through the engineering design process, campers will build problem-solving, critical thinking and teamwork skills they can use for life!

LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site or camp.

Ever wanted to design a game but didn't know how? The very first step is to learn coding! Coding is found in our lives every day and it is what makes your favorite websites and games work. In this camp, students will discover the basics of computer programming and use them to create their own games and activities using drag-and-drop coding through Scratch! No prior coding experience is required to participate, just come prepared to learn and have fun!

Led by Hannah & Rohan

Join us for a weeklong adventure on the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM)! Each day we will explore what makes each letter of "STEAM" so special! Using various hands-on techniques and experiments, we will discover our world from the inside out. Get ready to build an edible model of the earth's layers and use circuits to create cool structures as we use food, electricity, slime, and so many more activities to discover the endless potential of science!  

Led by Florentina & Tina

Racers, ready your engines! We are driving full gear into a week filled with mechanical fun! Join us as we learn how different mechanical contraptions all impact the way we move. By utilizing engineering concepts such as aerodynamics, propulsion, and suspension we will unveil the secrets of automotive dynamics- where fun and education seamlessly accelerate into the future of mechanics!

Led by Florentina & Tina

Immerse yourself in imagination and make cool creations with Machine Madness Art & Design camp! Campers will design and bring home inventive and original creations while working with Fab Lab software and machines such as CorelDRAW, the laser cutter, vinyl cutter, and so much more. Take this opportunity to expand your artistic sphere in the innovative mesh between machines and creativity — the possibilities are endless!

Led by Elena & Jiayi

Embark on an exciting adventure at Machine Madness: Sports & Games camp, where innovation meets competition! Explore the world of unconventional sports and games like cricket, pickleball, frisbee, and more! Utilizing cutting-edge software and equipment in our Fab Lab, we'll design, prototype, and bring our ideas to life! From building game equipment to strategizing your game tactics, unleash your creativity and enthusiasm for unique sports and gaming experiences in this thrilling journey!

Led by Jake & Daniel

Campers will learn how to analyze and interpret evidence while trying to solve a murder mystery case! By conducting fun experiments and interviewing witnesses, campers will hone their problem-solving, critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills. They'll delve into the forensics intricacies of evidence analysis, unraveling clues through hands-on experiments and also meet with a guest speaker, all of which will help them crack the case. Grab your detective hat and join us for Murder Mystery Forensics camp!

Led by Aashima

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of physics! From exploring the laws of motion to unraveling the mysteries of forces and energy, campers will engage in thrilling hands-on experiments and activities that will spark their curiosity and deepen their understanding of the physical world. Join us for a week filled with excitement, discovery, and endless fun as we uncover the wonders of physics together!

Led by Parker & Saket

Coders unite! In this camp, you will learn the basics of the Python programming language as you create your own video games and projects! You will build technical and problem-solving skills while learning the ins and outs of the Python programming language (the same language used to build Instagram, Spotify, Netflix, and more). No prior experience is required to participate, just a willingness to learn and have fun!

Led by Nicolas & Prabhav

Rocketry camp is an exciting, hands-on program designed to ignite a passion for science and engineering. Campers will learn how to create their own rocket ignition, propulsion and test systems, all while having fun with their peers. With a fun and engaging curriculum, this camp is perfect for budding scientists who love to tinker and explore the world of rocketry. Get ready to blast off into a summer of science and laughter! 

Led by members of Team True Fire Rocketry Club

Join us for a riveting exploration of biology, chemistry, astronomy, food science, and more! We will be unraveling the complexities of living organisms, studying celestial bodies like stars and planets, exploring the fundamental building blocks of matter, learning about the chemistry of our daily culinary experience, and much more. Let’s discover the many diverse branches of science and how all these fields appear in our daily lives!

Led by Kenzie & Ariana

Calling all “Fab” agents! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a spy? Work with your fellow campers to first learn the inner workings of espionage, then use your newfound skills to go incognito and solve your first case. From lasercut spy gadgets to original disguises, join us for a week of undercover fun!

Led by Elena, Jiayi & Taytum

Join us for a captivating week at Weather Wizards camp, where young meteorologists explore the dynamic world of atmospheric conditions and natural disasters! Through wicked hands-on activities like solar ovens and cloud formation experiments, campers will unravel the mysteries of meteorology. Come ready to learn, have fun, and become a true weather whiz!

Led by Jake & Aleah

Look around! From the furniture we sit on to the utensils we use, and even the houses we live in, wood plays a crucial role in our daily lives. Join our superstar student instructors in learning about the art and trade of timber. Campers will explore the fundamentals of woodworking and hone valuable skills such as shop safety, problem-solving and teamwork as they bring their projects to life! With support from Fab Lab volunteers, campers will use machines and tools like miter saws, band saws and sanders to construct their very own one-of-a-kind wood projects.

Led by Angela & Sheli

Get ready to dive into Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and craft digital designs using Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD software. Fusion 360 is used in many industries, making it a valuable skill to build from an early age. Campers will then bring their designs to life in our cutting-edge 3D printing lab which includes Stratasys, MakerBot, and resin 3D printers. Group projects and hands-on activities will spark innovation while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills. Join us for a summer of imagination and discovery!

Led by Prabhav & Hailie

Calling all coders! In this camp, you will learn the intricacies of the Python programming language through the creation of projects and games. Python is the language used to build Instagram, Spotify, Netflix, and more! We will explore the real-world applications of Python and its relationship to math and algorithms, all while having fun and creating cool projects!

Prior experience in a Fab Lab coding camp or STEAM Saturdays class preferred, but not required, to participate. More important is a willingness to learn and have fun!

Led by Nicolas, Prabhav, Rohan & Aashima

For centuries, architectural design has shaped humankind. Campers will explore the architectural design process through conceptual design and planning, technical 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software, hands on model making, and presentation creation. Let's build!

Led by Lily & Helen

Ever used ChatGPT to do your homework? Or seen Tesla's autopilot mode? Perhaps you've wondered how it works. In this camp, not only will you learn about machine learning, but also have the opportunity to design your own artificial intelligence model, ranging from disease detection to a chatbot!

Led by Rohan & Parker

Step right up to the greatest show on earth! In this camp, creativity takes center stage and imagination runs wild. Join us under the big top as we unleash the secrets of amusement design, engineer a carnival game, and learn about rollercoaster physics! Whether you're a budding artist, or a future engineer, this camp offers an unforgettable experience to discover the intricate art of carnival design. 

Led by Aashima

Do you like adventure, fantasy, and creating your own stories? Then join us for a week of fun that will introduce students to the tabletop role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons. Students will create their dream D&D characters, scenarios, and worlds. We will bring our ideas to life using design, technology, machines, and much more. Join our campaign today!

Led by Hannah, Elena & Angela

Have you ever wanted to learn how the electronic world around you functions? Come join us at the Fab Lab to code and breadboard arduinos, mechanical circuits, and learn real world skills with our FABulous college interns! We have exciting activities with LEDs, motors, speakers, and so much more!

Included with registration: Take-home Arduino and electronics kit (Over $30 value)

Led by Fab Lab College Interns: Landon, Duncan, Natalie & Maddox

Use science, engineering and Fab Lab machines to further your understanding of geography, topography, climate & weather, and more! Learn about the events and landmarks that shape our daily lives. Accompany us for a thrilling camp with activities such as laser-cutting maps, creating isoline models, innovative world-building, geocaching and more that will help broaden your understanding of the geospatial and cartographic world around you.

Led by Ariana & Alex

Dive into a world of inventiveness, hands-on design, and FABrication in Machine Madness summer camp. Middle school students will learn how to use software like CorelDraw and Autodesk Fusion 360 to digitize their project ideas, then learn to use machines like laser cutters, vinyl cutters, 3D printers and more to bring them to life! 

Led by Ariana & Daniel

Locks, keys, hints, and clues - this camp has it all, with a numerical spin. Join us for an interactive and fun math experience solving mysteries and riddles, earning prizes and finding your way out! This camp will also prepare you for success in advanced middle school and introductory high school math. The clock starts now!

Led by Kenzie & Alex

Brainsss! Unlock the mysteries of the brain at Neuroscience Camp! Delve into the fascinating world of brain chemistry and anatomy to uncover the secrets behind your actions and emotions. What chemicals trigger happiness or sadness? How do we control our limbs? Through hands-on activities and even a real sheep brain dissection, campers will explore the brain's incredible functions. Join us for a week of brain exploration, discovery, and even experience Fab Lab machinery!

Led by Alex & Ava

It's not rocket science… or is it? The Fab Lab is blasting off, join our adventure as we brainstorm, prototype, build and launch our very own rockets. We will learn about the history of space travel through unique, exhilarating activities that will surely blow your socks off. Get ready for a week that’s out of this world!

Led by Jake & Daniel

Let's have some fun coding with the Fab Lab! Campers will explore web programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Throughout the week, campers will tackle exciting coding challenges, honing their skills while exploring the intricacies of web development. Rounding out the week, campers will craft and code their very own web pages, showcasing their creativity and newfound coding skills. 

Led by Bella

Are you ready to enter the Fab Lab's very own Shark Tank? Come explore the inner workings of businesses, compare different economies, and discover the importance of finances as you create your very own start-up. Let's take the first steps in your business journey and become young entrepreneurs. At the end of the week, be ready to pitch your creative idea to the Sharks!

Led by Florentina & Tina

Check-in will be at 8:30am (or 1:30pm for afternoon sessions) at the rear of the Fab Lab (4452 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233). Volunteers and/or staff will help you check-in your child outside. Please arrive on time each day so the schedule is not disrupted. You are also required to sign your child out when picking them up at 12:30pm (or 5:30pm for afternoon sessions).

Camps at Wilkinson Elementary: Check-in will take place Monday-Thursday at 8:30am in the main office of Wilkinson Elementary School (3400 Wilkinson Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231). Pick up is at the same location at 12:30pm. Please note that camp will be held at the Fab Lab on Friday (4452 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233) with the same check-in/out times.

If someone other than you will be picking up your child, please notify staff at check-in so they can be added to your account.

Your child will receive suitable safety gear when using machines or performing experiments and will always be supervised by a certified volunteer or staff member.

Our lab and equipment undergo professional cleaning and sanitization every night using EPA-approved products. Antibacterial hand soap and hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the lab.

Please keep your child’s profile in the registration portal updated with the latest medical, allergy, and emergency contact information. If your child has specific triggers, anxieties, or fears, feel free to note them in the system.

Students should wear comfortable, non-baggy, casual clothing along with closed-toe/closed-heel gym or tennis shoes. Open-toe sandals or flip flops are NOT permitted for safety reasons. Campers arriving with open-toe shoes will require a closed-toe pair before participating in camp activities. Dangling jewelry should be removed and long hair should be tied back when using machines.

We kindly ask that personal items other than snacks not be brought to the lab unless approved by Fab Lab staff. This includes toys, games, blankets, or electronics.

Don’t forget to pack a snack or lunch for your child to enjoy during our daily snack time. Please send them with a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated at our water station. We do not provide snacks, so please send your child with something to fuel their creativity!

Completion of Waiver of Liability, Media Release and Authorization forms are mandatory for your child’s participation in Fab Lab Summer Camps. You are required to acknowledge these forms during camp registration.

To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 14 days prior to your enrolled camp session. Cancellations made less than 14 days from the camp session qualify for a 50% refund. All refunds are subject to a 2% processing fee. Please submit cancellation requests in writing to info@suncoastscience.org or by calling 941-840-4394; voicemail cancellations will not be accepted. No-shows are not eligible for refunds. There are no refunds for missed camp time due to late drop-off, early pick-up, absence, or removal due to behavioral issues.

You will NOT be charged when adding yourself to a camp waitlist. Students on the waitlist will be notified in the order they were added to the waitlist if a spot becomes available. We will notify you as early as possible by phone or email if there is an opportunity to move off the waitlist and include instructions on how to process your camp payment.

For each student to have a positive, safe experience in our summer camps, we have established the following expectations:

1. Always listen to and follow the instructions of your camp instructors.

2. Walking is our preferred mode of transportation while in the lab. No running please!

3. No food or drink (including candy and gum) is allowed in classoom or machine areas unless agreed upon with staff or volunteers. The snack/lunch you bring will be set aside for snack time.

4. The Golden Rule… Treat others as you would like to be treated! This means raising your hand to speak, respecting others’ personal space and keeping your hands to yourself, being considerate, kind and helpful, using appropriate language, etc.

5. Treat our machines and tools respectfully... like they are your own!

6. We have multiple camps running each week. Please be sure to stay with your group at all times and never leave the building without a volunteer or staff member.

To maintain a safe and welcoming learning environment, we implement a Three Strikes policy in relation to the above expectations.

• Reminder: The student will receive a reminder of our expectations.

• Warning: The student will be removed from camp activities temporarily.

• Action: We will discuss the student's behavior when you pick up your child. This is the student's first strike.

If the behavior continues, we will contact you during camp hours for further discussion. You may be required to pick up your child at this time. This is the student's second strike.

If the behavior ceases to stop after the first two strikes, we will contact you to immediately pick up your child from camp. This is the student's third and final strike and they will not be permitted to return to camp.

In rare circumstances, we reserve the right to bypass the above policy and immediately dismiss a camper if we deem the behavior or actions too severe for them to continue.