SPI SCIENCE PLAY-SPACE INITIATIVE SPI SPOT
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SPI Camps 2023 
SPI will again offer a variety of fun summer camps in 2023!  Descriptions and dates for these are below. Registration will open March 14 at noon at https://spi.jumbula.com/.  If you don't already have one, you will need to create a Jumbula account before registering for camps. This needs to be set up by a parent/legal guardian, since legal forms and waivers are built in to registration. Registration is online only. 

JUNE 5 - JUNE 9
Full STEAM Ahead session 1 (completed grades K-2)
9 am to noon
It’s finally summer! Let’s play outside and make new friends! Enjoy classic camp games, crafts, and silly songs. Our staff will lead at least one structured  - and often messy - exploration each day focusing on the components that make up the acronym STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.  Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2 of this camp, not both.  

Blow off STEAM, session 1  (completed grades 3-5)
1 to 4 pm
Let loose and enjoy being outside with new friends who are just as silly, curious, and smart as you! There will be time for both active play and at least one structured exploration each day focusing on the components that make up the acronym STEAM:  Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2, not both. 
 
JUNE 12 - JUNE 16
Blow off STEAM, session 2  (completed grades 3-5)
9 am to noon
Let loose and enjoy being outside and meeting friends who are just as silly, curious, and smart as you! There will be time for both active play and at least one structured exploration each day focusing on the components that make up the acronym STEAM:  Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2, not both. 

Full STEAM Ahead, session 2 (completed grades K-2)
1 to 4 pm
Let’s play outside and make new friends! Enjoy classic camp games, crafts, and silly songs. Our staff will lead at least one structured  - and often messy - exploration each day focusing on the components that make up the acronym STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.  Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2 of this camp, not both. 

JUNE 19 - JUNE 23
Champ Camp  (completed grades k-2)
9 am to noon
Campers will complete a variety of service projects and challenges in different categories in an effort to win the SPIrit of SPI award. They may be tasked with anything from community cleanup, to caring for animals, to contributing to scientific research, to stretching outside their comfort zone in athletic or artistic endeavors. They’ll also have the opportunity to engage with a variety of fellow citizens whose backgrounds and abilities may differ from their own. This camp is timed to coincide with the kick off of Ohio’s Special Olympic Games and the World Games in Berlin - both of which showcase the perseverance of athletes who work to achieve their goals in the face of personal challenges or physical limitations. (Locations for drop off and/or pick up may vary throughout this week to enable the various projects, but we will work to keep the distance within a reasonable range).  

SPIderverse, session 1 (completed grades 3-5)
9 am to noon
Forget arachnophobia, you’ll get bitten by arachnomania this week. We’ll weave a web connecting superhero stuff and science. Explore polymers. Befriend spiders. Beyond Spidey, campers will investigate the principles behind the powers possessed by other heroes and villains. SUPER fun games and friendly competitions throughout the week. This camp is timed to coincide with the summer release of the animated family movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. 
Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2, not both. 

LUNCH BRIDGE (completed grades 3-5)
Noon to 1 pm
Optional supervised lunch and free time option for enrollees in BOTH the morning and afternoon sessions this week. 

Gadgets and Games (completed grades 3-5)
1 to 4 pm
Campers design and build with VEX GO robotics materials, creating structures that use motion and force. Campers will learn about the mechanisms that make their favorite gadgets, games, and toys work by building and designing them.This camp occurs mostly indoors, with some outdoor breaks built into the agenda. Our kid engineers will be asked to sit for periods of time in order to build things at tables. They will be asked to share materials, and to do work in pairs. Consider your child’s ability to manage these expectations.

JUNE 26 - JUNE 30
Ever After, session 1 (completed grades K-2)
9 am to noon
You may know the stories, but have you ever tried to build a “just right” chair that would satisfy Goldilox? Are you clever enough to lay a trap for all those witches that show up in so many fairytales? There is more than the moral of the story to consider here - there are practicalities! Come experience “once upon a time” from new points of view. The Little Mermaid will be among the fairytales campers will consider, timed to correspond with the exciting MTVarts production of Disney's version in July.  Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2 of this camp, not both.   

Space Life (completed grades 3-5)
1 to 4 pm
Join us for a week of exploration to learn what it’s like to live and work in space. Discover how the human body works differently in orbit, gain an understanding of the dangers associated with space travel, learn about what robots can do for humans in space, and much more!  

JULY 10 - JULY 14
Ever After, session 2 (completed grades K-2)
1 to 4 pm
You may know the stories, but have you ever tried to build a “just right” chair that would satisfy Goldilox? Are you clever enough to lay a trap for all those witches that show up in so many fairytales? There is more than the moral of the story to consider here - there are practicalities! Come experience “once upon a time” from new points of view. Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2 of this camp, not both.   

Ribbity Robot-ty, session 1 (completed grades 3-5)
9 am to noon
Campers will construct frogs using VEX Go robotics materials, adapt them to “frog-ress” through life cycles, and add electronic coding components to give them mobility. They’ll code their creations to navigate challenging conditions. This camp occurs mostly indoors, with some outdoor breaks and activities built into the agenda. Our kid engineers will be asked to sit for periods of time in order to build things at tables. They will be asked to share materials, and to do work in pairs. Consider your child’s ability to manage these expectations. 
Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2, not both. 

JULY 17 - JULY 21 
SPIderverse, session 2 (completed grades 3-5)
9 am to noon
Forget arachnophobia, you’ll get bitten by arachnomania this week. We’ll weave a web connecting superhero stuff and science. Explore polymers. Befriend spiders. Beyond Spidey, campers will investigate the principles behind the powers possessed by other heroes and villains. SUPER fun games and friendly competitions throughout the week. This camp is timed to coincide with the summer release of the animated family movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. 
Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2, not both. 

LUNCH BRIDGE (completed grades 3-5)
Noon to 1 pm
Optional supervised lunch and free time option for enrollees in BOTH the morning and afternoon sessions this week. 

Ribbity Robot-ty, session 2 (completed grades 3-5)
1 to 4 pm

Campers will construct frogs using VEX Go robotics materials, adapt them to “frog-ress” through life cycles, and add electronic coding components to give them mobility. They’ll code their creations to help them navigate challenging conditions. This camp occurs mostly indoors, with some outdoor breaks and activities built into the agenda. Our kid engineers will be asked to sit for periods of time in order to build things at tables. They will be asked to share materials, and to do work in pairs. Consider your child’s ability to manage these expectations. 
Parents should register their kids for either session 1 or session 2, not both. 

JULY 24 - JULY 28 
Road Trippin’, session 1  (completed grades K-2)
9 am to noon
Pack your bags and load up the car, because we’re off on a "cross-country trip" to take in the biggest and brightest sights in the USA!  We’ll start in New York, head south, then west and finish up at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Along the way, we’ll do some science, learn geography, create art and try food that the locals recommend.  No toll money necessary.

JULY 31 - AUGUST 4 

Road Trippin’, session 2  (completed grades K-2)
9 am to noon
Camp season may be wrapping up soon but there is more of summer to enjoy. Pack your bags and load up the car, because we’re off on a "cross-country trip" to take in the biggest and brightest sights in the USA!  We’ll start in New York, head south, then west and finish up at the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Along the way, we’ll do some science, learn geography, create art and try food that the locals recommend.  No toll money necessary.

Around the World (completed grades 3-5)
9 am to noon
Even if you don’t come from the land down under, you can taste a vegemite sandwich and imagine yourself as a traveler there! Each day will take us to a new country/continent where we will create art, learn customs, and sample the cuisine. Get your passport ready and let’s start the adventure!


What to expect if you this is your first year registering for SPI camps: These weeklong, half-day camp sessions occur at various outdoor partner venues in our community. These include the Brown Family Environmental Center (Gambier), Ariel-Foundation Park (Mount Vernon), and Columbia Elementary (Mount Vernon).  Some sessions may involve field trips. Camps are led by certified teachers , assisted by our teenage STEAM Team volunteers and/or SPI staff. As we get closer to the start of the season, you will get confirmation of the particular venue and other details related to the camp(s) for which your child is registered. Families should expect that their SPI campers will be outdoors for the duration of camp (with few exceptions) and that kids with phones or tablets are asked to leave them at home or to keep them in a backpack. 

Most sessions cost $60 for the entire week. We offer need-based scholarships for qualifying families. 

Picture
  • Welcome
  • About
    • Contact/Connect
    • Impact Report
    • Board of Directors and SPI Leadership
    • Employment >
      • Visitor Experience Associate (PT)
      • Program Coordinator (Intern) PT
      • Operations/Office Manager (PT)
    • Board Portal >
      • Board Calendar
  • Visit
    • Membership Info
    • Financial Accessiblity Programs
    • ASTC Passport Members Welcome
  • Programs
    • 10 Year Celebration Open House and PRIZE Raffle!
    • SPI Camps 2023
    • SPI Camps 2022
    • SPI to Go
  • Reopening FAQs
  • Support Us!
    • Support Us!
    • Volunteer >
      • Event Volunteer
      • Adult Volunteer Application
      • Teen Volunteer Application
    • Donor Recognition