Summer STEM Camp

 

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the Summer STEM Camp is discontinued indefinitely.

 

STEM Summer Camp is held at:

New Horizons Regional Education Centers
520 Butler Farm Road
Hampton, VA 23666

Click here to Register Now

The Summer STEM Camp at The Governor’s School for Science and Technology (GSST) is an exciting and innovative way to experience hands-on learning of important  science, technology, and engineering concepts.  Courses are educationally enriching, diverse, creative, highly interactive, and appealing to students of almost every learning interest or  special talent.

GSST Summer STEM Camp is for rising 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th graders who desire to increase their scientific knowledge and who exhibit a high aptitude for learning, a positive attitude, and appropriate behavior.  Camp counselors will be current or recently graduated GSST students.  Campers will also benefit from instruction given by two GSST instructors.

We offer two sessions, each is a two week program running from Monday through Thursday.  Each session offers an AM and PM camp.  AM camp begins at 8:30am and pick up starts at 12:00pm.  PM camp begins at 12:30 and pick up starts at 4:00pm. Students can choose from five different courses per session:  Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Engineering, Cryptography/Math or Webpage Design/Programming.  Camp course descriptions are posted after the FAQ section.  Please attend as many camps as you like.  We encourage registration as soon as possible to save your spot in this instructive, fun camp.

Sessions (Sessions run Monday through Thursday. Camp is NOT held on Fridays or on July 4th)
Session 1 AM: June 24 – July 3, 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM
Session 1 PM: June 24 – July 3, 12:30 PM until 4:00 PM
Session 2 AM: July 8 – July 18, 8:30 AM until 12:00 PM
Session 2 PM: July 8 – July 18, 12:30 PM until 4:00 PM
Tuition and Registration
Tuition is $225.00 per student, per session. A $20 discount is offered to students that stay all day! Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Registration is not confirmed until full payment is received.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided?
Transportation is NOT provided.

Are meals provided?
Meals are NOT provided. Students attending both the AM and PM sessions should bring a bagged lunch; supervision will be provided for those students staying for both sessions. Additionally, vending machines are available for students that may want a snack or beverage.

Who teaches the camps?
Governor’s School high school students, supervised by a certified teacher, teach the camp courses.

Will classes repeat activities from last summer?
Courses will NOT repeat activities from last summer. Session 2, however, will be a repeat of Session 1. If students want to attend both Sessions, they should register for 4 different courses.

Camp Parent Testimonial
“I would like to thank the Governor’s School Summer Camp Staff for the wonderful experience that was afforded to my daughter. She raved everyday about the great time she was having. She met new friends and gained invaluable knowledge. Her father and I am grateful for the time and effort that was given to our daughter.”

Chemistry Description:

Chemistry is the study of all matter and its properties. During this course, campers will have the opportunity to identify, catalog, and perform a chemical analyses of unknown materials of a crime scene. Through this forensics lab investigation, campers will discover how science can provide evidence and justice!

Programming Course Description:

Campers will learn computer programming (through Python) and also get an introduction to web design. Using Python, campers will learn how to write loops and conditions. They will also develop and design their own website.

Biology Course Description:

During this course, campers will learn about life through a variety of hands-on activities. Campers will have the opportunity to dissect several different animal groups. By the end of this summer course, campers will have a better understanding and appreciation of what makes all life unique and precious.

Physics Course Description:

Physics is the study of the basic principles that govern the world around us. During this course, campers will be introduced to waves, electricity, forces, linear/circular motion, and momentum/impulse through a variety of hand-on projects. Possible projects may include (but are not limited to): constructing an instrument, making an electric motor, designing a dry ice rocket, egg dropper, or trebuchet. Team and design competitions will take place where appropriate.

Cryptography/Math Course Description:

Cryptography is the practice and study of hiding information. It is the science used to try to keep information secret and safe. In this course, campers will practice pattern recognition, encrypt and decrypt codes, and learn about relevant historical events. In addition, campers will brush up on or be introduced to the mathematical topics of decimals/percents and probability. Finally, the course will conclude with a team challenge escape room, which will put their learned skills to the test!