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When school's out, CAMP INNOVATION is in! Arizona Science Center’s CAMP INNOVATION will inspire and engage curious minds through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning. Camps vary throughout the year and include themes such as Campfire Science, Wild Weather and Dinosaurs!

Generously Sponsored by Cardinals Charities and Arizona Coyotes Foundation.

 

School Break Camps

CAMP INNOVATION: Paleontology 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 20, 2020 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

$45 Members | $55 Non-Members

Become a paleontologist at Camp INNOVATION! Explore the mysterious world of dinosaurs. Unearth the details of prehistoric life through an investigation of fossils, excavation tools, and skeletal anatomy. Campers will meet Victoria, the largest and most complete T. rex dinosaur touring the world. Standing 12 feet tall and featuring 199 bones, there’s nothing like seeing a REAL Tyrannosaurus Rex. A once-in-a-lifetime experience. Only at Arizona Science Center for a limited time.


Kindergarten REGISTER
 Grades 1–3 SOLD OUT

 

CREATE CAMP INNOVATION: Brushless Painting

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan. 20, 2020 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

$45 Members | $55 Non-Members

Explore innovative forms of painting...without using a brush! Explore new techniques, including making your own paint from natural sources. Use multiple tools to create unique art on canvas.

 Grades 4–6 REGISTER

 

CAMP INNOVATION: Space Jam

Presidents Day Feb. 17, 2020 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

$45 Members | $55 Non-Members

Embark on a journey to the moon and beyond! Investigate and explore the tools, methods, and sciences all astronauts need to know to accomplish the ultimate task – space travel!

Kindergarten REGISTER
 Grades 1–3 REGISTER

 

CREATE CAMP INNOVATION: Art of Sound

Presidents Day Feb. 17, 2020 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

$45 Members | $55 Non-Members

Musical talent not required! Learn how to upcycle and repurpose various materials into musical instruments. Master woodworking basics to create your own instruments.

 Grades 4–6 REGISTER

CAMP INNOVATION: Secret Agent Camp

Spring Break March 9–13 & 16–20, 2020* | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Daily:  $45 Members | $55 Non-Members

Weekly:  $200 Members | $250 Non-Members

Learn how spies use science to send secret messages, stay sneaky, and solve problems.  Discover the tools and tricks that go into being a secret agent! (*Each week-long session offers the same activities.)

 

March 9–13, 2020

Kindergarten REGISTER DAILY Week 1
Kindergarten REGISTER WEEK 1
Grades 1–2 REGISTER DAILY Week 1
Grades 1–2 REGISTER WEEK 1
Grades 3–5 REGISTER DAILY Week 1
Grades 3–5 REGISTER WEEK 1

 

March 16–20, 2020

Kindergarten REGISTER DAILY Week 2
Kindergarten REGISTER WEEK 2
Grades 1–2 REGISTER DAILY Week 2
Grades 1–2 REGISTER WEEK 2
Grades 3–5 REGISTER DAILY Week 2
Grades 3–5 REGISTER WEEK 2

 

CREATE CAMP INNOVATION: Train Like an Astronaut

Spring Break March 9–13 & 16–20, 2020* | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Weekly:  $250 Members | $300 Non-Members

Train like an astronaut! Each day will focus on a different aspect of preparation for extended space travel. 3D printing will be used to assemble items found onboard the International Space Station. (*Each week-long session offers the same activities.)

Grades 5–8 REGISTER WEEK 1
Grades 5–8 REGISTER WEEK 2

Summer Camp Preview

 

Summer will be here sooner than you think! 

2020 Summer Sessions:  June 1–July 24, 2020 | Grades K–12 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Arizona Science Center's CAMP INNOVATION will spark a curiosity in science through hands-on interactive programs that incorporate learning through fun and relevant themes including forensics, space, and bioengineering. 

Registration 

Beginning February 1, Arizona Science Center Members will receive the first opportunity to register for camps and receive a discounted price. 

General Public Registration begins February 10, 2020 

Grades K–2

 

FAIRYTALE FORENSICS
June 1–5, 2020 | June 22–26, 2020

Investigate and work together to solve some famous (and not so famous) fairy tale mysteries. Look for fingerprints, analyze the “crime scene,” and search for clues as we inspect the evidence with the mind of a scientist. Who broke into the Three Bears’ kitchen? Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? Let’s use STEM skills to figure it out!

IT’S ELECTRIC!
June 8–12, 2020 | July 6–10, 2020

Engage in an electrifying week of circuit exploration! It’s not just about wires –engineer squishy circuits with dough, create paper circuits with copper tape, and sew circuits with special conductive thread. Wear your LEDs with pride and impress your friends with your circuitry knowledge and coin cell creations.

CALLING ALL FUTURE SCIENTISTS
June 15–19, 2020 | July 13–17, 2020

What does a scientist do all day? A chemist works in a lab, but what about a helicopter engineer, a miner, or someone in cybersecurity?  Strap on your goggles and put on your lab coat as we try out different STEM jobs and follow in the footsteps of science experts.

SURVIVING IN SPACE
July 20–24, 2020

Can we build a livable outpost on the Moon? NASA’s Artemis program thinks we can! Understand the physical and mental challenges involved in training to be a space explorer. Investigate life on the Space Lab and discover why it’s difficult to eat, sleep and use the toilet in zero gravity. Through hands-on activities, explore solutions to the problems of living on the moon and surviving in space.

 

 

Grades 3–6

CAMP APOCALYPSE
June 1–5, 2020 | June 22–26, 2020

This adventure takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, where campers use their STEM skills to bring order to the chaos. Engineer portable protection, code a robot to scout your surroundings, and survive a pandemic! Develop an arsenal of survival skills as you work together to overcome challenges in an evolving landscape.


IT’S ELECTRIC!
June 8–12, 2020 | July 6–10, 2020

Engage in an electrifying week of circuit exploration! It’s not just about wires –engineer squishy circuits with dough, create paper circuits with copper tape, and sew circuits with special conductive thread. Wear your LEDs with pride and impress your friends with your circuitry knowledge and coin cell creations.

CALLING ALL FUTURE SCIENTISTS
June 15–19, 2020 | July 13–17, 2020

What does a scientist do all day? A chemist works in a lab, but what about a helicopter engineer, a miner, or someone in cybersecurity?  Strap on your goggles and put on your lab coat as we try out different STEM jobs and follow in the footsteps of science experts. 


SURVIVING IN SPACE
July 20–24, 2020

Can we build a livable outpost on the Moon? NASA’s Artemis program thinks we can! Understand the physical and mental challenges involved in training to be a space explorer. Investigate life on the Space Lab and discover why it’s difficult to eat, sleep and use the toilet in zero gravity. Through hands-on activities, explore solutions to the problems of living on the moon and surviving in space.


EXPERIMENTING WITH ART (Off-Site Half-Day Camp at Phoenix Art Museum)
June 15–19, 2020| June 22–26, 2020

9 a.m.–Noon or 1–4p.m. (The same activities will be offered in the morning and afternoon sessions.)

Explore where science and art meet at Phoenix Art Museum! Hands-on activities will engage STEAM thinking and encourage experimentation with color, light, sound, and scale. Co-developed by Arizona Science Center and Phoenix Art Museum, this camp will take place off-site at the Phoenix Art Museum.

 

 

Grades 7–9

TEXTILE TECH CAMP
June 1–5, 2020

Dye and sew projects that are both functional and futuristic in our state-of-the-art makerspace, CREATE at Arizona Science Center®. Utilizing the CREATE's Artisity Hub, master sewing machines, experiment with fabrics, and design heat transfer vinyl on a Silhouette Cameo cutter. Envision a “smarter” fabric with conductive thread that can light up your creation. Once you learn the tech, the only limitation is your imagination!


PLANETARY SKYSHOWS
June 15–19, 2020

Discover the universe in a whole new way! Experience our most popular presentation, Grand Tour of the Solar System and then create your own presentation of the stars in the Center's Dorrance Planetarium. Working in teams and beside planetarium experts, create astronomy presentations, from storyboarding, digital visualization to presenting your out of this world show in the planetarium to campers' families and guests.


BIO-TINKERING
July 6–10, 2020

Explore, tinker and design within the revolutionary field of bioengineering! Create your own material made of microbes, 3D print with algae, and mix your own pigment with local beetle shells. Rebel against reliance on non-renewable resources, and innovate with what nature has to offer all around us.


CLAYMATION IN SPACE
July 20–24, 2020

Using the animation technique made popular by such films as Coraline and The Boxtrolls, gain inspiration from our traveling exhibition and imagine a claymation storyline set in space. Working in small groups, create a storyboard and script, sculpt clay figurines, build scenery, and design special effects while filming a short stop-motion animated movie. 

 

 

Grades 10–12

MICROSCOPY AND NANOTECHNOLOGY*
June 8–12, 2020 | June 22–26, 2020

Explore a world unseen by the naked eye and investigate the processes and equipment that experts use in their discoveries. Develop your own experiments and solve challenges that relate to the world of microscopy and nanotechnology using a Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope. Gain insight on careers in science and research with visits from subject matter experts and a field trip to a microscopy lab at Arizona State University Tempe Campus. Get to know the microscopic world around you!


CREATIVE CARPENTRY
July 13–17, 2020

Get hands-on and explore the STEM in woodworking! In our CREATE at Arizona Science Center® makerspace, explore the fundamentals of woodworking and safe operation of tools, including drill press, bandsaw, belt and disk sanders. After mastering mitered cuts, curved cuts, smooth edges, and drill holes, learn the basics of a ShopBot CNC Router. This technology provides the tools needed to design and build your own creation - you are the engineer!

 

Caregiver Packet

Click here to access our CAMP INNOVATION caregiver packet. 

These include the necessary forms and information for our camps during the summer break.

For additional information, please visit our FAQ section.

 

Early Drop-off and Late Pick-up

Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early drop-off begins at 7:30 a.m. and late pick-up ends at 6 p.m. It is available for $15 per day or $60 per week for all camps. Click below to register.


Register

Scholarships

Arizona Science Center is committed to providing access to exceptional educational experiences in STEM learning, regardless of your ability to pay program fees. Scholarships for camps are available thanks to generous donors and community partners. To apply for a scholarship for CAMP INNOVATION or CREATE Tech camp, please complete the short online application.

Apply Now

 

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be requested two weeks prior to the first day of camp to receive a refund minus a $35 cancellation fee for each week-long camp per child; $10 cancellation fee for each day-long camp per child.  Cancellations made within three to 14 days of the first day of camp will receive a credit minus the cancellation fee. Credit is valid for one year from the issue date.  No refunds nor credits will be given after that time period. A $10 processing fee will be applied to each transfer per child. Space is limited for each camp. Transfers will be applicable only if space is available.

FAQ

  • To educate school–aged youth on engaging and relevant topics, theories, principles, and processes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
  • To provide an environment for school-aged youth which promotes hands-on, creative exploration of scientific and technological concepts
  • To provide school–aged youth with authentic opportunities for inquiry and science exploration
  • To provide school–aged youth with supportive environments for social growth and youth development
Your exclusive member pricing is available after you log into your member account. Please note, if you create a new registration online, this does not merge with your member account. If you have an online account but do not remember your login information, please use the "Forgot Your Login" or "Lookup My Account" tools. If you have not set up your online account, please contact the membership desk at 602-716-2029. To register via phone, please call our reservations department at 602-716-2000 x216.

 

A confirmation packet will be sent out via email 1–2 weeks prior to your camp start date. It will contain a packing list, any required permission forms, and any additional information you may need to know for the first day of camp.
Parents will be required to provide a non-refrigerated lunch, beverage, and afternoon snack for their child each day of camp. Campers will not have access to a refrigerator, vending machine, Bean Sprouts, or a microwave. All Camp areas will have drinking water available to children at all times, however campers should provide a water bottle to refill. On occasion, we partner with another non-profit that will provide free lunch during the summer and more information will be available as your specific camp date gets closer.
Limited scholarships are available with generous funding from Boeing, Cardinals Charities, and Summer Youth Program Fund. These are considered very limited and may be sold out prior to your request. Scholarship applications are available by request via email to camps@azscience.org

Cancellations must be requested 2 weeks prior to the first day of camp to receive a refund minus a $35 cancellation fee for each week-long camp per child; $10 cancellation fee for each day-long camp per child.  Cancellations made within 3 to 14 days of the first day of camp will receive a credit minus the cancellation fee. Credit is valid for one year from the issue date.  No refunds nor credits will be given after that time period. A $10 processing fee will be applied to each transfer per child. Space is limited for each camp. Transfers will be applicable only if space is available. 

Arizona Science Center camps are designed to be age specific, catering to a camper’s academic, social and motor skill levels. A child can attend a camp only if he or she is entering the grade listed below. You are responsible for registering your child for the correct age group. In order to maintain a safe environment and proper camper to instructor ratio, it is necessary to limit the number of campers per group. Signing up for an incorrect age group will not guarantee their placement in an already sold out camp.

Explorers          Kindergarten (age 5 only)
Investigators     Grades 1–2
Jr. Scientists      Grades 3–4
Researchers      Grades 5–6
Innovators         Grades 7–9
Teens                Grades 10-12
The regular camp day is 9 a.m.–4 p.m.  Check-in will take place in the CREATE main entrance. The parent/guardian MUST sign their child in on the roster. Lunches take place in the lunchroom from approx. 12–12:30 p.m.
If the parent/guardian is more than 30 minutes early dropping their child off in the morning or late in picking up their child from camp, the child will be checked into the early or late care program and the parent will be charged $10 for each occurrence. The drop in rate does not apply to the first day morning check in.
With the exception of BMI @ BNI and Camp Biomed for Teens, all camps are based at Arizona Science Center, located at 600 E. Washington St. in downtown Phoenix. Discounted parking is available with validation at the Heritage & Science Parking Garage located on the southwest corner of 5th & Monroe Streets. You must have your ticket validated to receive the discounted rate. You may also utilize the bus pull–in on 5th Street for 20 minutes.
Contact the camp office to discuss the strengths and limitations of campers with special needs before the first day of camp. The camp monitor and/or supervisor will communicate with you to discuss if this is the best placement for your child, and any modifications or accommodations that we can come up with using our resources and staffing. Depending on a case by case basis, Arizona Science Center staff may ask that a 1:1 aid accompany the camper in order to ensure supervision at all times. For the safety of other campers and staff, Arizona Science Center staff has the right to deny admittance to camp for any camper that may pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals.
  • Kindergarten: During the camp day each class of 12 will be supervised by 2 staff members and 1–5 interns or volunteers.
  • Grades 1–6: During the camp day each class of 25 will be supervised by 2 staff members and 1–5 interns or volunteers.
  • Grades 7–8: During the camp day each class of 12 will be supervised by 2 staff members and 1–3 interns or volunteers.
  • Specialty camps such as BMI @ BNI, BioMed for Teens, or CREATE camps may have different capacities or ratios.  Please email camps@azscience.org for more information.

Testimonials

"The kids became more adaptable to new environments after a great experience at CAMP INNOVATION... it was their first camp away from their own preschool and they were so comfortable at the Science Center, I think it eased the next few camps we did this summer."

"The kids both brought up things they learned, my youngest son talked about dissecting a scorpion and my older son talked about energy conservation and what they built in class. The camp had a positive impact on them."

"He keeps bringing up facts he learned there out of the blue that are relevant to what we are doing! Cool!"

"She loved learning about astronomy inside the science center–new interest!"

"He wants to be a neuroscientist after doing the BNI camp"

"Thank you for an amazing experience! Lindsay was challenged daily and absolutely loved gaining deeper insight into research and science in general. Arizona Science Center has the most knowledgeable staff I have ever encountered during summer camps. We are definitely returning next year!"

"The location is wonderful, it is a very nice feature to be able to visit the Science Center. The topics are really interesting and unique - can't find this anywhere else."

"Please continue these one-day camps on holidays. Its perfect for curious children with working parents."

"My children were excited to share what they learned and what they made. They had fun with the other students. They asked to go to the next camp." 

"My daughter rated the camp a 10 out of 10. This is the second camp she has attended at the ASC and it won't be our last. I love the option of one-day camps on holidays and the variety of subjects covered at the camps." 

"Even my 7-year-old, who was tentative about going without knowing anyone, had a great time."