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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!
School Break Camps
President's Day: Grossology
Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Investigate the impolite science of the human body as well as the slimiest, ickiest creatures on earth.
Spring Break: Medieval Madness
Kindergarten Only
March 11–15 & 18–22
Investigate castles, chemistry, catapults, and engineer mechanical contraptions. The activities are the same for both sessions.
President's Day: Grossology
Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 | 9 a.m.
Investigate the impolite science of the human body as well as the slimiest, ickiest creatures on earth.
Spring Break: Medieval Madness
March 11-15 & 18-22
Investigate castles, chemistry, catapults, and engineer mechanical contraptions. The activities are the same for both sessions.
President's Day: Grossology
Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 | 9 a.m.
Investigate the impolite science of the human body as well as the slimiest, ickiest creatures on earth.
Spring Break: Medieval Madness
March 11-15 & 18-22
Investigate castles, chemistry, catapults, and engineer mechanical contraptions. The activities are the same for both sessions.
Spring Break: CREATE Future Cities
March 11-15 & 18-22
Learn about civil, structures, mechanical engineering and energy conservation while working to solve real world problems. Camp activities will be the same each session.
Summer Break Camps
Half Day Camps
Ages 3–5, campers must be potty trained. The same activities will be offered in morning and afternoon sessions.
CAMP INNOVATION: DINOSAUR ADVENTURES
June 3–7, 2019 | 9 a.m.–Noon and 1–4 p.m.
$165 Members | $195 Non-Members
Go back in time to explore what it was like when dinosaurs roamed the Earth! Dig for fossils, dissect dinosaur eggs and investigate how dinosaurs ate.
CAMP INNOVATION: LITTLE ROBOTS
June 17–21, 2019 | 9 a.m.–Noon and 1–4 p.m.
$165 Members | $195 Non-Members
Ever wonder how robots work? Code KIBO robots, conduct LEGO’s Coding Express and make your very own jitterbot! Discover what it’s like to be a robot by playing games and thinking like a robot would.
CAMP INNOVATION: STORYBOOK STEM
July 8–12, 2019 | 9 a.m.–Noon and 1–4 p.m.
$165 Members | $195 Non-Members
Explore a variety of STEM challenges inspired by popular children's books. Stack 10 apples on top of your head, make a whirly twirly flying thing like Piggie and Gerald, and engineer a coconut tree with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom flair!
CAMP INNOVATION: BUGS & BLOOMS
July 22–26, 2019 | 9 a.m.–Noon and 1–4 p.m.
$165 Members | $195 Non-Members
Discover the important relationship between insects and plants. Learn about the parts of a plant, how to identify insects and why insects are so important to plants. We’ll look at the world of flowers from a bug’s perspective.
Full Day Camps
CAMP INNOVATION: MAD SCIENCE, PART 1
June 10–14, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Do you like goopy, gooey substances that get all over your hands? Experiment with play dough, pour your very own bouncing balls, and make galactic gak.
CAMP INNOVATION: IMAGINARIUM, PART 1
June 24–28, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
An Imaginarium is a place to create, build, and imagine! Navigate the nature of shapes, build your own vehicles, and reach for the stars as we use the engineering process to make dreams a reality.
CAMP INNOVATION: MAD SCIENCE, PART 2
July 15–19, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Messy science is the most fun. Continue our summer journey of mad science, with more ooey gooey activities. Make shaving cream rain clouds, experiment with floam, and take home your own lava lamp!
CAMP INNOVATION: IMAGINARIUM, PART 2
July 29–Aug. 2, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Engage in engineering, connect with construction, and discover the sky is the limit! Continue our summer of bringing imagination to life, with more creations that soar, sail, and roar in our own Imaginarium.
CAMP INNOVATION: WIZARD SCIENCE
June 3–7, 2019 | July 8–12, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Uncover the scientific secrets hidden in the fantastic world of wizards and magic. Attend Potions and Herbology classes where you’ll classify magical ingredients, produce troll boogers, and experiment with disappearing ink. Discover that it’s not magic — it’s science!
CAMP INNOVATION: CHEMYSTERY
June 10–14, 2019 | July 15–19, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Solve the mysteries of chemistry in our Mad Science Lab. Investigate catalysts and create reactions as we unlock the secrets of science. Become a chemical sleuth in search of starch, form a rainbow in a bottle, discover how soda can become invisible, and more!
CAMP INNOVATION: CODING & ROBOTICS
June 17–21, 2019 | July 22–26, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Explore the fascinating world of robotics. Code robots to carry out a variety of tasks like fetching items, playing games, creating music, or drawing a masterpiece. Use multiple kinds of robots to solve problems and have fun — you’re never too young to learn computer programming and engineering skills!
CAMP INNOVATION: INNOVATION STATION
June 24–28, 2019 | July 29 –Aug. 2, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Are you the next Leonardo da Vinci? Investigate how he made his own plastic, built his own portable bridge, and designed shoes that walked on water more than 500 years ago. Invent your own device for making everyday life a little easier — just like Leonardo!
CAMP INNOVATION: MUMMIES OF THE WORLD
July 1–3, 2019 (3 days)
$155 Members | $180 Non-Members
Prepare for mummification! Explore how different materials decay, how insects are preserved in amber and the science behind a sarcophagus. Mummies of the World camp includes our fascinating exhibition with artifacts visiting from South America, Europe and Ancient Egypt here at Arizona Science Center.
CAMP INNOVATION: WIZARD SCIENCE
June 3–7, 2019 | July 8–12, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Uncover the scientific secrets hidden in the fantastic world of wizards and magic. Attend Potions and Herbology classes where you’ll classify magical ingredients, produce troll boogers and experiment with disappearing ink. Discover that it’s not magic — it’s science!
CAMP INNOVATION: CHEMYSTERY
June 10–14, 2019 | July 15–19, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Solve the mysteries of chemistry in our Mad Science Lab. Investigate catalysts and create reactions as we unlock the secrets of science. Become a chemical sleuth in search of starch, form a rainbow in a bottle, discover how soda can become invisible, and more!
CAMP INNOVATION: CODING & ROBOTICS
June 17–21, 2019 | July 22–26, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Explore the fascinating world of robotics. Code robots to carry out a variety of tasks like fetching items, playing games, creating music or drawing a masterpiece. Use multiple kinds of robots to solve problems and have fun — you’re never too young to learn computer programming and engineering skills!
CAMP INNOVATION: INNOVATION STATION
June 24–28, 2019 | July 29 –Aug. 2, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Are you the next Leonardo da Vinci? Investigate how he made his own plastic, built his own portable bridge and designed shoes that walked on water more than 500 years ago. Invent your own device for making everyday life a little easier — just like Leonardo!
CAMP INNOVATION: MUMMIES OF THE WORLD
July 1–3, 2019 (3 days)
$155 Members | $180 Non-Members
Prepare for mummification! Explore how different materials decay, how insects are preserved in amber and the science behind a sarcophagus. Mummies of the World camp includes our fascinating exhibition with artifacts visiting from South America, Europe and Ancient Egypt here at Arizona Science Center.
CAMP INNOVATION: WIZARD SCIENCE
June 3–7, 2019 | July 8–12, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Uncover the scientific secrets hidden in the fantastic world of wizards and magic. Attend Potions and Herbology classes where you’ll classify magical ingredients, produce troll boogers and experiment with disappearing ink. Discover that it’s not magic — it’s science!
CAMP INNOVATION: CHEMYSTERY
June 10–14, 2019 | July 15–19, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Solve the mysteries of chemistry in our Mad Science Lab. Investigate catalysts and create reactions as we unlock the secrets of science. Become a chemical sleuth in search of starch, form a rainbow in a bottle, discover how soda can become invisible, and more!
CAMP INNOVATION: CODING & ROBOTICS
June 17–21, 2019 | July 22–26, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Explore the fascinating world of robotics. Code robots to carry out a variety of tasks like fetching items, playing games, creating music or drawing a masterpiece. Use multiple kinds of robots to solve problems and have fun — you’re never too young to learn computer programming and engineering skills!
CAMP INNOVATION: INNOVATION STATION
June 24–28, 2019 | July 29 –Aug. 2, 2019
$260 Members | $295 Non-Members
Are you the next Leonardo da Vinci? Investigate how he made his own plastic, built his own portable bridge and designed shoes that walked on water more than 500 years ago. Invent your own device for making everyday life a little easier — just like Leonardo!
CAMP INNOVATION: MUMMIES OF THE WORLD
July 1–3, 2019 (3 days)
$155 Members | $180 Non-Members
Prepare for mummification! Explore how different materials decay, how insects are preserved in amber and the science behind a sarcophagus. Mummies of the World camp includes our fascinating exhibition with artifacts visiting from South America, Europe and Ancient Egypt here at Arizona Science Center.
CAMP INNOVATION: SCIENCE OF SPORTS
June 3–7, 2019
$280 Members | $315 Non-Members
Play ball! Through exciting, hands-on activities, campers examine protective gear, analyze components of athletic equipment and discover the physics behind baseball, basketball, soccer and hockey. This camp includes field trips to professional sports venues where you will learn about the science of sports — straight from the source.
CREATE: Future Worlds
June 3–14, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. M–F
$600 Member | $700 Non-Member
CREATE designers will travel into the future to explore what life on Earth and in Outer Space will be like. Designers and coaches imagine the environments we will inhabit and use their predictions to create and engineer innovative designs and inventions. In this design studio, participants develop and produce prototypes to help us live sustainably in a complex and multi-functional future world.
CAMP INNOVATION: MATERIAL MATTERS IN CHEMISTRY
June 10–14, 2019 | July 15–19, 2019
$280 Members | $315 Non-Members
What do you get when you cross metallurgy, physics, chemistry, civil engineering and mechanics? Materials Science, of course! Campers in this STEM-focused program explore the materials we use to make stuff stronger, lighter, better. Create a golden penny, make sparks, grow crystals and take part in a contest to generate the strongest cement!
CAMP INNOVATION: ADVANCED CODING & ROBOTICS
June 17–21, 2019
$280 Members | $315 Non-Members
Middle school students will experience how exciting STEM can be with SAM Labs! Solve problems and have fun, all while learning essential computer programming and engineering skills.
CAMP INNOVATION: PUZZLE IT OUT
June 24–28, 2019
$280 Members | $315 Non-Members
Challenge yourself to solve a series of breakout boxes and mini escape rooms while learning about astronomy, biology and more. Design your own science-themed room with creative puzzles for fellow campers. Finally, take a field trip to a professional escape room and test your skills! (This camp includes an off-site field trip.)
CREATE: Innovation Institute
July 8–19, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. M–F
$600 Member | $700 Non-Member
How do museums remain relevant when considering the ever-changing technology and entertainment environment? CREATE summer designers work in design teams to imagine and create a working, scaled version of an exhibit for Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Art Museum. CREATE designers collaborate with staff from exhibit teams, curators and education teams to gain input and assistance on their projects, and showcase their designs in the Arizona Science Center lobby for guests to admire.
CAMP INNOVATION: GIRLS IN STEM
July 22–26, 2019
$280 Members | $315 Non-Members
Challenge yourself to solve a series of breakout boxes and mini escape rooms while learning about astronomy, biology and more. Design your own science-themed room with creative puzzles for fellow campers. Finally, take a field trip to a professional escape room and test your skills! (This camp includes an off-site field trip.)
CREATE: Video Game Design
July 22–26, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Price $300 Member | $350 Non-Member
Learn to create and produce video games. Designers will participate in visualization, production, and execution of their design from concept to prototype in 2D and 3D materials and software.
CREATE: Tech Camp
July 29–Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Price $300 Member | $350 Non-Member
Explore mechanical and electrical engineering, programming and design. Teen Designers examine CAD design methods used for 3D printing and laser cutting. Each hands-on activity explores inventing toward innovation and makes connections to careers in technology, design, and fabrication.
CREATE: Future Worlds
June 3–14, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. M–F
$600 Member | $700 Non-Member
CREATE designers will travel into the future to explore what life on Earth and in Outer Space will be like. Designers and coaches imagine the environments we will inhabit and use their predictions to create and engineer innovative designs and inventions. In this design studio, participants develop and produce prototypes to help us live sustainably in a complex and multi-functional future world.
CREATE: Robotics
June 17–21, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Price $300 Member | $350 Non-Member
Do you dream of building your own robot? Now is the chance! CREATE campers partner with ASU’s Luminosity Lab to learn the basic principles of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering through a hands-on project inspiring creativity. Along with learning makerspace tools and machinery, campers design a robot that creates autonomous sidewalk drawings using the KiP platform and a ping pong launcher. The functions are only limited by the imagination of the designer. This camp teaches the basics of Python and Raspberry Pi as a computer module.
CREATE: Curious Contraptions
June 24–28, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Price $300 Member | $350 Non-Member
Explore small, surreal worlds through the charming and often humorous mechanical sculptures known as automata and Rube Goldberg machines. Intricate arrangements of handmade chain reactions, cranks, and other simple mechanisms bring these unique machines to life. Teen designers work collaboratively and as individuals to create their own apparatus and gadgets/gizmos.
CREATE: Innovation Institute
July 8–19, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. M–F
$600 Member | $700 Non-Member
How do museums remain relevant when considering the ever-changing technology and entertainment environment? CREATE summer designers work in design teams to imagine and create a working, scaled version of an exhibit for Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Art Museum. CREATE designers collaborate with staff from exhibit teams, curators and education teams to gain input and assistance on their projects, and showcase their designs in the Arizona Science Center lobby for guests to admire.
CAMP INNOVATION: CAMP BIOMED FOR TEENS
July 8–12, 2019 | July 22–26, 2019
$280 Members | $315 Non-Members
Experience a world inhabited by research scientists and neurosurgeons while learning what it takes to get a drug from the laboratory bench to a patient’s bedside. Join us for a unique opportunity to conduct hands-on lab work involving DNA extraction, gene transformation and protein purification. The experience features amazing tours and talks by scientists and neurosurgeons at University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The week concludes with campers conducting research-based presentations for an audience of parents and friends.
Email camps@azscience.org to request an application.
CREATE: Video Game Design
July 22–26, 2019 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Price $300 Member | $350 Non-Member
Learn to create and produce video games. Designers will participate in visualization, production, and execution of their design from concept to prototype in 2D and 3D materials and software.
CREATE: Tech Camp
July 29–Aug. 2 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Price $300 Member | $350 Non-Member
Explore mechanical and electrical engineering, programming and design. Teen Designers examine CAD design methods used for 3D printing and laser cutting. Each hands-on activity explores inventing toward innovation and makes connections to careers in technology, design, and fabrication.
Before and After Care
Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early care begins at 7:30 a.m. and after care ends at 6 p.m. and is available as a week long rate ($60/week) or a daily rate ($15/day).
Early and Late care are available for $15 per day or $60 a week for all camps with the exception of half-day Pre-K–K sessions. Early drop-off is only available for the morning session of half-day Pre-K–K, and late pick-up is only available for the afternoon session of half-day Pre-K–K.
Scholarships
Arizona Science Center is committed to providing access to exceptional educational experiences in STEM learning, regardless of 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 click here and complete this short online application.
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
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.
Explorers Pre-K–Kindergarten (ages 3–5 only)
Investigators Grades 1–2
Jr. Scientists Grades 3–4
Researchers Grades 5–6
Innovators Grades 7–9
Teens Grades 10-12
- Grades PreK–K: 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."
