The following camp description is classified as TOP SECRET: Ever dream of becoming a secret agent? We’ll start with the basics: campers will step into the shoes of a detective as they uncover the science involved in evidence gathering and analysis! From decoding messages to metal detectors to lasers, campers will have the opportunity to check out spy tech equipment and take home lots of gadgets! Figure out the science of forensics in a hands-on look at crime scenes! Become a super spy and learn clever ways of performing tasks as we take a hands-on investigation of the science that spies use!

Miss Manners might not approve, but your child definitely will! Super Gross Science Camp is a week packed with wonderfully icky experiments, fascinating body science, and wild chemistry. From fizzy, gassy reactions and bubbling concoctions to the mysteries of burps, boogers, and blood, campers will explore the science behind some of the messiest—and most amazing—phenomena. Along the way, they’ll dive into chemistry, biology, and even a little forensic science, with plenty of hands-on experiments and take-home projects.

Discover the world around you as you investigate everything from the earth below to the skies above. Explore nature around you and find out how science can help us to protect our planet. Contemplate communication as you converse in codes. Experience how Newton's laws are at work in your favorite sports and join the ranks of space scientists examining the mysteries of the solar system!

Please note the descriptions are based on our full day camps. We will not get through all the listed activities in a half day camp.

Journey to the farthest reaches of the imagination while learning about the ocean, the rainforest, Mars, a futuristic city, and more! Children will learn many art techniques, such as sculpting and storyboarding, while discovering design careers like graphic design and universal design. The IDEA Design Process is a key part of this program: each day, children will identify a problem, define their needs, explore their ideas and materials, and finally assess their designs.

Safety Town is a nationally-accredited program designed to teach children how to play safe and stay safe. Children will develop confidence and knowledge they need during the beginning of their first years in school. The course will be taught at the Early Childhood Center by St. Charles City Police Officers, Park Rangers, Paramedics, Firefighters, Animal Control Officers and trained staff and volunteers from the Early Childhood Center. The program uses a simulated city layout, a classroom facility and an off-campus field trip to provide kids with “real life” events and teach kids to evaluate “safe” from “unsafe” situations, and how to react safely. Space is limited and early enrollment is encouraged.

Economics for Leaders is a selective residential summer program that teaches student leaders to integrate economics into decision-making.

Economics for Leaders is a selective residential summer program that teaches student leaders to integrate economics into decision-making.

Economics for Leaders is a selective residential summer program that teaches student leaders to integrate economics into decision-making.

Economics for Leaders is a selective residential summer program that teaches student leaders to integrate economics into decision-making.

Economics for Leaders Virtual is designed to give promising students the skills to be effective leaders and employ economic analysis when considering difficult public policy choices. This course is centered on introducing and applying economic concepts and reasoning skills while also familiarizing students with leadership theory.

Participants learn how a rational approach to environmental issues helps develop a better understanding of the complexity of these matters and how they may possibly be solved. Throughout the residential program, they engage in exercises that build confidence in evaluating practical, solution focused approaches to environmental problems.

Join us for a dog-themed summer camp at The Novel Neighbor. Let’s celebrate our favorite blue dog and her friends! We will have themed games, story times, fun activities and crafts! Join The Novel Neighbor for We Love Doggos Summer Camp! This camp is limited to ages 5-8 and runs from Monday, June 8th, through Friday, June 12th!

Campers of all ages will learn social and emotional regulation and self-expression skills that are necessary for making and keeping friends. They will practice new skills taught from a research-based curriculum, during fun and interactive group activities that focus on the camp session theme. Campers will be encouraged to participate in activities outside of camp with other participants. 

Campers will step into their favorite stories through read-alouds, creative crafts, dramatic play, and themed activities inspired by beloved children’s books. Each day features a new adventure that sparks imagination, builds literacy skills, and brings stories to life. Perfect for young readers who love to explore magical worlds!

Children will embark on an around-the-world cultural adventure in this exciting camp! Explore far-off places and learn about the people who live there, from the Americas to Polynesia, from the city to the countryside. Campers will make different masterpieces in each project, such as drums, masks, canvases, prints, buses, and more!