Science is Weird - https://www.scienceisweird.com/
Science is WEIRD teaches high-school-level science to elementary and middle-school kids — and we do it in a way that makes families hungry to learn more!
Every lesson is a riddle wrapped in a game, with stories, drawings, and experiments as hints. Built especially for 2e students, this is hyper-interactive, real-time learning over Zoom. Classes meet twice per week.
Throughout the year we move through all the major branches of science, grappling with everything from atoms to galaxies. We also learn the history of science as we crawl into the minds of thinkers from Aristotle to Einstein.
“Lungs are Weird” (our evolutionary anatomy class) and “Ice Cream is Weird” (our exploration of organic chemistry) both start next week.
Science is WEIRD teaches high-school-level science to elementary and middle-school kids — and we do it in a way that makes families hungry to learn more!
Every lesson is a riddle wrapped in a game, with stories, drawings, and experiments as hints. Built especially for 2e students, this is hyper-interactive, real-time learning over Zoom. Classes meet twice per week.
Throughout the year we move through all the major branches of science, grappling with everything from atoms to galaxies. We also learn the history of science as we crawl into the minds of thinkers from Aristotle to Einstein.
“Lungs are Weird” (our evolutionary anatomy class) and “Ice Cream is Weird” (our exploration of organic chemistry) both start next week.
Learning through gaming - https://www.synthesis.is/?gclid=CjwKCAiAr6-ABhAfEiwADO4sfUJaeDaVqWg6b-vyz1slRVaCfdnxvMnyD9tASTxx8QcGZ3oKVbN4HhoC-mwQAvD_BwE
MathILy ("serious Mathematics Infused with Levity") and MathILy-Er ("serious Mathematics Infused with Levity, Earlier") are five-week summer programs for mathematically talented high school students. Just one application is needed to apply to MathILy and MathILy-Er. For more information, visit MathILy.org.
To join the Math Jam, please log on to AoPS.com using your Art of Problem Solving username about 10 minutes before the Math Jam begins, then click on the Classroom bar that appears near the top of the site. More information about the Math Jams can be found here. All AoPS Math Jams are free.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT FOR HIGHLY CAPABLE KIDS a free resource publication brought to you by the
Northwest Gifted Child Association (www.nwgca.org)
Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) http://www.waetag.netOffers student scholarships for summer programs.
Camps Specifically Created for Gifted Students
SATORI Camp (Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA) http://www.satoricamp.org, 800-999-8363 One week, Residential, Ages 12-18Satori (Japanese for “Ah ha”) Camp provides an opportunity for academically and intellectually talented students to experience their first taste of college with others who share their enthusiasm for learning in an academic and social environment. Develops a strong year-over-year cohort of kids who attend every summer. Beloved by many.
Robinson Center for Young Scholars (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://depts.washington.edu/cscy/programs/summer/, rcsummer@uw.edu, 206-543-4160 Registers EARLY and fills up extremely fast, sometimes the same day.
Summer Challenge
Three weeks, Day/Commuter, Completed Grades 5-6
Multi-disciplinary learning experiences for three weeks on UW campus.
Summer Stretch
Five weeks, Day/Commuter, Grades 7-10
Intensive math, humanities, science and writing courses at an accelerated pace.
Camp Metamorphosis (Whitworth University, Spokane, WA)http://www.whitworth.edu/campmetamorphosis/ One week, Day/Commuter, Entering Grades 4-6
Camp Metamorphosis is where gifted and talented youth can be unique individuals excelling together! Who am I? What are my specific gifts and talents? What can I know about my place in the world? At Camp Metamorphosis, gifted youth find many answers to these questions while exploring interesting academic areas.
The Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG), (Seattle Country Day School, Seattle, WA and Nationwide), offers programs for gifted, creative, and academically talented students ages 5 to 12. The 3-week programs combine academics with social, cultural, and recreational opportunities for a truly engaging summer. Students create their own schedule from a variety of classes offered. Our programs offer a broad range of courses in the STEAM+ disciplines. Explore your summer. Expand your mind. Come see what is exciting and new at GiftedStudy.org!
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (Seattle University & Nationwide)http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/index.html Three weeks, Residential, Grades 5-12
Three weeks, Day/Commuter, Grades 2-6
Must qualify ahead of time with CTY’s Talent Search testing process.
John Hopkins University sponsors these programs. Several locations nationwide including Seattle University – back for 2017! Really outstanding program, go deep on one topic for the whole 3 week session.
Also offer online courses year round: http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/courses.html
Also offer family educational travel program: http://cty.jhu.edu/family/travel/
Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY) Summer Institutes (Stanford, CA)http://epgy.stanford.edu/summer/ 2-4 week sessions, Residential, Ages 11-17
Hosted at Stanford university, the EPGY Summer Institutes are two-to-four-week residential programs for academically talented and motivated middle and high-school students. The Summer Institutes provide an opportunity for these students to pursue their intellectual curiosity and meet others who share their interests and abilities. Participants are enrolled in a single intensive-study course, taught by a Stanford instructor, and covering topics not typically presented at their grade level.
Also offer online courses year round: http://epgy.stanford.edu/courses/index.html
Gifted Education Resource Institute, Purdue University (Lafayette, IN)http://www.geri.education.purdue.edu/youth_programs/index.html 1-2 week sessions, Residential, Grades 5-12
EXPLO – Yale, Wellesley, Wheaton Universities (mostly east coast) http://www.explo.org For more than 35 years, Explo has brought together bright, curious, and interesting young people from around the globe. Explo provides a range of one-, two-, and three-week summer options for students ages 7 to 17. Choose from Explo 360, Explo Focus, Explo English, and Explo Mini, or mix and match among all the offerings, and prepare to have a truly amazing summer experience.
Duke Talent Identification Program – TIP (Nationwide, mostly east coast) http://www.tip.duke.eduCRISIS, Residential, Grades 5-6
Center for Summer Studies, Residential, Grades 7-10 (highly gifted) Academy, Residential, Grades 7-10 (top 5%)
Davidson Institute for Talent Development (Reno, NV)http://www.davidsongifted.org THINK Summer Institute, Ages 13-16
Intense three-week residential summer program offers exceptionally gifted 13- to 16-year-old students the opportunity to earn up to six transferable college credits.
Davidson Summer STARS, Ages 8-12
Must apply to be a Davidson Young Scholar to attend. For profoundly gifted 8-12 year olds.
Institute for Educational Advancement (CA, CO, MI)
http://www.educationaladvancement.org
Yunasa West (Sedalia, Colorado), One week, Residential, Ages 10-14
Yunasa (Fenton, Michigan), One week, Residential, Ages 10-14
Yunasa, the Lakota word for ‘balance,’ is a week-long summer camp for highly gifted youth between the ages of 10 and 14. IEA’s pioneering Yunasa summer camps unite students with experts in the social and emotional development of highly able youngsters. In a nurturing setting, campers explore and grow the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical aspects of their lives. Yunasa provides a fun-filled summer camp geared toward the uniqueness of gifted children while having all the fun and enjoyment of a traditional summer sleep away camp. Academy (Pasadena, CA)
2-week sessions, Day/Commuter, Grades 2-8
IEA's Academy was designed based on the belief that gifted children learn best when provided with compelling content and appropriate challenge taught at a flexible pace.
Apprenticeship (various sites in CA)
3-week sessions, June – Aug, Residential, High School
Provides gifted high school students with an invaluable and intensive learning opportunity working with teams of professionals in medicine, industrial design, science, law and business at some of the nation's leading universities, corporations, and research facilities.
PGRetreat (Colorado, California, North Carolina) http://www.pgretreat.orgFor entire families to get away for a long weekend or a week with other families of profoundly gifted kids, with workshops and activities for kids and adults. Apply at their website, and sign up to go to one of the yearly retreats.
Sigma Camp (Sharon, Connecticut) http://sigmacamp.org/ One Week, Residential, Ages 12-16
As a student at SigmaCamp you will spend a week in late August with other talented campers, who like yourself are interested in learning about the exciting puzzles and mysteries of the World around you. You will be guided by college students from top US Universities and taught by leading professors and scientists from Stony Brook University,
Brookhaven National Lab, Harvard Medical School, and MIT. Your days will be filled with discussions of the most exciting topics in contemporary science, hands-on experiments, debates, and educational games. And, of course, summer being summer, you will also be able to participate in many other activities such as sports, art and music.
University Based Summer Programs
Summer Youth Programs (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://www.summer-camp.uw.edu/all-day/ 1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages: Grades 1–12A large catalog of STEM camps this summer, including camps for middle schoolers and high schoolers that you probably won’t find anywhere else in Seattle. Tweens and teens can study architecture and engineering design, geology,
“garbology” (the study of trash), and new for 2014, animatronics. UW also hosts camps just for girls, including robotics, computing, and astronomy.
Camp Biomed (Seattle Pacific, Bellevue College) https://www.nwabr.org/events-programs/student-events/camp-biomed-0
multi-week sessions, Day/Commuter, Grades 9-12
High schoolers explore bioengineering and biotechnology with hands-on camps. Topics include neuroscience, folding proteins, bioethics in game development, and experience investigating blood in a wet lab.
Burke Museum (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://www.burkemuseum.org/programs/camps Day/Commuter, Grades K-8Campers participate in hands-on investigations, behind-the-scenes tours, and visits with real scientists—all while having fun at the museum and on the beautiful University of Washington campus. Offer sessions for girls only, also spring break sessions.
Arboretum (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/education/Youth/summer.shtml Day/Commuter, Ages 6-12
Western Youth Programs (Western WA University, Bellingham, WA)http://www.wwu.edu/ee/youth/index.shtml, youth@wwu.edu, 360-650-3308
Summer Odyssey of Science & Arts
Day/Commuter, Grades 4-9
College Quest
Residential, Entering Grades 10-12
Also: Summer Youth Theater Institute, Western Kids Camp & Global Connections, Sailing Camp, …
Saturday Academy at Portland State University (Portland, Oregon) http://www.saturdayacademy.com, 503-200-58581-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades 4-12
Project oriented classes held throughout Portland Metro area.
Geering up (Vancouver, BC Canada at Univ of BC) http://www.geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/camps/summercamps/
Inexpensive and stimulating STEM camps, including one week that is dedicated for Girls Only.
MIT Junction, Splash, and Spark Programshttps://esp.mit.edu/learn/Junction/index.html
weekends during school year, 1-3 week summer programs, Day/Commuter, Middle & High School
Schools offering Summer Programs
Summer at Seabury (Tacoma, WA)www.seabury.org/summeratseabury18 / seaburydirector@comcast.net
Mid-June through Mid-August, Day/Commuter, Grades K-8
Enrichment makes make learning fun and engaging for children entering kindergarten through grade 8. Seabury School is an independent school serving highly capable children from preschool through middle school.
Bellevue Children's Academy (Bellevue/Redmond) https://www.bcacademy.com/programs/summerschool/
BCA welcomes students entering Pre-K through 5th grade to join our Summer School! Summer School at Bellevue Children’s Academy is a great way to reinforce your child’s learning and to prepare him or her for the new school year. Our program includes thought-provoking English and math curriculum along with exciting activities that promote creativity, independent thinking, self-confidence, and the quest for personal excellence. All students have morning recess, morning snack time, lunch time, and afternoon recess.
Evergreen School (Shoreline, WA) https://www.evergreenschool.org/page/summer-program
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-15
Many topics to choose from, run by the Evergreen School: specializing in the education of highly capable children, Preschool – Grade 8, since 1963.
Open Window School (South Bellevue, WA) https://www.openwindowschool.org/page/programs/summer-program
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-6 (Grades 7-12 Teacher Assistant program)
Many topics to choose from, run by Open Window School: the only eastside independent school dedicated to meeting the needs of gifted students Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.
Soundview School (Lynnwood, WA) http://www.soundview.org/summer/ 1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 3-14
Not specifically a gifted school, but runs a curriculum about a year ahead, and is the only International Baccalaureate World School for elementary grades in the Seattle area.
Operation Exploration (Bellevue, WA) http://www.bsd405.org/programs/summer-programs/operation-exploration/
Day/Commuter, Grades 2-6
For more than 30 years, Operation Exploration (OE) has provided students from Seattle area schools, who are going into grades 2-6, with a summer-time opportunity to expand their learning. This hands-on integrated 12 day program emphasizes accelerated academics, creativity, and higher-level thinking skills.
Lakeside School (Shoreline, WA) https://www.lakesideschool.org/summerschool 1-2 week sessions, Day/Commuter, Grades 5-12
Bertschi School (Seattle, WA) http://www.bertschi.org/teaching-and-learning/summer-exploration/ 1 week sessions, Day/Commuter, Grades K-5
Focus Area: Math
Summer Institute for Mathematics (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://www.math.washington.edu/~simuw/thisyear/index.html
FREE, All summer, Residential, Grades 9-11
SIMUW provides a carefully selected group of motivated high school students with ample opportunities to acquire a full appreciation of the nature of mathematics.
Math Academy (University of WA, Seattle, WA)http://www.engr.washington.edu/alumcomm/mathacademy.html
FREE, High school juniors
The Mathematics Academy accepts current Washington state juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who will complete precalculus by the end of their junior year. While the program is open to all Washington juniors, including home-schooled students, we do target underrepresented minority students and women for program participation.
Girls Rock Mathematics (Seattle, Shoreline, Redmond, WA) http://www.girlsrockmathematics.com/
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades 1-6In partnership with local city recreation programs in several communities. Girls Rock Math offers awesome hands-on math camps and classes just for girls! Play games, explore, make art, think, solve problems, imagine and ROCK out with us! Explore math in fun and creative ways, including exercises in writing and art. Many of their camps also get attendees outdoors in the warm summer sunshine to find patterns and symmetry in nature.
Math Path (St Paul, Minnesota) http://www.mathpath.org/camp.htm 4 week session, Residential, Ages 11-14
MathPath offers students of middle school age who are extremely talented in mathematics the summer opportunity to learn and develop at a pace and to a depth that matches their abilities while also providing them the rich social and recreational experience of a residential summer program.
Epsilon Camp (St Louis, MO) http://www.epsiloncamp.org 2-week camp, Residential, Ages 7-11
Epsilon Camp, a national two-week summer residential camp for exceptionally and profoundly gifted students ages 7-11 who LOVE math. Epsilon Camp is an intellectually rigorous program for young students, taught by university professors of mathematics and directed by Dr. George Thomas, founder of MathPath and Canada/USA MathCamp. There is also a workshop designed to help parents build mathematical and social maturity in the EG/PG child. A unique feature of Epsilon Camp is apartment-style housing on campus for each family; at least one parent must attend with each child. Space is limited.
Prime Factor Mathematical Adventures and Creative Computing (Bellevue, WA) www.pfmathcircle.org 1-week camps, half-day (morning and afternoon), Grades 2-5
Prime Factor Math Circle is offering two weeks of exciting half-day weekly summer camps for elementary school students entering grades 2-5. In our summer camps children will be dividing their time between two activities: Exploring the fun and exciting world of extracurricular mathematics and getting acquainted with foundations of computer programming using the Scratch programming language. They also offer afterschool programs during the school year.
Math for Love (Seattle, Bellevue) http://mathforlove.com/summer-camp
One week, Day/Commuter, Grades 3-8, late June to mid July
Math for Love will be offering four (4!) week-long math camps this summer. Last year we focused on our favorite mathematical games, puzzles, and explorations with games like Nim, Hex, Pig, and more, and compelling problems like our Pilgrim’s Puzzle and Stained Glass Window Problem. This year’s content is still being designed… we will make sure it is compelling and dynamic mathematical fun for kids in the 3rd-8th grade range. Taught by our own Paul Gafni. Save the date, and keep an eye peeled for registration. We expect to open registration by mid-February.
Chess4Life (Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Bothell/Mill Creek, Renton) http://chess4life.mycustomevent.com/content/campsAfterschool programs and summer camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-8
Offer Chess camps as well as combined activity camps that engage students in chess and another fun activity. Some of our popular camp offerings include chess plus Lego, chess plus robotics, chess plus animation, and much more.
Focus Area: Technology & Engineering
Paul G Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering (UW, Seattle WA)
DawgBytes is UW's Computer Science & Engineering K-12 outreach program. We introduce students and their teachers to the exciting world of computing.
DigiGirlz High Tech Camp (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/digigirlz/hightechcamp.aspx
1-week session, Day/Commuter, Grades 9-12
Part of Microsoft’s YouthSpark initiative, this a free program for high school girls to spend a week with technology professionals. Participants connect with Microsoft employees and participate in interactive workshops to explore future careers in technology.
IDtech Camps (Univ of WA Seattle & Univ of WA Bothell & Nationwide)http://www.internaldrive.com/ iD Tech Camps
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 7-17 (UW Bothell, UW Seattle)
1-week camps, Residential, Ages 10-17 (UW Seattle) iD Gaming Academy
2-week session, Residential, Ages 13-18 (UW Seattle)
Intensive computer camps for learning to program, Minecraft modding, game development, app programming, web design, robotics, 3D Modeling/Animation, Filmmaking, Photography.
DigiPen ProjectFUN (Redmond, WA)https://projectfun.digipen.edu/ 1-week camps, Grades 1-12
Summer Workshops let elementary, middle, and high school students explore careers in game development, digital media creation, and engineering while enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Tech Smart Kids (Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, WA) http://www.techsmartkids.com/ Day/Commuter, Ages 7-16
Creative Coding 4 Kids (Seattle, Bellevue, WA)http://www.creativecoding4kids.com/ Day/Commuter, Ages 8-12
Girls Who Code (Seattle, WA and Nationwide)http://girlswhocode.com/programs/
7-week program, Day/Commuter, Rising High School Juniors & Seniors
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program embeds 20 rising high school juniors and seniors inside a technology company or university setting from 9-4PM each day. Here, young women get hands-on experience in computing concepts, programming fundamentals, mobile phone development, robotics, and web development and design. Projectbased curricular modules allow participants to build products and develop innovative solutions designed to inspire an interest in and encourage their pursuit of computer science.
Future of Flight CAMP (Everett, WA) http://www.futureofflight.org/camp 1-week programs, Day/Commuter, Grades 4-7
Inspired by the Institute of Flight's Aerospace Maker Project (AMP), cAMP takes the best parts of science-themed camps and adds the rigor, excitement, and skills of AMP, focusing on the 3D-printing technology that has changed manufacturing so dramatically.
Focus Area: Science
Northwest Maritime Center (Seattle, WA)http://www.nwmaritime.org/programs/
A variety of day camps, sailing classes, and 3-10 day live-aboard sailing camps.
Port Townsend Marine Science Center (Port Townsend, WA)www.ptmsc.org, 360-385-5582, 800-566-3932
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 5-13
Sailing Overnight, Ages 11-15
Our summer camps are filled with exploring beaches, uncovering treasures hidden in our exhibits, playing games, making crafts and hiking through beautiful Fort Worden State Park.
Camps for Curious Minds - Pacific Science Centerhttp://www.pacsci.org, 206-443-2925
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Pre-K - 9 (Science Educators in Training, Grades 9-12)
Locations: Seattle, Bellevue, Medina, Redmond, Bothell, Sammamish, Covington, Tacoma Spring break and summer day camps in a wide variety of topics.
KidsQuest Children's Museum (Bellevue, WA) http://www.kidsquestmuseum.org/page.php?id=105
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages: 3–8
Little learners can get their hands on engineering and science projects even before they start elementary school, thanks to the Science Explorers and Engineering Explorers camps. Older school age kids can join the science fun in Adventure Camps, where they can conduct their first chemistry experiments, design extreme structures, and more.
Seattle Aquarium (Seattle, WA) http://www.seattleaquarium.org/camps-family-programs
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades 1-10
Offers "Unexplored Ocean" camps, where campers investigate the ocean depths with underwater exploration tools and marine science. Attendees will also leave the aquarium to get hands on with marine life at the beach and Elliott Bay. Ages 13-16 program includes overnight on Blake Island.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (Portland, Oregon)http://www.omsi.edu/camps-classes, 503-797-4661
Various length camps, Residential, Grades 2-12
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-8
Spring break camps and summer camps, many are residential camping experiences in remote locations across OR, CA, and WA.
Ground to Sound Environmental STEM Camps (Woodinville, WA)http://www.friendsofhiddenriver.org/ground-to-sound-stem-challenge-camp
1-week, Day/Commuter, Grades 5-7
Campers, entering 5th - 7th grade, will conduct field studies to learn how saving Puget Sound starts right here in our own backyard! Explore the woods, waters and trails in the beautiful North 40 at the Brightwater Environmental Center, near Woodinville, WA, while working with your team to learn about our natural environment.
Museum of Flight Aerospace Camp Experience (Seattle, WA)http://www.museumofflight.org/ace
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-12
Only with The Museum of Flight can campers launch rockets, create aircraft, experience microgravity, build robots, and pilot actual airplanes. If you have an inquiring mind and want to have fun this summer exploring aviation and aerospace, ACE is the camp for you.
Museum of History & Industry (Seattle, WA)http://www.mohai.org/learn/summer-camps Day/Commuter, Grades 3-12
Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, WA) http://zoo.org/page.aspx?pid=1784 Day/Commuter, Ages 3-14
Islandwood Summer Day Camps (Bainbridge Island, WA)https://islandwood.org/overview-page/educational-programming/summer-day-camps Day/commuter, Grades PreK-9
IslandWood Summer Day Camps invite children to open their imaginations in rich natural settings. Our instructors are experienced environmental educators with a passion for connecting children with the outdoors through hands-on exploration that also builds important social and academic skills. With camps ranging from marine science to cooking to journalism, there’s something for everyone.
Brightwater Summer Camps (Woodinville, WA)https://islandwood.org/overview-page/educational-programming/summer-day-camps/brightwater-summer-daycamps
Day/Commuter, Grades 1-9
Join IslandWood and the Brightwater Center for a week of engaging nature exploration and scientific investigation to find out. Programs take place at King County's Brightwater Center in Woodinville, with over 70 acres of natural areas and 3 miles of trails. Brightwater’s creeks and forests are home to wildlife including river otters, coyotes, bobcats, eagles, snakes, frogs, and a whole host of other creatures. Learn to use binoculars, collect bugs from the ponds, create art projects to take home and enjoy hours of fun on the trail and in the lab.
Centrum (Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA)http://www.centrum.org/programs/youth, info@centrum.org, 360-385-3102 x120 Waterworld
One week in April/May, Residential, Grades 5-6
In collaboration with artists, scientists, and peers from across the state, students integrate scientific investigations with creative writing, dance, and visual art. The result is a multi-faceted, full-immersion learning experience. For this program, student groups of four to six sign up with an adult chaperone. Groups may come from school districts, with teachers and school staff chaperoning, or they may be formed by parent committees.
Advanced High School Writer’s Studio
One week session, Residential, High School
Designed for both AP-level writing students, and those interested in a serious exploration of the literary arts.
DANCE This
One week session, Residential, Grades 9-12
Also, other programs for kids, families, and adults.
Challenge Island (Shoreline, Edmonds, Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, WA)http://www.challenge-island.com/seattle-bothell-kirkland/programs/camps/
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-13
Part STEM, part Survivor, and all fun. The campers split into tribes to complete a series of challenges, many of which reinforce STEM concepts like building a vehicle with household items.
Camp Invention (Numerous sites in WA and OR)http://www.campinvention.org, 800-968-4332 1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades 1-6
Destination Science (Numerous sites across King County, WA) http://destinationscience.org/1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-6
Come home with lots of plastic toys/trinkets/models.
Play-Well Lego Engineering Summer Campshttp://play-well.org/summer/
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-8
Kids are already naturally gifted creators. Then they get added inspiration from our specially trained instructors. They dive into our massive collections of LEGO®. And while they build elaborate objects, structures and vehicles, they explore fundamental principles of engineering and physics. They also learn to collaborate and create without fear of mistakes. The experience is joyful, the impact long-lasting.
Bricks 4 Kidz (Puget Sound area) http://www.bricks4kidz.com/washington-seattle-proper/program-events/camps/
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages: 5-12
Summer camps for LEGO enthusiasts across the Puget Sound area.
U.S. Space Camps & Space Academy (Huntsville, Alabama) http://www.spacecamp.com, 800-637-7223Commuter & Residential, Ages 7-18, adult programs, and adult plus child programs
Focus Area: Wilderness
Wilderness Awareness (Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, Carnation, Duvall, and also Idaho) http://wildernessawareness.org/youth/summer/ One week, Day & Residential, Ages 4-teensA variety of camps that teach wilderness skills, from farm fun for 4-6 year olds, to wilderness awareness for elementary aged kids, to survival skills overnight experiences for teens ages 11 and up, and even an opportunity for a teen wolf tracking backcountry expedition in Idaho.
Wilderness Warriors (Duvall, WA)http://www.tracksandtalesnatureschool.com/
Tracks & Tales Nature School offers children a strong foundation in outdoor exploration, primitive living skills, creative expression & personal growth by using games, ancient crafts, storytelling, and the natural bounty of a pristine northwest forest. We are located 40 minutes from Seattle just east of Duvall, Washington. More info: Mary Heidt (maryandbruce@frontier.com)
Quietheart Wilderness School (Edmonds, WA)http://www.quietheart.org/ 1-week, Day/Commuter, Ages 5-16
Serious survival & wilderness training. Education through Exploration & Discovery of the Natural World: Primitive and Survival Skills, Wilderness Navigation, Edible & Medicinal Plants, Animal Behavior & Tracking, Native Cultures, Problem Solving, Team Building. Offers both summer and school year programs.
Earthwalk Northwest (Issaquah, WA & Shelton, WA)http://earthwalknorthwest.com/ Family, adult & teen programs
Earthwalk Northwest offers programs focusing on earth awareness and primitive living skills, including primitive bow making, fire by friction, wild edibles, and much more.
Terra-Forma Education (Seattle, WA)http://www.terra-forma.org/education.php
Terra-Forma Education offers many unique programs based on a model that incorporates the concepts of mythic journey and magical realism with environmental education. In these programs, participants of all ages interact with characters in a complex story that is forming around them. The seemingly spontaneous storyline leads them through the challenges of self-awareness and group dynamics, as decisions are made that shape the future of the planet, just as it happens in our daily lives. Unlike many traditional education models, these participants are exposed to real life situations, and forced to make real life decisions, that help them become responsible adults.
Earthways Nature (Mount Baker, WA)http://www.earthwaysnature.org/programs/camps-and-workshops/
Earthways offers both day and overnight camp experiences for kids interested in learning about and having fun in nature. Throughout the year, we are honored to host skilled instructors and mentors for workshops.
Wolf College (Olympia, Tacoma, Puyallup, Lake Sammamish, WA)http://www.wolfcollege.com/youth/
Residential & Day Programs, Ages 5-17
Day programs include transportation from Seattle, Bellevue, Bothell, Woodinville, Shoreline, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton & Kent. Overnight backpacking and other wildnerness experiences available for teens and families.
Focus Area: Languages
Canoe Island French Camp (Private Island near Orcas Island, San Juans, WA) http://canoeisland.org/2-3 week camps, Residential, Ages 9-16
Intensive, immersive French language and activities on a private San Juan Island.
Concordia Language Villages (Minnesota)http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org
Residential language-immersion summer camps available in 11 different languages.
Focus Area: Art
Kirkland Art Center (Kirkland, WA) http://www.kirklandartscenter.org/?q=classes_summer-camp
One week, Day/commuter, Ages 5-16
Offers a variety of half-day art classes throughout the summer.
Northwest Art Center (Duvall, WA)http://northwestartcenter.org/classes-and-more/summer-camps-and-classes-2014/
One week, Day/Commuter, Ages 3-teens
Offers a wide variety of classes and half-day camps throughout the summer. Notable that they have many pottery offerings, even for very young kids (ages 3+).
Pratt Fine Arts Center (Seattle, WA) http://www.pratt.org/classes/youth/ Ages 7-12Looking for an exciting summer program that promotes exploration and creativity? Try Pratt’s Summer Art Camp for ages 7-12! Campers will draw, paint, and build their way through exciting projects that connect to a hands-on weekly theme. Summer art camps are taught by professional teaching artists.
Clay Animation Network (Seattle, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Redmond, Shoreline, etc.) https://www.cancancancan.com/schedule/Day/Commuter, Ages 6-13
Make your own comic book, clay animation, and lego brick animation using stop motion animation techniques.
Focus Area: Music
Seattle Girls Choir (Seattle, WA) http://seattlegirlschoir.org/summer-music-day-camp/
One week, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-5th grade
Each summer we offer Summer Music Day Camp sessions designed for girls who love singing to build choral skills in a non-auditioned choir, explore sound with various instruments and to find new reasons to love making music while meeting new friends! Also offers 5 levels of auditioned girls choir during the school year, from grade 1-12
Vivace Chamber Players (Seattle, WA) http://www.vivacechamberplayers.com/ One week, Day/commuter, Ages 6-21
For students with 2+ years on an instrument (beginning to advanced — strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar). An opportunity to play chamber music at Seattle Pacific University with some intense music instruction.
Marrowstone-in-the-City, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (Seattle & Redmond, WA)http://syso.org/programs/marrowstone-in-the-city/, http://www.marrowstone.org (for high school & college)
One week, half days, Day/Commuter, Overlake School Redmond, WA, Ages 7-14
One week, half days, Day/Commuter, Shorecrest High School, Shoreline, WA, Ages 7-14
Marrowstone in the City (MITC) is a two-week summer music program for young musicians eager for their first orchestra experience, and provides an excellent combination of music instruction, orchestral training and performance opportunities. Designed for enthusiastic young musicians between the ages of 7 – 14 who have had at least two years of playing experience or a minimum of one year of private instruction.
BYSO Summer Camps (Bellevue, WA)http://www.byso.org/summer
At Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra summer camp, you’ll meet lots of other young musicians who are just like you: serious about music—but not serious all the time! You’ll study your instrument with professional musicians, learn cool new musical facts and skills, prepare a dazzling last-day concert—and have tons of fun along the way. Two times each day, you will play in an orchestra setting with peers who are at a similar musical level with you. You will also have the opportunity to participate in fun classes that help you improve your skills as a musician. Examples may include percussion for fun, sight reading, alternate instruments, fiddling, music theory, small ensembles, and many more!
Music Works NW (Bellevue, WA) http://www.musicworksnw.org/programs/summer-camps.html
Ages 4-17, including a few camps for special needs
Music Works Northwest is a non-profit community music school offering music lessons, music therapy and performance experiences for all ages, conveniently located minutes from downtown Seattle and downtown Bellevue. Our mission is to change lives through accessible music education and experiences.
School of Rock (Seattle, WA)https://seattle-sor.frontdeskhq.com/categories/4908
Through workshops, clinics, and private instruction, our comprehensive camp experience is designed to hone music performance and ensemble skills in a creative and fun environment. We know from experience that playing in a band situation speeds learning and creates “seasoned” musicians. Even relatively advanced musicians are amazed at the amount of progress they make when regularly playing with other musicians.
Focus Area: Drama
Studio East (Kirkland, WA)http://studio-east.org/summer-programs/
1-2 week camps all summer long, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-19
High quality drama instruction, for both beginners (focusing on process more than product) as well as intensives for older and more serious developing actors (including workshops, intensives, how to audition, and several productions). Many of their instructors do very well with gifted kids. They offer courses year round, as well as camps during school holiday break weeks.
Stone Soup Theater (3 locations Seattle, Marymoor Park in Redmond) http://www.stonesouptheater.org/summerstage/ 1-week camps all summer, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-13Tons of camps, get great reviews for parents, both putting on a specific production as well as informal, improvisational, and skill building.
Seattle Children’s Theaterhttp://www.sct.org/School/Summer-Season Auditioning kids from grades 3 to age 21
In summer, between our professional Mainstage Seasons, young people have a chance to perform on the Charlotte Martin Stage in Summer Season.
Taproot Theater (Seattle, WA) http://taproottheatre.org/summer-acting-camps-2013/
1-2 week camps all summer long, Day/Commuter, PreK – Grade 12
Drama camps for budding thespians, including specific courses on puppetry, comedy, auditioning, stage combat, Shakespeare, and several productions. They offer courses year round, as well as camps during school holiday break weeks.
Youth Theatre Northwest (Mercer Island, WA)http://youththeatre.org/classes-camps/2013-summer-camps/
1-3 week camps, Day/Commuter, Age 3 – Grade 6+
Youth Theatre Northwest offers a full array of classes and programs to engage and inspire your child. We aim to unleash creative genius through fun and imaginative play. Also offers a Stage Management program for ages 12+ with workshops and internships.
Wing Luke (Seattle, WA) http://www.wingluke.org/summer-camp
Focus Area: Unique Sports
Parkour Vision (Seattle, WA)http://parkourvisions.org/
Learn the modern gymnastic art of parkour – running on walls, jumping over obstacles, etc. Some camps culminate with an opportunity to try out your skills on the pipeworks at Gasworks Park.
Washington Fencing Academy (Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, WA) http://www.washingtonfencing.com/in-house-camps/
Fencing is sometimes called ‘physical chess’ and the strategic nature of it is very appealing to bright students. WFA has multiple week-long summer camps at the Academy in Issaquah as well as at various satellite locations around the area (e.g., Kirkland, Redmond). In the past, they have also had a summer camp at the Northshore YMCA.
Rain City Fencing (Bellevue, WA) http://www.raincityfencing.com/content/blogcategory/28/64/
One Week, Day/Commuter, Ages 8-teens
We offer weekly half-day camps for kids and teenagers during the summer. We teach the basics -- footwork, bladework and rules -- in a safe, positive environment. Fencers new and returning will get plenty of opportunities to use their new skills in sparring situations. Full day combination chess camp with partner Chess4Life available some weeks.
Next Step Archery (Mountlake Terrace, WA)
http://www.nextsteparchery.org/
Sunset Bay Beach Camp (Edmonds, WA)http://www.sunsetbaywharf.com/Pages/default.aspx
One Week, Day/Commuter, Grades 3-12
Kids don wetsuits for the week! Seattle’s one and only saltwater Beach Camp provides a one of a kind watersports and marine science summer camp for students grades 3 through 12.
Moss Bay Kids Camp (Lake Union, Seattle, WA)http://mossbay.net/index.php/kids-camp.html
One week, Day/Commuter, Ages 6-12
Kids learn how to paddleboard, kayak, sail, and row in this very popular camp that fills up fast!
Catalina Sea Camp (Catalina Island, CA)http://www.catalinaseacamp.com Residential, Ages 8-17
Located on Catalina Island in Southern California, Sea Camp is a residential enrichment summer camp with emphasis on Ocean related activities.
Focus Area: Other
Bureau of Fearless Ideas – formerly 826 Seattle (Seattle, WA) http://fearlessideas.org/programs/workshops/ 2-4 day workshops, Day/Commuter, Ages 6-18Run FREE summer writing workshops (they won't call it camp, because these are 2-4 days, 2-4 hours a day workshops). And also lots of programs during the school year. Fill up very fast, get on their mailing list to know when registration opens.
Hugo House Scribes (Seattle, WA)https://hugohouse.org/teen/scribes/
Scribes summer writing camps provide an opportunity for middle-and high-school students to engage intensely with creative writing and to participate in quality programming that includes instruction from accomplished writers, field trips to such places as Kubota Garden and Seattle Art Museum, writing activities, craft exercises, and exposure to a diverse range of genres, forms, and writers. Since its launch in 1998, Scribes has not just been a place where young people receive high quality arts instruction, but has been the hub where young writers from diverse backgrounds are able to find community and voice.
Aspiring Youth (Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, West Seattle, WA) http://aspiringyouth.net 2-4 week sessions, Day/Commuter, Ages 8-19
We provide innovative social skills groups, summer camps, tutoring and other services for students ages 8 and up. Some of our students are shy, some are quirky, and some are twice exceptional. Many have a diagnosis of Asperger’s
Syndrome, ADHD, learning disabilities, or other similar traits. By creating trust, connection and engaging community, we help our students as they navigate the social world.
Capitol Debate (Seattle University & Nationwide) http://www.capitoldebate.com/Residential, Middle & High School
Capitol Debate is the nation’s leading expert in teaching public speaking & debate to middle & high schools students.
World Peace Game (Nationwide, varying locations)https://www.worldpeacegame.org/ One week, Day/Commuter, Grades 4-7
The World Peace Game Camp is an opportunity for boys and girls to experience a 5-day intensive version of John Hunter's World Peace Game. The World Peace Game is a four-tiered structure that puts the problems of the world within reach of the students. Students are organized into country teams with Prime Ministers, Secretaries of Defense, and Cabinet staff. Other important roles in the game are the Secretary of the United Nations, President of the World Bank, Arms Dealers, Weather Goddess, and the Saboteur. This game exposes children to systems thinking, critical and creative problem-solving, leadership responsibilities, decision making, negotiation, and much more.
Steve & Kate’s Camp (Bellevue, WA & Seattle, WA) http://steveandkatescamp.com/One week, Day/Commuter, Grades Pre-K to 7th
Flexible! Buy day passes and drop off/pick up whenever, at either location. Instead of a rigid structure, we give our campers choice. Instead of teaching kids the typical way, we give them tools and gentle guidance to help them become autodidacts. The difference is subtle–and it’s profound. At Steve & Kate’s, campers step into a world packed with possibilities: for experiencing new sensations, for expressing themselves, for exploring their passions and potential. The results are unexpected and they’re unexpectedly rich. One camper dives deep into stop-motion animation. Another discovers a passion for dance. Or chess. A camper becomes engrossed in making the perfect bread. Or developing Leo Messi-like touch on the soccer pitch. These discoveries are all the more exhilarating because campers make them for themselves.
PCC Kids Cooking Summer Camps
http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/pcccooks/classes/category.php?id=17
Center for Wooden Boats (Seattle, Newcastle, Medina, WA)http://cwb.org/class-categories/summer-camps/
Youth Sailing and Boatbuilding Camps are designed to engender skills in leadership, observation, and decision-making while exploring maritime heritage in a dynamic hands-on environment. Team-building games, rigging, knot-tying, tool use, and demonstrations are preparation for sailing adventures and boat construction.
Traditional Outdoor Summer Camps
Woodinville Girl Scouts Day Camp (Tolt-MacDonald Park, Carnation, WA)http://woodinvilledaycamp.weebly.com/
Last week of July, Day/Commuter, entering 1st – 12th grades, opportunities for volunteering/counselors
Volunteer-run, inexpensive, and loved by many. For all girls (no need to belong to a troop), and sons of adult volunteers.
More info: Nancy Chamberlain (nlchamberlain@yahoo.com)
Bothell Girl Scouts Day Camp (Blythe Park, Bothell, WA) http://vlcampsgsww.weebly.com/uploads/4/1/9/1/41910581/bothell_day_camp_2015_flyer_final.pdf
Day/commuter, opportunities for volunteering/counselors
Volunteer-run day camp for girl scouts in the Bothell area. More info: bothelldaycamp@gmail.com
Girl Scout Camp River Ranch (Carnation, WA) https://www.girlscoutsww.org/Things-To-Do/go-to-camp/go-to-summer-camp/Pages/default.aspx Day camp with bus transportation available & overnight sessions.
Large classic camp property on a big lake. They offer horse camps as well. You do not need to be part of a girl scout troop to attend or even be a registered girl scout. (You do have to be a girl though!)
Four Winds-Westward Ho (Orcas Island, WA)http://www.fourwindscamp.org/
Residential 4 week camp, offer several scholarships. It’s a huge waterfront property, and they don’t overcrowd. They have a huge amount of activities, water sports (private dock) and horse riding are big as well as art, crafts and music. They are big on music. They very much believe in giving a child the tools to be independent. They limit useless restrictive rules. We like it because it forces your child to be more independent- without parents hovering. More info: Anne Lind (lindcochez@comcast.net)
YMCA Day Campshttp://ykids.seattleymca.org/northshore-ymca/summer-camps
Inexpensive summer childcare and day camps, at Cottage Lake Park, and elsewhere. Local YMCA branches have similar services in communities across WA state.
YMCA Camp Orkila http://www.seattleymca.org/Locations/Orkila/Pages/Home.aspx
Week long overnight sessions. I hear really good things about it but have never tried it personally.
YMCA Camp Colemanhttp://www.seattleymca.org/Locations/Colman/Pages/Home.aspx
Down south - easier to drive to and noticeably less expensive than Camp Orkila.
YMCA BOLD & GOLD Expeditionshttp://ymcaleadership.com/bold-summer/
5-day to 2 week summer camp/expedition programs for boys & girls 10+. Some have called it life changing.
Hidden Valley Camp (Granite Falls, WA) http://www.hvc-wa.com/A traditional outdoor camp experience for boys and girls, 7-16 years old. Hidden Valley Camp is nestled in the Cascade Mountain foothills, 50 miles northeast of Seattle near Granite Falls, Washington. The campsite is well named; the road leading into Camp ends at Hidden Valley, and the cedars, firs and hemlocks that surround the open areas give complete seclusion and provide an extremely beautiful camp setting. The 60 acre campsite is bordered on three sides by state and logging company land providing many miles of hiking and riding trails. Mt. Baker National Forest, the North Cascade Wilderness and Mt. Pilchuck offer a vast unspoiled area for trips and hikes. Various water activities occur at campowned property on nearby Lake Roesiger.
Campfire USA Day Camp (Blyth Park, Bothell, WA) http://www.campfire-usa.org/daycamp/
Camp Don Bosco (Carnation, WA)http://seattleoyyam.org/programs/cyo-camp-services/summer-camp
Residential & day camps with bus available. Really beautiful and huge camp property with cabins and a mess hall and a forest ampitheater, plus archery field, horses, big fields, the works. It’s worth nothing that Camp Don Bosco has minicamps that provide 3-4 night short overnight camp adventures for kids as young as entering 1st grade. They also offer terrific horse camps. Run by CYO – Catholic Youth Organization.
Boston Leadership Institute (Boston, MA)http://bostonleadershipinstitute.com/index.html
BLI runs one and three-week summer programs for high-achieving students, 8th grade and higher, in a variety of STEM disciplines, which are taught by distinguished teachers from leading colleges or high schools.
Other Summer Camp Resource Lists
http://www.nagc.org/resource_directory.aspx
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10069.aspx
http://www.summer-camps-adventures.com
http://lwsdgeac.org/resources/summer-programs-for-the-gifted/
To join the Math Jam, please log on to AoPS.com using your Art of Problem Solving username about 10 minutes before the Math Jam begins, then click on the Classroom bar that appears near the top of the site. More information about the Math Jams can be found here. All AoPS Math Jams are free.
SUMMER ENRICHMENT FOR HIGHLY CAPABLE KIDS a free resource publication brought to you by the
Northwest Gifted Child Association (www.nwgca.org)
Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) http://www.waetag.netOffers student scholarships for summer programs.
Camps Specifically Created for Gifted Students
SATORI Camp (Eastern Washington University, Cheney, WA) http://www.satoricamp.org, 800-999-8363 One week, Residential, Ages 12-18Satori (Japanese for “Ah ha”) Camp provides an opportunity for academically and intellectually talented students to experience their first taste of college with others who share their enthusiasm for learning in an academic and social environment. Develops a strong year-over-year cohort of kids who attend every summer. Beloved by many.
Robinson Center for Young Scholars (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://depts.washington.edu/cscy/programs/summer/, rcsummer@uw.edu, 206-543-4160 Registers EARLY and fills up extremely fast, sometimes the same day.
Summer Challenge
Three weeks, Day/Commuter, Completed Grades 5-6
Multi-disciplinary learning experiences for three weeks on UW campus.
Summer Stretch
Five weeks, Day/Commuter, Grades 7-10
Intensive math, humanities, science and writing courses at an accelerated pace.
Camp Metamorphosis (Whitworth University, Spokane, WA)http://www.whitworth.edu/campmetamorphosis/ One week, Day/Commuter, Entering Grades 4-6
Camp Metamorphosis is where gifted and talented youth can be unique individuals excelling together! Who am I? What are my specific gifts and talents? What can I know about my place in the world? At Camp Metamorphosis, gifted youth find many answers to these questions while exploring interesting academic areas.
The Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG), (Seattle Country Day School, Seattle, WA and Nationwide), offers programs for gifted, creative, and academically talented students ages 5 to 12. The 3-week programs combine academics with social, cultural, and recreational opportunities for a truly engaging summer. Students create their own schedule from a variety of classes offered. Our programs offer a broad range of courses in the STEAM+ disciplines. Explore your summer. Expand your mind. Come see what is exciting and new at GiftedStudy.org!
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (Seattle University & Nationwide)http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/index.html Three weeks, Residential, Grades 5-12
Three weeks, Day/Commuter, Grades 2-6
Must qualify ahead of time with CTY’s Talent Search testing process.
John Hopkins University sponsors these programs. Several locations nationwide including Seattle University – back for 2017! Really outstanding program, go deep on one topic for the whole 3 week session.
Also offer online courses year round: http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/courses.html
Also offer family educational travel program: http://cty.jhu.edu/family/travel/
Education Program for Gifted Youth (EPGY) Summer Institutes (Stanford, CA)http://epgy.stanford.edu/summer/ 2-4 week sessions, Residential, Ages 11-17
Hosted at Stanford university, the EPGY Summer Institutes are two-to-four-week residential programs for academically talented and motivated middle and high-school students. The Summer Institutes provide an opportunity for these students to pursue their intellectual curiosity and meet others who share their interests and abilities. Participants are enrolled in a single intensive-study course, taught by a Stanford instructor, and covering topics not typically presented at their grade level.
Also offer online courses year round: http://epgy.stanford.edu/courses/index.html
Gifted Education Resource Institute, Purdue University (Lafayette, IN)http://www.geri.education.purdue.edu/youth_programs/index.html 1-2 week sessions, Residential, Grades 5-12
EXPLO – Yale, Wellesley, Wheaton Universities (mostly east coast) http://www.explo.org For more than 35 years, Explo has brought together bright, curious, and interesting young people from around the globe. Explo provides a range of one-, two-, and three-week summer options for students ages 7 to 17. Choose from Explo 360, Explo Focus, Explo English, and Explo Mini, or mix and match among all the offerings, and prepare to have a truly amazing summer experience.
Duke Talent Identification Program – TIP (Nationwide, mostly east coast) http://www.tip.duke.eduCRISIS, Residential, Grades 5-6
Center for Summer Studies, Residential, Grades 7-10 (highly gifted) Academy, Residential, Grades 7-10 (top 5%)
Davidson Institute for Talent Development (Reno, NV)http://www.davidsongifted.org THINK Summer Institute, Ages 13-16
Intense three-week residential summer program offers exceptionally gifted 13- to 16-year-old students the opportunity to earn up to six transferable college credits.
Davidson Summer STARS, Ages 8-12
Must apply to be a Davidson Young Scholar to attend. For profoundly gifted 8-12 year olds.
Institute for Educational Advancement (CA, CO, MI)
http://www.educationaladvancement.org
Yunasa West (Sedalia, Colorado), One week, Residential, Ages 10-14
Yunasa (Fenton, Michigan), One week, Residential, Ages 10-14
Yunasa, the Lakota word for ‘balance,’ is a week-long summer camp for highly gifted youth between the ages of 10 and 14. IEA’s pioneering Yunasa summer camps unite students with experts in the social and emotional development of highly able youngsters. In a nurturing setting, campers explore and grow the intellectual, spiritual, emotional, social, and physical aspects of their lives. Yunasa provides a fun-filled summer camp geared toward the uniqueness of gifted children while having all the fun and enjoyment of a traditional summer sleep away camp. Academy (Pasadena, CA)
2-week sessions, Day/Commuter, Grades 2-8
IEA's Academy was designed based on the belief that gifted children learn best when provided with compelling content and appropriate challenge taught at a flexible pace.
Apprenticeship (various sites in CA)
3-week sessions, June – Aug, Residential, High School
Provides gifted high school students with an invaluable and intensive learning opportunity working with teams of professionals in medicine, industrial design, science, law and business at some of the nation's leading universities, corporations, and research facilities.
PGRetreat (Colorado, California, North Carolina) http://www.pgretreat.orgFor entire families to get away for a long weekend or a week with other families of profoundly gifted kids, with workshops and activities for kids and adults. Apply at their website, and sign up to go to one of the yearly retreats.
Sigma Camp (Sharon, Connecticut) http://sigmacamp.org/ One Week, Residential, Ages 12-16
As a student at SigmaCamp you will spend a week in late August with other talented campers, who like yourself are interested in learning about the exciting puzzles and mysteries of the World around you. You will be guided by college students from top US Universities and taught by leading professors and scientists from Stony Brook University,
Brookhaven National Lab, Harvard Medical School, and MIT. Your days will be filled with discussions of the most exciting topics in contemporary science, hands-on experiments, debates, and educational games. And, of course, summer being summer, you will also be able to participate in many other activities such as sports, art and music.
University Based Summer Programs
Summer Youth Programs (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://www.summer-camp.uw.edu/all-day/ 1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages: Grades 1–12A large catalog of STEM camps this summer, including camps for middle schoolers and high schoolers that you probably won’t find anywhere else in Seattle. Tweens and teens can study architecture and engineering design, geology,
“garbology” (the study of trash), and new for 2014, animatronics. UW also hosts camps just for girls, including robotics, computing, and astronomy.
Camp Biomed (Seattle Pacific, Bellevue College) https://www.nwabr.org/events-programs/student-events/camp-biomed-0
multi-week sessions, Day/Commuter, Grades 9-12
High schoolers explore bioengineering and biotechnology with hands-on camps. Topics include neuroscience, folding proteins, bioethics in game development, and experience investigating blood in a wet lab.
Burke Museum (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://www.burkemuseum.org/programs/camps Day/Commuter, Grades K-8Campers participate in hands-on investigations, behind-the-scenes tours, and visits with real scientists—all while having fun at the museum and on the beautiful University of Washington campus. Offer sessions for girls only, also spring break sessions.
Arboretum (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/education/Youth/summer.shtml Day/Commuter, Ages 6-12
Western Youth Programs (Western WA University, Bellingham, WA)http://www.wwu.edu/ee/youth/index.shtml, youth@wwu.edu, 360-650-3308
Summer Odyssey of Science & Arts
Day/Commuter, Grades 4-9
College Quest
Residential, Entering Grades 10-12
Also: Summer Youth Theater Institute, Western Kids Camp & Global Connections, Sailing Camp, …
Saturday Academy at Portland State University (Portland, Oregon) http://www.saturdayacademy.com, 503-200-58581-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades 4-12
Project oriented classes held throughout Portland Metro area.
Geering up (Vancouver, BC Canada at Univ of BC) http://www.geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/camps/summercamps/
Inexpensive and stimulating STEM camps, including one week that is dedicated for Girls Only.
MIT Junction, Splash, and Spark Programshttps://esp.mit.edu/learn/Junction/index.html
weekends during school year, 1-3 week summer programs, Day/Commuter, Middle & High School
Schools offering Summer Programs
Summer at Seabury (Tacoma, WA)www.seabury.org/summeratseabury18 / seaburydirector@comcast.net
Mid-June through Mid-August, Day/Commuter, Grades K-8
Enrichment makes make learning fun and engaging for children entering kindergarten through grade 8. Seabury School is an independent school serving highly capable children from preschool through middle school.
Bellevue Children's Academy (Bellevue/Redmond) https://www.bcacademy.com/programs/summerschool/
BCA welcomes students entering Pre-K through 5th grade to join our Summer School! Summer School at Bellevue Children’s Academy is a great way to reinforce your child’s learning and to prepare him or her for the new school year. Our program includes thought-provoking English and math curriculum along with exciting activities that promote creativity, independent thinking, self-confidence, and the quest for personal excellence. All students have morning recess, morning snack time, lunch time, and afternoon recess.
Evergreen School (Shoreline, WA) https://www.evergreenschool.org/page/summer-program
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-15
Many topics to choose from, run by the Evergreen School: specializing in the education of highly capable children, Preschool – Grade 8, since 1963.
Open Window School (South Bellevue, WA) https://www.openwindowschool.org/page/programs/summer-program
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-6 (Grades 7-12 Teacher Assistant program)
Many topics to choose from, run by Open Window School: the only eastside independent school dedicated to meeting the needs of gifted students Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.
Soundview School (Lynnwood, WA) http://www.soundview.org/summer/ 1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 3-14
Not specifically a gifted school, but runs a curriculum about a year ahead, and is the only International Baccalaureate World School for elementary grades in the Seattle area.
Operation Exploration (Bellevue, WA) http://www.bsd405.org/programs/summer-programs/operation-exploration/
Day/Commuter, Grades 2-6
For more than 30 years, Operation Exploration (OE) has provided students from Seattle area schools, who are going into grades 2-6, with a summer-time opportunity to expand their learning. This hands-on integrated 12 day program emphasizes accelerated academics, creativity, and higher-level thinking skills.
Lakeside School (Shoreline, WA) https://www.lakesideschool.org/summerschool 1-2 week sessions, Day/Commuter, Grades 5-12
Bertschi School (Seattle, WA) http://www.bertschi.org/teaching-and-learning/summer-exploration/ 1 week sessions, Day/Commuter, Grades K-5
Focus Area: Math
Summer Institute for Mathematics (University of WA, Seattle, WA) http://www.math.washington.edu/~simuw/thisyear/index.html
FREE, All summer, Residential, Grades 9-11
SIMUW provides a carefully selected group of motivated high school students with ample opportunities to acquire a full appreciation of the nature of mathematics.
Math Academy (University of WA, Seattle, WA)http://www.engr.washington.edu/alumcomm/mathacademy.html
FREE, High school juniors
The Mathematics Academy accepts current Washington state juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA who will complete precalculus by the end of their junior year. While the program is open to all Washington juniors, including home-schooled students, we do target underrepresented minority students and women for program participation.
Girls Rock Mathematics (Seattle, Shoreline, Redmond, WA) http://www.girlsrockmathematics.com/
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades 1-6In partnership with local city recreation programs in several communities. Girls Rock Math offers awesome hands-on math camps and classes just for girls! Play games, explore, make art, think, solve problems, imagine and ROCK out with us! Explore math in fun and creative ways, including exercises in writing and art. Many of their camps also get attendees outdoors in the warm summer sunshine to find patterns and symmetry in nature.
Math Path (St Paul, Minnesota) http://www.mathpath.org/camp.htm 4 week session, Residential, Ages 11-14
MathPath offers students of middle school age who are extremely talented in mathematics the summer opportunity to learn and develop at a pace and to a depth that matches their abilities while also providing them the rich social and recreational experience of a residential summer program.
Epsilon Camp (St Louis, MO) http://www.epsiloncamp.org 2-week camp, Residential, Ages 7-11
Epsilon Camp, a national two-week summer residential camp for exceptionally and profoundly gifted students ages 7-11 who LOVE math. Epsilon Camp is an intellectually rigorous program for young students, taught by university professors of mathematics and directed by Dr. George Thomas, founder of MathPath and Canada/USA MathCamp. There is also a workshop designed to help parents build mathematical and social maturity in the EG/PG child. A unique feature of Epsilon Camp is apartment-style housing on campus for each family; at least one parent must attend with each child. Space is limited.
Prime Factor Mathematical Adventures and Creative Computing (Bellevue, WA) www.pfmathcircle.org 1-week camps, half-day (morning and afternoon), Grades 2-5
Prime Factor Math Circle is offering two weeks of exciting half-day weekly summer camps for elementary school students entering grades 2-5. In our summer camps children will be dividing their time between two activities: Exploring the fun and exciting world of extracurricular mathematics and getting acquainted with foundations of computer programming using the Scratch programming language. They also offer afterschool programs during the school year.
Math for Love (Seattle, Bellevue) http://mathforlove.com/summer-camp
One week, Day/Commuter, Grades 3-8, late June to mid July
Math for Love will be offering four (4!) week-long math camps this summer. Last year we focused on our favorite mathematical games, puzzles, and explorations with games like Nim, Hex, Pig, and more, and compelling problems like our Pilgrim’s Puzzle and Stained Glass Window Problem. This year’s content is still being designed… we will make sure it is compelling and dynamic mathematical fun for kids in the 3rd-8th grade range. Taught by our own Paul Gafni. Save the date, and keep an eye peeled for registration. We expect to open registration by mid-February.
Chess4Life (Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Bothell/Mill Creek, Renton) http://chess4life.mycustomevent.com/content/campsAfterschool programs and summer camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-8
Offer Chess camps as well as combined activity camps that engage students in chess and another fun activity. Some of our popular camp offerings include chess plus Lego, chess plus robotics, chess plus animation, and much more.
Focus Area: Technology & Engineering
Paul G Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering (UW, Seattle WA)
DawgBytes is UW's Computer Science & Engineering K-12 outreach program. We introduce students and their teachers to the exciting world of computing.
DigiGirlz High Tech Camp (Microsoft, Redmond, WA) http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/digigirlz/hightechcamp.aspx
1-week session, Day/Commuter, Grades 9-12
Part of Microsoft’s YouthSpark initiative, this a free program for high school girls to spend a week with technology professionals. Participants connect with Microsoft employees and participate in interactive workshops to explore future careers in technology.
IDtech Camps (Univ of WA Seattle & Univ of WA Bothell & Nationwide)http://www.internaldrive.com/ iD Tech Camps
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 7-17 (UW Bothell, UW Seattle)
1-week camps, Residential, Ages 10-17 (UW Seattle) iD Gaming Academy
2-week session, Residential, Ages 13-18 (UW Seattle)
Intensive computer camps for learning to program, Minecraft modding, game development, app programming, web design, robotics, 3D Modeling/Animation, Filmmaking, Photography.
DigiPen ProjectFUN (Redmond, WA)https://projectfun.digipen.edu/ 1-week camps, Grades 1-12
Summer Workshops let elementary, middle, and high school students explore careers in game development, digital media creation, and engineering while enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Tech Smart Kids (Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, WA) http://www.techsmartkids.com/ Day/Commuter, Ages 7-16
Creative Coding 4 Kids (Seattle, Bellevue, WA)http://www.creativecoding4kids.com/ Day/Commuter, Ages 8-12
Girls Who Code (Seattle, WA and Nationwide)http://girlswhocode.com/programs/
7-week program, Day/Commuter, Rising High School Juniors & Seniors
The Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program embeds 20 rising high school juniors and seniors inside a technology company or university setting from 9-4PM each day. Here, young women get hands-on experience in computing concepts, programming fundamentals, mobile phone development, robotics, and web development and design. Projectbased curricular modules allow participants to build products and develop innovative solutions designed to inspire an interest in and encourage their pursuit of computer science.
Future of Flight CAMP (Everett, WA) http://www.futureofflight.org/camp 1-week programs, Day/Commuter, Grades 4-7
Inspired by the Institute of Flight's Aerospace Maker Project (AMP), cAMP takes the best parts of science-themed camps and adds the rigor, excitement, and skills of AMP, focusing on the 3D-printing technology that has changed manufacturing so dramatically.
Focus Area: Science
Northwest Maritime Center (Seattle, WA)http://www.nwmaritime.org/programs/
A variety of day camps, sailing classes, and 3-10 day live-aboard sailing camps.
Port Townsend Marine Science Center (Port Townsend, WA)www.ptmsc.org, 360-385-5582, 800-566-3932
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 5-13
Sailing Overnight, Ages 11-15
Our summer camps are filled with exploring beaches, uncovering treasures hidden in our exhibits, playing games, making crafts and hiking through beautiful Fort Worden State Park.
Camps for Curious Minds - Pacific Science Centerhttp://www.pacsci.org, 206-443-2925
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Pre-K - 9 (Science Educators in Training, Grades 9-12)
Locations: Seattle, Bellevue, Medina, Redmond, Bothell, Sammamish, Covington, Tacoma Spring break and summer day camps in a wide variety of topics.
KidsQuest Children's Museum (Bellevue, WA) http://www.kidsquestmuseum.org/page.php?id=105
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages: 3–8
Little learners can get their hands on engineering and science projects even before they start elementary school, thanks to the Science Explorers and Engineering Explorers camps. Older school age kids can join the science fun in Adventure Camps, where they can conduct their first chemistry experiments, design extreme structures, and more.
Seattle Aquarium (Seattle, WA) http://www.seattleaquarium.org/camps-family-programs
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades 1-10
Offers "Unexplored Ocean" camps, where campers investigate the ocean depths with underwater exploration tools and marine science. Attendees will also leave the aquarium to get hands on with marine life at the beach and Elliott Bay. Ages 13-16 program includes overnight on Blake Island.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (Portland, Oregon)http://www.omsi.edu/camps-classes, 503-797-4661
Various length camps, Residential, Grades 2-12
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-8
Spring break camps and summer camps, many are residential camping experiences in remote locations across OR, CA, and WA.
Ground to Sound Environmental STEM Camps (Woodinville, WA)http://www.friendsofhiddenriver.org/ground-to-sound-stem-challenge-camp
1-week, Day/Commuter, Grades 5-7
Campers, entering 5th - 7th grade, will conduct field studies to learn how saving Puget Sound starts right here in our own backyard! Explore the woods, waters and trails in the beautiful North 40 at the Brightwater Environmental Center, near Woodinville, WA, while working with your team to learn about our natural environment.
Museum of Flight Aerospace Camp Experience (Seattle, WA)http://www.museumofflight.org/ace
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-12
Only with The Museum of Flight can campers launch rockets, create aircraft, experience microgravity, build robots, and pilot actual airplanes. If you have an inquiring mind and want to have fun this summer exploring aviation and aerospace, ACE is the camp for you.
Museum of History & Industry (Seattle, WA)http://www.mohai.org/learn/summer-camps Day/Commuter, Grades 3-12
Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, WA) http://zoo.org/page.aspx?pid=1784 Day/Commuter, Ages 3-14
Islandwood Summer Day Camps (Bainbridge Island, WA)https://islandwood.org/overview-page/educational-programming/summer-day-camps Day/commuter, Grades PreK-9
IslandWood Summer Day Camps invite children to open their imaginations in rich natural settings. Our instructors are experienced environmental educators with a passion for connecting children with the outdoors through hands-on exploration that also builds important social and academic skills. With camps ranging from marine science to cooking to journalism, there’s something for everyone.
Brightwater Summer Camps (Woodinville, WA)https://islandwood.org/overview-page/educational-programming/summer-day-camps/brightwater-summer-daycamps
Day/Commuter, Grades 1-9
Join IslandWood and the Brightwater Center for a week of engaging nature exploration and scientific investigation to find out. Programs take place at King County's Brightwater Center in Woodinville, with over 70 acres of natural areas and 3 miles of trails. Brightwater’s creeks and forests are home to wildlife including river otters, coyotes, bobcats, eagles, snakes, frogs, and a whole host of other creatures. Learn to use binoculars, collect bugs from the ponds, create art projects to take home and enjoy hours of fun on the trail and in the lab.
Centrum (Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend, WA)http://www.centrum.org/programs/youth, info@centrum.org, 360-385-3102 x120 Waterworld
One week in April/May, Residential, Grades 5-6
In collaboration with artists, scientists, and peers from across the state, students integrate scientific investigations with creative writing, dance, and visual art. The result is a multi-faceted, full-immersion learning experience. For this program, student groups of four to six sign up with an adult chaperone. Groups may come from school districts, with teachers and school staff chaperoning, or they may be formed by parent committees.
Advanced High School Writer’s Studio
One week session, Residential, High School
Designed for both AP-level writing students, and those interested in a serious exploration of the literary arts.
DANCE This
One week session, Residential, Grades 9-12
Also, other programs for kids, families, and adults.
Challenge Island (Shoreline, Edmonds, Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell, WA)http://www.challenge-island.com/seattle-bothell-kirkland/programs/camps/
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-13
Part STEM, part Survivor, and all fun. The campers split into tribes to complete a series of challenges, many of which reinforce STEM concepts like building a vehicle with household items.
Camp Invention (Numerous sites in WA and OR)http://www.campinvention.org, 800-968-4332 1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades 1-6
Destination Science (Numerous sites across King County, WA) http://destinationscience.org/1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-6
Come home with lots of plastic toys/trinkets/models.
Play-Well Lego Engineering Summer Campshttp://play-well.org/summer/
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Grades K-8
Kids are already naturally gifted creators. Then they get added inspiration from our specially trained instructors. They dive into our massive collections of LEGO®. And while they build elaborate objects, structures and vehicles, they explore fundamental principles of engineering and physics. They also learn to collaborate and create without fear of mistakes. The experience is joyful, the impact long-lasting.
Bricks 4 Kidz (Puget Sound area) http://www.bricks4kidz.com/washington-seattle-proper/program-events/camps/
1-week camps, Day/Commuter, Ages: 5-12
Summer camps for LEGO enthusiasts across the Puget Sound area.
U.S. Space Camps & Space Academy (Huntsville, Alabama) http://www.spacecamp.com, 800-637-7223Commuter & Residential, Ages 7-18, adult programs, and adult plus child programs
Focus Area: Wilderness
Wilderness Awareness (Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, Carnation, Duvall, and also Idaho) http://wildernessawareness.org/youth/summer/ One week, Day & Residential, Ages 4-teensA variety of camps that teach wilderness skills, from farm fun for 4-6 year olds, to wilderness awareness for elementary aged kids, to survival skills overnight experiences for teens ages 11 and up, and even an opportunity for a teen wolf tracking backcountry expedition in Idaho.
Wilderness Warriors (Duvall, WA)http://www.tracksandtalesnatureschool.com/
Tracks & Tales Nature School offers children a strong foundation in outdoor exploration, primitive living skills, creative expression & personal growth by using games, ancient crafts, storytelling, and the natural bounty of a pristine northwest forest. We are located 40 minutes from Seattle just east of Duvall, Washington. More info: Mary Heidt (maryandbruce@frontier.com)
Quietheart Wilderness School (Edmonds, WA)http://www.quietheart.org/ 1-week, Day/Commuter, Ages 5-16
Serious survival & wilderness training. Education through Exploration & Discovery of the Natural World: Primitive and Survival Skills, Wilderness Navigation, Edible & Medicinal Plants, Animal Behavior & Tracking, Native Cultures, Problem Solving, Team Building. Offers both summer and school year programs.
Earthwalk Northwest (Issaquah, WA & Shelton, WA)http://earthwalknorthwest.com/ Family, adult & teen programs
Earthwalk Northwest offers programs focusing on earth awareness and primitive living skills, including primitive bow making, fire by friction, wild edibles, and much more.
Terra-Forma Education (Seattle, WA)http://www.terra-forma.org/education.php
Terra-Forma Education offers many unique programs based on a model that incorporates the concepts of mythic journey and magical realism with environmental education. In these programs, participants of all ages interact with characters in a complex story that is forming around them. The seemingly spontaneous storyline leads them through the challenges of self-awareness and group dynamics, as decisions are made that shape the future of the planet, just as it happens in our daily lives. Unlike many traditional education models, these participants are exposed to real life situations, and forced to make real life decisions, that help them become responsible adults.
Earthways Nature (Mount Baker, WA)http://www.earthwaysnature.org/programs/camps-and-workshops/
Earthways offers both day and overnight camp experiences for kids interested in learning about and having fun in nature. Throughout the year, we are honored to host skilled instructors and mentors for workshops.
Wolf College (Olympia, Tacoma, Puyallup, Lake Sammamish, WA)http://www.wolfcollege.com/youth/
Residential & Day Programs, Ages 5-17
Day programs include transportation from Seattle, Bellevue, Bothell, Woodinville, Shoreline, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton & Kent. Overnight backpacking and other wildnerness experiences available for teens and families.
Focus Area: Languages
Canoe Island French Camp (Private Island near Orcas Island, San Juans, WA) http://canoeisland.org/2-3 week camps, Residential, Ages 9-16
Intensive, immersive French language and activities on a private San Juan Island.
Concordia Language Villages (Minnesota)http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org
Residential language-immersion summer camps available in 11 different languages.
Focus Area: Art
Kirkland Art Center (Kirkland, WA) http://www.kirklandartscenter.org/?q=classes_summer-camp
One week, Day/commuter, Ages 5-16
Offers a variety of half-day art classes throughout the summer.
Northwest Art Center (Duvall, WA)http://northwestartcenter.org/classes-and-more/summer-camps-and-classes-2014/
One week, Day/Commuter, Ages 3-teens
Offers a wide variety of classes and half-day camps throughout the summer. Notable that they have many pottery offerings, even for very young kids (ages 3+).
Pratt Fine Arts Center (Seattle, WA) http://www.pratt.org/classes/youth/ Ages 7-12Looking for an exciting summer program that promotes exploration and creativity? Try Pratt’s Summer Art Camp for ages 7-12! Campers will draw, paint, and build their way through exciting projects that connect to a hands-on weekly theme. Summer art camps are taught by professional teaching artists.
Clay Animation Network (Seattle, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Redmond, Shoreline, etc.) https://www.cancancancan.com/schedule/Day/Commuter, Ages 6-13
Make your own comic book, clay animation, and lego brick animation using stop motion animation techniques.
Focus Area: Music
Seattle Girls Choir (Seattle, WA) http://seattlegirlschoir.org/summer-music-day-camp/
One week, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-5th grade
Each summer we offer Summer Music Day Camp sessions designed for girls who love singing to build choral skills in a non-auditioned choir, explore sound with various instruments and to find new reasons to love making music while meeting new friends! Also offers 5 levels of auditioned girls choir during the school year, from grade 1-12
Vivace Chamber Players (Seattle, WA) http://www.vivacechamberplayers.com/ One week, Day/commuter, Ages 6-21
For students with 2+ years on an instrument (beginning to advanced — strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar). An opportunity to play chamber music at Seattle Pacific University with some intense music instruction.
Marrowstone-in-the-City, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (Seattle & Redmond, WA)http://syso.org/programs/marrowstone-in-the-city/, http://www.marrowstone.org (for high school & college)
One week, half days, Day/Commuter, Overlake School Redmond, WA, Ages 7-14
One week, half days, Day/Commuter, Shorecrest High School, Shoreline, WA, Ages 7-14
Marrowstone in the City (MITC) is a two-week summer music program for young musicians eager for their first orchestra experience, and provides an excellent combination of music instruction, orchestral training and performance opportunities. Designed for enthusiastic young musicians between the ages of 7 – 14 who have had at least two years of playing experience or a minimum of one year of private instruction.
BYSO Summer Camps (Bellevue, WA)http://www.byso.org/summer
At Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra summer camp, you’ll meet lots of other young musicians who are just like you: serious about music—but not serious all the time! You’ll study your instrument with professional musicians, learn cool new musical facts and skills, prepare a dazzling last-day concert—and have tons of fun along the way. Two times each day, you will play in an orchestra setting with peers who are at a similar musical level with you. You will also have the opportunity to participate in fun classes that help you improve your skills as a musician. Examples may include percussion for fun, sight reading, alternate instruments, fiddling, music theory, small ensembles, and many more!
Music Works NW (Bellevue, WA) http://www.musicworksnw.org/programs/summer-camps.html
Ages 4-17, including a few camps for special needs
Music Works Northwest is a non-profit community music school offering music lessons, music therapy and performance experiences for all ages, conveniently located minutes from downtown Seattle and downtown Bellevue. Our mission is to change lives through accessible music education and experiences.
School of Rock (Seattle, WA)https://seattle-sor.frontdeskhq.com/categories/4908
Through workshops, clinics, and private instruction, our comprehensive camp experience is designed to hone music performance and ensemble skills in a creative and fun environment. We know from experience that playing in a band situation speeds learning and creates “seasoned” musicians. Even relatively advanced musicians are amazed at the amount of progress they make when regularly playing with other musicians.
Focus Area: Drama
Studio East (Kirkland, WA)http://studio-east.org/summer-programs/
1-2 week camps all summer long, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-19
High quality drama instruction, for both beginners (focusing on process more than product) as well as intensives for older and more serious developing actors (including workshops, intensives, how to audition, and several productions). Many of their instructors do very well with gifted kids. They offer courses year round, as well as camps during school holiday break weeks.
Stone Soup Theater (3 locations Seattle, Marymoor Park in Redmond) http://www.stonesouptheater.org/summerstage/ 1-week camps all summer, Day/Commuter, Ages 4-13Tons of camps, get great reviews for parents, both putting on a specific production as well as informal, improvisational, and skill building.
Seattle Children’s Theaterhttp://www.sct.org/School/Summer-Season Auditioning kids from grades 3 to age 21
In summer, between our professional Mainstage Seasons, young people have a chance to perform on the Charlotte Martin Stage in Summer Season.
Taproot Theater (Seattle, WA) http://taproottheatre.org/summer-acting-camps-2013/
1-2 week camps all summer long, Day/Commuter, PreK – Grade 12
Drama camps for budding thespians, including specific courses on puppetry, comedy, auditioning, stage combat, Shakespeare, and several productions. They offer courses year round, as well as camps during school holiday break weeks.
Youth Theatre Northwest (Mercer Island, WA)http://youththeatre.org/classes-camps/2013-summer-camps/
1-3 week camps, Day/Commuter, Age 3 – Grade 6+
Youth Theatre Northwest offers a full array of classes and programs to engage and inspire your child. We aim to unleash creative genius through fun and imaginative play. Also offers a Stage Management program for ages 12+ with workshops and internships.
Wing Luke (Seattle, WA) http://www.wingluke.org/summer-camp
Focus Area: Unique Sports
Parkour Vision (Seattle, WA)http://parkourvisions.org/
Learn the modern gymnastic art of parkour – running on walls, jumping over obstacles, etc. Some camps culminate with an opportunity to try out your skills on the pipeworks at Gasworks Park.
Washington Fencing Academy (Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, WA) http://www.washingtonfencing.com/in-house-camps/
Fencing is sometimes called ‘physical chess’ and the strategic nature of it is very appealing to bright students. WFA has multiple week-long summer camps at the Academy in Issaquah as well as at various satellite locations around the area (e.g., Kirkland, Redmond). In the past, they have also had a summer camp at the Northshore YMCA.
Rain City Fencing (Bellevue, WA) http://www.raincityfencing.com/content/blogcategory/28/64/
One Week, Day/Commuter, Ages 8-teens
We offer weekly half-day camps for kids and teenagers during the summer. We teach the basics -- footwork, bladework and rules -- in a safe, positive environment. Fencers new and returning will get plenty of opportunities to use their new skills in sparring situations. Full day combination chess camp with partner Chess4Life available some weeks.
Next Step Archery (Mountlake Terrace, WA)
http://www.nextsteparchery.org/
Sunset Bay Beach Camp (Edmonds, WA)http://www.sunsetbaywharf.com/Pages/default.aspx
One Week, Day/Commuter, Grades 3-12
Kids don wetsuits for the week! Seattle’s one and only saltwater Beach Camp provides a one of a kind watersports and marine science summer camp for students grades 3 through 12.
Moss Bay Kids Camp (Lake Union, Seattle, WA)http://mossbay.net/index.php/kids-camp.html
One week, Day/Commuter, Ages 6-12
Kids learn how to paddleboard, kayak, sail, and row in this very popular camp that fills up fast!
Catalina Sea Camp (Catalina Island, CA)http://www.catalinaseacamp.com Residential, Ages 8-17
Located on Catalina Island in Southern California, Sea Camp is a residential enrichment summer camp with emphasis on Ocean related activities.
Focus Area: Other
Bureau of Fearless Ideas – formerly 826 Seattle (Seattle, WA) http://fearlessideas.org/programs/workshops/ 2-4 day workshops, Day/Commuter, Ages 6-18Run FREE summer writing workshops (they won't call it camp, because these are 2-4 days, 2-4 hours a day workshops). And also lots of programs during the school year. Fill up very fast, get on their mailing list to know when registration opens.
Hugo House Scribes (Seattle, WA)https://hugohouse.org/teen/scribes/
Scribes summer writing camps provide an opportunity for middle-and high-school students to engage intensely with creative writing and to participate in quality programming that includes instruction from accomplished writers, field trips to such places as Kubota Garden and Seattle Art Museum, writing activities, craft exercises, and exposure to a diverse range of genres, forms, and writers. Since its launch in 1998, Scribes has not just been a place where young people receive high quality arts instruction, but has been the hub where young writers from diverse backgrounds are able to find community and voice.
Aspiring Youth (Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, West Seattle, WA) http://aspiringyouth.net 2-4 week sessions, Day/Commuter, Ages 8-19
We provide innovative social skills groups, summer camps, tutoring and other services for students ages 8 and up. Some of our students are shy, some are quirky, and some are twice exceptional. Many have a diagnosis of Asperger’s
Syndrome, ADHD, learning disabilities, or other similar traits. By creating trust, connection and engaging community, we help our students as they navigate the social world.
Capitol Debate (Seattle University & Nationwide) http://www.capitoldebate.com/Residential, Middle & High School
Capitol Debate is the nation’s leading expert in teaching public speaking & debate to middle & high schools students.
World Peace Game (Nationwide, varying locations)https://www.worldpeacegame.org/ One week, Day/Commuter, Grades 4-7
The World Peace Game Camp is an opportunity for boys and girls to experience a 5-day intensive version of John Hunter's World Peace Game. The World Peace Game is a four-tiered structure that puts the problems of the world within reach of the students. Students are organized into country teams with Prime Ministers, Secretaries of Defense, and Cabinet staff. Other important roles in the game are the Secretary of the United Nations, President of the World Bank, Arms Dealers, Weather Goddess, and the Saboteur. This game exposes children to systems thinking, critical and creative problem-solving, leadership responsibilities, decision making, negotiation, and much more.
Steve & Kate’s Camp (Bellevue, WA & Seattle, WA) http://steveandkatescamp.com/One week, Day/Commuter, Grades Pre-K to 7th
Flexible! Buy day passes and drop off/pick up whenever, at either location. Instead of a rigid structure, we give our campers choice. Instead of teaching kids the typical way, we give them tools and gentle guidance to help them become autodidacts. The difference is subtle–and it’s profound. At Steve & Kate’s, campers step into a world packed with possibilities: for experiencing new sensations, for expressing themselves, for exploring their passions and potential. The results are unexpected and they’re unexpectedly rich. One camper dives deep into stop-motion animation. Another discovers a passion for dance. Or chess. A camper becomes engrossed in making the perfect bread. Or developing Leo Messi-like touch on the soccer pitch. These discoveries are all the more exhilarating because campers make them for themselves.
PCC Kids Cooking Summer Camps
http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/pcccooks/classes/category.php?id=17
Center for Wooden Boats (Seattle, Newcastle, Medina, WA)http://cwb.org/class-categories/summer-camps/
Youth Sailing and Boatbuilding Camps are designed to engender skills in leadership, observation, and decision-making while exploring maritime heritage in a dynamic hands-on environment. Team-building games, rigging, knot-tying, tool use, and demonstrations are preparation for sailing adventures and boat construction.
Traditional Outdoor Summer Camps
Woodinville Girl Scouts Day Camp (Tolt-MacDonald Park, Carnation, WA)http://woodinvilledaycamp.weebly.com/
Last week of July, Day/Commuter, entering 1st – 12th grades, opportunities for volunteering/counselors
Volunteer-run, inexpensive, and loved by many. For all girls (no need to belong to a troop), and sons of adult volunteers.
More info: Nancy Chamberlain (nlchamberlain@yahoo.com)
Bothell Girl Scouts Day Camp (Blythe Park, Bothell, WA) http://vlcampsgsww.weebly.com/uploads/4/1/9/1/41910581/bothell_day_camp_2015_flyer_final.pdf
Day/commuter, opportunities for volunteering/counselors
Volunteer-run day camp for girl scouts in the Bothell area. More info: bothelldaycamp@gmail.com
Girl Scout Camp River Ranch (Carnation, WA) https://www.girlscoutsww.org/Things-To-Do/go-to-camp/go-to-summer-camp/Pages/default.aspx Day camp with bus transportation available & overnight sessions.
Large classic camp property on a big lake. They offer horse camps as well. You do not need to be part of a girl scout troop to attend or even be a registered girl scout. (You do have to be a girl though!)
Four Winds-Westward Ho (Orcas Island, WA)http://www.fourwindscamp.org/
Residential 4 week camp, offer several scholarships. It’s a huge waterfront property, and they don’t overcrowd. They have a huge amount of activities, water sports (private dock) and horse riding are big as well as art, crafts and music. They are big on music. They very much believe in giving a child the tools to be independent. They limit useless restrictive rules. We like it because it forces your child to be more independent- without parents hovering. More info: Anne Lind (lindcochez@comcast.net)
YMCA Day Campshttp://ykids.seattleymca.org/northshore-ymca/summer-camps
Inexpensive summer childcare and day camps, at Cottage Lake Park, and elsewhere. Local YMCA branches have similar services in communities across WA state.
YMCA Camp Orkila http://www.seattleymca.org/Locations/Orkila/Pages/Home.aspx
Week long overnight sessions. I hear really good things about it but have never tried it personally.
YMCA Camp Colemanhttp://www.seattleymca.org/Locations/Colman/Pages/Home.aspx
Down south - easier to drive to and noticeably less expensive than Camp Orkila.
YMCA BOLD & GOLD Expeditionshttp://ymcaleadership.com/bold-summer/
5-day to 2 week summer camp/expedition programs for boys & girls 10+. Some have called it life changing.
Hidden Valley Camp (Granite Falls, WA) http://www.hvc-wa.com/A traditional outdoor camp experience for boys and girls, 7-16 years old. Hidden Valley Camp is nestled in the Cascade Mountain foothills, 50 miles northeast of Seattle near Granite Falls, Washington. The campsite is well named; the road leading into Camp ends at Hidden Valley, and the cedars, firs and hemlocks that surround the open areas give complete seclusion and provide an extremely beautiful camp setting. The 60 acre campsite is bordered on three sides by state and logging company land providing many miles of hiking and riding trails. Mt. Baker National Forest, the North Cascade Wilderness and Mt. Pilchuck offer a vast unspoiled area for trips and hikes. Various water activities occur at campowned property on nearby Lake Roesiger.
Campfire USA Day Camp (Blyth Park, Bothell, WA) http://www.campfire-usa.org/daycamp/
Camp Don Bosco (Carnation, WA)http://seattleoyyam.org/programs/cyo-camp-services/summer-camp
Residential & day camps with bus available. Really beautiful and huge camp property with cabins and a mess hall and a forest ampitheater, plus archery field, horses, big fields, the works. It’s worth nothing that Camp Don Bosco has minicamps that provide 3-4 night short overnight camp adventures for kids as young as entering 1st grade. They also offer terrific horse camps. Run by CYO – Catholic Youth Organization.
Boston Leadership Institute (Boston, MA)http://bostonleadershipinstitute.com/index.html
BLI runs one and three-week summer programs for high-achieving students, 8th grade and higher, in a variety of STEM disciplines, which are taught by distinguished teachers from leading colleges or high schools.
Other Summer Camp Resource Lists
http://www.nagc.org/resource_directory.aspx
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10069.aspx
http://www.summer-camps-adventures.com
http://lwsdgeac.org/resources/summer-programs-for-the-gifted/
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