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Kids program and test electronic LEGO creations

STEM CAMPS
(GRADES 2 - 9)

These are no ordinary camps. Kids will gain experiences not often found in the classroom. Expect them to come home with energized and opened minds, and a boost in confidence about their abilities.

Register Now!


2025 Camp Schedule

Camp Name & Grade Range* Dates Time Rate
Location Deadline / Status
Makers in the Middle (grades 7 - 9)** June 2 - 6 9 am - 12 pm Half-Day NKU May 5th / Open
Laser Light Spectacular (grades 7 - 9)** June 2 - 6 1 - 4 pm Half-Day NKU May 5th / Open
The Art of Nature Exploration (grades 7 - 9)
June 9 - 13 9 am - 4 pm Full-Day
REFS May 12th / Open
Elementary Engineers (grades 4 - 6)** June 9 - 13 9 am - 12 pm Half-Day
NKU May 12th / Open
Coders & Creators (grades 4 - 6)**
June 9 - 13 1 - 4 pm Half-Day
NKU May 12th / Open
Robots to the Rescue (grades 2 - 3)
July 21 - 25 9 am - 12 pm Half-Day
NKU June 23rd / Open
Spike Prime LEGO Robotics (grades 4 - 6)
July 21 - 25 1 - 4 pm Half-Day
NKU June 23rd / Open

*The grade range refers to the grade your child will be entering in the upcoming school year (2025-2026).

 

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Registration Rates

Registration Type Half-Day Cost Full-Day Cost
Supervised Lunch Cost
Current NKU Faculty, Staff, & Students
$140 $315 $10
Community Members $150 $325 $15
Scholarships are available for qualifying registrants. Learn more!

Camp Details

A middle school child wears a handmade microbit-powered headband with fellow campers in the background.

Makers in the Middle

For: Rising 7th - 9th graders
Dates: June 2 - 6, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rate: Half-day
Seat Cap: 20
Location: NKU

Description

Makers in the Middle Camp

Give your middle schooler the ultimate STEM experience with a week of hands-on innovation, creativity, and fun! At Makers in the Middle Camp, young scientists and engineers will dive into exciting projects that combine technology, artistry, and problem-solving. Your child will:

  • design and code custom game controllers to play games they create,
  • discover artificial intelligence by building an AI-powered exercise timer, and
  • blend art and tech to craft illuminated masterpieces!

This camp isn’t just about learning—it’s about sparking curiosity, building confidence, and bringing ideas to life in a fun and supportive environment. Don’t miss this chance to inspire your child with cutting-edge STEM skills!

**If a student wants to participate in both Makers in the Middle and Laser Light Spectacular, parents/guardians may register for both camps and a supervised lunch session. Students must bring their own lunches.

Camp Host Address: Northern Kentucky University, 1 Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099

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Campers crafting custom light shows on computers

Laser Light Spectacular

For: Rising 7th - 9th graders
Dates: June 2 - 6, 2025
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Rate: Half-day
Seat Cap: 20
Location: NKU

Description

Laser Light Spectacular Camp

Get ready to shine at Laser Light Spectacular Camp! Designed for middle schoolers, this one-of-a-kind experience combines science, creativity, and fun. Campers dive into the fascinating world of light and lasers with hands-on experiments in optics, then bring their ideas to life by designing a stunning laser light show set to music.

The grand finale? Showcasing their masterpiece for friends and family at the NKU planetarium! No experience needed—just curiosity and a love for learning. Join us for an illuminating adventure where science meets creativity!

*If a student wants to participate in both Makers in the Middle and Laser Light Spectacular, parents/guardians may register for both camps and a supervised lunch session. Students must bring their own lunches.

Camp Host Address: Northern Kentucky University, 1 Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099

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Teens writing and drawing along the banks of the Ohio River

The Art of Nature Exploration

For: Rising 7th - 9th graders
Dates: June 9 - 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rate: Full-day
Seat Cap: 15
Location: NKU's Research & Education Field Station

Description

The Art of Nature Exploration Camp at REFS

Give your child the ultimate outdoor adventure at The Art of Nature Exploration Camp! Designed for students in grades 7–9, this week-long camp combines science, art, and writing as campers dive into the wonders of nature. From catching incredible insects to spotting fantastic fish and amphibians, your young explorer will uncover the diversity of wildlife in the 150 acres of pristine wetlands and woodlands at the NKU Research and Education Field Station (REFS).

Campers will not only learn the biology of these amazing creatures but also bring their discoveries to life through creative writing and art. It’s an unforgettable experience that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

This camp takes place off-campus (not at NKU) and requires transportation by the parent/guardian to/from the camp host address.

Camp Host Address: NKU's Research and Education Field Station, 99 Harrison Court, Melbourne, KY 41059

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Young campers have an engaging discussion with a camp leader while doing an experiment

Elementary Engineers

For: Rising 4th - 6th graders
Dates: June 9 - 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rate: Half-day
Seat Cap: 20
Location: NKU

Description

Elementary Engineers Camp

Give your child the ultimate STEM experience at Elementary Engineers! This hands-on camp is packed with exciting activities designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving. From designing movable name tags and enchanted creatures to building bucket towers and crafting bionic animals, every day is an adventure in discovery and innovation.

Campers will also explore coding, engineering challenges, and fun projects like basketball catapults and colorful binary bracelets. It's the perfect opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and have a blast this summer.

**If a student wants to participate in both Elementary Engineers and Coders and Creators, parents/guardians may register for both camps and a supervised lunch session. Students must bring their own lunches.

Camp Host Address: Northern Kentucky University, 1 Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099

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Kids pose for a group photo with their musical creations.

Coders & Creators

For: Rising 4th - 6th graders
Dates: June 9 - 13, 2025
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Rate: Half-day
Seat Cap: 20
Location: NKU

Description

Coders & Creators Camp

Unlock your elementary student’s potential with a summer camp full of technology, creativity, and discovery! At Coders and Creators Camp, campers will:

  • program animated name tags and design step counters using Microbits,
  • build handmade instruments to create one-of-a-kind music, and
  • explore the science of light, temperature, and sound with hands-on experiments around NKU’s vibrant campus.

This camp combines fun and learning to ignite your child’s curiosity and creativity, building skills in coding, design, and problem-solving.

**If a student wants to participate in both Elementary Engineers and Coders and Creators, parents/guardians may register for both camps and a supervised lunch session. Students must bring their own lunches.

Camp Host Address: Northern Kentucky University, 1 Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099

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Young kids using elementary programming software to build and code a moving LEGO robot

Robots to the Rescue

For: Rising 2nd - 3rd graders
Dates: July 21 - 25, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rate: Half-day
Seat Cap: 16
Location: NKU

Description

Robots to the Rescue Camp

When disaster strikes, your child can be the hero of the story! At Robots to the Rescue Camp, campers will:

  • Build and program LEGO WeDo Robots to tackle real-world challenges.
  • Step into the action with robots clearing debris, inspecting tight spaces, delivering supplies, and more.
  • Discover the power of robotics to save lives, protect property, and make a difference.

This camp is packed with hands-on fun and creative problem-solving, inspiring kids to think critically and unleash their inner engineer.

Camp Host Address: Northern Kentucky University, 1 Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099

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Young kids using elementary programming software to build and code a moving LEGO robot

Spike Prime LEGO Robotics

For: Rising 4th - 6th graders
Dates: July 21 - 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Rate: Half-day
Seat Cap: 16
Location: NKU

Description

Spike Prime LEGO Robotics Camp

In this week of fun, creativity, and teamwork, campers will:

  • construct and code with the latest LEGO SPIKE™ Prime robotics kits, 
  • learn to code using easy drag-and-drop programming software, and
  • showcase their skills at a final robot performance event for families!

This camp offers the perfect mix of building, coding, and collaboration, all while sparking your child’s love for technology.

Camp Host Address: Northern Kentucky University, 1 Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099

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Cancellation/Refund Policy

Cancellations made more than four (4) weeks before the camp/academy start date will receive a full refund, minus the $25 seat-holding fee. Refunds will not be given for cancellations at or after the four-week mark.

Registration Deadlines

Four (4) weeks before the camp or academy start date.

 

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Scholarship Policy

Scholarships are available for up to two (2) camps/academies per child for families eligible for free or reduced lunch. To apply, families must provide proof of eligibility at registration. Scholarships cover the full camp/academy cost, minus a $25 seat-holding fee, which is due at registration.

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Any Questions?


I have questions about a program.

I have a question about registration.

You may also call (859) 572-5600 for registration needs.

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GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY...

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CINSAM camp and academy fees remain low due in large part to sponsorship from Ashland. Additionally, this sponsorship allows CINSAM to offer scholarships to low-income students who meet the requirements for the "Free & Reduced Meal" programs in KY, IN and OH. Parents have the option to apply for a scholarship during registration.