STEM Academy
four weeks of science, technology, engineering, math, and endless fun
Summer Learning at Camp Blodgett
Applications for STEM Academy 2026 will open in February/March 2026.
What is STEM Academy?
Camp Blodgett's STEM Academy is a summer program for a select group of youth entering 6th-8th grades who are invited to attend four weeks of overnight summer camp. The focus of our program is to invite middle school youth who are at or below grade level in math and/or science to increase both their interest and abilities in STEM subjects.
Each day STEM Academy campers receive three hours of high-quality academic experiences in Science, Math & Engineering and Technology. The remainder of the day and night, STEM Academy campers participate in camp activities with the entire camp. Campers stay Monday-Friday each week and return home for the weekends.
Why STEM?
Science and math have always been important building blocks in a child’s education. Today, the skills and understanding developed while studying science, math, technology and engineering concepts are even more critical. Despite all we know about the importance of student success in these areas, youth in our communities consistently lack proficiency in both math & science - especially at the middle school level. Our goal in this program is to provide a fun, hands-on, challenging, and academically enriching opportunity for participants.
Tell Me More!
Experienced, certified, enthusiastic, and creative teachers and program assistants provide engaging and exciting programs in small groups of no more than 15 students. Students work in mixed-grade groups determined by the participants' academic abilities and social fit.
Utilizing the Next Generation Science Standards also used in local school districts, students will be introduced to new ideas, challenged to explore and expand on what they have learned during the school year and given opportunities to build their confidence and try things that are new to them.
No matter what the science focus is for the summer, each season STEM Academy participants will:
Explore the camp environment, using the property and built environment in and around Camp Blodgett as our hands-on laboratory
Study math with opportunities to develop and practice skills in fun, interactive games and activities as well as skill-building sessions
Attend field trips and meet experts in the field
Applying to the Camp Blodgett STEM Academy
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED FOR 2025
Admission to STEM Academy is limited and requires an application. Not every child who applies will be accepted into the program.
STEM Academy students must attend all four weeks of the program. The program runs Monday morning through Friday afternoon each week; children return home for the weekends.
Program Fees
At Camp Blodgett we believe that cost should never get in the way of an unforgettable childhood experience, which is why all of our programs are offered for free or at a very reduced rate based on household size and income.
To see full details on our STEM Academy program fees, please click the link below
Application Process
In addition to having the applicant's parent or legal guardian complete the online program application, each applicant will also need to provide the following:
One (required) to two (if available) teacher recommendations forms completed by the student's homeroom teacher, science teacher, math teacher, or guidance counselor. These forms can be found online as part of the application process.
A digital (preferred) or paper copy of the applicant's most recent report card. This should be a Semester 1 or Trimester 1 report card.
A copy of the student's Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 NWEA / Map test scores, if applicable.
After you have submitted an application and all necessary student records, you will be required to schedule an interview for your child (link to schedule will be provided in your confirmation email). While parents are welcome to join, this interview is for the student and they must be present.
Once the interview is completed and after some consideration, you will be notified of our decision.
If accepted into our STEM Academy program, you will be directed to fill out required registration forms and make a payment ($10 deposit due at time of registration; remaining balance due no later than May 21, 2026). Payment plans are available.
Our STEM programs are offered to youth free of charge or for a very reduced rate thanks to generous financial support from Heart of West Michigan United Way, Steelcase Foundation, Consumer's Energy Foundation, and Wege Foundation.
STEM Camp FAQs
Does my child need to attend all four weeks?
Yes, students are expected to attend all four weeks of this program. While a child may miss a day or two, missing an entire week is not allowed.
How does my child qualify to attend?
Children must be entering grades 5th-8th, live
in Kent or Ottawa counties, and be academically behind in math and/or science. As with all Camp Blodgett programs, we prioritize serving low-income students.
Does my child have to be struggling with both science and math?
No, children must show they are struggling with one of these subjects.
Who teaches the STEM Academy?
Local teachers are hired to lead across three small classes. They are supervised by our STEM Curriculum Director, an experienced teacher, who creates curricula based on student needs.
What do kids do in this program?
STEM Academy campers attend breakfast with the camp community and are then off to “school” until lunch time. Their school is called The Pigeon Creek Schoolhouse and is less than a mile from our main campus. This is a historic one room school donated to Camp Blodgett in 2023.
Questions?
If you still have questions, contact us at registrar@campblodgett.org or 616-949-0780 ext. 105.