Summer Learning at Camp Blodgett

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 below grade level, or lacking academic proficiency 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 return home each weekend, as well as the week that includes July 4th.

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.

Applicants must be currently attending school in 5th, 6th or 7th grade and live in Kent or Ottawa Counties.

Tell Me More!
Experienced, certified, enthusiastic, and creative teachers and program assistants provide material developed by the VanAndel Education Institute to participants in engaging and exciting ways 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
• experience a LEGO Robotics program.

Applying to the Camp Blodgett STEM Academy

The STEM Academy students must attend all four weeks of the program. The program runs Monday morning through Friday afternoon each week. 

Admission to STEM Academy is limited and requires an application. Not every child who applies will be accepted into the program. A link to applications will be available in 2023.

additional  details  for  parents  &  applicants

Program Fees
The fee to attend STEM Academy is based on a sliding fee scale for each family and is very affordable. If your child qualifies for free/reduced lunch at school, the registration fee will be $100. If not, the fee is based on household size and income. Income verification is required to determine fees.

• The fee includes all four weeks of the program experience, meals and snacks, overnight accommodations, classes, activities, and transportation to and from the Grand Rapids office, if needed.
• As an incentive for full program attendance, participation and good behavior, all families whose participants successfully complete the 4-week program will receive a partial refund of the program fees.
• We will work with families to set up a payment plan if needed, but a deposit of at least $10 must be paid with the camper’s registration (NOT required with the  application requested here) before your child can be considered registered for the Camp Blodgett STEM Academy.

See the table below that we use to determine fees (subject to change for next year).

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 2021 or Winter 2022 NWEA / Map test scores, if applicable.

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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.