Summer Learning at Camp Blodgett

What is STEM Academy?
Camp Blodgett's STEM Academy is a 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 encompassing 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.

Tell Me More!
Experienced, certified, enthusiastic, and creative teachers and program assistants provide material to participants in engaging and exciting ways in small groups of no more than 14 students.  Students work in mixed-grade groups determined by the participants' academic abilities and social fit.

During the Summer of 2020 the STEM Academy utilized all areas of STEM to investigate and learn about environmental sustainability. No matter what the science focus is for the summer, STEM Academy participants explore the camp environment, using the property and built environment in and around Camp Blodgett as our hands-on laboratory. In studying math, students are given opportunities to develop and practice skills in fun, interactive games and activities as well as skill-building sessions. Field trips and activities highlighting engineering and technology, and through a LEGO robotics program are also be part of the program.

Utilizing Common Core standards for Math and Next Generation Science Standards, students are introduced to new ideas, challenged to explore and expand on what they have learned during the school year, and given opportunities to build confidence and try new things. Campers are encouraged to do their best, work hard and cooperate with others in order build academic knowledge and skills, learn to better communicate with others, and develop problem-solving skills.

2021 STEM Academy Schedule

Applying to the Camp Blodgett STEM Academy

Decisions about our 2021 program will be made available as we know more about our programming plans for Summer 2021 in light of the current pandemic.

Please check back here during the winter months to learn more.

Admission into STEM Academy is limited and applications are accepted during the winter months. Admission decisions will be made in early Spring. Not every child who applies will be accepted into the program. To apply for a child to be considered for STEM Academy, complete and return the application form that will be available during winter 2021. Questions can be directed to Blake Huddleston, STEM Program Coordinator at (616) 949-0780 x106 or emailing blake@campblodgett.org .

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 the Wege Foundation.