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. |
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Applicants must be currently attending school in 5th, 6th or 7th grade and live in Kent or Ottawa Counties.
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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:
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2022 STEM Academy Schedule |
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. The dates for this year's 2022 program are below:
June 13 - 17 June 20 - 24 <2 week break> July 11 - 15 July 18 - 22 |
Admission to STEM Academy is limited and requires an application. Not every child who applies will be accepted into the program.
To apply for a child to be considered for STEM Academy, complete the application form by clicking the button below. Questions can be directed to Blake Huddleston, STEM Program Coordinator at (616) 949-0780 x106 or emailing blake@campblodgett.org |
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.
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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:
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.
Health & Safety Precautions
In light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Camp Blodgett is following all recommended health and safety protocols from local, state, and federal health departments as well as recommendations and best practices from the American Camping Association. As the summer season gets closer we will communicate expectations of our campers and their families, and provide specific program protocols intended to keep our staff, campers, and their families safe.
In light of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Camp Blodgett is following all recommended health and safety protocols from local, state, and federal health departments as well as recommendations and best practices from the American Camping Association. As the summer season gets closer we will communicate expectations of our campers and their families, and provide specific program protocols intended to keep our staff, campers, and their families safe.