There are so many parenting and education styles these days — and acronyms, thanks to texting and social media, are a dime a baker’s dozen. However, one buzzy acronym holds significant value for parents, educators and kids alike: STEM. It stands for “Science,” “Technology,” “Engineering” and “Mathematics.” An A for “Arts” is often added, changing the acronym to STEAM. The goal is to use a multi-disciplinary approach to help develop problem-solving, innovation and critical thinking skills in kids that they can put to much-needed use as adults.
Engineering and math may sound dry to you. But often, the lessons are fun — full of experiments, hands-on learning and wonder. That’s certainly the case at STEM summer camps around the North Fork and Hamptons. Often, the classroom and textbook are the great outdoors. From Riverhead to Montauk and Greenport, these STEM summer camps will have kids embracing learning during the summer months (and hopefully send them home tired).
Future Stars, Greenport, Westhampton, Riverhead and Southampton
Ages: Programs available for children as young as 6; maximum age varies by location) Session dates/times/registration: Vary by program/location. See websites for programs offered in Greenport, Westhampton-Riverhead and Southampton.
Making elephant toothpaste, building cars and catapults and growing seeds are some projects kids might work on during a summer of STEAM with Future Stars. (In Greenport, STEAM education is incorporated into the Little Stars program for kids ages 6-12).
Environmental Explorers, Mashomack Preserve, 79 S. Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Ages: 8-12 (Entering grades 3-7) | Session dates (Monday-Thursday): July 14-July 17, August 4-August. 7 Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Registration: Online
Campers get to explore the fields, forests and wetlands at this 2,000+-acre preserve. Persevere stewards will serve as guides, teaching kids about the natural world (and sciences) and how to be the change. It’s ideal for outdoorsy kids.
Wildlife Wonders, Mashomack Preserve, 79 S. Ferry Rd, Shelter Island
Ages: 8-10 (Entering grades 3-7) | Session dates (Monday-Thursday): August 14-August 18 Times: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Registration: Online
Paddle, hike and explore with a special focus on the resident wildlife at Maschomack. The active, hands-on program makes the perfect pairing with the Environmental Explorers program or standalone experience.
Summer Adventure Days at the Long Island Aquarium, 431 E Main St, Riverhead
Ages: 3-18 | Session dates/times: Programs run weekly in July and August, but times/dates vary based on selection | Registration (and more information): Online
Two and three-year-olds get an introduction to marine science (and plenty of sensory play). School-age kids can feed stingrays and see animals in their natural habitats near the aquarium. Tweens can bird watch and have their own Shark Week, and teens can get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at the aquarium. TL;DR; It’s choose your own adventure at the Long Island Aquarium this summer. The seaweed is green no matter which program your kid picks.
Sea Adventures at Cedar Beach, 3690 Cedar Beach Road, Southold
Ages: Kids entering grades 2-8| Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22 | Times: 8:35 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Registration: Online
Marine science, citizen science, and lessons on Long Island coastal habitats are part of the fun at this camp, which is held at the flagship location of the Cooperative Extension (CCE) Marine Program. Water-based recreational activities like stand-up paddleboarding and off-site trips to spots like the aquarium are also on the table, depending on the week. Heads up: Peconic Dunes also offers a more general day and overnight camp.
Ross Summer Early Childhood Camp, 739 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton
Ages: 2-4 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 23-June 27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15 | Times: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (2-year-olds), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (3-4-year-olds) | Registration: Online
Kids build STEAM skills by helping feed Ross’ resident farm animals (goats and chickens) and garden, plus plenty of arts, crafts, music and movement.
Ross Summer Camp, 739 Butter Lane, Bridgehampton
Ages: 5-12 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 23-June 27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15 | Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Registration: Online
Kids can use a Bex robotic system to design, build and program robots that can perform challenges in activities designed to foster creativity, coding skills, teamwork and critical thinking. Campers are grouped by age.
Ross Summer Day Camp & Boarding, Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton
Ages: 12-16 | Day camp session dates (Monday-Friday): June 23-June 27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1 | Times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (with ESOL), 12:30-3 p.m. (STEM/Art only) Boarding camp sessions: June 22-July 12, July 13-August 2 | Registration: Online
Ross offers day and overnight campers the opportunity to immerse themselves in STEAM activities involving design, 3D printing, AI, coding and electronics soldering.
Kids Summer Science Camp at Wildwood State Park, 790 Hulse Landing Road, Wading River
Ages: Entering grades K-5 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): July 10-21 | Times: 9 p.m.12 p.m.| Registration: Online
Educator Leanne Villani will run this first-ever STEM camp, which promises to be full of hands-on experimenting and nature-based adventure.
Hamptons Country Day Camp, 191 Buckskill Road, East Hampton
Ages: 2.5-12 | Session dates (Monday-Friday): June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-July 25, July 28-August 1, August 4-August 8, August 11-August 15, August 18-August 22
| Times: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (2.5-3-year-old mini-day program ends at 1 p.m.) | Registration: Online
Kids can add custom activities beginning at age 5, including an option for science for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the age.
