Junior STEM Explorers Camp - Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Seneca Hill Summer Camp: Explore, Learn & Play!

At Seneca Hill Summer Camp, curiosity becomes creation, and play becomes problem-solving . Our Engineering & Exploration program blends hands-on STEM learning with energetic outdoor fun and thoughtful skill-building, making each summer day an exciting opportunity to think like an engineer, explore like a scientist, and connect with new friends along the way.

What Makes Our Program Special?

This isn’t a typical summer camp — it’s a STEM adventure designed to spark imagination and build real critical-thinking skills. Every week features a different STEM Building Challenge where campers dive into the engineering design process: identifying problems, imagining solutions, planning, building prototypes, testing ideas, and iterating improvements 📐🔧. These challenges encourage creativity, collaboration, and confidence, and campers get to take home their own engineered creations at the end of each week. 

Our experienced educators — many of whom are classroom teachers throughout the school year — guide children through these projects with patience and enthusiasm, creating a supportive environment where curiosity leads the way.

What Will Children Do & Experience this week? 

Week 1: Planes, Trains & Automobiles – Balloon Car Racers

Week 1 launches our summer with speed, creativity, and hands-on engineering fun! In Planes, Trains & Automobiles, campers dive into the exciting world of motion and transportation through our signature Weekly STEM Building Challenge.

Weekly STEM Building Challenge

Each week, campers participate in a STEM Building Challenge where they use a kid-friendly Engineering Design Process to imagine, design, build, test, and improve a project they get to take home. These challenges are designed to spark curiosity while strengthening problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills — all while having tons of fun.

Using an age-appropriate engineering framework, campers will:
Test & Improve: Try it out, analyze results, make adjustments, and improve performance.
Create: Build a working prototype using hands-on STEM tools and materials.
Plan: Select a design and gather materials.
Imagine: Brainstorm ideas, explore possibilities, and sketch designs.
Ask: What is the problem? What are we trying to build?

Balloon Car Racers: Engineering in Motion

This week’s challenge puts campers in the driver’s seat as they design and race their own balloon-powered cars 🎈🚙. Using nothing but air power, campers explore key STEM concepts such as motion, force, friction, speed, and cause-and-effect.

Campers will experiment with different designs, wheel placements, and body structures to see how changes impact speed and distance. Through trial, error, and iteration, they learn that engineering isn’t about getting it perfect the first time — it’s about learning, improving, and trying again.

By the end of the week, campers leave with:

• A whole lot of excitement for the STEM adventures ahead!
• Increased confidence in problem-solving and creative thinking
• A strong introduction to the engineering design process
• A fully built balloon-powered racer to take home

A Typical Day at Camp

Each day is thoughtfully structured to ensure a balance of active play, learning, and free time. While activities vary by week, here’s a general schedule:

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Welcome & Morning Meeting
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Sports, Games & Outdoor Play
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM | Snack Break
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Science Experiment or Craft Project
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM | Lunch
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM | Reach Ahead Language & Math / Special Theme Activities
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Water Play, Nature Walk, or Special Event
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM | Snack Break
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM | Games & Wind-Down Activities
4:00 PM | Dismissal

At Seneca Hill Summer Camp, every camper leaves with new skills, lasting friendships, and cherished summer memories. Whether they are discovering new passions, strengthening academics, or simply having the best summer ever, our camp is the perfect place to explore, learn, splash, and play!

👉 Join us for a summer of fun and discovery!