STEAM Camps

STEAM camps have a mission to help kids explore their love of learning in the practical pursuits of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The inclusion of arts makes this approach different from, and even more integrated than learning in STEM camps.

The integrated approach to learning in a STEAM camp is broader than many other kinds of educational camps. Some children and families might focus their summer camp search on specific academic pursuits, looking for local robotics summer camps, coding camps or programming camps. That approach is fine, but a STEAM camp offers a more holistic learning experience.

STEAM curriculum, in the broader discussion of educational policy, is growing by leaps and bounds. Educators and observers look at a world where, progressively, it's becoming more important all the time to integrate technology and math usages with disciplines like science or the arts.

Advantages offered by STEAM camps
STEAM camps offer a wide variety of advantages to kids and families during the summer months or march break. Here's a quick overview of what you'll gain:

STEAM camps go an extra step further in preparing kids for careers they will grow up into. Children aged six, up to 14 (or even older), get a chance to develop their budding interest in any of these disciplines (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) while engaging in practical learning. The STEAM approach can expand a child's imagination of their future. This integrated, cross-pollinated approach to learning helps them envision new kinds of careers they might, in fact, create for themselves.
Kids focused on pursuits like science, programming, even Minecraft and other video games, can integrate their interests with those of kids whose passions lie elsewhere. They learn from each other, and learn how to work with others.

STEAM camp allows children to be more freely academic. Kids tend to be advanced learners. Curriculum can deal with more advanced concepts and vocabulary than they might in some school situations, even.

Kids get to meet other kids in their own city with shared academic interests. It's an opportunity to move beyond the circle of friends they have formed in their own neighborhoods or within their own schools.

Kids get to play with cool tools! Hands-on activities unique to each STEAM camp offer worthwhile learning experiences distinct from the structured, formal approach they might take in schools. They learn a lot of things they would certainly not learn in most other camps. 

Kids also get to meet local experts in certain fields, who may come to the camp to lead activities or present on specific subjects. Guest experts may include university professors or other local leaders in specific disciplines.

These camps offer a unique focus on learning, and a STEAM camp often creates a community of learners who will remain connected after camp has run its course.

STEAM vs. STEM
In the acronym STEM, arts is left out. There are advantages to either approach, of course, but the integration of arts elements (quite often, this means design) only serves to strengthen the versatility of this approach to academics. Defenders of STEM (and STEM camps) argue that this approach, by its nature, does reach into design and other arts pursuits.

In any case, parents can rest assured that STEAM camps provide a well-rounded approach to learning.