EDUCATION
SCLD Story Time | Parents and caregivers of young children can interact and play with their kids while enjoying a story with songs, fingerplays and other tie-in activities. For infants, toddlers, and kids of all ages. Sessions offered weekly, June-August, at the Spokane County Library District branches. Free. scld.org
Minecraft Designers | A camp for those who love Minecraft and who've always wanted to design their own characters for the game. Learn to create 3D models, skins and more, and then import them into your game. June 13-16, 9 am-noon (ages 8-11) and 1-4 pm (ages 12-14). At NIC Workforce Training Center, Post Falls. $179. workforcetraining.nic.edu
Artistic Math | The classroom is transformed into an art studio that uses mathematical tools and concepts to create. Grades 3-5. June 13-17, 12:30-3:30 pm. $150. sgs.org/summer
Electronics Project | Learn principles of electricity, electronics, physics and magnetism while working projects with members of the SGS Robotics team. June 13-17, 9 am-3 pm (grades 7-12). July 19-22, noon-5 pm (grades 5-9). $225-$325. sgs.org/summer
3D Printing | Learn the basics of designing and printing physical objects on a 3D printer using Tinkercad software and make your own object for free in a three-class workshop. Grades 9+. June 13, 20, and 27, from 4-5:30 pm. At Spokane Valley branch. Registration required. Free. scld.org
Invention Connection | Build an invention from your imagination using Spark Center's Legos, Robotics, Little Bits, Minecraft, iPads, building toys, and more. Grades 1-8. June 18, noon-2 pm. Free. sparkwestcentral.org
Make Your First Video Game | Learn basic skills to design a 2D game, learning coding, graphics, sounds and many other technical skills. June 20-23, 9 am-noon (ages 8-11) and 1-4 pm (ages 12-14). At NIC Workforce Training Center, Post Falls. $179. workforcetraining.nic.ed
Camp Invention | Weeklong camps offering hands-on activities in the STEM fields, combining learning and fun during a week-long day camp. June 20-24, at Salnave Elem (Cheney), Moran Prairie Elem. and East Farms STEAM Magnet School. Grades 1-6. $220-$225. campinvention.org 800-968-4332
Earth, Wind, Rain & Fire | Campers learn about fossils, minerals, volcanoes, rivers and the rock formations around the Corbin Art Center. Ages 6-11. June 20-24, 9 am-3 pm. At Corbin Art Center. $124. spokaneparks.org
Robotics Engineering | Build and program an arduino-powered robot to accomplish tasks, how to construct computer programs in C++ and more. Grades 6-9. June 20-24, 9 am-3 pm. $325. sgs.org/summer
Spanish Camp | Learn a foreign language this summer at Gonzaga Prep's summer Spanish camp. Grades 4-6. June 20-24, from 9:30 am-noon (Spanish I) and 12:30-3 pm (Spanish II). $100. gprep.com
Kinetic Fest Build | Come to Gizmo to start working on your human-powered vehicle for the 2016 Kinetic Fest, working with the tools at the shop. Ages 9+. June 20-24 and June 27-July 1, 9:30 am-noon. $85-$90. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
Science Safari | The 26th annual camp is themed around the exploration of rain forests through hands-on activities and inquiry-based investigations. Grades 2-8. Sessions offered June 20-24, 8:30-11:30 am, and June 27-July 1, from 8:30-11:30 am and 12:15-3:15 pm. $110/session. [email protected]
Chinese Language Camp | Chinese language and culture immersion camp, with skits, songs, crafts, games and more. June 20-July 8 (grades 2-5, daily from 9-12 am) and June 20-July 14 (grades 6-12, Mon-Thu, 9 am-2 pm.) Meets at Gonzaga University. Free. gonzaga.edu/startalk 313-6721
Lego Robotics Camp | Sessions led by local FIRST Lego League coaches, with separate groups for grades 1-3 (builders) and grades 4-6 (engineers). "Mission to Mars" week is June 20-24, and "Challenge Week: Lego Pentathlon/FLL" Challenge from July 18-22. Meets Mon-Fri, 9 am-2:30 pm, at Westminster Congregational UCC. $130/session. discoveryrobots.org 448-2291
Luminary Girls | A day camp to connect girls with local female leaders in the community to empower and educate them about local and global issues. Each session offers different activities and guest speakers. June 20-24 (ages 10-15) and Aug. 15-19 (ages 12-17), from 9 am-3 pm. Meets at Verve Studio 8 in Coeur d'Alene. $275/session. luminaryinitiativeproject.com 208-640-9742
U of Idaho Journalism Workshop | This 16th annual workshop offers hands-on experience writing and producing news for the web or print, along with media ethics, using social media and more. Ages 16-18. June 21-24. $300, scholarships available. [email protected] 208-885-8872
SPS Summer Express Programs | Express provides age-appropriate, licensed childcare and activities, including academic enrichment, sports, arts and crafts, games, cooking and field trips. Activities are planned around weekly themes. Ages 3-12. June 21-Aug. 29, Mon-Fri, times vary based on location: Spokane Public Montessori Preschool (age 3 to K), Roosevelt and Finch elementaries (grades 1-7). $37/day. spokaneschools.org 354-7312
Girls Who Code | This girls-only coding lab offers the tools and confidence to code your own video game or program; open to coders of all levels. Grades 3-7. June 22-23, 10 am-noon. At Spark Center. Free. (Registration opens May 15). sparkwestcentral.org
Minecraft Modders | Learn the foundations of programming and basic coding as you create a custom modification of Minecraft. June 27-30, 9 am-noon (ages 8-11) and 1-4 pm (ages 12-14). At NIC Workforce Training Center, Post Falls. $179. workforcetraining.nic.edu 208-769-3333
Cities and Circuits | Design a neighborhood and the houses in it, then use the laser cutter to create your houses and then set up circuits to light them up. Ages 6-10. June 27-July 1, 9:30 am-noon. $85-$90. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
UAS Summer Camp | Learn the basics of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), aviation and robotics through lab projects, simulation and hands-on mission scenarios. For middle and high school students. Sessions offered June 27-30 and Aug. 1-4, from 9 am-noon. At NIC Workforce Training Center, Post Falls. $275. workforcetraining.nic.edu
Video Game Programming | Participants learn about basic programming concepts including variables, objects, coordinates, input and output using Microsoft Project Spark. Grades 4-8. Offered June 27-July 1, 1-4 pm and Aug. 8-12, noon-4 pm. $200. sgs.org/summer
Chemistry + Cooking = Fun | Students learn about the science of food through baking, beating, stirring and folding-based projects. Ages 6-11. July 5-8, 9 am-3 pm. At Corbin Art Center. $105. spokaneparks.org 625-6677
Lego YOUniverse | Pick your favorite Lego genre and create a digital, illustrated story. All students leave class with a digital comic book that can be shared. July 5-8, from 9 am-noon (ages 8-11) and 1-4 pm (ages 12-14). At NIC Workforce Training Center, Post Falls. $176. workforcetraining.nic.edu 208-769-3333
Let's Science It | Spend a week doing hands-on experiments that solve challenges like sending a balloon to space and diving 1,000 feet into Lake Pend Oreille. Ages 6-9. July 5-8, 9:30 am-noon. $68-$72. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
Roominate Building Systems | Daily challenges with this building system encourage students to build unusual structures while learning about engineering and design. This is a girls-only session as part of Gizmo's new "GRIT" (Girl Revolution in Technology) program. Ages 6-9. July 5-8, 1-3:30 pm. $68-$72. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
German Language Camp | Open to all ages, a camp teaching an introduction to the German language. July 5-8 (preschool/elem.) and July 18-21 (elem-high school). $120-$160. spolang.com
Explore Electricity with Snap Circuits | Learn how electricity really works by building things that chime, light up and spin. Grades 4+. July 5-Aug. 3, times and SCLD branch locations vary. Pre-registration required. Free. scld.org
Make Your First 3D Video Game | Learn the physics behind 3D games, explore beginning event scripting, level design and gameplay flow. July 11-14, 9 am-noon (ages 8-11) and 1-4 pm (ages 12-14). At NIC Workforce Training Center, Post Falls. $179. workforcetraining.nic.edu
Spanish Language Camp | Open to all ages, a camp teaching an introduction to the Spanish language. July 11-14 (all ages). $120-$160. spolang.com
Camp Metamorphosis | A program for highly capable children, who choose three areas of focus for the week, such as science, drama, art and more. Entering grades 4-6. July 11-15, 9 am-4:30 pm. At Whitworth University. 250. whitworth.edu/campmetamorphosis
SPS STEM Summer Camp | An educational day camp focusing on experiments, critical thinking, communications and leadership skills through engaging, hands-on activities in robotics, computer programming, engineering and more. All ages; open to all students in Eastern Washington. Breakfast/lunch program offered. Weekly sessions offered July 11-Aug. 4, Mon-Thu, 8 am-1 pm. At Garry and Sacajawea Middle Schools. $80/week. spokaneschools.org/summerstemcamps
My Life, My Money Camp | STCU hosts a free camp for kids, teaching them skills to get the most from their money and other important financial skills. Ages 11-14. July 12, 9 am-noon. At NIC Workforce Training center, Post Falls. Free. workforcetraining.nic.edu 208-769-3333
Seeing Sound & Hearing Light | Explore and experiment with the mysteries of waves, including sound and light, through multiple mediums. Grades 5-7. July 12-15, 10:30 am-3:30 pm. $300-$350. mobiusspokane.org 321-7121
Junior Inventors | Campers learn how BrushBots and Hover Crafts work, and will build and decorate their own to race against each other. Ages 4-8. July 14, 10 am-noon. $20-$25. mobiusspokane.org
Game On! Video Game Lab | Using the software Scratch, we'll learn how to code our own video games after creating our own characters and storylines. Grades 3-7. July 14-15, 10 am-noon. At Spark Center. Free. (Registration opens May 15). sparkwestcentral.org
Cursive Writing Camp | Learn the lost art of cursive writing. Ages 7+. July 18-21. $80. spolang.com 981-1155
Minecraft Animators | Bring your favorite Minecraft characters to life by creating an animated short film, and learn how major studios make films and the technologies used. July 18-21, 9 am-noon (ages 8-11) and 1-4 pm (ages 12-14). At NIC Workforce Training Center, Post Falls. $179. workforcetraining.nic.edu
Amazing Physical Feats from History | Hear stories told by intrepid storyteller Indiana Bones as they take kids on a journey through time. All-ages. July 18-22, times and SCLD branch locations vary. Free. scld.org
Camp Opportunity | A project-based, sustainability adventure camp to engage students creativity through science, technology, engineering, art and math. This year's areas of exploration are "Trek of the Techie," "Farm to Table," and "Explore the Great Outdoors." Entering grades 6-9. July 18-22, 9 am-4:30 pm. At Whitworth University. $250. whitworth.edu/campopportunity 777-3226
Harry's Laboratory | Explore science Harry Potter-style with potions and magic to solve a mystery. Ages 6-11. July 18-22, 9 am-3 pm. (Note: Class fills fast.) At Corbin Art Center. $126. spokaneparks.org 625-6200
Summer Science Spectacular | Each day of camp has a new focus: engineering, math, science, CSI mysteries, human biology and more. Grades K-6. July 18-22, 9 am-3 pm. $175. riverdayschool.org 326-6595
These ARE the Droids You're Looking For | Using the new MakeBlock Robotics kits and Lego EV3s, meet challenges to save the world. Ages 11-17. July 18-22, 9:30 am-3 pm. $170-$180. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
Academic Skills Camp | Participants work to discuss current events, write essays, lab reports, make presentations and learn other skills useful in the classroom. Grades 5-9. July 19-22, 9 am-noon. $125. sgs.org/summer
Satori Camp | A pre-college camp for gifted and intellectual students, offering two-dozen course offerings in subjects such as math, biology, music, philosophy and linguistics. Ages 12-18. July 24-30, commuter and residential options. At EWU Cheney. $650-$750 (scholarships available). satoricamp.org
Video Game Animation | Create and animate your own character sprites, objects and backgrounds, finishing with a fully-animated character to be used in future games. July 25-8, 9 am-noon (ages 8-11) and 1-4 pm (ages 12-14). At NIC Workforce Training Center, Post Falls. $179. workforcetraining.nic.edu
Science & Nature Camp | Discover the world around you by building a volcano and through other nature and science activities. Ages 3-5. July 25-31, 9-11:30 am. At Corbin Art Center. $62. spokaneparks.org 625-6677
SGS Study Skills Camp (all grades) | Among working on basic classroom skills, students learn online studying/research skills, leadership skills and how to use an academic planner. Grades 5-9. July 25-29, noon-4 pm. 175. sgs.org/summer
Watershed Discovery Camp | Youth participate in hands-on, water stewardship activities with the Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper, including shoreline cleanup and water quality monitoring, with kayaking, arts and crafts, field trips and more in the afternoons. Ages 8-13. July 25-29, 9 am-4 pm. $175. eureka-institute.org 208-597-7188
WeDos and Snap Circuits | Participate in design challenges to increase your understanding of electronics and circuitry. Ages 6-9. July 25-29, morning/afternoon sessions offered. $85-$90. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
This is Rocket Science! | Design, launch and record your work as a rocket scientist to share with family and friends. Grades 5-7. July 26-29, 10:30 am-3:30 pm. $300-$350. mobiusspokane.org
Extreme Builders | Take on a challenge to build a bridge from toothpicks and gumdrops, build a catapult and race robots. Ages 4-8. July 27, 2-4 pm. $20-$25. mobiusspokane.org
Tech Trek | A week-long camp for girls offering hands-on science and technology classes, field trips and more. Must be entering grade 8 in the fall. (girls must be nominated by a teacher). July 31-Aug. 6. At EWU Cheney. techtrek-wa.aauw.net
Underwater Vehicles | Build and test underwater vehicles to explore the depths of Lake CdA. Experiment with materials, buoyancy and more. Ages 11+. Aug. 1-5, 9:30 am-3 pm. $170-$180. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
Study Skills Camp | A study skills seminar designed to help with goal setting, time management, test taking and more. Grades 6-8; Aug. 1-4, morning and afternoon options. High school session, Aug. 8-11, 9:30-11:30 am. At Gonzaga Prep. $80. gprep.com
Math Camp | Brush up on your math skills this summer with an Algebra I (Aug. 1-11, from Mon-Fri noon-1 pm) and Algebra II (Aug. 1-2, 9 Mon-Fri from 9-11 am) at Gonzaga Prep. $75. gprep.com
Dragon Chess Camp | Participants learn game principles, strategy, tactics and more, with puzzles and competitions. Grades 2-9. Aug. 8-12, 1-4 pm. $150. sgs.org/summer 466-1636
MIT App Inventor Jamming | A week-long adventure writing apps using the MIT App Inventor, with coding challenges and more. Ages 10+. Aug. 8-12, 9:30 am-3 pm. $170-$180. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
Write Into College | Learn tricks of choosing the right college, how to pay for it without going deep into debt, and work with a skilled writer to compose a college entrance essay that will the door to your future. Grades 11-12. Aug. 14-15, noon-2 pm. At Spark Center. Free. (Registration opens May 15). sparkwestcentral.org
ACT Prep Camp | Students can prep for the ACT test during this week-long camp. Aug. 15-19, 2-4 pm (no Thursday class). At Gonzaga Prep. $100. gprep.com
Middle School Study Skills | Prep for the upcoming school year to feel more confident studying, prepping for and taking tests. Grades 6-8. Aug. 15-19, 9 am-noon. $150. sgs.org/summer
Rocket Girls | A camp offered through Gizmo's GRIT program (Girls Revolution in Technology) on rocket design, propulsion and more. Ages 12+, girls only. Aug. 15-19, 9:30 am-3 pm. $170-$180. gizmo-cda.org 208-651-6200
CSI: Curious Science Investigations | Solve mysteries using forensic science, including fingerprint analysis, chromatography, spatter patterns and facial reconstruction. Grades 5-7. Aug. 16-19, 10:30 am-3:30 pm. $300-$350. mobiusspokane.org 321-7121
Dissection Camp | Campers dissect an owl pellet to see what's been digested and also learn the parts of an eye while dissecting a cow eyeball as a group. Ages 4-8. Aug. 17, 10 am-noon. $20-$25. mobiusspokane.org
Cosmic Creations | Discover the sights and sounds of the universe, create your own extraterrestrial creature, build spaceships and more. Ages 4-8. Aug. 25, 2-4 pm. $20-$25. mobiusspokane.org
