STEM and science camps are booming in popularity as more parents look to nurture curiosity and creativity in areas like robotics, coding, engineering, and biology. Whether your child is obsessed with space, loves to build things, or dreams of being a scientist, these camps offer hands-on discovery that inspires big thinking. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the difference between day vs overnight STEM camps to help you decide what fits best for your family - especially if you’re sending your child to camp for the first time.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) camps are designed to spark curiosity and build foundational skills in science and innovation. These camps offer hands-on, project-based learning in subjects like coding, robotics, astronomy, environmental science, chemistry, engineering, and more. They're built around exploration, experimentation, and teamwork-often blending classroom-style instruction with real-world problem solving.
Many STEM camps are tailored to specific age groups or ability levels, allowing kids to explore age-appropriate challenges and discover where their interests lie. Whether building rockets, dissecting virtual frogs, programming games, or exploring marine biology, STEM campers stay actively engaged in learning disguised as fun.
Camps may focus on one subject (like a coding bootcamp or robotics challenge) or rotate through multiple STEM themes during the session. The goal is to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and confidence while showing campers the exciting possibilities of STEM fields. For some further reading, see our tech and coding camps guide.
STEM camps offer hands-on learning combined with fun exploration and teamwork. Activities typically include:
Day camps usually have a varied schedule with shorter activity blocks to keep kids engaged. There’s time for snack breaks, outdoor play, and quick rotations through different STEM themes.
Overnight camps provide opportunities for deeper exploration. Campers might spend several days on complex projects, enjoy evening astronomy sessions, and participate in STEM-themed campfires or trivia nights.
Time | Activity |
---|---|
8:30 AM | Drop-off & icebreaker games |
9:00 AM | Morning STEM workshop (coding or robotics) |
11:00 AM | Outdoor STEM games & snack break |
12:00 PM | Lunch |
1:00 PM | Afternoon engineering project |
3:00 PM | STEM show & tell & pick-up |
Time | Activity |
---|---|
7:30 AM | Wake-up & breakfast |
9:00 AM | Deep-dive STEM workshop (chemistry lab) |
11:30 AM | Team STEM challenge or outdoor activity |
1:00 PM | Lunch & rest time |
2:30 PM | Long-form STEM project or electives |
5:30 PM | Dinner |
7:00 PM | Campfire or science trivia night |
You’ll be responsible for packing a daily lunch, handling transportation, and staying connected via email or app updates from the camp. Expect a morning drop-off around 8:30 AM and pick-up by 3:30 PM. Camps often provide weekly summaries and photos to keep you in the loop. Cost-wise, day camps are generally more affordable and offer flexible week-to-week sign-ups.
Preparing for overnight camp is a bigger step. You’ll receive a detailed packing list, often including an overnight camp checklist. Counselors are trained to support homesickness, and many camps allow scheduled email or letter communication. Costs are higher but include lodging, meals, and 24/7 supervision. Many parents find the growth and independence their kids gain make it well worth it.
Day STEM camps are a great fit for younger children or families seeking lower commitment. Kids explore new topics, stay local, and return home each night, making it easier for first-time campers. They’re also often more budget-friendly and flexible with weekly enrollments.
Overnight STEM camps allow campers to immerse themselves in longer projects, build lasting friendships, and develop independence. The environment often boosts self-confidence and reduces distractions, helping kids really focus on their passions. It's an excellent step for older or more experienced campers.
If you're unsure which format is best for your child, start by asking: how independent is my child? Are they ready to sleep away from home? Do they need structured evenings or prefer the comfort of returning home daily? Budget, travel distance, and your own comfort level matter too. Some families even try a day camp first, then graduate to overnight the following year.
Still deciding? you can read more about day and overnight camps here:
STEM and science camps are more than just educational - they’re a gateway to creativity, problem-solving, and lifelong interests. Whether your child joins for a week of day camp or dives into a full overnight adventure, both options offer growth, fun, and friendship. Start with what feels right for your family and your child’s readiness. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there’s a camp out there that fits just right.