Discoveries Camp

In this computer lab-based class, students will learn how to design and create their own playable video games. Students will learn about visual programming using Microsoft KODU software to make and play their own 3D simulation video games and also play games made by other students. Students will also gain coding experience with online programs such as Code.org, Codecademy, and Microsoft Touch Develop. As well as basic programming skills, students will learn important mathematical and computational ideas, and practice problem solving, storytelling, and creative thinking.

Learn Spanish through storytelling! Using the TPRS method (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) we will learn a lot of Spanish in the context of a class-created crazy story. Throughout the week, we will create the story, act out the story, and draw the story!

For those of you who like to invent and create, this is your chance to make a board game from scratch. I welcome students who are creative and enjoy brainstorming in small groups. We will play board games to gather inspiration then campers will have a choice to be part of either the Art Team or the Game Play Team. I encourage campers to try both teams. This camp encourages campers with both team building and collaborative skills. At the end of the week we will have fully functioning game that we can share our family and friends. Roll a dice, turn over a card, take 5 steps, and sign up for the adventure of your life.

Build and program robots using the LEGO® Mindstorms EV3 system! Learn mechanical and software design, loops, conditional statements, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Program and build robots that rise to the fun challenges!

Ready to dig into geology? Join us for this super fun, hands-on adventure through the geology of the wild Pacific Northwest. Learn how to identify rocks and minerals native to our region! Dig your own fossils and grow your own crystals! Learn how caves are formed and explore the volcanoes in our very own backyard! Why consider this class? Because science rocks!

Spend a week of inquiry-based, hands-on science! Students will design and build various contraptions including desktop catapults, trebuchets, rubber-band airplane shooters, air-cannons, Q-tip launchers, and more! We will safely launch all sorts of edible ammunition including marshmallows, Dots, and cheese puffs (and maybe eat a few too). This class is for anyone who likes to tinker, design, and build machines that project things into the air! Come join us for a great week of building!

Explore foods and meals from around the world! We will find out the importance of staple foods from different regions of our world and why they are a part of that region’s diet. While listening to music and learning words and expressions in different languages, we will be cooking, baking, and eating our creations!

Let's go outside and explore! Nature Journaling is a wonderful way to capture a sense of the natural world through both writing and drawing. We will navigate the natural world on foot and document our findings in a sketch journal. It is encouraged but not required that campers have an interest in either writing or drawing. NOVA Discoveries Camp is fortunate to be located near beautiful Watershed Park. As a class, we will journey to the park and record our findings with various observational and drawing methods. By the end of the week each camper will have a complete nature journal that will showcase their individual exploration.

Build and program robots using the LEGO® Mindstorms EV3 system! Learn mechanical and software design, loops, conditional statements, problem solving, and teamwork skills. Program and build robots that rise to the fun challenges!

Come ready to play or come ready to learn! Either way, we will spend our time exploring the game of chess and putting our strategic thinking into action. We will engage in healthy competition and team spirit all while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making skills. Let the games begin!