Let us put your camper at the center of science this summer!
Join us for another year of Spark! Camps at the Michigan Science Center. Campers will explore Mi-Sci’s 220+ interactive exhibits, engage in immersive theater experiences, and investigate science phenomena through hands-on activities and experiments.
Whether it’s preparing for human exploration on Mars or experimenting with different states of matter, kids will be inspired to discover new concepts in a safe and engaging environment. Questions? Contact: Camps@mi-sci.org.
Registration Details
Weekly camp prices are $345 for Mi-Sci members and $395 for non-members. See below for a list of weekly themes available by grade level. Remember camp registration is closed on the Wednesday prior to each week’s start date.
Camp Registration
Camper groups are determined by the grade a camper will ENTER in the fall. If you are registering multiple campers in the same group, please submit separate orders for each camper. Click the tabs to explore camps by grade and register.
- June 26-30 | Outdoor Adventure
We’re going green this week as we explore the flora and fauna of our beautiful planet Earth! Campers will get out into nature to learn about native plants and animals, design solutions to protect endangered species, and tackle challenges that test their wilderness survival skills.
Registration Closed
- July 5-7* | Science Spectacular
During this special, three-day camp we’ll be showing off the “best-of” Mi-Sci where campers experience a highlight reel of fun, whacky science experiments and activities, plus special access to our favorite theater and stage shows. From slime-making, to rocket science, to animal encounters – this week will leave you wanting more.
*Science Spectacular camp runs Wednesday to Friday (no camp Monday or Tuesday) and will be automatically discounted during checkout.
Registration Closed
- July 10-14 | Master Builders
It’s time to tinker! This week is all about engineering and exploring what’s possible while bringing our wildest ideas to life. Campers will visit the Smithsonian Spark! Lab to design, build and test new ideas and participate in building challenges designed by the LEGO Foundation to imagine a brighter, more sustainable future.
Registration Closed
- July 17-21 | Mission to Mars
Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to survive and thrive on the Red Planet. Learn how scientists are planning to grow food, find water, and create a home for humankind on our nearest neighboring planet. Could YOU be the first to step foot on Mars?
Registration Closed
- July 24-28 | Lost in Space
All systems go for launch! Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to launch rockets, see gravity in action, and solve problems in space. Adventure beyond the solar system and learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe.
Registration Closed
- July 31-Aug 4 | Science by Design
We’re blending science and art to create colorful masterpieces and engineering marvels! Campers will experiment with pigment, light, and different building materials to learn about the many ways science makes art possible during this colorful week of camp.
Registration Closed
- August 7-11 | Fizz Bang Science
Get ready, get set, get messy during chemistry week at Spark! Camp. Campers will create chemical reactions, experiment with states of matter, design their own custom slime, and learn what makes things go KA-BOOM (safely, of course!).
Registration Closed
- August 14-18 | Game On!
Experience all the ways that games help us to develop new skills in a week that’s all about learning through play! Campers will learn basic game design as they play and create a variety of game types. From board games, to extreme sports, to virtual reality; campers will be “Leveling Up” their STEM skills all week long.
Registration Closed
- June 26-30 | Outdoor Adventure
We’re going green this week as we explore the flora and fauna of our beautiful planet Earth! Campers will get out into nature to learn about native plants and animals, design solutions to protect endangered species, and tackle challenges that test their wilderness survival skills.
Registration Closed
- July 5-7* | Science Spectacular
During this special, three-day camp we’ll be showing off the “best-of” Mi-Sci where campers experience a highlight reel of fun, whacky science experiments and activities, plus special access to our favorite theater and stage shows. From slime-making, to rocket science, to animal encounters – this week will leave you wanting more.
*Science Spectacular camp runs Wednesday to Friday (no camp Monday or Tuesday) and will be automatically discounted during checkout.
Registration Closed
- July 10-14 | Master Builders
It’s time to tinker! This week is all about engineering and exploring what’s possible while bringing our wildest ideas to life. Campers will visit the Smithsonian Spark! Lab to design, build and test new ideas and participate in building challenges designed by the LEGO Foundation to imagine a brighter, more sustainable future.
Registration Closed
- July 17-21 | Mission to Mars
Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to survive and thrive on the Red Planet. Learn how scientists are planning to grow food, find water, and create a home for humankind on our nearest neighboring planet. Could YOU be the first to step foot on Mars?
Registration Closed
- July 24-28 | Lost in Space
All systems go for launch! Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to launch rockets, see gravity in action, and solve problems in space. Adventure beyond the solar system and learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe.
Registration Closed
- July 31-Aug 4 | Science by Design
We’re blending science and art to create colorful masterpieces and engineering marvels! Campers will experiment with pigment, light, and different building materials to learn about the many ways science makes art possible during this colorful week of camp.
Registration Closed
- August 7-11 | Fizz Bang Science
Get ready, get set, get messy during chemistry week at Spark! Camp. Campers will create chemical reactions, experiment with states of matter, design their own custom slime, and learn what makes things go KA-BOOM (safely, of course!).
Registration Closed
- August 14-18 | Game On!
Experience all the ways that games help us to develop new skills in a week that’s all about learning through play! Campers will learn basic game design as they play and create a variety of game types. From board games, to extreme sports, to virtual reality; campers will be “Leveling Up” their STEM skills all week long.
Registration Closed
- June 26-30 | Outdoor Adventure
We’re going green this week as we explore the flora and fauna of our beautiful planet Earth! Campers will get out into nature to learn about native plants and animals, design solutions to protect endangered species, and tackle challenges that test their wilderness survival skills.
Registration Closed
- July 5-7* | Science Spectacular
During this special, three-day camp we’ll be showing off the “best-of” Mi-Sci where campers experience a highlight reel of fun, whacky science experiments and activities, plus special access to our favorite theater and stage shows. From slime-making, to rocket science, to animal encounters – this week will leave you wanting more.
*Science Spectacular camp runs Wednesday to Friday (no camp Monday or Tuesday) and will be automatically discounted during checkout.
Registration Closed
- July 10-14 | Master Builders
It’s time to tinker! This week is all about engineering and exploring what’s possible while bringing our wildest ideas to life. Campers will visit the Smithsonian Spark! Lab to design, build and test new ideas and participate in building challenges designed by the LEGO Foundation to imagine a brighter, more sustainable future.
Registration Closed
- July 17-21 | Mission to Mars
Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to survive and thrive on the Red Planet. Learn how scientists are planning to grow food, find water, and create a home for humankind on our nearest neighboring planet. Could YOU be the first to step foot on Mars?
Registration Closed
- July 24-28 | Lost in Space
All systems go for launch! Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to launch rockets, see gravity in action, and solve problems in space. Adventure beyond the solar system and learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe.
Registration Closed
- July 31-Aug 4 | Science by Design
We’re blending science and art to create colorful masterpieces and engineering marvels! Campers will experiment with pigment, light, and different building materials to learn about the many ways science makes art possible during this colorful week of camp.
Registration Closed
- August 7-11 | Fizz Bang Science
Get ready, get set, get messy during chemistry week at Spark! Camp. Campers will create chemical reactions, experiment with states of matter, design their own custom slime, and learn what makes things go KA-BOOM (safely, of course!).
Registration Closed
- August 14-18 | Game On!
Experience all the ways that games help us to develop new skills in a week that’s all about learning through play! Campers will learn basic game design as they play and create a variety of game types. From board games, to extreme sports, to virtual reality; campers will be “Leveling Up” their STEM skills all week long.
Registration Closed
Sponsors of Science Program
Mi-Sci’s Sponsors of Science Program supports students for our Summer Science Camps each year in order to fulfill our mission of engaging and empowering all children and all communities with STEM! Contact Camps@mi-sci.org with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mi-Sci has camp sections designed for three age levels. Age levels are defined by the grade your camper will enter in the fall. Our lesson plans are written to target specific ages. Older camp groups have more advanced material with a heavier focus on technology and week-long projects.
Camps are Monday – Friday, except for the week of July 4. There will be no camp on Monday, July 3rd or Tuesday, July 4th. Camp will run Wednesday-Friday that week and the weekly ticket price will be automatically discounted at the time of purchase.
Daily check-in begins at 8:45 am* and camp activities begin at 9 am. Camp ends at 4pm daily. Campers wishing to be dropped off before 8:45am or picked up after 4:15pm will need to purchase Before Care or After Care options separately.
*On the Monday of each camp week, check-in will be allowed for all campers starting at 8:30 to allow enough time to complete any outstanding registration requirements.
Yes. Mi-Sci provides Before and After Care services for an additional fee. Before Care begins at 8:00 am. After Care ends at 5:30 pm.
Before and After Care are sold by the week. The price is the same if your child is present for one day or all five days of their camp week.
Campers can be checked in or out any time except between 12:30-1:30 pm each day while our group is at recess. Go to the camp sign in desk and call for the Camp Lead. Camp staff will come to you to check in or check out your campers during the camp day.
Mi-Sci is a large place. Campers and staff may not be in their classrooms when you arrive. It may take several minutes for camp staff to reach the entrance or collect your children and their belongings.
We want to make sure your camper has a fun and successful camp. When you register, you are reserving that spot for your camper. We are unable to change camp registrations mid-week. Campers may be switched to an open camp before camp begins according to the Refund Policy.
15 days or more notification – Full refund
1-14 days notification – No refund*. Registration may be transferred to another week before camp begins, if space is available.
If Mi-Sci needs to cancel camp in the case of an emergency, prorated refunds will be offered.
*Full refund or camp transfer (if available) for documented medical necessity, major emergency or military deployment will be authorized if notified before camp begins.
Camp groups may walk to Peck Park one block from the Michigan Science Center for recess daily. Campers may also walk across the street to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) or ride a bus to offsite field trip venues on weeks where field trips relate to the camp theme. Not all grades will attend all field trips. Field trips are selected for age-appropriate groups.
Campers who do not wish to attend an offsite field trip will need to be picked up early or dropped off late to camp on that day. Campers will not be able to stay back from field trips, since all our camp staff will be required to attend and supervise their group.
Yes! We value learning in many different environments. Weather permitting, campers may eat in our outdoor amphitheater and spend approximately 45 minutes on the playground before or after lunch. Campers may also spend additional time working on class projects or doing hands-on lessons outside.
At the discretion of the camp manager, if the heat index is over 95 degrees Fahrenheit, campers may remain inside. If the wind chill is under 35 degrees Fahrenheit, campers may remain inside.
- Lunch, packed in a leak-resistant container and labeled with the camper’s name
- A water bottle labeled with the camper’s name
- Clothes that can get messy. Daily projects include glue, materials that can stain, and opportunity for kids to get wet, sweaty or dirty
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Unless a letter or special request comes from camp staff, campers should leave at home all electronics, toys, card and tradables. Mi-Sci is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Items found in camp spaces will be brought to the camp check-in desk during the week of your child’s camp. Lunch containers and water bottles left by campers will be emptied of food and liquids by staff at the close of business each day. Any remaining items not claimed within two-weeks of the date they are found will be donated or discarded.
Labeling your camper’s items (including clothing and food containers) is the best way to make sure they are returned to you when found.
For any camper concerns, contact the camp manager. You are also able to list any special medical or behavioral needs on your camper’s registration forms. Camp manager contact information will be shared at the time of registration.
Camp is held in designated classrooms located in the adjoining University Prep Science and Math Middle School (UPSM). Mi-Sci and UPSM share an entrance, which will be used as the location for camper drop-off and pick-up.
In addition to these designated classrooms, campers will also visit Mi-Sci exhibits and theaters and they relate to the camp week theme. Campers may also spend additional time working on class projects or doing hands-on lessons outdoors.
We take any and all requests into consideration. Our camps are written to target specific ages and age levels. If campers are more than a year apart, typically, they will be placed with campers of like age. The camp director has discretion over camper placement. Please make requests at least two weeks prior to your registered camp start date.
Lesson plans are proprietary. However, feel free to ask camp staff at check-in or check-out each day for a summary of the lessons they will be covering or did cover.
Yes! We love to document all the amazing activities, games, and projects your campers work on throughout their time with us each day. A link will be sent to view photos from our camp by joining an online album for each week your camper is registered.
Only campers who have a Photo Release form on file will be documented in photos and shared on our online Homeroom album. Mi-Sci camp staff will not share photos personally with campers who do not have a photo release on file.
Our classes are capped at 30 students. Each classroom will have at least two camp educators assigned to their group each week.
Yes! Each day, campers have the opportunity to visit our exhibit galleries. Campers will rotate to visit different exhibit areas throughout the week.
Campers visit Mi-Sci’s various theaters when it applies to the week’s theme. For example, during “Space Week”, campers will see a show in the Planetarium.
Yes, campers should bring a lunch labeled with their names, cold pack/silverware if needed, and water bottle or beverage. Microwaves and refrigerators are not available for camper use.
No, camp staff are not available to take campers to purchase lunch or snacks.
Yes, check with a staff member at check-in to confirm your camper’s lunch time. You are welcome to drop off lunch at the front desk or bring lunch to eat with your camper.
Yes! Feel free to join your camper for lunch. Check in with staff when you arrive.
Campers are provided one snack each day. Snacks are usually animal crackers, fruit snacks, or something similar. You are welcome to send an alternative snack with your camper. If your camper has any food allergies, please share that on the registration forms provided before the start of camp.
Yes! We recommend sending your camper with a water bottle labeled with your camper’s name. Mi-Sci has water fountains throughout the museum and outside our classrooms.
Camp lunch is located in our group dining space or in our outdoor amphitheater.
No. Campers must eat the lunch they are provided. No trades or sharing are allowed.
Mi-Sci Spark! Camps are peanut and tree-nut free. We ask that parents do not pack these items in camper lunches to avoid any allergies or allergic reactions. If your camper has any food allergies, please note the information on the registration forms provided before the start of camp.
No. The photo release consent is optional. If you choose not to consent to the photo release, your camper may be removed from certain activities where picture/videography is taking place to prevent your camper from being included in the picture. You will be asked to verify the photo release form at Monday check-in.
Yes, a camper registration form is required to be on file before you can check in your camper. One form is required for EACH camper, as it contains important information including emergency contacts, health information, and allergies. You must fill out the form prior to camp. You cannot leave your camper in our care if we do not have a consent form on file for them.
We know it is time-consuming, but we appreciate your cooperation.
If you have any questions, please contact Education@mi-sci.org.
List all medication on the camper registration forms ahead of camp. Be sure to explain what time(s) medicines should be taken. If medication requires refrigeration, please alert camp staff at check-in. Campers must be able to self-administer all medications. Accommodations will be made for certain seizure or allergy (Epi-Pen) medications.
If you have any questions, please contact Education@mi-sci.org.
If your camper is coming to multiple camp weeks, you only need to fill in the forms once, as long as weeks are purchased in a single order. Weeks purchased separately will require you to complete the forms separately, as they are required for online checkout.
No. Campers must be checked in AND out by an adult each day of camp. A photo ID matching the name listed on your camper’s registration sheet is required at pick up. Pickup without photo ID will not be allowed, so please inform all authorized adults who may be doing pickup.
Campers will only be released to adults listed in their registration forms. If you need to add an authorized adult for pickup, please speak with staff at drop-off or send an email to Education@mi-sci.org with that adult’s name as it appears on their photo ID.
Please keep your camper at home. Contact the camp manager as soon as possible to explain the situation and to discuss exposure protocols.
Please keep your camper at home. Campers may not return until they have been fever-free and symptom-free for over 24 hours without medication. Campers showing symptoms of contagious illness at camp will be sent home immediately.
List all medication on the camper registration forms ahead of camp. Be sure to explain what time(s) medicines should be taken. If medication requires refrigeration, please alert camp staff at check-in. Campers must be able to self-administer all medications. Accommodations will be made for certain seizure or allergy (Epi-Pen) medications.
Registration
| Dates | Theme | Description | 1st-2nd Grade | 3rd-5th Grade | 6th-8th Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
June 27 -
July 1 |
Science by Design |
Do you have an eye for design? This week, we’re mixing science and art and seeing how they blend together to create a beautiful masterpiece! Campers will experiment with color, form, and different mediums in order to learn about the many ways science makes art possible during this colorful week of camp. |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
|
July 5 -
July 9 |
Science Underground |
We’re unearthing history this week and going underground to learn about fossils, rocks, and how the Earth we know was formed millions of years ago. Campers will dig deep into how archaeologists, paleontologists, and geologists learn more about our planet and its former inhabitants during this rocking week of camp. *There will be no camp on Monday, July 4 - registration price will be prorated automatically when added to cart* |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
|
July 11 -
July 15 |
Slam Dunk Science |
Get ready to move and flex your brain- this week is all about games! We’re exploring the science and strategy behind all of our favorite sports and games-set up the perfect jump shot, learn how to beat anyone at tic-tac-toe, and how a team can work together to conquer a common goal. Campers will discover how math, physics and the body work together to create a game plan for success! |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
|
July 18 -
July 22 |
Mission to Mars |
All systems go for launch! This week, we’ll be seeing if we have what it takes to go to space, as well as what it’s like to live among the stars! Campers will put their astronaut skills to the test to launch rockets, see gravity in action, and solve problems in space! |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
|
July 25 -
July 29 |
Wild, Wonderful, Earth |
We’re going green this week as we explore the flora and fauna of our beautiful planet! Campers will discover how mountains are formed, why volcanoes explode, where weather comes from, and how we can work together to take care of our Mother Earth. See our newest Toyota Engineering Theater 4D Show during this explosive week of camp! |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
|
August 1 -
August 5 |
Fizz, Bang, Science! |
Get ready to get messy during Chemistry Week at Spark Camp! Campers will learn how fun science can be through interactive experiments and demonstrations about states of matter, chemical reactions, and making things go boom (safely, of course!). |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
|
August 8 -
August 12 |
Out of This World |
To all those who have ever looked to the skies and wondered, this week is for you! Join us in the planetarium as we adventure beyond the solar system and learn about the stars, planets, and galaxies that make up our universe. |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
Registration Closed |
|
August 15 -
August 19 |
Master Builders |
It’s time to tinker! This week is all about engineering and exploring what’s possible while creating something new. Campers will visit the Spark! Lab to design, build and test new ideas and inventions, working independently and in groups to bring their wildest ideas to life! |
SOLD OUT |
SOLD OUT |
Registration Closed |