Spark Summer 2026 Brochure

STUDENTS ENTERING

2026

1ST-6TH GRADE

SUMMER JUNE 1ST - AUGUST 7TH 2026

Join us for experiences where you can enhance your summer & create great memories with new friends.

COST PER WEEK

$258

REGISTRATION BEGINS Feb. 2ND @ 9am MPSFOUNDATION.ORG/SPARK

Program Overview Spark Summer Program

For students entering 1st – 6th grade June 1st – August 7th Operates at 6:30am – 6:00pm Locations: Disney, Reagan, Upchurch, and Willowdale

explore

learn create IT’S OUR NATU

RE

Breakfast, lunch, and snack Fresh fruit available all day Summer reading program iPad-based learning opportunities Weekly field trips* (on-and off-site) Weekly artist spotlight Daily STEAM-based exploration State-licensed programs Weekly registration

Register for any location regardless of which school your child attends $258/week

*Field trips and activities are subject to change

Spark Summer Program For students entering 1st - 6th grade | June 1st - August 7th | Operates at 6:30am - 6pm | $258/week | Locations: Disney, Reagan, Upchurch, and Willowdale WEEK

June 1st - 5th Topic: Wild Wonders

WEEK

June 8th - 12th Topic: Life on the Farm

Young explorers dive into the fascinating world of animals and insects through interactive science, creative design, and problem-solving challenges. Participants investigate habitats, design animal shelters, and create vibrant artwork inspired by nature and master artists. The week encourages curiosity, observation, and imaginative thinking as the natural world comes to life.

WEEK

Field Trip: Wildlife Encounters & The Bug Guy (on site) Activity of the week: Insect Sculptures Artist of the week: Henri Rousseau Book of the week: Over and Under the Rainforest

June 15th - 19th Topic: Nature in Bloom Flowers, plants, and pollinators take center stage through close observation and creative exploration. Participants examine patterns in nature, experiment with scientific tools, and create bold artwork inspired by natural forms.

This week blends biology and visual art while strengthening attention to detail and creative confidence.

Field Trip: Schramm Park Activity of the week: Rock Gardens Artist of the week: Andy Goldsworthy Book of the week: Planting a Rainbow

Inspired by a visit to a working farm, this week explores how farms function and why they matter. Hands-on projects introduce animals, plants, machinery, and sustainable practices through building, experimenting, and artistic expression. Each day highlights the connection between innovation, creativity, and life on the land.

Field Trip: Gifford Farms Activity of the week: Cardboard Farm Vehicles Artist of the week: Rosa Bonheur Book of the week: Click Clack Moo

WEEK

June 22nd - 26th Topic: Western Wonders The spirit of the American West inspires a week of discovery rooted in ranch life, landscapes, and design. Through hands-on challenges and artist-inspired projects, participants explore how science, creativity, and innovation shape life on the range.

Activities emphasize problem-solving, teamwork, and imaginative exploration.

Field Trip: Scatter Joy Acres Activity of the week: Rodeo Games Artist of the week: Georgia O’Keeffe Book of the week: Rosie's Wild Ride: Chasing Big Rodeo Dreams

WEEK

WEEK

June 29th - July 2nd Topic: The Science of Magic

WEEK

July 6th - 9th Topic: Ripples of Discovery

Illusions, reactions, and visual tricks reveal the science behind “magic.” Participants explore physics, chemistry, engineering, and art through exciting experiments and creative challenges. Each day transforms curiosity into understanding while showing how science can surprise, amaze, and inspire.

Water becomes the focus as participants investigate movement, force, and design.

Building and testing boats introduces concepts like buoyancy, propulsion, and currents, while artistic projects draw inspiration from water’s motion and beauty. This week highlights how science and art flow together.

Field Trip: Magic show/Big O Sno (on site) Activity of the week: Fizzy Firecracker Rockets Artist of the week: MC Escher Book of the week: Marvelous Marvin's Magical Moment

Field Trip: Platte River State Park (Splash pad) Activity of the week: Boat Racing Artist of the week: Claude Monet Book of the week: Who Sank The Boat?

July 13th - 17th Topic: DinoSTEAM Discoverers

WEEK

July 20th - 24th Topic: Retro Rollers

Dinosaurs spark imagination while introducing concepts from science, engineering, art, and math. Participants explore fossils, design prehistoric models, and create expressive artwork inspired by ancient creatures. The week blends hands-on discovery with creativity and big-picture thinking.

Bright colors, bold designs, and classic games inspire a playful exploration of STEAM concepts. Participants design, test, and build through hands-on challenges influenced by pop art and retro style. A bowling experience brings physics and problem-solving into action in a high-energy way.

Field Trip: ·Lauritzen Gardens Activity of the week: Paper-Mache Dinosaur Eggs Artist of the week: Pablo Picasso Book of the week: DinoSTEAM Discoverers

Field Trip: Western Bowl Activity of the week: Neon Slime Artist of the week: Andy Warhol Book of the week: Pinny the Bowling Pin

WEEK

July 27th - 31st Topic: Motion Makers Movement takes center stage as participants explore how science and creativity work together. Projects combine motion, art, and experimentation through dynamic building challenges and expressive action painting. A trampoline adventure adds energy and excitement while reinforcing ideas about force and motion.

Field Trip: Kipp/Urban Air Activity of the week: ·Action Painting Artist of the week: Jackson Pollock Book of the week: Jumping Jenny

WEEK

August 3rd - 7th Topic: Reel Creators Movies become the inspiration for exploring storytelling, design, and technology.

Participants create animations, sound effects, and visual elements while learning how films come to life. A movie theater experience wraps up the week with an inside look at filmmaking magic.

Field Trip: ACX Movie Activity of the week: Popcorn Catapults Artist of the week: ·Walt Disney Book of the week: Action!: How Movies Began

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER SUMMER PROGRAMS

Create a memorable experience at our summer program designed specifically for 5th & 6th graders, where you can meet new friends and do fun activities.

Discover the wonders of nature, learn how to be a BrickLAB architect, or try your hand at hosting a podcast. So many outrageously fun experiences are waiting for you!

Registration opens Feb. 2nd @ 9am

MPSFoundation.org/spark

SPACE IS LIMITED