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Tracy Real
Colleges Offer Engaging STEAM Camps for Kids A little R & R is beneficial for everyone during spring and summer breaks,
but don’t overlook the numerous opportunities for children to engage in handson discovery and learn new skills in a fun camp environment. STEAM camps at local universities provide kids a unique chance to explore and problem-solve with industry professionals and students who are masters in their fields — talented mentors who share insight, expertise and guidance to campers ages 6–18. Kids get a taste of college life (without a crowded campus) and exposure to advanced art supplies, books and college memorabilia. If this sounds interesting, STEAM ahead! San Diego State University (SDSU), UC San Diego and Cal State San Marcos offer technology camps for ages 7–17, including coding, game development and design, robotics and other creative design courses taught by tech savvy staff. Check out the iD Tech program for additional details at www.idtech.com.
Diego Christian College, Cal State San Marcos, UC San Diego and SDSU. Camps connect computer science concepts to video games and movies that kids love, such as Minecraft, Fortnite, Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pokemon and Mario. Visit www.thoughtstem.com for more information.
UC San Diego Extension offers Sally Ride Science Junior Academy for students entering grades 4–12 at their University City location. Young scholars choose workshops such as Marine Biology, Edible Science, Fairy Gardens/Botany, Circuit Board Exploration and Web Development. Learn more at www.sallyridescience .ucsd.edu/junior-academy.
MiraCosta College offers College for Kids and Youth Academy summer programs in Oceanside and Cardiff. Students ages 6–17 have fun in classes such as Jr. Vet Tech, LEGO Engineers and Drone Pilots. This year’s schedule will be posted soon at www.miracosta.edu.
UC San Diego Extension, also in collaboration with Sally Ride Science, offers free STEAM classes to students in grades 3–12 at City of San Diego libraries. They are available year-round. The program, referred to as Library NExT, teaches exciting workshops such as Medicine and the Heart, Marine Mammals of CA, Kitchen Chemistry and Your Amazing Brain. Visit www.sandiego .gov/librarynext for locations and registration information. ThoughtSTEM offers summer programs on the campuses of San
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Y.E.S. (Youth Excellence and Success) Academy provides many summer options on the campus of Southwestern College for students entering grades 4–12. Kids take STEAM courses through Sally Ride Science, College for Kids or Career Exploration. Visit www.swccd.edu/ swc-community/youth-programs/ index.aspx for more details. v Tracy Real is a credentialed school counselor who teaches daily STEAM activities to local elementary students, encouraging problem solving and creative thinking.