From outdoor exploration to observing the universe from afar, there is a diverse array of STEM camps in Nashville. These programs are open to campers as young as four years old all the way up to high school seniors. As one of the top cities for STEM workers and careers, it’s not surprising that kids start to learn about these subjects at an early age.
Nashville is a great place for your kids to attend a STEM camp as it has colleges with amazing facilities, gorgeous farms for nature exploration, and even a zoo where kids can get up close with the animals. Students can look forward to a career in a city where the availability of jobs in the industry grows each year.
Mr Bond’s Science Guys
Mr Bond’s Science Guys offers camps in the summer, winter, and other school break seasons. Dates vary but they match school vacation dates. There are locations throughout Tennessee including Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin. Most spots have several starting dates that vary on your preferred camp location.
You can expect a typical daily schedule that runs from about 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and can change per location. There are snack and lunch breaks throughout the day and campers just need to bring all of their own food and snacks.
Outside time is maximized and each week a different science theme is explored with games, puzzles, and engaging activities. Absolutely no screens are allowed, even at break times.
All camp dates are open to students ages 5-12 and groups max out at 25 campers per session. There are half or full-day options each week as well as online camps.
A New Leaf
A New Leaf has three locations in West Nashville, with three different programs, which run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The first program, Pip & Pickles Farm, is open to campers 5 to 14 years old. This camp has kids spend time exploring nature and learning about the animals around them. They practice yoga, learn art and music, do some writing, take care of farm animals, and so much more.
The Arboretum Camp is available to campers between the ages of 6 and 12. During the day kids will go hiking, bird watching, and build eco structures. The entire time will be spent outdoors in the 32 acre campus.
The Hicks Road Preschool Camp is only open to young campers between three and five years old. Campers can explore art and music, go hiking, and play in the garden.
WidjiSTEM
Camp Widjiwagan offers its WidjiSTEM day camp as well as other sleepaway camps and another specialized ranch camp for aspiring equestrians. WidjiSTEM is open to campers ages 7 to 9 while the others accept those up to 17.
Their coed camp sessions divide students into groups by their age as they go through activities. Fun activities include things like rock climbing, field games, science demonstrations and experiments, swimming, archery, and fishing.
If your camper stays overnight, they can sleep in a cabin or a yurt. Yurts sleep up to 12 campers and each sleeping arrangement also has 2-4 counselors. Cabins have private showers and toilets while the facilities in the yurts are shared.
Nashville Zoo
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere presents amazing day camp opportunities for kindergarteners through 12th graders. The full days run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and includes a good range of fun activities. Campers can have awesome up-close animal encounters as well as lots of hands-on play, games, exploration, and art.
Most of the day is spent outside so campers should prepare for a hot day in the sunshine. There is a break for lunch which you need to pack for your child each day.
Campers below eighth grade are in groups of eight to ten and led by a counselor alongside a teen volunteer. Older campers will have a similar setup with more group members. Be sure to book your camper into the Nashville Zoo camp early as sessions fill up fast.
Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University offers weeklong camps in space exploration, astronomy, and lab explorers. There is also a coding camp which has 11 sessions throughout the season.
The space and exploration camp session is open to students from 10 to 14 years old. During these five days, campers will learn all about the planets, stars, and the sky. There are opportunities to use real telescopes and create their own as well as the chance to build their own rocket and even handle a real meteorite.
In the lab explorer camp, students will dive into biology and chemistry through experiments, magic shows, and extracting DNA. Their hosted during the week from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm but the coding program only has half day sessions.
Their coding camp will have campers play games like Minecraft and Roblox and learn how to build a website and develop 3D video games.
Adventure Science Center
Adventure Science Center brings children together for multiple weekly sessions. Before and after care is provided outside their standard 9 am to 3 pm hours, which can greatly extend the day if needed by families.
Each camp week has a special theme involving space quests, wilderness explorers, or the wizarding world of science. Activities can include learning about animals, survival skills, craft LEGOS and solve mysteries.
While there are breaks for snacks and lunch, campers must bring their own food. Subsizied costs are available for families who quality.
Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University welcomes high school students entering grades 10 through 12 for one week. The session has only 70 spots available and it fills up fast.
Students can explore their fields of interest through activities, exploration, learning, and field trips. Topics include biology, chemistry, math, science, physics, engineering, and technology. Campers get to use and explore the MTSU facilities related to their chosen subject.
Each Thursday features a field trip to places like the Murfreesboro Airport. All materials, transportation, and meals are included in the session price.
Harpeth Hall STEM Education for Girls
The summer STEM program at Harpeth Hall is open to middle and high school students on a rolling basis. A teacher recommendation is needed to apply and scholarship opportunities are available.
Throughout the course of the program, the students will do their own research to work towards solutions for real-life problems. These may come from the Nashville community or further afield. Example projects include creating hand-washing stations or crafting better birthing beds for a maternity ward in Kenya.
This STEM program is open to girls only with no prior STEM experience needed.
Belmont University
Belmont University offers one week programs for high school students interested in various areas of STEM.
Each program has a limit of 24 participants with all participants required to be enrolled in high school and at least 14 years old. Students are also required to have a GPA of 3.0 or above but some of the options have other specific requirements for admission.
Camp programs include topics like game design and programming to data science and modern biology. Students participate in projects like analyzing data, studying bioethics, or creating interactive gadgets. Lunch is included in all of the program fees.
