A total of 170 students attended at least one of the nine Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camps hosted by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) during the summer of 2026. These camps offered exciting, hands-on activities and challenges that blended STEM-based education and fun.
“Learning doesn’t stop when school is out. STEM summer camps keep students engaged, curious and growing while helping close the summer learning gap. We are thankful for the incredible support of our community in making these opportunities possible for our students.” – Dana Silicki, Director of STEM, Service and Lifelong Learning
Most weeks, students were split into two groups and spent half of each day on one topic before switching to the other. The majority of camps were taught by members of the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program, including former STEM Campers-turned-instructors like Tristan Hernandez.
“For my daughter, STEM Camp has been about so much more than science and technology. It’s become a place where she’s built friendships, gained confidence and found mentors in the AmeriCorps instructors who made her feel seen, encouraged and excited to learn. After being homeschooled for four years, the positive social experience she had at camp played a huge role in helping her feel ready to return to in-person school. As a parent, it’s been incredible to watch her grow, and the fact that saying goodbye to her instructors is the hardest part says everything about the impact they’ve had on her.” – Cheli Clemente, Parent of STEM Camp Participant
Young Authors Unite/New Kid on the Block
During the Young Authors Unite camp, students explored their imagination and began writing and illustrating their very own book. Students learned about famous authors and practiced techniques like adding dialogue, using consistent verb tenses and more.
IALR’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) summer camp, New Kid on the Block, saw our campers creating and starring in their own production. Students learned innovative camera and lighting tricks that help make movie magic while building their confidence and communication skills.
Entrepreneur STEM/Designing the Future
During the Entrepreneur STEM camp, students got the chance to create product ideas, build prototypes and pitch their creations like real-life entrepreneurs. This camp helped students see how their dreams could become a reality.
Designing the Future offered students hands-on engineering challenges where they designed, built and tested multiple products. By using the scientific method, problem-solving skills and their own natural curiosity, students found the best way to achieve their project goals.
62% of campers received scholarships
from the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, IALR or Danville Church and Community Based Tutorial Program.
Wings, Stings & Things/Dragons
IALR’s Wings, Stings & Things camp introduced students to the exciting and interesting world of insects. Campers discovered the impact insects have on our world through a series of activities, experiments, games and projects.
During the Dragons camp, students used their imagination to create their own dragon characters and fantasy worlds. Through different projects, writing and experiments, campers brought their dragons to life and then showcased their art in the Dragon Parade.
Service Learning
Thanks to funding from the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region, IALR provided 39 students with an exciting service-learning experience.
During these three service-learning camps, students discovered how they could make a difference in their community. Students traveled off campus to participate in several activities at places such as the Danville Science Center, Owens Farm, Dan Daniel Memorial Park, The Salvation Army, Camp Selah and Changing Lives. This experience showed our campers that they can make a positive impact on their community, no matter how old they are.
“The Community Foundation of the Dan River region was more than happy to support the service learning camps at IALR this summer through the Daly Family Impact Fund. We believe instilling values of service learning in tomorrow’s leaders is imperative to the development of a vibrant society, and so supporting the camps at IALR was an easy decision.” – Dan Hayes, Executive Director at The Community Foundation of the Dan River Region
Makers Playground
The DIY camp, Makers Playground, provided students with fun, budget-friendly ways to create art with everyday materials and simple tools. Campers made personalized art, room décor and much more. Makers Playground encouraged students to experiment and solve problems while expressing their own style. By learning simple ways to create something on their own, IALR’s campers became more creative and confident while inspiring one another.
Game On/LEGO Adventures
During the Game On camp, students designed their very own video game truck. From budgeting to building their trucks from the ground up, students experienced the world like real entrepreneurs. At the end of the week, students showcased their final build to their peers during the Game Truck Expo.
LEGO Adventures allowed IALR’s young engineers to explore real-world challenges. Campers designed, built and programmed LEGO robots to complete various challenges and missions while applying engineering principles and coding skills. Campers also explored classic engineering design through activities like building a tinfoil raft and designing a lunar lander for ping-pong “astronauts.”
Human Body Systems/Art Meets Science
During the Human Body Systems STEM camp, students explored how the body works from the inside out. Students created experiments and interactive models, making STEM connections that showed them how our body’s systems function and keep us alive.
The Arts Meets Science camp gave students the opportunity to become STEAM creators and find ways to blend art with engineering, physics and technology. Through this camp, students learned how their creativity and curiosity can work together to make them see the world as scientists and artists.
