Each summer, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) offers in-person STEM Camps designed to spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning in students from kindergarten through ninth grade. Most camps are geared toward rising 3rd–8th or 4th–9th graders and feature hands-on, engaging activities that blend fun with educational value.
We are gearing up for an exciting summer at IALR! Registration for summer camps is now open. You can register for camps by clicking on the links below.
What to Expect
- In-Person Experience: Camps are held onsite at IALR in Danville, VA, and include a full day of programming from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Campers may arrive as early as 8:15 a.m. and must be picked up by 4:40 p.m.
- Lunch and Snacks Provided: Meals and snacks are included. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and peanut allergy accommodations are available. For dietary needs beyond those listed, campers should bring their own lunch. View the menu by clicking here.
- All Supplies Included: Camp registration includes all materials needed for hands-on activities.
- Confirmation and Required Forms: Once registered, you will receive an invoice and all required forms within three business days. These forms must be submitted within five business days to secure your camper’s spot. Download all required forms now by clicking here.
Payments, Scholarships and Refunds
- After registering, parents will receive an invoice via email.
- IALR offers scholarship opportunities for families seeking financial assistance. If you would like to apply for a camp scholarship, please register for the camp, fill out and return the attached scholarship application within five business days. Your child’s spot will be reserved while scholarship applications are being reviewed.
- Cancellation and refund requests must be submitted at least 14 calendar days before a camp’s start date.
2026 Camps
Most camps have two topics/week listed, campers will participate in both topics, spending half their day in each topic. Campers will be split into two groups, based on their age.
Registration for each camp will close one week prior to the start date of each camp.
June 1 – 5, 2026
For: Rising 2-6th Graders
Cost: $175
Young Authors Unite
Ever thought about writing a book? Let’s learn about what it takes to write and/or illustrate a book. Have a famous author? Let’s explore their motivations. Learn how to add dialogue, consistent verb tense, and word variations. Stretch your imagination to create something uniquely yours. We can’t wait to read what you create!
New Kid on the Block
Join Our STEAM Summer Camp, where kids become the stars of their own skit, “New Kid on the Block”! Imagine your child stepping into the spotlight, mastering cool camera tricks, and experimenting with dynamic lighting to create movie magic. Students will learn how cameras use light and focus for stunning shots, discover how sound shapes their videos, learn and get creative with set design by crafting unique backdrops.
Through teamwork, photography, and directing, your child will build confidence and communication skills. Campers will write storylines, take photos, and create a final presentation and act in their own production for families to enjoy. Every day brings new adventures, whether it’s designing wild props, directing epic scenes, or starring in their own show, your child will have unforgettable fun while exploring technology, creativity, and collaboration in a lively, supportive environment!
June 8 – 12, 2026
For: Rising 4 – 9th Graders
Cost: $175
Entrepreneur STEM Camp — Where Big Ideas Take Off!
Calling all young inventors and future CEOs! Students in kindergarten through 8th grade will dream up exciting product ideas, build real prototypes, and pitch their creations like true entrepreneurs. Through hands-on fun, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, campers will gain confidence, think boldly, and discover how powerful their ideas can be. This isn’t just a camp — it’s a launchpad for big dreams!
Designing the Future
In this hands-on exploration camp, students tap into their natural curiosity and problem‑solving skills as they design, build, and test a variety of exciting projects. Using the scientific method, campers investigate which materials, structures, and design concepts best achieve their project goals. Throughout the week, students take on creative engineering challenges that encourage experimentation, critical thinking, and collaboration.
By testing their ideas, refining their designs, and celebrating their successes, campers gain confidence as young innovators—discovering that with imagination and persistence, they can engineer anything!
June 15 – 19, 2026
For: Rising 2 – 8th Graders
Cost: $175
Wings, Stings & Things
Get ready to crawl, fly and buzz into the amazing world of insects! Young scientists will explore tiny creatures that make a big impact on our world. Campers will investigate insects with wings, stingers and all sort of fascinating adaptions through hands on STEM activities, experiments, games, and creative projects.
From Ants to butterflies this camp sparks a love of science while having a ton of BUGGY FUN!!
Dragons
A creative, STEM‑powered storytelling camp inspired by all things dragon!
In this immersive week‑long program, students will explore science, engineering, creativity, and storytelling as they design and build their very own dragon characters and fantasy worlds. Through hands‑on projects, journal writing, and interactive experiments, campers bring their dragons to life—egg to adventure!
June 22 – 26, 2026
For: Rising 3 – 6th Graders
Cost: FREE, application required, selected attendees will be notified by May 15, 2026
(Paid for by a grant from the Community Foundation)
This camp empowers students to become changemakers in their community through meaningful, hands‑on service projects. Throughout the week, campers explore real community needs, develop leadership skills, and work together to design and complete service initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Campers will engage in activities such as planning and creating kindness projects, assembling care kits, beautifying shared spaces, supporting local organizations, and taking part in team‑based problem‑solving challenges. Through reflection, journaling, and group discussions, students learn about empathy, citizenship, and the power of working together for the greater good.
By the end of the week, campers will walk away with new friendships, stronger teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of how they can contribute positively to their world—no matter their age.
*There are a variety of field trips to other locations during this camp, campers must be able to stay the whole day to participate.
June 29 – July 2, 2026
For: K – 4th Graders
Cost: $140
Camp Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
DIY Camp is a hands-on creative experience where imagination takes the lead. Campers will explore fun, easy, and budget-friendly ways to design and create amazing décor using everyday materials and simple tools.
Throughout the camp, students will learn how to turn ideas into reality, transforming ordinary items into personalized art, room décor, and functional pieces. From wall designs and lighting projects to upcycling and nature-inspired creations, campers are encouraged to experiment, problem-solve, and express their unique style.
This camp is all about creativity, confidence, and collaboration. By the end of the week, campers will leave with finished projects, new DIY skills, and the pride of knowing they created something entirely their own. The week wraps up with a Maker Showcase where students celebrate their work and inspire one another.
July 6 – 10, 2026
For: Rising 3 – 9th Graders
Cost: $175
Game On
Bring your imagination to life as you design the ultimate video game truck! Campers will budget like real entrepreneurs, plan their features, and build their dream game truck from the ground up. Working in teams, students will solve design challenges, make creative decisions, and prepare their final build for the Game Truck Expo—a fun end‑of‑week showcase where they present their creations to peers.
Lego Adventures
This dynamic, hands‑on STEM camp invites young engineers to explore real‑world challenges through creativity, problem‑solving, and teamwork. Campers will design, build, and program LEGO robots to complete a series of exciting challenges and autonomous missions, applying engineering principles and coding skills in fun, engaging ways.
Beyond robotics, students will face classic engineering design challenges that test their ingenuity:
- Protect an egg during a high drop using only limited materials
- Build a tinfoil raft strong enough to hold the most weight
- Design a lunar lander capable of delivering Ping‑Pong “astronauts” safely to the surface
- Engineer a space suit that can shield an astronaut from the dangers of UV radiation
By the end of the week, campers will have explored multiple branches of engineering, strengthened their problem‑solving abilities, and gained hands‑on experience as they design, test, and improve their creations—just like real engineers.
July 13 – 17, 2026
For: Rising 3 – 6th Graders
Cost: FREE, application required, selected attendees will be notified by May 15
(Paid for by a grant from the Community Foundation)
This camp empowers students to become changemakers in their community through meaningful, hands‑on service projects. Throughout the week, campers explore real community needs, develop leadership skills, and work together to design and complete service initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Campers will engage in activities such as planning and creating kindness projects, assembling care kits, beautifying shared spaces, supporting local organizations, and taking part in team‑based problem‑solving challenges. Through reflection, journaling, and group discussions, students learn about empathy, citizenship, and the power of working together for the greater good.
By the end of the week, campers will walk away with new friendships, stronger teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of how they can contribute positively to their world—no matter their age.
*There are a variety of field trips to other locations during this camp, campers must be able to stay the whole day to participate.
July 20 – 24, 2026
For: Rising 4 – 9th Graders
Cost: $175
Human Body Systems
Dive into the incredible world of human biology at our Human Body Systems STEM Camp! This hands-on, curiosity‑powered camp invites students to explore how the body works from the inside out. Through fun experiments, interactive models, creative challenges, and real‑world STEM connections, campers will discover the systems that keep us alive, moving, thinking, and growing.
Art Meets Science
In this vibrant, hands‑on camp, kids become STEAM Creators as they explore the spark where science and art collide. Campers investigate scientific concepts through creative projects that blend art, engineering, physics, and technology. From experimenting with color and light to building moving creations and designing imaginative structures, students discover how creativity and curiosity work together.
This camp encourages self‑expression, problem‑solving, and innovation—helping kids see the world as artists and scientists. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to design, build, test, and create in exciting, colorful ways!
July 27 – 31, 2026
For: Rising 6 – 12th Graders
Cost: FREE, application required, selected attendees will be notified by May 15
(Paid for by a grant from the Community Foundation)
This camp empowers students to become changemakers in their community through meaningful, hands‑on service projects. Throughout the week, campers explore real community needs, develop leadership skills, and work together to design and complete service initiatives that make a lasting impact.
Campers will engage in activities such as planning and creating kindness projects, assembling care kits, beautifying shared spaces, supporting local organizations, and taking part in team‑based problem‑solving challenges. Through reflection, journaling, and group discussions, students learn about empathy, citizenship, and the power of working together for the greater good.
By the end of the week, campers will walk away with new friendships, stronger teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of how they can contribute positively to their world—no matter their age.
*There are a variety of field trips to other locations during this camp, campers must be able to stay the whole day to participate.
“My two sons and two nephews had a FANTASTIC camp with all of the staff. My youngest son literally cried himself to sleep tonight because he knew he didn’t have camp again tomorrow. All four children were just so excited all week.” – Amy Scott
These summer STEM Camps are administered by the Advanced Learning division of IALR with support from the Dan River Year AmeriCorps program. These are among IALR’s many STEM activities and programs.
