We are gearing up for an exciting summer of STEM camps at IALR! Registration is now open. You can sign up for camps by clicking on the registration link for each individual camp. Continue down the page for important additional registration information. 

Camp registration includes lunch, snacks and supplies. You may pay by credit card when you register. Credit card information cannot be given over the phone. If you are paying by check/money order, please make them payable to “IALR” and mail to: IALR, Attn: Dana Silicki, 150 Slayton Ave. Danville, VA 24540.

Registration for each camp will close one week prior to the start date or when all spots are filled. Additional camps will be posted in the future. 

For each of the events below, campers will participate in both topics, spending half their day in each topic. Campers will be split into two groups of 16 based on their age. Camp activities are from 8:30AM – 4:30PM.  Participants must be signed in and out daily. Participants should arrive no earlier than 8:15AM and must be picked up no later than 4:40PM.

June 12-16: Redstone, Robots, and Racing
  • Dates: June 12-16, 2023
  • For: Rising 9th-10th graders
  • Maximum participants: 16
  • Cost: free 

Online Registration

Campers will be split into two groups based on their age and spend half their day in each topic. 

GCAPS and GO-TEC 

Youth will build an artificial intelligence Racing Robot while learning skills in math, computers, simulation, 3D printing, laser cutting and experimental design. There will also be a field trip to GCAPS. This camp is sponsored by GCAPS (The Global Center for Automotive Performance Simulation), GO Virginia, and GO TEC™ (Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers). 

Redstone and Robots 

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to design and build a robot? Wonder no longer. At the Robotics and Redstone camp, you’ll go through a variety of activities to help prepare you for a future in programming and design. Take your robots to the next level by designing a plethora of bots such as: the stairclimber, the gap crosser, or the drag racer. But wait, there’s more! Minecraft has been a beloved activity for many since childhood. Test your knowledge of the block world to learn how to program and build using Redstone! We’ll conduct a variety of challenges to stretch your Redstone expertise to the limit.  

June 19-23: Would you Survive/Building Buddies
  • June 19- June 23, 2023
  • For: rising 3rd-8th graders
  • Maximum participants: 32
  • Cost: $160 

Online Registration

Campers will be split into two groups of 16 based on their age and spend half their day in each topic. 

Would you Survive 

Imagine being stranded and your survival depended on your reading comprehension and knowledge of mathematical problems. How would you survive? As we take on this difficult task, we will be experimenting with different ways to understand reading passages and different ways to solve math problems. Are you interested in different obstacles and scavenger hunts to prepare you for survival? Join our camp and let’s see who can survive. 

Building Buddies 

There’s just something about taking time away from the hustle and bustle to sit down and DISCONNECT. Let’s get back to the “Basics of Play.” to build a better community, one brick at a time!  

June 26-29: Healthcare
  • June 26 – June 29, 2023
  • For: rising 8th-10th graders
  • Maximum participants: 16
  • Cost: free 

Online Registration

Interested in learning more about the healthcare field? Hear from a variety of experts in the field what it is like and participate in activities such as Stop the Bleed, how to take vital signs, first aid, diabetic simulation and more! This camp is sponsored by GO Virginia and taught by Averett University nursing students, Danville Life Saving Crew and Sovah Health. 

**This camp is from 8:30-3:00 and meets in downtown Danville. 512 Bridge St., Danville, VA 24540

June 26-30: Makerspace/Inventor’s League
  • June 26 – June 30, 2023
  • For: rising 3rd-8th graders
  • Maximum participants: 32
  • Cost: $160

Online Registration

Campers will be split into two groups of 16 based on their age and spend half their day in each topic. 

Makerspace 

The engaging, hands-on activities in this camp allow students to explore, learn, and have fun while using their creativity and problem-solving skills. With lots of opportunities to create, explore, and design, campers will use their critical thinking skills and creativity to complete exciting challenges. Campers will also engage in crafts and free exploration with a variety of art supplies and building materials. 

Inventor’s League – Prototyping for the Future! 

Become an inventor of the future! Learn ‘rapid prototyping’ and problem solving as you conceptualize and design a product to solve a critical global issue. Each day begins with inspirational profiles of young inventors, such as the 11-year-old who coded a robot to find victims of natural disasters. Next, research a problem to tackle in medicine, architecture, the environment, or a topic of your choosing. Once your vision is complete, learn how to draft 2D designs, create 3D models, and develop a website to pitch your ideas to the class. Student projects will be available on a password-protected Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. 

July 5-7: STEM in the Movies
  • July 5 – July 7, 2023 
  • For: rising K-4th graders
  • Maximum participants: 14 (group will not be separated)
  • Cost: $100 

Online Registration

Love movies? Love Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math? This camp is a great way to have fun linking STEM and the movies. We’ll solve problems and investigate the science behind some of your favorite movies. 

July 10-14: Reading Detectives/Cyber Spies
  • July 10 – July 14, 2023
  • For: rising 3rd-8th graders
  • Maximum participants: 32
  • Cost: $160 

Online Registration

Campers will be split into two groups of 16 based on their age and spend half their day in each topic. 

Reading Detectives 

Critical thinking taken to a completely different level! Have you ever wanted to try your hand at being a detective? Here is your chance! We will be using exceptional reading comprehension strategies, critical thinking, and close reading strategies through magnifying lenses to collect all evidence to solve the cases. Will you find the real problem? Join us to be a detective and allow your mind to evolve. 

Cyber Spies 

With the world’s increased reliance on digital data, cyber security is more important than ever! In this class you are all that stands between a group of international hackers launching cyber attacks and world peace. Through a series of challenges, students will learn to apply tools used by professional digital forensics teams to crack codes and use encryption. Working in teams you will collect clues, recover lost data and explore the tools of the trade to become the next great cyber spy! 

July 17-21: Local Government Camp
  • July 17-21
  • For: rising 8th-10th graders
  • Maximum participants: 16
  • Cost: Free

Online Registration 

Interested in learning more about local government? Come learn more about City of Danville departments including the City Manager, River City Tv, Utilities, Community Development, Fire Department, Social Services, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Information Technology, Print Shop, and the Police Departments.

Camp will meet in downtown Danville at the following times:

  • Monday, July 17: 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Tuesday, July 18; Wednesday, July 19; and Friday, July 21: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
  • Thursday, July 20: 8 AM – 5 PM
July 17-21: Young Investors & Entrepreneurs/Careers
  • July 17 – July 21, 2023
  • For: rising 6th-9th graders
  • Maximum participants: 32
  • Cost: $160 

Online Registration

Campers will be split into two groups of 16 based on their age and spend half their day in each topic. 

Young Investors & Entrepreneurs 

Teach your kids the secrets of building financial wealth and security! Whether you want to build the next great American company, become a Wall Street tycoon or be the millionaire next door by investing wisely, this camp is for you! In this course, you will learn the basics of investing in the stock market, the difference between assets and liabilities, the importance of diversification and how to evaluate companies. You will also develop your own business plan and present your ideas to your peers to compete for their investments in a mock Shark Tank-style activity. 

Careers 

Campers will be inspired to pursue their goals by exploring a variety of careers. Campers will also learn about the pathways that lead to different fields and how to use their hobbies and interests to determine what careers best suit them. Let’s dig into the details and find out what really interests them. 

July 24-28: Travel through Time and Around the World
  • July 24 – July 28, 2023
  • For: rising 3rd-8th graders
  • Maximum participants: 32
  • Cost: $160 

Online Registration 

Campers will be split into two groups of 16 based on their age and spend half their day in each topic. 

Travel Through Time 

Have you ever wondered what life was like in different decades? Different centuries? Get ready to travel through time and explore the world in different time periods through fun, interactive games and activities. 

Around the World 

Travel the world and explore the amazing places and cultures that make up our planet. Campers will learn about a wide variety of different locations around the world and the people who live in these unique, exciting places. 

Registration and Required Forms

When you register, you will receive an email with required camp forms attached within three business days. These must be returned, with payment, within five business days of receipt of the forms or you may lose your child’s spot in camp. This will be enforced to be fair to students on waiting lists as many camps quickly fill up.  

You may also download the required forms here: 

HEALTH HISTORY FORM

CODE OF CONDUCT

Photo Release

Medication Authorization Form

Scholarships

If you would like to apply for a camp scholarship, please register for the camp, fill out, and return the scholarship application within five business days. Your child’s spot will be reserved while scholarship applications are being reviewed. 

If you would like to apply for financial assistance, email dana.silicki@ialr.org or download the scholarship application. 

LUNCH

  • Monday: hot dogs, French fries, baby carrots with ranch dressing, fresh fruit salad
  • Tuesday: personal pepperoni pizza, garden salad, red seedless grapes, cookies
  • Wednesday: chicken tenders, macaroni & cheese, steamed broccoli, Jell-O parfait
  • Thursday: corn dog nuggets, tater tots, applesauce, chocolate brownie
  • Friday: cheese quesadillas, Spanish rice, buttered corn, cinnamon churros

Water and sweet tea are available at lunch each day.

Please note that the Institute Conference Center will be happy to accommodate Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free and Peanut Allergies. We ask that for any dietary needs beyond those listed, the camper brings his or her own lunch.

REFUNDS

Refunds will be given only with a two-week (14 calendar days) notice prior to the start date of the camp for which you wish to cancel registration. The advance notice must be sent via email to dana.silicki@ialr.org. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

IALR reserves the right to cancel any camp. If a camp is cancelled, a refund will be issued and electronic notification will be made to all paid registrants.

For more information or if you would like to be added to a mailing list to learn about the STEM camps, please contact Dana Silicki.

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