Early bird price expires on Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Ready for takeoff! In the Drones program, students learn how drones fly, how pilots control them, and how they’re used in the real world - from photography to search and rescue. Kids will explore flight mechanics, safety, and navigation while practicing hands‑on piloting skills through guided challenges and fun missions. This program encourages focus, coordination, and critical thinking.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/03/2026 and ends on 04/20/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 3 to 6.
Early bird price expires on Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Can you crack the code? Students step into the role of cyber detectives as they solve digital puzzles, uncover clues, and learn how information is protected online. This program introduces cybersecurity concepts like passwords, encryption, and safe online behavior through interactive games and team challenges. It’s a fun, empowering way to build problem‑solving skills and digital awareness.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/03/2026 and ends on 04/20/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 3 to 6.
Early bird price expires on Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Turn screen time into learning time! In this program, students use Minecraft as an engaging tool to learn the basics of computer coding and logical thinking. Kids will design worlds, solve puzzles, and complete challenges by using block‑based coding concepts like sequencing, loops, and commands - bringing their creations to life one line of code at a time. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, problem‑solving, and fun!
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/03/2026 and ends on 04/20/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 3 to 6.
Early bird price expires on Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Registration for this schedule starts on 03/05/2026 and ends on 04/20/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 7 to 9.
Early bird price expires on Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Robotics brings science and engineering to life! Students will build, program, and test robots while learning how motors, sensors, and simple code work together. Through team challenges and problem‑solving missions, kids will explore engineering concepts, learn to troubleshoot, and gain confidence as they watch their robots move, react, and complete tasks.
Registration for this schedule starts on 02/03/2026 and ends on 04/20/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 3 to 6.
Early bird price expires on Apr 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Registration for this schedule starts on 03/05/2026 and ends on 04/20/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 7 to 9.
2026 STEM Programs are Generously Sponsored by the Utica City School District!
STEM Elementary Day Camps (Grades 3–6)
Students in grades 3–6 can take part in our STEM Circuit series, where each week features a hands‑on STEM theme. Students may apply for their preferred camps with final placement in camp or wait list to be confirmed via email. Due to limited capacity, all camps that have more application requests than slots by April 20th, 2026 will default to a fair lottery system to place as many students as possible. Parents can expect to receive an email with information regarding their students placement in desired programs and/or waitlist.
Programs run Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.
1. Coding with Minecraft
Kids use the world of Minecraft to learn coding basics, build challenges, and solve puzzles. This camp combines creativity with logic as campers design structures, automate systems, and bring their ideas to life in a safe, guided environment.
2. Robotics
Campers learn how robots move, sense, and think. They work with age‑appropriate robotics kits to design, build, and program robots to complete challenges, navigate mazes, and perform tasks.
3. Drones
Students explore the science of flight and the technology behind drones. With guided practice and safety instruction, campers learn how drones work, experiment with flight challenges, and discover real‑world drone applications.
4. Cyber “Hack‑A‑Thon”
This kid‑friendly cybersecurity week introduces campers to coding puzzles, digital safety, logic challenges, and problem‑solving missions. They learn how to protect information and think like ethical digital detectives.
STEM Middle School Day Camps (Grades 7–9)
For older learners, grades 7–9 can dive deeper through our STEM Intensives, offered in two advanced themes. Students may apply for 1 or both camps with final placement in camp or wait list to be confirmed via email. Due to limited capacity, all camps that have more application requests than slots by April 20th, 2026 will default to a fair lottery system to place as many students as possible. Parents can expect to receive an email with information regarding their students placement in desired programs and/or waitlist.
1. Rovers + Robotics
A hands‑on introduction to robotics where middle school students build, code, and explore how robots work - all in a fun, supportive environment.
2. Rocketry + Aerospace Engineering
Generously Sponsored by Cornell University's New York Consortium for Space Technology!
Students in grades 7–8 design, 3D‑print, and launch their own rocket payloads while exploring real aerospace engineering tools like CAD and additive manufacturing.
Please contact Griffiss Institute if you have any questions.