Spark

Middle School Tech Camp

Spark Summer Learning - traditionally an elementary-focused STEAM camp - is excited to announce our expansion into middle school camps! Starting in Summer 2025, Spark will offer two weeks of middle school camps focusing on technology. Registration will open March 21st! 

LOCATION

Camps will take place at Holmes Elementary School

5230 Sumner Street, Lincoln, NE 68506

DATES + HOURS

  • We will have two weeks of camp - June 9-13 and July 13-17
  • Students are welcome to come to camp starting at 7:30am; our programming will begin at 8:45am
  • Students are welcome to stay until 5:30pm, but our programming will end at 3:45pm

WHO

  • This camp is specifically designed for current 6-8th grade students 

(have a younger student interested in camp, join us at our traditional elementary camps located at the same time in the same building)

  • All students are welcome - LPS and non-LPS students
  • Students with special needs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure adequate staffing meets each student’s needs. Please get in touch with us to discuss your child’s specific needs before you register. 

COST

  • $300/student/week
  • Limited cost-sharing scholarships available. Please contact Lindsay Rogers

TOPICS

WEEK 1: JUNE 9-13, 2025

Session 1: Game On! Using Coding to Create Games

Get your game on! This camp is perfect for the Minecraft master and game design dreamers!  This exciting summer camp blends the creative power of Minecraft with the innovative world of Bloxels. Campers will embark on thrilling quests and learn the fundamentals of game design. From crafting intricate builds in Minecraft to designing their own unique games with Bloxels, campers will develop essential 21st-century skills like creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. It's a summer of fun, learning, and unforgettable digital adventures!

Session 2: The Drone Zone! Coding and Drones

This exciting summer camp combines the thrill of flight with the power of coding! Campers will learn to program drones to perform amazing aerial maneuvers, from simple flights to more complex moves. Through hands-on activities, engaging challenges, and expert instruction, campers will develop essential coding skills and unleash their creativity as they design and pilot their own drone missions. This is the perfect camp for kids who are eager to explore the exciting world of drones and coding!


WEEK 2: JULY 13-17, 2025

Session 1: Lights, Camera, Action! Videography

The world of videography is huge! From newscasts to weather forecasts… from movies to documentaries, videography is a powerful tool in today’s society! Join us as we learn the basics of video production and digital editing while creating videography gems. 

Session 2: Creative Coding: Using Coding to Create Art

Unleash your inner artist and coding skills in this exciting summer camp! Creative Coding will introduce students to the world of digital art using p5.js, a powerful and user-friendly JavaScript library. Students explore coding skills as well as emerging media arts while building problem-solving skills, developing conceptual thinking abilities and creating their own meaningful works of art. 

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

  • Both camps are Monday-Friday. 
  • No half-week or half-day options available. 
  • Camp doors will open at 7:30am. From 7:30am - 8:45am, students will be supervised and provided self-guided and small group activities including coding materials, games and art supplies. 
  • Programming will take place from 8:45-11:45am and 12:45-3:45pm. A 1-hour supervised lunch break will be provided (students are welcome to participate in Spark’s free breakfast and lunch program, see below)
  • Students will attend camp all day by participating in one session in the morning and the second session in the afternoon. 
    • For example, during Week 1, your student might attend “Game On! Using Coding to Create Games” in the morning and “The Drone Zone! Coding and Drones” in the afternoon. Or, your student may participate in “The Drone Zone! Coding and Drones” in the morning and “Game On! Using Coding to Create Games” in the afternoon. 
    • All students will attend both sessions. 
  • Although we will be spending most of our time engaged in technology lessons, exploration and projects, we will have some down time including a one-hour supervised lunch break. 
  • Camp will end at 5:30pm. From 3:45-5:30pm, students will be supervised and provided with self guided and small group activities including coding equipment, games and art materials. 

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

  • Spark’s Middle School Tech Camp students are welcome to participate in breakfast and lunch as part of camp (no extra fees!). 
  • Alternatively, students are welcome to bring their own sack lunch. Please note, no refrigerators or microwaves are available for student use. 
  • To participate in breakfast, students must be at camp by 8:15am. 
  • An afternoon snack will be provided for all students. 

REGISTRATION

Spark uses an online system called Enrollsy to complete registration. Before you register, here are a few things you should prepare:

  • Know what weeks you plan to register for
  • Name(s) and phone number of authorized pick-up person and emergency contact
  • Name and phone number of chil(ren)'s doctor
  • Insurance company and policy/group number
  • Name, dosage, and time of medications your child will need to take while at camp
  • How you plan to pay for camp
    • Spark only accepts electronic payments - ACH or credit card
    • When you enroll, you can choose to pay either the total amount ($300/week) or just the non-refundable deposit ($100/week)
      • A $100 deposit is required at enrollment for each child, each week
      • Full payment is due four weeks before each specific camp week starts and will automatically be charged to your account/credit card.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN MARCH 21ST. 

QUESTIONS

Please email Lindsay Rogers if you have any questions. 

We look forward to having your student(s) at camp this summer!