Investigative Learning Camp

A STEAM-focused camp for students from any school entering grades 5-8.

Exploration and play lead to serious learning at Lakeside's Investigative Learning Camp. Students from any school entering grades 5-8 enjoy morning and afternoon classes in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) realm.

Campers are taught by dynamic and fun middle-school teachers, and supported by a diverse group of camp counselors who share campers’ passion for learning.

Students can register for one or two sessions. Each session lasts two weeks, and campers immerse themselves in new topics each week.

Tuition

Session I (7/6 - 7/16): $936 (Prorated by one day; in observance of the July 4th holiday, there will be no camp on Monday, July 5th.)
Session II (7/19 - 7/30): $1,040

Financial aid is available. Learn more in this FAQ.

Snacks, camp t-shirts, and camp water bottles are provided. Students should bring their own lunches.

Lakeside’s Investigative Learning Camp will be an in-person experience for summer 2021. Should circumstances change, updates will be shared on this webpage and directly with those registered. Cancellations by participants or the school due to COVID-19 will be fully refunded.

Classes

Due to COVID-19, we cannot allow campers to choose individual classes for Summer 2021. Instead, we are offering three popular packages and will place students into classes accordingly. At registration, students will choose their package for each session of camp:

Package #1: STEM + Art (both sessions full)
Package #2: STEM + Sports (both sessions full)
Package #3: Art + Sports (limited space available)

Please email summerschool@lakesideschool.org if you would like to be added to the waitlist for a session that is full.

During registration, students will have an opportunity to indicate subject preferences. Find more information in the FAQ.

STEM courses details

Our STEM courses offer engaging, hands-on courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This package may include such courses as Programming in Python, Math Puzzles & Games, Medical Mysteries, Marine Biology, and Makerspace. Students can sign up for Session I (July 6 - July 16) and/or Session II (July 19 - July 30). Each session is two weeks long.

Due to COVID, we are not able to allow families to select specific courses this summer; however, it is our goal to match campers with some of their subject preferences when possible. (STEM subject examples: Computer Programming, Mathematics, Science, Engineering.) Find a complete list of STEM courses here.

Arts courses details

Our Arts courses offer engaging, hands-on courses in fine arts, theater, writing, and/or culinary arts. This package may include such courses as Sculpture, Actor’s Toolbox, Short Story Writing, and/or International Cooking. Students can sign up for Session I (July 6 - July 16) and/or Session II (July 19 - July 30). Each session is two weeks long.

Due to COVID, we are not able to allow families to select specific courses this summer; however, it is our goal to match campers with some of their subject preferences when possible. (Arts subject examples: Visual Arts, Language Arts, Acting, Cooking.) Find a complete list of Arts courses here.

Sports activity details

Campers signed up for the Sports Activity (part of the STEM+Sports and Arts+Sports packages) will have a chance to improve fitness, enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, practice teamwork, and have fun! This package may include such activities such as soccer, spike ball, yoga, softball, flag football, and games from around the world. Students can sign up for Session I (July 6 - July 16) and/or Session II (July 19 - July 30). Each session is two weeks long.

NOTE: The ILC sports package is not designed to be a competitive sports camp experience — the focus is on fitness and fun!

As of Dec. 16, due to COVID-19, we cannot offer Aftercare (from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.) as part of our Investigative Learning Camp. Should this situation change, we will alert all registered families and open aftercare sign-ups.

Sign up for Summer School Programs updates!

Important dates for 2022

Monday, Feb. 14 at 8 a.m.: Registration opens for current Lakeside students, Downtown School students, and children of alumni.

Monday, Feb. 28 at 8 a.m.: Registration opens to the public.

Financial aid: The program awards financial assistance according to demonstrated family need on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more in the above FAQ.