At Timothy Christian School’s Summer Quest, learning and fun go hand in hand, especially when it comes to STEM! Our campers had the chance to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in creative, hands-on ways that brought concepts to life. From cracking codes in an escape room to launching rockets into the sky to making snow and slime, each week was filled with discovery, teamwork, and excitement.
In July, our middle school campers had the thrill of stepping into an escape room designed by a TCS alum. Their mission? To solve the mystery of a missing student. Working against the clock, campers uncovered clues, cracked codes, and pieced together puzzles. They finished with just three minutes to spare, proving that teamwork really does unlock solutions faster than doing it alone.
The following week, campers dove into geology and electricity. They studied rock layers and fossils, learning how index fossils help scientists date earth’s history. From there, the focus shifted to energy and engineering. Campers built homemade batteries with simple materials, experimented with circuits, and even lit up LEDs by configuring cells in series. They learned how voltage and current work, explored motors of different sizes, and discovered the deep connection between electricity and magnetism.
During STEM Week the campers had a project day, where they chose their own paths. Some designed mechanical projects, others continued experimenting with electricity, and a few ventured into life science by studying the wildlife in the creek. The week wrapped up with rocket assembly, where the young engineers tested their designs and celebrated their progress.
Although their first attempt at launch didn’t go as planned, our campers persevered. With patience, careful adjustments, and guidance from Mrs. Martinez, they achieved a successful launch the following week. This hands-on lesson reminded them that great engineering takes persistence, attention to detail, and gratitude to God for every step of the process.
Our younger campers had just as many exciting STEM experiences this summer!
- During Polar Bear Week, students discovered how blubber keeps polar bears warm in freezing Arctic temperatures. They also enjoyed a trip to Sandy Hook Beach, where they joined the American Littoral Society to go seining and study sea life like silverside fish, clams, and horseshoe crabs.
- On July 3rd, The Little Explorers spent the day at Liberty Science Center, where interactive exhibits brought science to life.
- Puffin Week had students making kinetic sand during STEM time, blending science with creativity.
- Campers had a blast creating slime, a favorite hands-on experiment that always gets kids excited about chemistry.
- For the final week of camp, our young learners made “fluffy snow” from water, shaving cream, and special powder.
From mystery-solving escape rooms to fluffy snow experiments, STEM learning at Summer Quest gave campers the opportunity to think critically, problem-solve, and explore God’s amazing creation. Whether they were studying fossils, wiring circuits, or digging into Arctic animal adaptations, our students experienced the joy of learning in ways they will never forget.