2026 STEM Explorer Camps

Students will explore real inventions while discovering how technology shapes the world. Through hands-on activities, they’ll think like engineers by solving real-world problems using creativity, teamwork, and experimentation. By the end of the program, students will gain confidence, practical skills, and a stronger sense of what they can achieve in STEM.

You will select your preferred camp location and dates within the form.

Weekly Curriculum Overview

Day 1: Engineering Design

Day 2: Creating Alternative Solutions

Day 3: Simple Machines

Day 4: Computer Science & Robotics

*Day 5: Technology of the Future (AI Concepts)

*Some locations will operate as 4-day camps instead of 5 days. These sessions will run one hour longer each day, and all learning themes will still be covered across the program.

Example Activities (may vary)

Rubber Band Car
Catapult
Earthquake Tower

Upcycling challenges
Design problem-solving scenarios
Engineering redesign tasks

Simple machines exploration
Marble Sashay
Rube Goldberg challenge

Sphero introduction
Battle Bots
Mini-golf challenge

Internet safety
Intro to AI & machine learning

Choose Your Camp

Jackson County: June 8-12

Laurel County: June 29-July 2

Clay County: June 15-18

Knox County: July 13-17

Additional Information:

All materials, laptops, and supplies will be provided (students do not need to bring anything)
Designed for rising 5th-8th grade student
A small participation fee is required for each camp, depending on location
We believe every student should have access to STEM learning, and scholarships are available for all camps.
Information about fees and how to request a scholarship can be found in the registration form

Rural Up connects students with hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and build real-world skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Through Rural Up, students explore STEM concepts, develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and engage in projects that prepare them for future education and careers.

What is STEM Learning?

Thank-you to our Funders

We are especially grateful to the funders who make our Summer STEM Camps possible: Spectrum Digital Education Grant, Mr. Roger Kobel, the ARC READY Grant, and the KY G.R.A.N.T. Program. Their support is helping ignite curiosity, build skills, and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers across our region.

We’d also like to thank the Jackson County Public Library for helping to supplement the registration fee for students participating in the camp held at their location.

Spectrum Digital Education Grant

Mr. Roger Kobel