What is STEM Learning?
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.
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.
Choose a Camp and Register Now
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
Cumberland: June 1-5
Jackson County: June 8-12
Laurel County: June 29-July 2
Clay County: June 15-18
Knox County: July 13-17
Harlan County: June 15-19
Rockcastle County: June 1-5
Additional Information:
All materials, laptops, and supplies will be provided (students do not need to bring anything)
Designed for rising 5th-8th grade student
We believe every student should have access to STEM learning; all camps are free to students. Registration is required.
FREE Teacher Professional Development
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FREE Teacher Professional Development 🍎
Rural Up is excited to offer two FREE hands-on STEM professional development opportunities for K–5 educators on July 28 in Hazard and July 30 in London, Kentucky!
These full-day trainings are designed to help teachers bring engaging, standards-aligned STEM learning into the classroom through meaningful, ready-to-use activities that connect literacy, science, math, engineering, and problem-solving.
Space may be limited.
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
ARC READY Grant
