STEM Summer CAMP at The Tech Interactive

Create. Adapt. Make. Play!

Registration is now open.

Weekly Offerings
CAMP Details
CAMP FAQ

Registration now open!

Join us for the launch of our first STEM summer camp experience, where students entering Grades 2-6 will Create, Adapt, Make, and Play!

CAMP at The Tech Interactive is a STEM summer camp in downtown San Jose, California, designed for curious kids entering grades 2-6. Each week-long session runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with optional extended care.

Hosted inside one of Silicon Valley’s leading science centers, campers explore interactive exhibits, develop confidence in engineering design, and practice real-world problem solving skills through collaborative projects. Space is limited, and registration is required in advance.

In each week-long session, campers will collaborate to explore big ideas and make hands-on projects inspired by that week’s theme. They will, of course, enjoy classic camp experiences along the way, like making friends and discovering new interests, that spark curiosity and build confidence.

Located in downtown San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, CAMP at The Tech offers Bay Area families a convenient and inspiring summer experience.

Have questions about CAMP at The Tech? Email us at camp@thetech.org.

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Weekly STEM Summer Camp Offerings

BioTinkering

Each day campers will make a new product from scratch as they tinker with biology to create paints, sustainable fibers and building materials, and so much more.

A sample of activities for this week:

Bio pigment tie-dye
Kombucha leather
Bioconcrete

Weeks offered: June 15-19 and June 22-26

Ultimate Upcycle

There’s more than meets the eye in Ultimate Upcycle! Campers will use cardboard and other recyclable materials to design and build an item or device that must be able to transform into a second fully usable item or device. From a car to a robot, the design opportunities are endless!

A sample of activities for this week:

A beginner’s guide to tools
Create with Cardboard
Paper Engineering

Weeks offered: June 29-July 2* and July 6-10

*This session is shortened due to the holiday, price will be discounted at registration.

Kinetic Commotion

Make some noise! This week will have campers making their own Rube Goldberg-style device featuring traps, falls, triggers, and best of all-lots of noise!

A sample of activities for this week:

Mouse Trap simple machines
Energy exploration
Domino Distraction

Weeks offered: July 13-17 and July 20-24

Planet Protectors

The power is yours: to protect the planet! Rising 3rd-4th graders will focus on animal and habitat conservation, while rising 5th-6th graders will put on their hard hats and focus on environmental engineering and design.

A sample of activities for this week:

Weeks offered: July 27-31 and Aug. 3-7

What our Parents say:

"Children were able to do the thinking, building, and learning with the support of their lab teacher. It was very child-centered and brought out their creativity skills too!"

"The exhibits were really interactive, age-appropriate, modern and creative."

"Kids loved the exhibits and the lab was very informative and fun. All staff were extremely kind and friendly throughout our stay!"

Who

CAMP at The Tech is for students entering Grades 2-6 in the 2026-2027 school year. Campers will be divided into two groups: Gizmos (rising 2nd and 3rd graders) and Gadgets (rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders).

Cost

$700 per camper per week*

Extended care will be available at an additional cost per week ($50 8-9 a.m., $100 4-6 p.m.)

*The Tech Interactive members receive a 10% discount per week enrolled. Not a member? Join now!

*$50 off when registering a child for multiple weeks

What & When

CAMP at The Tech will be 8 one-week sessions, starting June 15 and ending August 7, 2026. Each day will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with optional extended care time from 4-6p.m. available to add on.

We will debut four themes in Summer 2026, with each theme appearing twice. Both age groups will do similar but age appropriate activities that are aligned with the theme of the week. The two age groups, Gizmos (Gr. 2-3) and Gadgets (Gr. 4-6), will mostly work separately, but there will be some time each week dedicated to whole camp experiences.

Not only will each week feature unique activities found exclusively at The Tech, all campers will also get to experience a related film in the IMAX Dome Theater, meet and engage with subject matter experts, and get exclusive, after-hours access to The Tech’s exhibits and galleries!

What’s a day at CAMP at The Tech like?

A Summer Camp Like No Other

CAMP at The Tech stands out from other summer camps in San Jose by combining hands-on STEM learning with the resources and labratories of a world-class science center. Campers don’t just learn concepts, they apply them through real engineering challenges, build original projects, and explore interactive exhibits throughout the museum, including exclusive access during times when The Tech is closed to the public.

Unlike many camps that focus on a single topic, each session blends science, technology, engineering, art, and math into collaborative, creative experiences. Families also get added convenience, with the option to pre-order lunches from The Tech Cafe, making mornings easier and giving kids more time to focus on learning and fun. Set in the heart of Silicon Valley, CAMP at The Tech sparks curiosity, creativity, and confidence every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions families have about CAMP at The Tech. Our goal is to create a welcoming, engaging, and safe experience for every camper. If you don’t see your question here, our CAMP team is happy to help.

Where is CAMP located? CAMP at The Tech takes place at The Tech Interactive, located in Downtown San Jose. Campers will spend their days exploring The Tech’s interactive galleries, classrooms, and theaters in a safe, supervised environment, as well as spending time outdoors for some activities and breaks. Detailed location information, including entrances used for camp, will be shared with families prior to the start of each session.
Is CAMP all indoors? CAMP activities take place primarily indoors within The Tech Interactive’s galleries, classrooms, and theater. Some activities will include supervised outdoor portions as appropriate, including lunch and team building games. We will be using the park across the street from The Tech, as well as our balcony and the rooftop area of the building.
Are nuts okay in camper lunches or snacks? To help keep all campers safe, CAMP at The Tech is a nut-aware environment. Campers are asked not to bring foods containing peanuts or tree nuts. While we cannot guarantee a completely nut-free space because of the nature of The Tech and other visitors, staff take precautions to minimize exposure and encourage safe food practices.
Is lunch provided? Lunch is not automatically included in the camp fee. Families may either send a packed, nut-free lunch from home or purchase lunch through the optional Tech Cafe lunch program, available on a weekly basis after registration.
How are snack and lunch time handled? Campers will have scheduled times for both snack and lunch, supervised by camp staff. Families may choose to send campers with a nut-free snack and lunch from home, or participate in our optional lunch program. Campers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, and water refill stations are available. An optional weekly lunch program will be available for purchase through The Tech Interactive’s Tech Cafe after camp registration is completed. Additional details on how to enroll and weekly menus will be shared with registered families.
If a child does not want to watch the IMAX film (too loud, etc) will there be an alternate activity to participate in? Yes. While IMAX films are an exciting part of the camp experience, participation is not required. If a camper is uncomfortable watching the film, staff will provide a supervised alternate activity during that time.
How and where will drop-off and pick-up be handled? Drop-off and pick-up will take place at a designated location at The Tech Interactive, clearly marked during camp hours. CAMP staff will supervise drop-off and pick-up to ensure a safe and smooth process. Families will receive detailed instructions before camp begins, including timing, procedures, maps and directions, and approved pick-up policies.
My child’s needs are unique. How do I communicate that with staff in advance? During the registration process, families will be asked to complete required health and participation forms through Smartwaiver, our secure electronic record system. Smartwaiver helps us protect your child’s privacy while alerting our staff to important information such as allergies, medical needs, accommodations, or other considerations that may affect participation. This information allows us to better support each camper’s experience. Additional details or context may also be shared directly with the camp team.
Are the counselors trained in First Aid? Yes. Our adult CAMP staff are trained in First Aid (including EpiPen use) and are CPR certified. Safety and preparedness are core priorities at CAMP at The Tech.

Are there any other fees beyond the price? The CAMP fee covers all standard activities, materials, and experiences included in the program. Optional add-ons, such as extended care or special programs, may have additional costs. Any potential extra fees will be clearly outlined during registration.
Are there scholarships available? At this time, scholarships are not available. As we pilot CAMP at The Tech in its first year, we are not able to offer scholarships. We appreciate your understanding and hope to expand access opportunities in future seasons.
Do I receive a discount for multiple children or multiple sessions? Yes. Families who register a camper for two or more weeks of CAMP at The Tech will receive a multi-week discount. Discount details will be automatically applied during the registration process.
Is extended care available? Yes. Extended care is available for families who need care outside of standard CAMP hours. Extended care can be purchased during registration or added later by contacting CAMP staff directly, subject to availability.
Can I drop off my child late/ pick my child up early? (For medical appointments, etc.) Yes, of course. We understand that families may occasionally need to adjust drop-off or pick-up times due to medical appointments or other circumstances. Please communicate any schedule changes with the CAMP team as early as possible so we can ensure a smooth and safe transition for your camper.
Will there be CAMP on Friday, July 3, since it is a holiday? No, CAMP will not be in session on Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday. CAMP tuition — including extended care — will be discounted accordingly for that week to reflect the shortened schedule.
What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy? We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation and rescheduling policies are outlined below: Cancellation Policy 60 days or more before your scheduled camp week: 100% of your total registration fee is refundable if cancellation is received in writing at least 60 days prior to your scheduled week. 30–59 days before your scheduled camp week: 50% of your total registration fee is refundable if cancellation is received in writing at least 30 days prior to your scheduled week. Less than 30 days before your scheduled camp week: Refunds are not available less than 30 days prior to the start of your camp week. Rescheduling PolicyIf you need to change your camper’s week, please contact our Summer Camp Manager to check availability. If space is available, changes can be made without penalty up to two weeks in advance of your scheduled camp week.
What if I still have a question? If you have additional questions about registration, logistics, or camp policies, please contact the CAMP at The Tech team at camp@thetech.org. We’re happy to help and look forward to welcoming your family!

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STEM Summer CAMP at The Tech Interactive