Future Scientists Discovered at Discovery Science Camps

Discovery Camps offer weekly summer programs for kids & teens 7-14 years old over a seven-week period starting in June. The camps are designed to be fun and include activities and team challenges, as well as arts and crafts. They’re also convenient for working parents, with drop-off as early as 7:30 a.m. and pick-up until 5:30 p.m.

Curriculum is guided by Next Generation Science Standards and there are activities in biology, chemistry, astronomy, forensics, physics and engineering. There are computer, horse, robotics, imagination, and entrepreneurship camps.

“My daughter loved computer camp and robotics camp!” said parent Esther Tanaka. “It definitely opened her interest to engineering, science, and hands-on projects.”

The camps are 100% self-supported and are the brainchild of Professor Steve Alas who is also director of Science Educational Enhancement Services (SEES) which supports the success of CPP science students.

Alas started the camps in 2015 and after three years no longer needed to advertise. The horse camps are run by the Arabian Horse Center and the Entrepreneurship Camps are run by the Student Innovation Idea Lab but registration for all camps is handled through the website: www.cpp.edu/discovery

In 2014 Alas looked at successful summer programs that existed at UCLA, CSU Northridge and CSU Long Beach. The directors of those programs let him sit in on training that was provided to the college students who serve as camp counselors/teachers.

“The camps are a great experience for CPP students who want to become teachers,” Alas said. “The camps expose participants to STEM at an early age and allow the College of Science to serve the community.”

Camp Counselor Blossom, which is her camp name, said, “This is an important experience for the kids & teens that they’ll remember the rest of their lives. You have a chance to make a difference in their lives.” Blossom, who is a second-year computer science student, shared that this is her first job and considers it valuable work experience.

There are a total of 22 counselors for the camps and they receive training in child behavior, and are involved in developing curriculum. For those pursuing a teaching credential, their work qualifies as teaching hours. “CPP students make such amazing counselors because of their knowledge, empathy and enthusiasm. They’re great with participants and parents,” Alas said.

“I pull from everything I’ve learned at CPP,” said Mustang (camp name), who graduated with his B.S. degree in biology in May 2023. “It’s the first time a lot of them are hearing this material. I think it sets them up to succeed in their studies.”

“We had one boy who was really into space. He already knew all about rockets and how they work,” Mustang said. “Some of them are really excited about science and others have learned to love it. I definitely see some future scientists.”

For more information visit: www.cpp.edu/discovery