Explore STEM!
Explore STEM is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics summer camp designed to build interest, excitement, and self-confidence in traditionally underrepresented learners entering grades 7 or 8 in the fall.
Throughout the program, students take part in fun, hands-on engineering activities, dynamic tours and presentations connected to local STEM professionals, outdoor learning experiences, and team-based design challenges. Campers work together to solve problems, create solutions, and present their learning at the end of camp.
These experiences help students grow in problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking while building confidence in themselves as learners, creators, and innovators.
2026 Camp Dates and Time: Explore STEM will run from Monday, June 8, 2026 through Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The camp meets Monday through Thursday.
Who Explore STEM Is For
Explore STEM is designed for all Worthington students entering grades 7 or 8 in the fall.
What Students Experience
- Hands-on engineering and STEM design activities
- Outdoor learning experiences
- Tours, visits, or presentations with local STEM professionals
- Collaborative team challenges and design projects
- Opportunities to build, test, revise, and improve ideas
- End-of-camp presentations that allow students to share their learning
Explore STEM is built around active learning. Students are not just listening and watching. They are building, testing, discussing, revising, and working through challenges together.
Why Explore STEM Matters
Our program is designed to provide both support and extension. For some students, summer learning offers meaningful academic support in an engaging environment. For others, it offers an exciting chance to extend learning, take on new challenges, and explore STEM in greater depth.
At the center of the program is a strong focus on helping students feel connected, capable, and confident. Explore STEM is designed through the lens of increasing a sense of belonging within the school community.
Sponsored Through Worthington Schools Summer Enrichment Programs
Explore STEM is sponsored through Worthington Schools Summer Enrichment Programs.
This page is intended to provide general information about the program, highlight student experiences, and share photos, testimonials, and seasonal updates. Application and registration are handled through Worthington Schools.
How Registration Works
Application and registration for summer programming are managed by Worthington Schools. When yearly registration opens, families should use the district’s summer program guides and registration process for the most current information.
This page does not handle registration directly. Instead, it serves as an overview of the Explore STEM experience and a place to post current program updates.
View District Registration Information
Explore STEM in Action
Take a look at photos from past Explore STEM experiences.
[Photo gallery coming soon]
What Campers Say
Students often leave Explore STEM with new skills, stronger confidence, and a better understanding of how STEM connects to the real world.
“Before Explore STEM, I thought STEM was mostly just science class, but this was way different. My favorite part was visiting Roto because it was cool to see how people use creativity in real jobs. It made me realize STEM can actually be really interesting and fun.”
“My favorite part was using Python to fly drones. At first it was confusing, but when our code finally worked, it felt amazing. It made me feel like I was doing something real, not just schoolwork.”
“I loved building rockets because we got to design them, test them, and then figure out how to make them better. It was fun when things did not go perfectly the first time because we had to keep thinking and trying again. That made it feel like a real challenge.”
Community and STEM Connections
A big part of Explore STEM is helping students connect classroom learning to real people, real careers, and real places.
Each year, we work to provide opportunities for students to learn from local STEM professionals and community or educational partners. These experiences help students see how science, technology, engineering, and math are used beyond school.
This Summer’s Details
Explore STEM will run from Monday, June 8, 2026 through Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Additional details, including specific partner visits, featured experiences, and the current flyer, will be added here as they are finalized.
2026 Program Information
Explore STEM meets Monday through Thursday during the 2026 session. Students will spend the program engaged in hands-on STEM learning, collaborative design challenges, and experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
Registration timelines and additional summer program information are provided through Worthington Schools. Families should watch for district updates and summer program guides for the most current registration details.
Students enrolled in the federal lunch program may be eligible for discounts. Transportation, if needed, may be provided for qualifying intervention programs through the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in Explore STEM?
Explore STEM is designed for students entering grades 7 or 8 in the fall.
When does Explore STEM take place?
The 2026 Explore STEM camp runs from Monday, June 8, 2026 through Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
What do students do during camp?
Students take part in hands-on engineering activities, outdoor learning experiences, STEM-related visits or presentations, and collaborative design projects.
Is Explore STEM only for students who are already strong in STEM?
No. Explore STEM is designed to build interest, confidence, and engagement. It is a great fit for students who want support, encouragement, or a new challenge.
Does this page handle registration?
No. Registration is handled through Worthington Schools as part of the district’s summer programming process.
Will more details be posted here?
Yes. This page will be updated with seasonal details, including the current flyer, schedule information, photos, and program-specific announcements.
Who should I contact with questions?
Families can contact Robert Estice or Tony Kabealo with general program questions.
Contact Us
For general questions about Explore STEM, please contact:
Robert Estice
restice@wscloud.org
Tony Kabealo
ckabealo@wscloud.org