Morning Workshops

1. New – Science Magic

Instructor: Michael Donovan

Session 1

Grades K-1: 9:00

Grades 2-3: 10:30

Get ready for a magical experience as we learn the science behind phenomenal experiments! We will explore scientific principles as we go inside a giant soap bubble, create glowing slime, make eggs bounce, make glasses out of Jello, create underwater fireworks, write secret codes in invisible ink, change pennies into silver and gold, hold fireballs in the palm of your hand, and more. Young scientists will learn skills for problem solving, creative thinking, decision making, hypothesizing and drawing conclusions.

2. New – Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Instructor: Michael Donovan

Session 2

Grades 2-3: 9:00

Grades K-1: 10:30

Modern transportation has changed how people work and live. Have you ever wondered how an airplane flies or a boat floats? Join us on a fast paced journey as we create various forms of transportation and learn the scientific principles behind them. Campers will be introduced to STEM concepts and learn about the scientific process. Basic engineering and physics will be applied to construction of soap box derby cars, boats, planes, trains, rocket ships, and more! All powered by rubber bands, propellers, hydraulics, and imagination!

Supply Fee: $25

3. New – Adventures in Art

Instructor: Anne O’Connor

Session 2

Grades K-2: 10:30

This class is for children who love to experiment with art materials. We will emphasize techniques that create surprising and exciting effects and rich textures, such as marbling, monoprints, painted-paper collages, melted-crayon drawings, scratchboard and more. We’ll draw, paint, sculpt, squirt, swirl, roll and stamp and let the element of discovery enhance our creativity. We’ll also create animations with some of our drawings and collages to see our art in motion!

4. New – DoodleMatic Game Maker

Instructor: Angela Horstman

Session 1

Grades 1-3: 9:00

Grades K-2: 10:30

This class is for anyone who has ever said “I want to be a game designer” or “I want to see my picture move!” In this class campers will create their own video games by drawing on paper, with markers, and taking a picture in the innovative DoodleMatic app! Their design will come to life and become a playable game on the iPads, no coding skills needed. Campers will learn the basics of game mechanics and steam concepts while making a series of games, characters, stories, drawings, and fun hands on activities. The class will use a story telling framework, connecting literacy and game design, by linking concepts like characters and avatars, settings and worlds, and conflicts and hazards. Campers will have special access to DoodleMatic power-ups to give them the ability to add additional features to their games. Finally we will experiment with making games using fun materials like colored paper, fabric, candy, stickers, buttons, and more!

DoodleMatic Fee: $25

5. Little Fashionistas

Instructor: Ying Su

Session 1

Grades 1-3: 9:00

For all aspiring fashion designers, this is the perfect class for you! A professional designer will teach techniques of fashion including illustrations using mixed media, real fabric swatches, sketches and personal mood boards. Campers will work creatively and technically while having fun and producing their own unique fashion style! All students will design and create an LED bag and a fashion top or scrunchie/headband to add to their collections.

Fashion Fee: $40

6. New – Fashion Upcycling

Instructor: Kelsa DeBrabant

Session 2

Grades 1-3: 9:00

Turn a basic white shirt or leggings into fashion must-haves! In this class, campers will learn how to take ordinary fashion “blanks” and turn them into one-of-a-kind fashion pieces. With the help of a sewing machine, hand-sewing techniques, decorative trims and patches new and existing items go from everyday to eye-catching. Campers will leave the class with a collection of upcycled items that they made and can proudly wear and share.

Supply Fee: $30

7. New – Dr. Goodbody

Instructor: Allan Pearlman

Session 1

Grades 2-4: 9:00

Grades K-1: 10:30

Your body is an incredible machine composed of thousands of working parts. In this class we will explore all of the different ways your body functions to keep you alive. You will learn life science: bones (an adult has 206) and how they keep you standing, muscles, nervous, circulatory systems and more. Understand why you get dizzy when you spin around, check your blood pressure and see how you fare in our senses, lung capacity and reflex challenges. Make your own model of edible internal organs. We will schedule an exciting ambulance tour (complete with EKG machine, stretchers, blood pressure and bandaging) as part of our emergency medical experience.

8. New – DNAmazing

Instructor: Allan Pearlman

Session 2

Grades K-1: 9:00

Grades 2-4: 10:30

Why do you look like your Mom or Dad? Explore your genetic code through exciting hands-on investigation. Your biotech lab will lead you to uncover the blueprints of life. Experiment with a tomato to extract and play with its ooey, gooey DNA. Construct, split and replicate a DNA ladder. Grow germs and make them glow a brilliant florescent green. Create a family tree and see what traits you share. Assemble DNA models out of candy (yum!). Learn how Mendel discovered traits with pea plants. Analyze DNA evidence to solve a crime. Understand the mysteries of these and other fascinating elements of genetics and how DNA is the building block of all of us.

9. Mathletics

Instructor: Kenya Paterra

Session 2

Grades 2-3: 9:00

Grades K-1: 10:30

It’s amazing what you can do with a deck of cards and a few dice… Sharpen your pencils and master your numbers skills with an engaging hands-on curriculum. In this mathematically focused class campers will be challenged through playing games, solving logic puzzles and brainteasers. Create and solve your own sudoku. We will also explore the the fascinating world of Fibonaccis to create pieces of math art!

10. The Illusionist

Instructor: Joseph Fields

Session 1&2

Grades 1-3: 10:30

Have you ever wanted to make a coin disappear, read someone else’s mind, make solid objects pass through each other or cause a rope cut in two to magically restore itself? Learn how to do this and much more by joining renowned magician Joseph Fields to uncover magic’s biggest secrets, fool your friends and be the life of the party. The delightful art of balloon sculpture will also be taught. Transform yourself into an illusionist with your personalized magic briefcase full of tricks!

Magic Fee: $40

11. Checkmate 1

Instructor: Anatoly Tonkonogy

Session 1&2

All Grades: 9:00

An introduction to the exciting world of chess. Chess enables children to develop and enhance their skills in discipline, concentration and patience. Students will learn basic opening, middlegame, and endgame strategies and how to achieve a proper coordination of pieces. Chess notation will be taught in order to review games. Instruction will establish an appropriate balance between lecture, discussion and structured play. Remember, chess makes you smart!

12. LEGOTech Junior

Instructor: John Fitzsimmons

Session 1&2

Grades K-2: 9:00

Use Legos as the inspiration to construct, investigate and communicate like little Einsteins. Students will use models to predict, observe, measure and collect data, experiencing forces, motion, energy, mechanisms and magnetism first hand. They will develop complex problem solving skills and understand the interaction between forces and motion, measurement, energy, speed (velocity) and weight (mass). This course will introduce campers to simple machines concepts while building teamwork and communication skills. They will discover basic physical science concepts such as gears, pulleys, levers, and wheels and axles through observation, reasoning, prediction, and critical thinking.

Lego Fee: $25

13. LEGOTech

Instructor: John Fitzsimmons

Session 1&2

Grades 2-4: 10:30

Do you want to know how things work? Do you ask the question “why” often? Do you dream of tomorrow? Then come and enjoy “Lego’s Simple and Motorized Mechanisms.” This course is designed to give campers an understanding of machines, mechanisms, structures, and mechanical advantage. You will explore the world of technology by studying and building projects that use renewable and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar power, water and your own body. You will investigate energy supply, transfer, accumulation, conversion and consumption through hands-on activities and exciting real life models. You are the engineer, you design, you build, you turn your dreams into reality.

Lego Fee: $25

14. New – Outside the Box

Instructor: Lionel Durant

Session 2

Grades 4-6: 9:00

Grades 2-4: 10:30

Inventors think outside the box to develop new concepts and technologies that change the world. Design thinking and the spirit to solve problems are all that you need to become an accomplished inventor. Think about how these amazing inventions have changed our lives: Light Bulbs, Computers, GPS, Microwave Ovens and Cell Phones – they all started with an idea. This course will explain how to think, act and write like a modern inventor. We will analyze the past to enable campers to brainstorm individually and in groups to discover how one good idea leads to completely new fields of explorations, patents or intellectual property. Our invention lab will have hands-on projects and materials for discovery and inspiration. Will your invention change the world? Let’s find out together.

Inventor Fee: $25

15. New – Dash Robotics

Instructor: Grace Cantwell

Session 1

Grades 2-5: 9:00

Woohoo, meet Dash, a real robot that will make learning to code fun. Responding to voice, navigating objects, dancing, and singing, Dash is the robot you always dreamed of having. Campers will use Wonder, Blockly, and other apps to create new behaviors for Dash — doing more with robotics than ever possible. Let Dash open a canvas for exploration and collaboration by unleashing your creativity as you program Dash to greet you, deliver a message to a friend, follow you on a journey, and become a true partner in fun.

Robot Fee: $150

16. New – Bright Ideas Electrical Engineering

Instructor: Daniel Jacala

Session 2

Grades 2-4: 9:00

Grades 4-6: 10:30

Light is not something to be taken lightly! In this workshop, our bright campers with experience the power of electricity through the examination, exploration, and assembly of circuits! We will talk about the history of light and what electricity is, while also performing a number of hands-on projects harnessing the power of electricity! Our electrical engineers will take a look inside a light bulb and battery, construct their own lamps, and light up the town with an illuminated city plan!

17. New – “Wizard of Oz“

Anne Pasquale, Artistic Director Regina Talbot, Musical Director

Session 1

Grades 1-4: 9:00

Grades 4-9: 10:30

This summer lets travel “Over the Rainbow” as we “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” and celebrate the 80th anniversary of one of the greatest stories ever told “The Wizard of Oz.” Join our exciting Challenge Camp production following Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man on their way to the Emerald City. We sing and dance to all of your favorites including “You’re Off to see the Wizard” and “If I Only Had a Brain” and end with a modern nod to the ingenious prequel performing “For Good” from Wicked. At the conclusion of the session, parents and campers will join us for a spectacular production.

Script, score, costume and materials fee: $50

18. New – “A Maleficent Sleeping Beauty“

Anne Pasquale, Artistic Director

Session 2

Grades 1-4: 9:00

Grades 4-9: 10:30

Before we traveled to Oz, there was Sleeping Beauty and the Magnificently Mean Maleficent. Spark your imagination, as we learn the story is not quite as you were told. Enter the realm of the Mistress of Evil as we are lead through a magical forest into her haunted castle by a madcap cast of magical ghouls, vampires and mummies. From “Once Upon a Dream” to “You Can’t Stop the Girl”, join this company for our performance that will be “Defying Gravity” while rattling your bones and leaving you smiling.

Script, score, costume and materials fee: $50

19. Stop Motion Laboratory

Instructor: Anne O’Connor

Session 2

Grades 3-6: 9:00

Whether you love drawing, painting and sculpture or whether you would like to write stories or act out dramatic scenes, you will have fun exploring the possibilities of animation. Spend a little time learning the basics of handling the camera setup and stop-motion app, then let your imagination take off as you bring your drawings to life, or create your own 3-D characters with modeling clay. You can also use small toys, or even animate real people in your films. Students will receive a digital copy of their films and can take home artwork they created while making it.

20. Photo Finish

Instructor: Liz Steger-Hartzman

Session 1

Grades 3-9: 9:00

This exciting class will teach the fundamentals of basic digital photography to capture images throughout the camp setting. Campers are required to have a digital camera or cell phone camera fully charged. Each day in class and Liz will teach you all you need to know to develop your photographic eye. Class time will be spent learning technique, shooting pictures and printing for your portfolio and weekly contests. All of the campers in this class will also take turns using a real DSLR camera. Each camper will receive a personal digital portfolio featuring their best work.

21. Fun with Photoshop

Instructor: Liz Steger-Hartzman

Session 1&2

Grades 3-9: 10:30

Have you ever wondered how funny pictures are made? Have you seen a cat’s head looking natural on a person’s body? What about the imperfect photo made perfect? In this class you will learn about all of the tools to enhance your pictures and make fun photos. Topics include basic image editing, transformation, retouching, enhancement, and compositing taught by a professional photographer. Campers will work on their own portfolios and participate in group projects. We will be working in Photoshop CC and students participating in Photo Finish will learn advanced techniques.

Photoshop Fee: $50

22. New – Memorybook

Instructor: Liz Steger-Hartzman

Session 2

Grades 3-9: 9:00

Whether you are creating a memory book from a vacation or a memory book of photos of your pets, Liz will guide the class in creating a one-of-a-kind scrapbook! Create photographic and interesting accounts of your personal adventures! As photography students, you will take print pictures and create your own photography and writing scrapbook. We will work each class to create a visual masterpiece of your life events, photos, special trips, friends, mementos, and experiences all added to your personalized books. Each student will bring home a scrapbook packed with photography, drawings and/or writings to enhance this unique experience. Your scrapbook will reflect your own interests, enthusiasm and personality… It is a wonderful way to keep your treasured memories.

23. New – Crafting with a Purpose

Instructor: Kelsa DeBrabant

Session 2

Grades 3-9: 10:30

Are you a crafty and caring camper? Spend time sewing and making crafts that give back to local and global organizations. The class will spotlight different organizations that need our support. Campers will help those in need by making crafts that make others lives better in a meaningful way. Projects include blankets, pillows and stuffed animal “lovies” for shelter animals and children affected by homeless and natural disasters. We will learn to use a sewing machine and other hand sewing techniques to make. Be sew happy and have fun while making a difference by crafting with purpose!

24. Junior Entrepreneur

Instructor: Sid Jain

Session 1

Grades 3-5: 9:00

Grades 5-9: 10:30

Have you ever wanted to run your own small business and make your own design, plan, price and sales decisions… here is your chance! Campers will enter the shark tank and become entrepreneurs building an idea from scratch and ending with a business plan. You’ll be challenged from concept to generation of a product or service including marketing and advertising. After honing your analytical, logical and communication skills, you’ll confidently present your plan to “investors” from Wall Street and raise play-money. Learning practical and operational aspects of the stock market, campers will determine the most viable businesses. Entrepreneurs will also brainstorm ideas for games and services for the annual Challenge Cares Carnival. Running the “show” takes creative talent and great enthusiasm. We need planners, organizers, decision makers and salespeople as we discuss costs and potential profits, decorate the carnival space, plan marketing/advertising strategies and ensure fun is had by all. Money raised will be used for charitable entity chosen by Challenge Camp. Last year’s class donated $2,680.00 to The Pajama Program.

25. New – Op Art

Instructor: Ana Saura

Session 1

Grades 3-9: 9:00

Op art, also called optical art is a compilation of bewildering images which play tricks on your eyes and brain. These fascinating visual illusions are a reminder that our senses are imperfect and our perception of the world is often distorted. We will examine various types of Op Art from M.C. Escher to the more modern Gianni Sarcone and discover how to make these amazing paintings and drawings that trick the senses. Your original optical wonder artwork will thrill all because nothing is what it seems in the Museum of Illusions!

26.New – Medieval Castle Builders

Instructor: Ana Saura

Session 1

Grades 3-6: 10:30

Join us on an artistic and architectural journey into the land of Kings, Queens, Knights and Dragons. Castle designs required thought, ingenuity, planning and engineering to provide maximum protection to the inhabitants. We will begin by immersing ourselves in pictures of all types, sizes and styles of castles around the world (and even a few in Westchester!) After discussing concepts of ratio and proportion you will create a foam board scale model of your own imaginative design including castle architectural features like: Drawbridge, Moat, Buttress, Courtyard, Parapet Tower, Turret and more.

27. New – Cirque de Sculpture

Instructor: Ana Saura

Session 2

Grades 2-9: 9:00

This new and unique circus inspired wire sculpture class will allow you to create lions, tigers, horses, clowns, acrobats, high wire acts or any circus performers you can imagine. Your creations will be reflected in the works of Calder, Giacometti, Picasso & Rodin. With soft and flexible aluminum wire and colored tapes, you’ll bring your modern line drawings to life in a three dimensional circus. You’ll experiment with context, outline, contour twisting and crimping of wire enhancing your artistic ability and vision while learning alteration of form, shape, angles, relationship of lines and movement. Catch hold of the wire and create your own man on the flying trapeze!

28. New – Alien Art Studio

Instructor: Ana Saura

Session 2

Grades 3-9: 10:30

Create an original modern plaster sculpture inspired by artist Mickey Paraskevas. Whomever or whatever you can imagine you can sculpt your 3-4 foot creatures, paint with wild bright colors and decorations galore! Make a 3D alien, superhero, animal or any wondrous character of your own. We will name our sculptures and write their personal back story and special qualities or abilities for all to read. These sculptures will surely decorate your room and our world.

29. Challenge Makerspace

Instructor: Michael Nathenson

Session 2

Grades 3-5: 9:00

Grades 5-9: 10:30

Are you eager to create and experiment in engineering? Makerspaces provides a hands-on, creative way to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they engage in science, engineering and tinkering. In this project based STEM class campers will work in collaborative setting and build invaluable problem solving skills. Examples of the fun engineering based projects may include building catapults, electric boats, a flashlight, pendulums, pneumatic machines, and a solar car.

Maker Fee: $100

30. Escape Room

Instructor: Sara Teimor Charles

Session 1

Grades 5-9: 9:00

Grades 3-5: 10:30

Trapped in a room with a group of friends and one way out, you must search for clues and solve several kinds of puzzles and riddles to plot your great escape. When the challenge has been mastered, you will be guaranteed laughter, a sense of accomplishment and a new respect for your classmates and their abilities. Groups will complete a series of escape room challenges together and will then design their own escape room models and games for others to solve. This is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime… assuming you ever make it out!

31.New – Game Shakers

Instructor: Sara Teimor Charles

Session 2

Grades 3-9: 9:00

You and your classmates have been invited to join Game Shakers, our game invention company that is looking for brand new products. After testing out different types of strategy, card, building and board games, you will produce your own games to become as popular as Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, Mousetrap, Guess Who, Rush Hour, Castle Logix, Ticket to Ride, or Catan. Design your board, and create your own rules and Instructions, and perhaps your game will be the new Amazon best seller!

32.New – Podcast Kidz

Instructor: Jim Weingast

Session 1

Grades 4-9: 9:00

Learn how to tell stories about your favorite topics ranging from sports, news, fashion, books, comedy, video games to discuss “on-air”. You can choose topics that go from serious to silly, from fun to frightening and everything in between. We will learn how to write, improvise, interview, and edit your own recording in our podcasting studio. We will discover the various podcasting platforms to allow you to share your broadcasts with friends and family all over the world.

33. Rock Star

Instructor: Jim Weingast

Session 1

Grades 3-9: 10:30

Have you ever wanted to be in a rock and roll band? This class is an ensemble course providing instruction for musicians who wish to experience all facets of playing, rehearsing and performing with a rock band. The typical lineup of a band is rhythm guitar, lead guitar, bass and drums with a vocalist. Other instruments can be added to any band – keyboard players, fiddle players, horns, and auxiliary percussion players to increase the soundscape of the music. Challenge Camp provides amplification for guitarists, a bassist, a drum set, a keyboard and a P.A. for lead and backup vocals. This course is recommended for campers with musical training and a willingness to bring their own instruments. Beginners are welcome to join in the fun as well. The culmination of rock band class will include a performance for fellow campers as a final project.

34. Satellite Radio

Instructor: Jim Weingast

Session 2

Grades 5-9: 9:00

Grades 2-4: 10:30

Tune in to the coolest radio station riding the airwaves. Campers will create their own radio show featuring talk radio, interviews, sports broadcasts and spinning tunes. Musicians will perform “live in our studio.” We will explore the history of radio from the great shows of old to current Terrestrial & Satellite radio as well as streaming technology. You will learn creative secrets of audio effects and the “business” of radio. The Campers will write, produce content, and record original broadcasts as well as podcasts. The Satellite Radio broadcast crew will even create “commercials.” This class includes plenty of laughs and fun while we learn. This class is hands-on, interactive, fun and educational. Camp Broadcasters will learn to record and produce their own MP3’s to share with family and friends as a final project.

35. Digital Film Academy

Instructor: Tony Ely

Session 1

Grades 6-9: 9:00

Grades 3-5: 10:30

Let’s make movies! In this interactive digital movie making class students will participate in the full creative process of developing an original professional short film. With a professional Director leading the production, campers will be part of a high quality collaborative team effort to brainstorm ideas and costumes, write, location scout, shoot, direct, act and edit their film. Campers will gain an enhanced understanding of digital media while learning appropriate and responsible use of technology to become good digital citizens. Of course, popcorn and reviews will accompany our film premier!

Film Fee: $50

36. Drone Flight School

Instructor: Tony Reid and Grace Cantwell

Session 1&2

Grades 3-9: 10:30

Our beginning drone class will explore the various uses of drones. They can be used for delivery, surveillance and security, aerial photography, filmmaking and more. We will discuss safe and responsible drone operation and local laws that apply. Campers will then fly their pre-assembled drones using Line of Sight (LOS) techniques. With practice, our new drone pilots will fly through obstacles and learn advanced flying techniques. Each camper will take home their own fully-functional drone.

Drone Fee: $300

37. Fashion Forward Wearable Tech

Instructor: Ying Su

Session 1

Grades 3-9: 10:30

Do you have interest in learning the art of fashion design from a professional designer? Join us in the fashion studio to discover the latest fashion trends including modern designs and wearable LED technology. Students will create fashion illustrations using mixed media, magazine tear sheets, fabric swatches and personal mood board designs. This imaginative course combines both creative and technical aspects of fashion design to create your own beautiful LED skirt, messenger bags and hair accessories to light up your world.

Fashion Fee: $50

38. The Illusionist 2

Instructor: Joseph Fields

Session 1&2

Grades 4-9: 9:00

Would you like to perform like Criss Angel, David Blaine, Penn & Teller and David Copperfield? If you do, this is your chance to discover the magic secrets that these and many other professionals use to baffle audiences worldwide. Join Joseph Fields this summer and learn the secrets, the sleight of hand and the proverbial tricks of the trade that helped make these professionals famous. Imagination, individuality and creativity will be encouraged to develop a personal magical act with polished showmanship. Extraordinary and advanced balloon sculpture techniques will be learned! Advanced magical secrets of illusion, levitation and sleight-of-hand will highlight this course as well as presentation and performance before an audience. Enhance your skills and transform yourself into a master illusionist with your personalized magic briefcase full of tricks.

Magic Fee: $50

39. Checkmate 2

Instructor: Antatoly Tonkonogy

Session 1&2

All Grades: 10:30

Intermediate

Suitable for students who have already acquired a working knowledge of chess. The course will focus on methods of attack and defense, on long term strategic planning as well as tactics and combinations. Students will learn useful skills such as pattern recognition, calculating and analyzing. Classroom lectures will emphasize the elements of logical thinking through a series of chess puzzles. 

40. Sumo Robotics

Instructor: Grace Cantwell

Session 1

Grades 5-9: 10:30

Bring the fascinating world of robotics, engineering and electronics alive. The students in this challenging class will learn about gears, motors, tools and components used in modern electronic devices. Then they will perform intricate soldering and assembly of mechanical and electronic parts to complete their own Sumovore Mini Sumo Robot; www.solarbotics.com/product/k_sv/. This powerful and speedy robot, using brainboards and six sensors, tracks opposing robots while staying in our class sumo ring. Get ready to battle your classmates in the Great Mini Sumo Games! Students will keep their tool kit and assembled Sumovore robot.

Robot Fee: $160

41. New – Galaxy Quest

Instructor: Sid Jain

Session 2

Grades 4-9: 10:30

During this course, we will discuss the development of humanity’s understanding of the solar system, examining contributions by Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Einstein and others. What makes Earth different from all other planets? What is NASA and what have they discovered about Mars’ suitability for life? How has knowledge about Pluto been transformed by NASA’s 2015 flyby? What are super moons, eclipses, asteroids and comets and how do they affect our future? We will discuss the discovery of over 2000 exoplanets around stars other than the sun as well as other exciting discoveries by the Hubble Telescope and the Kepler Mission. We create our own solar system incorporating all we have learned about the Milky Way, planets, moons, stars and other galaxies. We will debate if life really can exist on other planets and when humans will be able to visit them!

42. Opening Bell

Instructor: Sid Jain

Session 1

Grades 5-9: 9:00

In this introduction to Wall Street and the Stock Market class, students will build a stock portfolio and compete for the “best stock picker at Challenge Camp” bragging rights. After watching the Opening Bell at the NYSE and NASDAQ each day, our work begins! We will discuss a general understanding of stocks and cover the analytical and operating aspects of the stock market. We will begin by evaluating and selecting and buying stocks. We will review our stocks daily and debate our purchases while learning to use the tools available to assist in our decisions to buy, sell or hold each stock within our individual portfolios. By understanding how the stock market works, we will know the pros and cons of investing and how to buy low and sell high!

43. New – Adventures in the Lab

Instructor: Daniel Jacala

Session 1

Grades 5-9: 9:00

Grades 3-5: 10:30

Do you know what it takes to be a good scientist? Join us for an adventure into the scientific world where we will perform hands-on chemistry experiments! We will learn about different chemical compounds, conduct demonstrations to observe different chemical principles, and make science come alive! We will learn about exothermic reactions by making elephant toothpaste, experiment with polymers by making bouncing balls, the principles of buoyancy using common household materials, and attempt to fool our friends with some science magic! See the world with amazement and wonder as we embark on our lab adventures!

44. New – Rock the Vote

Instructor: Sara Teimor Charles

Session 2

Grades 4-9: 10:30

It’s 2020 and the Presidential election is in full swing. How does voting and an election actually work. Did you know a President has to be 35 years old? What is a Primary? What is an electoral college? We will answer these questions and more, while we engage in public speaking, debate and learn the role of the press in modern elections. We will explore activism and grassroots involvement for both local and world issues. Finally, using Clips, an interactive video recording program from Apple, students can create their own digital news stories about the key issues of the process and political season.

45. Blender 3D Simulations

Instructor: Dan Tepper

Session 1

Grades 4-9: 10:30

Blender is a powerful 3D computer graphics software toolset which is used to create animated films, physics simulations, video games and so much more. Using Blender, you can create an impossible scene by controlling and animating physics: Quickly build a tower just to knock it down and watch how it falls from any angle, Pour water into a glass cup and get the perfect, photo-realistic picture as it splashes out, Write your name in big 3D letters and then hit it with a wrecking ball – smashing it into a million pieces! Computer creativity and imagination is all you need to produce endless animated possibilities.

46. VR Explorers

Instructor: Dan Tepper

Session 1

Grades 4-9: 9:00

Introducing a new and exciting experience! Come explore the fascinating world of Virtual Reality through interactive and immersive coding techniques creating your own 3D space. Design a custom VR environment with CoSpaces adding objects, structures, landscapes and characters allowing you to experience your own historical scene or futuristic world as if you were standing in it. Use VR viewers to experience and perfect your world while helping classmates to improve theirs. The fun continues as you take home your own cardboard VR viewer, plus access to your CoSpaces account and the virtual experience you created… one that anyone can explore with the CoSpaces app!

47. FPV Drone Builder

Instructor: Tony Reid and Grace Cantwell

Session 1&2

Grades 5-9: 9:00

In this exciting technical course we will build a First Person View (FPV) Racing Drone. Building and programming are taught as an important part of this assembly process. Campers will learn how to fly from a FPV, as if you were in the cockpit and practice flying and racing techniques, including races of our own! We will address safe and ethical uses of drones and learn to be responsible drone operators and owners. Each camper will assemble and keep their own fully-functional drone and FPV goggles.

Technology Fee: $500

48. Minecraft: Challenge Camp Edition

Instructor: Geoffrey Byrne

Session 2

Grades 3-9: 10:30

Minecraft combines ultra simple graphics and game play coupled with multi player in several different modes accessible to learn at different levels. Journey from simple game play, to more complex world creation and server hosting. Students will work together to create their own procedurally generated world with an almost infinite combination or primitive mechanical devices, electrical circuits, and logic gates built with an in-game materials known as Redstone. Using teamwork to create a world from the ground up, Minecraft will serve as a gateway to enlighten students how to safely and securely utilize technology involved in game creation. Through cooperative play, campers will learn subtle life lessons about rules to be followed which affect their gameplay both on and offline. Many aspects of the computer science and information systems worlds will be introduced including but not limited to software programming, overall concepts and principles of networking and the hardware required in building these seemingly complex systems.

Please have a current Minecraft account prior to the start of camp.

49.New – Fortnite the Next Level

Instructor: Geoffrey Byrne

Session 1&2

Grades 5-9: 9:00

Fortnite has taken the world by storm. Join our squad of Challenge Camp gamers as we improve our skills and learn advanced strategies for Battle Royale competitions. Fortnite has been described as a cross between Minecraft and the Hunger Games. Campers will refine their building techniques and develop methods for cooperative play and coordinating strategies. We will practice our jubilation dances both on and off screen. Take your game to the next level in a tournament setting and be tested against the Fortnite Master himself, Mr. Geoff to see who can be the ultimate survivor… Good Luck!

Please have a current Fortnite account prior to the start of camp.

** Fortnite is Rated T for TEEN by the ESRB **

50. PC Builders Academy

Instructor: Geoffrey Byrne

Session 1

Grades 4-9: 10:30

Ever wonder what it takes to actually assemble a personal computer? In this course we will learn about each component by tearing down and rebuilding used PC’s, then we will build our own from soup to nuts! Starting with a bare case, to the motherboard, to the operating system and software involved, we will fully assemble, operate, tweak, and in the end of the take home our new blazing PC! This PC can replace that aging desktop at home.

Computer Fee: $650

51.New – Highly Logical

Instructor: Dan Tepper

Session 2

Grades 3-9: 9:00

Logic is everywhere! Whether you want to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or a major league pitcher, you make use of logical arguments to guide your decision process all the time. Develop critical reasoning skills by engaging in a variety of logic games to test your wits. Tackle grid puzzles, cryptarithms, numerical sequences, Sudokus, Ken-Kens, mazes and all sorts of devilish brain teasers. Challenge your friends and family with the puzzles that you create. All that is required is a keen intellect and a desire for fun!

52.New – LEGO Spike Prime

Instructor: Dan Tepper

Session 2

Grades 4-9: 10:30

We are excited to introduce you to LEGO SPIKE PRIME! This new innovative system integrates Engineering, Robotics and Computer Science and promotes critical thinking through playful learning. Using LEGO bricks, the programmable multi-port Hub, and a coding language based on Scratch will help you build confidence, teamwork and solve complex problems with real world relevance. In units like “Competition Ready” you will build and program robots for competitions. Join the “Invention Squad” and focus on the engineering design process to create limitless possibilities. SPIKE Prime will help campers develop the essential 21st century skills needed to become the innovative minds of tomorrow.

53.New – Go Kart Makers

Instructor: Michael Nathenson

Session 1

Grades 4-9: 9:00

Grades 4-9: 10:30

Calling all go kart enthusiasts! Handy and motivated campers can build their own fully electric racing go kart using basic tools in just four weeks! Campers will learn automotive skills and follow instructions in order to assemble a high tech life sized go kart made of PVC pipe and wood for safe racing complete with a steering mechanism, electric engine and brake. We will have easy drag races, circuit races, relay races and even Mario Kart. Campers must supply their own safety/bicycle helmet.

Go Kart Fee: $375

54.New – YouTube Content Creator

Instructor: Justin Capalbo

Session 2

Grades 3-5: 9:00

Grades 5-9: 10:30

Like and subscribe to this inventive class and show off your creative talent. Campers will develop the tools they need to create a sustainable YouTube or Twitch channel. We will learn how to create serialized content about areas that interests them. Topics explored include how to develop an audience and how to generate an on-camera personality. The course will give campers the digital skills of basic video editing and proper green screen use. Media ethics and strategies for staying safe online will be prioritized.

55. 3D Printing the Future

Instructor: Justin Capalbo & Jim Stanley

Session 2

Grades 3-9: 9:00

This course is designed to introduce 3D modeling and printing techniques to beginners. Campers will learn an overview of the components of the printer and how the process works. They will learn how to navigate a variety of 3D design software including the popular TinkerCad, Cura and Meshmixer to develop their own 3D models. In this project based course the students will learn the possibilities for creativity are endless and will take home a printer and filament to continue inventing.

Printer and Plastic Filament Fee: $350

56. 3D Printing Unleashed

Instructor: Justin Capalbo & Jim Stanley

Session 2

Grades 5-9: 10:30

Building upon the core concepts of 3D printing, this curriculum will explore advanced techniques for designing and preparing 3D models for printing, the basics of support structures, exploring exotic wood and flexible filaments, and troubleshooting common situations that may arise. The course will include more in-depth look at software tools and techniques, such as creating see-through lithophanes with images, and basic 3D scanning techniques through photogrammetry. Campers will take home their printer, filament and the exciting potential of 3D printing will be unleashed.

3D Printer Kit and Plastic Filament Fee: $450

57. Counselor in Training (CIT)

Instructor: Marcy Geisser-Wolf

Session 1&2

Grades 9-10: 9:00-4:00

This course is an exceptional opportunity to learn and train to be a counselor in the Challenge Camp environment. The course meets daily and will involve such topics as: camper socialization, assistant teaching and coaching, building self-esteem, conflict resolution and more. Lunch is provided and the remainder of the day will be spent hands-on with our campers utilizing new skills. Session 1 CIT’s will receive full CPR and First Aid certification as part of this curriculum. This course is continuous for 7 weeks and will allow you to grow as an individual with an emphasis on achievement, maturity and responsibility. CIT candidates must be 15 years of age by June 15, 2020.

Course Fee: $1,000 Session 1 or 2 $1,750 Sessions 1 & 2