Summer Camp

Explore the amazing world of fossils from the comfort of your own home. Think and act like a true paleontologist as you collaborate (virtually) with new friends, make your own fossils, create a fossil sandwich, and participate in a unique fossil dig! Campers and their instructors will meet together each morning to hear about the activities for the day then participate in an offscreen activity, record your findings in your paleontology notebook, and come back together later in the morning to share what you have accomplished and learned. We will equip you with all the materials you need to complete each days activities, all you need is to come ready for a DINOmite time!

Dates: June 8 – 12
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
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Join us as we explore the amazing world of animal senses. Observe and handle creatures with extraordinary eyes, fantastic feelers, and other sense-ational senses.  Learn how animals use their senses to survive in their environment and use LEGO® Education WeDo robots to explore the science of senses.

Dates: August 3 – 7
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
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In this virtual experience, investigate the world of animal adaptations and the habitats they live in! Each morning you will be introduced to a resident VAI animal and will conduct observational studies to learn more about that species. Participate in offline activities like conducting behavioral studies, identifying species in your own back yard, and designing habitats. Meet and collaborate with new friends and share what you have learned about a variety of species, and how they survive including invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles! We will equip you with all the materials you need to complete each days activities, just come ready to learn and have a blast! 

Dates: June 22 – 26
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
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Ever wonder, “what’s in our water?” Investigate this question as you collect, test, and analyze local water samples. Examine possible sources of contamination in our waterways and come up with solutions. Build your environmental expertise as you explore ways to improve our water quality right here in the Grand Rapids area. Learn from environmental experts to better understand how all of our water is connected—and how crucial it is to keep it clean!

Dates: July 27 – 31
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
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Explore and learn what it takes to be a crime scene forensic scientist. Study different techniques used to analyze a crime scene, determine who is ultimately responsible for committing different crimes, and participate in hands-on investigations focusing on fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and more! Talk with an actual crime scene forensic scientist to learn more about this exciting career, and be ready to put your skills to the test, and solve a crime on the last day of camp!

Dates: July 6 – 10
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
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Discover the different types of renewable energy and how to use them: use wind energy and power a generator, capture solar energy to heat water, and harness electricity to drive a car. Now more than ever, energy needs to be renewable. Through hands on investigations, learn how different alternative energies can be used to power the future.

Dates: July 20 – 24
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $60
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Calling all witches and wizards! Our campers begged for more—so we doubled the magic with an expanded all-day experience! Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter as you attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—Van Andel style! Get sorted into houses, make a magic wand, and attend courses such as Potions, Caring for Magical Creatures, Herbology, History of Magic, and Broomstick Flying! Use your newfound knowledge to compete in the all new Triwizard Tournament at the end of the camp.

Dates: August 10 – 14
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Lunch: Bring your own
Cost: $120
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Explore the science, engineering, and technology needed to complete a Mission to Mars. Build and test a rocket that will travel into space! Use LEGO® Mindstorm robots to construct and test a rover to investigate the surface of the Red Planet. Simulate the role of mission control as you attempt to program your robot to complete mission critical tasks.

Dates: July 27 – 31
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $60
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Explore the world of biotechnology from the comfort of your own home! Discover and perform lab techniques (including DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, ELISA protocol, and more) used in research facilities around the world. Virtually tour a Van Andel Institute research lab and hear from a scientist who runs her own lab. Each morning you will learn about a new biotechnology technique used by professionals and run a simulation of that technique. Then, step away from the screen and complete a hands-on investigation using the technique you just learned. We will provide the materials you need to successfully complete any at-home investigations. At the end of each morning, we will gather as a large group to share results from our investigations. On the last day take everything you have learned and immerse yourself in a new biotechnology technique. Learn all about the new technique and educate your fellow campers and real scientists about the process. 

Dates: June 15 – 19
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $100
Register Now