Camp Discover

Camp Activities

Each week of Camp Discover has a different theme. Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programming includes activities and labs, educational field games and crafts, field trips and more. Missed us last year? Check out our activities!

• Week A: June 13-17 — Raise the Reef

  Key topics: marine science, coral reefs and ocean habitats

  Discover what lies beneath the waves and learn what it takes to be a marine scientist. Find out during this week of exploration science! Campers will learn about the connectivity of ecosystems like coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds, the wildlife that create such intricate food webs and how FIU scientists study the ocean.

  Field trip: TBD 

• Week B: June 20-24 — To Infinity & Beyond

  Key topics: astronomy, physics, space

  Soar into space with FIU CASE! Campers well journey beyond the stars this week as they learn about space travel, our solar system and astronomy. They will learn from experts at FIU the different ways physicists and astronomers study the stars and beyond.

  Field trip: Frost Science (subject to change)

• Week C: June 27-July 1 — The REAL Florida

  Key topics: Florida's native plants, animals and habitats

  Venture into the backcountry and explore what Florida looked like before it became developed. From the Everglades to Hardwood Hammocks and Pine Rocklands, campers will learn about Florida’s natural land and the plants and animal native to this part of the world.

  Field trip: Everglades airboat (subject to change)

• Week D: July 5-8 — Science Sleuths

  Key topics: STEM, physics, engineering design, environmental science & biology, space exploration

  During this week campers will investigate a bit of everything! From conducting physics and chemistry labs to learning how to be a field biologist, this week is perfect for the “scientist in training!”

  Please note, there is no camp on Monday, July 4th as the University will be closed.

  Field trip: Zoo Miami (subject to change)

• Week E: July 11-15— Conservation Motivation

  Key topics: conservation, protected areas, marine debris, threats to wildlife/habitats

  Calling all campers to conserve and protect! Join FIU CASE in learning about and finding solutions to real world conservation issues that impact ecosystems in Florida and around the world. From learning about marine debris to understanding water quality issues, campers will jump into the lab coats of our scientists to discover new ways to protect and conserve our resources for a sustainable future.

  Field trip: FIU's Biscayne Bay Campus (subject to change)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What to Bring to Camp
  • Lunch (if not purchased)
  • Bathing suit and towel
  • Closed toed shoes
  • Hats/sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Change of clothes
• Lunch Options

  Campers can bring their own lunch or purchase lunch from us. Our lunch program is $45/week and must be pre-ordered with registration. A lunch menu will be made weekly for campers by 8th Street Campus Kitchen.

• Camp Staff

  Staff are assigned to groups that remain constant for the duration of the program. Each group is under the direct supervision of a Lead Counselor (a professional with experience working with children), Counselors, and Counselors in Training.

  All camp staff undergo and clear a Level 2 background check and attend a mandatory training session before camp starts. Staff will be trained on FIU policies and procedures regarding camp supervision, safety and responding to first-aid needs.

  Employment opportunities for Lead Counselor and Senior Counselors will be posted on the FIU careers website. See Staff & Volunteers below for more information.

• Pick-Ups: Photo ID Required

  Please remind all persons authorized to pick-up campers (during parent pick-up and throughout the day) that a photo ID is required. Campers may only be picked up by individuals authorized on the registration form.

• Dress Code

  Campers must wear camp shirts every day to camp. If a camper is not wearing their camp shirt, one will be provided and you will be billed for the additional shirt. Campers wear their shirt with shorts or comfortable pants (no short shorts). Campers must wear sneakers - no open-toe shoes or crocs allowed. Campers ages 5-7 should always pack a change of clothes in their camp bag.

• Handheld Devices

  Campers are only allowed to use their handheld devices during scheduled experiences, and they will be required to turn off and store their devices at the end of the experience. Please label all handheld devices. Lost items are not the responsibility of FIU.

• Medical Conditions

  Please let us know immediately of any allergies and/or medical conditions your child may have and list them on the registration form. Before camp begins, be sure to submit any necessary medication(s) to the camp instructor with your child's name, along with instructions for use.

• Counselors in Training

  Campers ages 13-14 interested in a more rigorous experience are invited to participate in our new CIT program. Each week, CITs will complete a science project based on the camp theme with assistance from a mentor. When CIT’s are not working on their project, they will learn valuable skills as an assistant to the instructors and Junior Instructors. This gives them the opportunity to engage in a higher level of education, gain leadership and team-building experience, and build their resume.

  To register as a CIT, complete the camp registration and select the CIT group. Contact us at anduran@fiu.edu to learn more about the CIT program.

• Can I register all my children for the camp with just one submission?

  Yes! Please add all your campers to the same registration! 

• Is before/after care available for my child?

  Yes - early care starts at 8:00 a.m. ($25/week) and late care runs until 5:00 p.m. ($25/week). Combo care is available for $45/week.

• How old does my child have to be in order to attend summer camp?

  Children need to be at least 5 years old to attend camp.

• How are campers divided up?

  We will be accepting 60 campers maximum per week. Campers will separated into three groups based on age: 

  • Jr. Scientists: 5-7
  • Explorers: 8-10
  • Investigators: 10-12
  • CIT: 13-14 (see below for more information)
• Do I have to be affiliated with FIU?

  No! Registration is open to everyone.

• Can I arrange for my child to be together with his/her friend if they both sign up for camp?

  We will do our very best to pair your child with his/her friend, although we cannot guarantee placement.

• Can I join the camp staff?

  See Staff for opportunities.

• Cancellation Policy

  Cancellations must be requested in writing to anduran@fiu.edu. Cancellations prior to May 25, 2022, will receive a full refund with a deducted $100 cancellation fee. Cancellations after the start of summer camp on June 12, 2022, will not be eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued for missed days or absences from summer camp. Refunds will not be issued nor camp make-up days incorporated in the event of natural disasters.