Summer@IMSA

Summer is a time to thrive!

Online registration for Summer@IMSA 2025 opens on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 12pm. Mark your calendar and don’t miss out!

The STEM-based curricula for these programs are created by IMSA Curriculum Specialists and are aligned with NGSS science and engineering standards and practices. Programs are taught by our Curriculum Specialists, IMSA faculty, college education interns, area educators, and some IMSA STEMbassadors students. IMSA STEMbassadors students and regional volunteers work as group leaders in our programs to support learning and provide a near-peer learning model.

Register your child for the grade they will be entering in the 2025-2026 school year. Please visit the description page for the program in which you are interested. A link to our online registration system will be posted on the page once registration opens on Monday, February 3 at 12pm CST for Aurora programs. The following websites may be helpful when reviewing camp and registration information:

If you have questions regarding Summer@IMSA, contact our team at studentenrichment@imsa.edu or 630.907.5987.


June 9-13, 2025

Did you know that the wings of a butterfly have patterns that help them blend into their surroundings? In Pattern Lab: Where Math and Science Meet!, 1st and 2nd graders will embark on a fun-filled adventure exploring the magic of patterns through math and science! Campers will uncover how patterns appear in shapes, numbers, and designs all around us. They’ll play exciting games, solve tricky puzzles, and create beautiful art, all while learning how math and science work together to form patterns. With hands-on activities and imaginative creations, kids will use their problem-solving skills to explore patterns in everything from nature to music, discovering that math and science are everywhere, just waiting to be uncovered! Camp takes place on IMSA's campus in Aurora from 8:30am to 11:30am.

Register Today!

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship

Ready to become a junior scientist and unlock the mysteries of chemistry? In this exciting STEM-based summer camp for 3rd and 4th graders, campers will dive into the world of chemistry through hands-on experiments and cool investigations! They’ll explore basic chemistry principles, learn how to design and carry out experiments, and become real-life problem-solvers. From testing reactions to analyzing results, campers will take on the role of experts, solving fun challenges and conducting experiments to gather and interpret data. With plenty of chances to apply their new skills in simulations, kids will make evidence-based decisions and share their discoveries in a variety of exciting settings. Get ready for a summer of science, fun, and hands-on learning! Camp takes place on IMSA's campus in Aurora from 8:30am to 11:30am.

Register Today!

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship


June 23-27, 2025

Ready to join the Fire Academy Rescue and become a hero in the world of fire safety? In this thrilling STEM-based summer camp for 5th and 6th graders, campers will explore the science of fire, rescue tactics, and the latest innovations in fire rescue! Through hands-on activities, they’ll learn how fire starts, how to control it, and how to think strategically in fire rescue situations. Campers will use math to calculate distances for rescue missions, develop problem-solving skills, and sharpen their writing as they create and analyze shift reports. Get ready for a high-energy adventure where science, strategy, and teamwork come together to save the day! Camp takes places on IMSA's campus in Aurora and runs two identical sessions. The AM session runs from 8:30-11:30am and the PM session runs from 12:30-3:30pm. Individual campers should only attend one session per camp.

Register for the AM Camp Session

Register for the PM Camp Session

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship

Ever wondered how planes stay in the sky or what makes airports run smoothly? In this thrilling STEM-based summer camp for 7th and 8th graders, campers will dive into the exciting world of aviation! From designing and assembling aircraft to exploring airport structures and runway layouts, they’ll get a hands-on look at how planes are built and flown. Campers will also learn about navigation, air traffic control, and how airlines operate efficiently, all while understanding the economic and environmental impact aviation has on our world. Get ready for takeoff—this camp will have you soaring high with knowledge and flying through fun challenges! Camp takes places on IMSA's campus in Aurora and runs two identical sessions. The AM session runs from 8:30-11:30am and the PM session runs from 12:30-3:30pm. Individual campers should only attend one session per camp.

Register for the AM Camp Session

Register for the PM Camp Session

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship


July 7-11, 2025

Can you design something that solves a problem in a creative way? In this hands-on STEM summer camp for 1st and 2nd graders, campers will team up to imagine, design, and construct innovative projects while exploring the world of engineering. Through engaging design challenges, they’ll learn important skills such as brainstorming solutions, testing prototypes, refining their ideas, and overcoming obstacles. With plenty of opportunities to think critically and work together, campers will develop their problem-solving abilities and gain confidence in their creativity. By the end of the camp, they’ll be ready to show off their engineering achievements and tackle new challenges with enthusiasm! Camp takes place on IMSA's campus in Aurora from 8:30am to 11:30am.

Register Today!

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship

In this exciting STEM summer camp for 3rd and 4th graders, campers will dive into the engineering design process by taking on real-world challenges. Working in teams, they’ll identify problems and develop innovative solutions through hands-on projects. Along the way, campers will build essential skills such as problem-solving, prototyping, testing, and refining their designs. With a focus on collaboration and creativity, they’ll learn to approach challenges with confidence and perseverance. By the end of the camp, they’ll have developed engineering expertise and be ready to showcase their creations while applying their newfound skills to future challenges. Camp takes place on IMSA's campus in Aurora from 8:30am to 11:30am.

Register Today!

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship


July 14-18, 2025

Ever wondered what secrets the ocean holds or dreamed of building your own island? In this exciting STEM summer camp for 5th and 6th graders, campers will dive into the world of oceanographic engineering and tackle thrilling aquatic challenges! They’ll explore how humans rely on the ocean for food, energy, and recreation, and learn how engineering plays a key role in harnessing these resources. Campers will take on hands-on projects like island construction, designing solutions for underwater problems, and testing their creative ideas. By the end of the camp, they’ll have the skills to solve real-world ocean challenges and might even design their own island—get ready to become an ocean innovator! Camp takes places on IMSA's campus in Aurora and runs two identical sessions. The AM session runs from 8:30-11:30am and the PM session runs from 12:30-3:30pm. Individual campers should only attend one session per camp.

Register for the AM Camp Session

Register for the PM Camp Session

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship

In this exciting STEM summer camp for 7th and 8th graders, campers will dive into hands-on, inquiry-based activities like culturing yeast, separating molecules with gel electrophoresis, and synthesizing and isolating proteins—just like real biotechnologists! Students will explore the basics of DNA, while also learning essential STEM skills like problem-solving, data analysis, and critical thinking. By the end of the camp, campers will have discovered how biotechnology is changing the world—and they’ll be ready to take on the science of tomorrow! Camp takes places on IMSA's campus in Aurora and runs two identical sessions. The AM session runs from 8:30-11:30am and the PM session runs from 12:30-3:30pm. Individual campers should only attend one session per camp.

Register for the AM Session

Register for the PM Session

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship


July 21-25, 2025

Can you crack the code and uncover the secrets of cryptology? In this STEM summer camp for 5th and 6th graders, campers will dive into the fascinating world of ciphers, codes, and creative ways to deliver secret messages! Using their sharp observation skills and logical thinking, they’ll solve tricky puzzles, create their own encrypted messages, and learn the strategies behind some of history’s most famous codes. Along the way, they’ll build persistence and tenacity as they take on the role of real-life investigators. By the end of the camp, they’ll be expert codebreakers—ready to amaze their friends with their secret-message mastery! Camp takes places on IMSA's campus in Aurora and runs two identical sessions. The AM session runs from 8:30-11:30am and the PM session runs from 12:30-3:30pm. Individual campers should only attend one session per camp.

Register for the AM Session

Register for the PM Session

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship

What do Stone Age tools and modern carbon nanostructures have in common? A lot more than you think! In this STEM summer camp for 7th and 8th graders, campers will embark on an epic 8,000-year journey through the history of Materials Science, discovering how humans have shaped the world one material at a time. They’ll dive into hands-on activities to test, analyze, and create their own materials, exploring the fascinating connection between molecular structures and material properties. By the end of the camp, they won’t just understand the science behind what makes things strong, stretchy, or shiny—they’ll be ready to build the next great invention themselves! Camp takes places on IMSA's campus in Aurora and runs two identical sessions. The AM session runs from 8:30-11:30am and the PM session runs from 12:30-3:30pm. Individual campers should only attend one session per camp.

Register for the AM Session

Register for the PM Session

Apply for an IMSA Scholarship


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