Summer@IMSA 2026 – Metro East
This summer, students can engage in hands-on, inquiry-based learning through various STEM camps across the Metro East. Each camp is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and develop problem-solving skills through age-appropriate, interactive activities.
Summer@IMSA at Fulton Jr. High School
June 8 – 12, 2026 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fulton Jr. High School, 307 Kyle Road, O’Fallon, IL 62269
This summer, IMSA is excited to partner with Air & Space STEM Outreach, Scott Air Force Base, and Fulton Jr High School to bring a variety of STEM camps to students entering 1st – 8th grade. Each camp costs $150, with scholarships available based on financial need or military affiliation. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration and Scholarship Application Deadlines: May 31 or until capacity is reached.
View the camp topics:
Discovery Explorers: 1st-2nd Grade - Waitlist Only
Students in grades 1–2 will participate in the IMSA Little STEAMers program.
Through guided exploration, students will investigate science, technology,
engineering, art, and mathematics by building structures, experimenting with
materials, identifying patterns, and expressing their ideas creatively. These
activities emphasize curiosity, collaboration, and learning through play.
This session is full and is not accepting any more registrations.
Robocreaters: 3rd-4th Grade - Waitlist Only
Students in grades 3–4 will be introduced to coding and the engineering design
process using KIBO and Dash robots. Participants will learn how to program
robots to move, navigate obstacles, and complete challenges while exploring key
concepts such as sequencing, loops, and cause-and-effect. Collaborative
projects and design challenges will encourage creativity, teamwork, and critical
thinking.
This session is full and is not accepting any more registrations.
Infinity Thinkers: 5th-6th Grade
Students in grades 5–6 will explore mathematics through the YouCubed
curriculum, which promotes a growth mindset and deep conceptual
understanding. Campers will engage in rich problem-solving tasks, visual math
activities, and group discussions that highlight multiple solution strategies. The
focus is on building confidence, flexibility, and enjoyment in mathematics.
Aero Innovators: 7th-8th Grade -Waitlist Only
Students in grades 7–8 will explore coding, engineering, and the physics of flight in this engaging drone camp. Students will learn drone safety, program drones using block-based
and text-based coding, and complete flight missions that incorporate sensors and
real-world problem-solving. Collaborative challenges allow students to apply their
skills while exploring cutting-edge technology.
Inside the Human Machine: Biomedical Summer STEM Camp
Carlinville and Sparta
Inside the Human Machine is an exciting, hands-on STEM summer camp designed for students entering 7th – 9th grade. Students won’t just learn about the body, they’ll explore it through real-world challenges, creative design, and interactive experiences. Every activity is designed to spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and bring biomedical science to life in a fun and memorable way.
Students will build and test strong bone structures, design and create their own prosthetic hand, and experience realistic surgery simulations. Along the way, they will explore how the brain and muscles work together, meet and learn from real medical professionals, and develop critical thinking skills like scientists and engineers.
Carlinville, IL
Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics, 20733 N. Broad St., Carlinville, IL
- June 15 and 16
- 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- $40 per student (lunch is not provided)
Sparta, IL
Sparta Community Hospital, Broadway Plaza (Auxiliary Rooms A & B), Sparta, IL
- June 29, 30 and July 1
- 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- $15 per student (lunch is provided) Proudly sponsored by the Sparta Health & Wellness Foundation
Crime Scene to Courtroom Camp – Registration Closed
June 22 – 26, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Southwest Illinois Center for Justice and Workforce Development, 2300 W. Main St., Belleville, IL
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, THIS PROGRAM IS FULL
The Crime Scene to Courtroom program immerses students entering 10th – 12th grade in the world of forensic investigation. From analyzing a mock crime scene to presenting evidence in a courtroom setting, participants will gain hands-on experience collecting and analyzing forensic evidence while learning how scientific findings are used in legal proceedings. Through laboratory work and guided courtroom preparation, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking skills as they take on the roles of witnesses and attorneys in a mock trial. This experience-based program provides an engaging introduction to careers in forensic science and law. This camp is free, courtesy of SIU Simmons Law School.
Apply for the Waitlist!
SWIC Aviation Summer Sampler Camp
July 9-11, 2026 | $75 per student
Students entering 10-12th grade are invited to learn about the world of aviation while being led by current professionals in the aeronautics field. Learn more and view the camp schedule here.
DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, THIS PROGRAM IS FULL. You can click the link below to be added to the waitlist.
