Week 2: July 13-17, 2026
Grades 2-3
Dinosaur Extravaganza
Turn back time with us as we explore the magnificent landscape of the Mesozoic Era. Learn about the different types of dinosaurs, what environment they lived in, Earth History and evolution, and so much more!
Eco-Art Adventures
Campers explore the natural world through creative art and scientific discovery. They investigate ecosystems, textures, patterns, and sustainability while using natural and recycled materials to create unique art projects. Through fun experiments and artistic expression, children learn how science, technology, engineering, art, and math work together to better understand and protect our environment.
Grades: 2-3
Heroes Vs. Villains
Where science and imagination collide, investigate the superpowers of heroes and villains. Campers explore real-world concepts such as forces, energy, and chemistry through hands-on experiments. Participants design their own epic superhero characters, origin stories, and plot twists. Learn how to play Disney’s Lorcana card game as part of this experience.
Shape Explorers
Discover how shapes shape our world! Campers will explore the amazing ways geometry appears in buildings, board games, nature, art, and engineering. From designing sturdy structures and creating geometric art to spotting patterns in the outdoors and inventing their own shape-inspired games, campers will see how science, technology, engineering, art, and math all come together—one angle at a time!
Grades 4-5
Creating Comics
Dive into the exciting field of comics and its unique history! This program will provide hands-on instruction with various components and terminology of comics creation. Youth will explore different formats and methods of comics, such as comic strips, zines, and much more.
Engineer Training Academy
Calling all Questioneers! Building off popular books such as, "Rosie Revere, Engineer" (Beaty, 2013), this program encourages problem-solving, creativity and invention in campers through hands-on making. Campers learn how to think like an engineer, while having fun. They learn how to dream big, fail forward and persevere, while making new friends and practicing communication and cooperation.
Electricity Science
Spark curiosity and light up your imagination! In this electrifying camp, campers explore the shocking world of electricity—discovering how circuits work, how energy is converted and used, and how energy powers our favorite gadgets. Through hands-on experiments, creative building challenges, and fun engineering projects, students safely investigate how to generate, store, and use electrical energy to make things move, light up, and buzz with excitement!
RIT School of Witchcraft & Wizardry
Are you ready to embark on a journey of creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning? Welcome to the Makers Innovators Camp, a dynamic and immersive experience designed to ignite your passion for inventiveness and problem-solving. This one-of-a-kind camp is a haven for curious minds and aspiring inventors.
Grades 6-8
Animation
Lovers of animated films, shows, and games can get a taste of what it’s like to work in animation. Campers will be exposed to the industry standard animation software–Autodesk Maya–and get to animate a variety of pre-built characters performing actions, talking, and even interacting with each other. No prior experience is required to flourish in this program.
Botanical Art & Illustration
Experience and explore the intricacies of nature's designs through your own artwork! Join us for a hands-on study of botanical illustration utilizing real plants both out and indoors. Enrolled students will engage directly with plant life and use a variety of illustrative techniques—from stippling, hatching, and coloring—in order to bring their chosen plant to life.
Dungeons & Dragons: Tigers of the Brick City
Well met, adventurers! This camp explores the wildly popular role-playing game by giving youth experience in team building, storytelling, probability, and improvisation. The possibilities are infinite as campers figure out how to work with (and around) the rules and gain confidence as they take on the role of a wizard, paladin, warrior or almost anything they can imagine. This camp is beginner friendly for anybody who wants to learn how to play the widely popular game. For more advanced players, we also offer a Dungeon Master’s Guild in this program for those that want to learn how to lead their players through a story of their own creation!
Makers Camp the SHED (8th Grade only)
Develop knowledge and skills in the SHED, a state-of-the-art facility for innovation and creativity. Each day has a different theme, as participants have fun and learn something new, as they gain skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. They complete hands-on projects in electronics, laser cutting, and 3D printing. This week-long experience will provide hands-on activities to a variety of maker technologies in the RIT makerspaces.
Next Level Esports: Marvel Rivals (7 & 8 grades only)
From beginner to advanced play, there is a place for everyone at RIT's summer Esports program. Combine in- and out-of-game activity that develops each camper's in-game performance, while providing strategies, resources and connections to help youth reach their full potential. The program is designed with the key core values of teamwork and collaboration. Develop skills for mind and body health and nutrition for athletes, and effective ergonomics practices. Learn about technology, fields of study, and careers connected to Esports. Build leadership skills and grow from competitive experiences with your teammates.
Picture Perfect
It’s time to show the world from your lens. Campers in this program explore the creative intersection of art and technology through photography. Learn a variety of photographic techniques, the technology and careers related to the field of photography. Use creativity and gain skills to tell a story and convey a message through the photographic lens.
Spike LEGO Robotics
For youth interested in robotics and engineering, this hands-on skill building program offers fun and supportive environment. Youth are guided through designing, building and programming LEGO robots. They work in teams, learning the value of collaboration and communication as they overcome challenges and solve problems.
Theme Park Enthusiasts
Description: Twists, turns, and engineering challenges await! Discover the science behind your favorite rides from motion and speed to safety and thrills. Build coaster models, design your dream theme park, and watch your creations come to life.
Grades 9-12
Dungeons & Dragons: Tigers of the Brick City
Well met, adventurers! This camp explores the wildly popular role-playing game by giving youth experience in team building, storytelling, probability, and improvisation. The possibilities are infinite as campers figure out how to work with (and around) the rules and gain confidence as they take on the role of a wizard, paladin, warrior or almost anything they can imagine. This camp is beginner friendly for anybody who wants to learn how to play the widely popular game. For more advanced players, we also offer a Dungeon Master’s Guild in this program for those that want to learn how to lead their players through a story of their own creation!
Energy of the Future
Participants engage in a week of renewable energy exploration; covering topics such as solar, wind, hydrogen, geothermal, innovative agriculture, and hydropower. Scholars explore technological systems, career pathways, and alternative ways of generating energy, improving future innovators’ curiosity and knowledge while striving for continuous improvement.
Extreme 3D Printing
Participants take their skills to the next level with this hand-on opportunity to immerse themselves in EXTREME 3D printing! They jump behind the scenes, in touring two working RIT additive manufacturing labs as active research is being conducted by RIT students, industry professionals and academic experts in the field. Witness first-hand how state-of-the-art equipment is being leveraged to tackle real-world challenges in engineering. Participants are exposed to multidisciplinary work, providing a unique avenue for introduction to the diverse engineering and design opportunities available at RIT.
Makers Camp in the SHED
Develop knowledge and skills in the SHED, a state-of-the-art facility for innovation and creativity. Each day has a different theme, as participants have fun and learn something new, as they gain skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. They complete hands-on projects in electronics, laser cutting, and 3D printing. This week-long experience will provide hands-on activities to a variety of maker technologies in the RIT makerspaces.
Medical Science Exploration
Are you interested in a career in medicine or the health professions? This highly interactive program, led by faculty from RIT's College of Health Sciences and Technology, introduces youth to key scientific concepts that form the foundations of human medical diagnosis and treatment.
Next Level Esports: Marvel Rivals
From beginner to advanced play, there is a place for everyone at RIT's summer Esports program. Combine in- and out-of-game activity that develops each camper's in-game performance, while providing strategies, resources and connections to help youth reach their full potential. The program is designed with the key core values of teamwork and collaboration. Develop skills for mind and body health and nutrition for athletes, and effective ergonomics practices. Learn about technology, fields of study, and careers connected to Esports. Build leadership skills and grow from competitive experiences with your teammates.
STEM Research Academy
Have you ever wondered what it is like to apply the scientific method as a research scientist? RIT's environmental education program staff and researchers will take you into the world of scientific discovery through the lens of real scientific work with plastic pollution in Rochester. Ask questions, design experiments, analyze data, and share your findings in this hands-on authentic research experience.