2026 Summer STEAM Institute Themes
Step right up to the STEAM Carnival! Campers will uncover the science of motion, light, and design while creating their own carnival-inspired games and art. It’s hands-on learning that’s full of color, creativity, and fun under the big top!
Get ready to chase the science of storms! Campers will dive into the wild world of weather through hands-on STEAM labs—creating clouds, sparking lightning, and exploring the forces that make our skies so spectacular. It’s a week of discovery that’s sure to blow you away!
Campers will uncover the science behind historic inventions, explore the age of dinosaurs, and use creativity to design futuristic marvels. It’s a week of discovery where the past inspires the future!
Step into a world where fairytales meet superheroes! Campers will dream up brave heroes and magical realms, design enchanted gadgets, and bring their stories to life through science, art, and imagination. From inventing super tools to creating dazzling storybooks, this camp shows that every great adventure begins with a spark of creativity!
Rock out with science at STEAM-Chella! Campers will mix music, art, and science as they create instruments, experiment with sound, and design colorful light displays. Creativity, invention, and festival vibes come together for an unforgettable STEAM adventure!
Get ready to shine! Campers will dive into the world of neon colors, glow-in-the-dark art, and illuminating science experiments. From music-inspired movement to dazzling creations, it’s a bright celebration of fun and discovery!
Summer STEAM Institute
What is the location of the 2026 Summer STEAM Institute?
Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary: 1871 Wallace School Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
Mount Pleasant Academy: 605 Center St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary: 5200 Lackawanna Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29405
What are the dates of camp?
June 8 - July 24, 2026; no camp June 29 - July 3, 2026
How much does the Summer STEAM Institute® cost?
$385 per week. A non-refundable $100 deposit is due to reserve your spot for the week. Payment plans available.
What is the daily schedule?
7:30 - 8:00 am: Drop-off
8:00 am - 4:00 pm: Instruction
4:00 - 4:30 pm: Pick-up
Do you offer early drop-off or late pick-up?
Yes! Early drop-off begins at 7:00 am and late pick-up ends at 5:30 pm. There is a nominal fee.
Can my child come for partial weeks?
Due to costs involved, we are only able to register campers for full week sessions.
I have multiple children who will be attending camp this summer. Is there a sibling discount?
We love when siblings attend camp together and wish we could offer a discount but, because we provide scholarships for students who might not otherwise attend camp during the summer, we cannot offer sibling discounts. We want all children to experience the joy of the arts this summer so if finances are a barrier for you, please contact us at Hello@engagingcreativeminds.org and someone will reach out to discuss options.
What will my child need to bring to camp?
Campers should come each day with a water bottle, lunch, snacks, and wear closed-toe shoes. We are up and active during most of the day, so everyone will need to stay well-hydrated. Summer STEAM Institute® has applied to provide breakfast and lunch each day to keep campers energized at Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary and North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary! We will provide updates as they become available!
My child is allergic to peanuts. Is your camp peanut-free?
No, our camp is NOT a peanut-free program.
What happens if my child has a medical emergency at camp?
All staff are CPR/First Aid certified. If our staff is unable to handle the emergency, we will get them to the hospital that you specify on your safety waiver. We will contact you about any medical issues or emergencies that occur during the camp day.
What is the counselor to camper ratio in your groups?
We have a 1:10 counselor to camper ratio in each group.
Who leads classes and groups during the day?
Each group of 10 campers will have one adult counselor who attends classes with their campers. Our counselors have been CPR/First Aid certified and have completed Darkness to Light training. Your child will be placed with a counselor for the entirety of the week. Each class is taught by one of our ECM Instructors who have been trained in our curriculum and are a part of our in-school programming. All staff and administration have passed a SLED background check.
What is the cancellation policy?
A 50% refund (excluding the non-refundable deposit) is available up to two weeks before the week of camp begins.
