IDEAS Tech Camp at Columbus School For Girls
Offers Boys and Girls an Exciting New Theme Each Week of the Summer.
An All Inclusive Experience!
Daily Swimming, Extended Care and Snack are all included in the weekly tuition.
The Only Camp In The Midwest With ExerGames
Campers Cannot Get Enough Of The Most Popular Game Around. Where Tech Meets Sports!
IDEAS Tech Camp will sell out each week.
Register today to secure your reservation. To preserve an incredible and safe experience, certain to exceed the expectations of both parents and campers, this camp will sell out each week.
IDEAS Camps is proud to have earned the honor of being fully accredited by STEM.org.
Why Attend IDEAS Tech Camp?
Led by experienced adults who work in education, children enjoy a safe, nurturing and fun summer camp environment. IDEAS Tech Camp offers stimulating and traditional weekly themes, complemented with an abundance of varied daily activities and traditions. Review the themes below and register today. Perfect for kids who are either experiencing camp for the first time or returning from a fun experience last summer.
2025 Date and Themes For IDEAS Tech Camp
Tech Camp Junior, Ages 6-8
Tech Camp, Ages 9-12
JUNE 9: Roller Coaster Challenge
Work on building your very own roller coaster in the morning using K’Nex and other awesome materials, then go on a virtual ride in the afternoon. Roller Coaster Design allows campers to learn and test the science behind roller coasters. After building the coaster in the real world, let’s take it digital; campers will build and see their roller coaster from the perspective of a front-row rider!
JUNE 16: Star Wars BB8 Planet Cruiser*
BB8 Adventures takes STEM to a galaxy far far away. This program combines all of the highlights from the latest Star Wars movies, specifically the newest droid, BB8 and the rest of the popular bots, which are certain to excite your camper! Each day, teams of campers (Squads) work together, with encouragement and guidance from their Jedi counselors, to customize droid-like robots and complete various Yoda engineering challenges. Throughout the week, campers will dunk intergalactic basketballs into mini hoops, play BB8 battleship, and joust in the balloon popping droid arena. Each challenge presents the campers with hands-on building and engineering lessons to help make their bots jump up ramps, roll through tunnels, and bounce over barriers. BB8 Adventures offers a friendly and collaborative environment, encouraging teamwork, sportsmanship and positivity – all while introducing campers to become active participants with today’s most applicable, exciting, and new technology.
*No Camp on Thursday, June 19 in recognition of the Juneteenth Holiday. Tuition will be prorated accordingly.
JUNE 23: K’NEX Theme Park
Step right up! Discover how we use wheels, gears, and pulleys to make things move and explore the forces that drive your favorite rides from trains to merry-go-rounds to Ferris Wheels. Using their imaginations, campers will build loop-the-loops and carousels to turn an engineering space into an amusement park. It is certain to be a wild ride as groups of young engineers drive, pilot, and wreck amazing robots through creative courses built with the always-popular, K’NEX sets. Code robots to navigate an amusement park as we build and also wreck roller coasters, giant swings and other exhilarating rides. Join us for a week of fun and learning as we take traditional theme park games/challenges and redesign them with the wonders of the K’NEX engineering platform. This camp provides the best combination of fine motor skill activities and programmable bot learning. No height restrictions for these wacky rides!
JUNE 30: Robot Racing & Obstacle Adventure *
This is a great introductory week for campers who have an interest in robots and drones, especially the racing aspects of the technology. This week will be filled with increasingly difficult relay races and head-to-head friendly competitions that will challenge the teams to communicate and strategize. Campers will also be contributing to the creative aspects of building a course themselves. Courses use two types of robots, and the integration of multiple devices and controllers presents a great collaborative environment for campers who have an excitement for technology.
*No Camp on Friday, July 4 in recognition of the Independence Day Holiday. Tuition will be prorated accordingly.
JULY 7: Speedster Drone Championship
This program is specifically designed for both the novice and experienced drone enthusiasts. This week is filled with pure action as students enjoy one of the world’s fastest growing sports, Drone Obstacle Racing. Campers will first learn about the basic safety of drone flying and the history behind drone racing as a sport. From there, campers will progress through various skill challenges and learn how to perform various exercises and maneuvers to become familiar with the drone’s speed and agility. Campers will use iPads and remote controls to navigate the drone through short and long obstacle courses.
JULY 14: Medieval Robot Battles
The Medieval Robot Battles camp incorporates the ingenuities of modern technologies, but inserts campers in a historic Renaissance setting. Throughout the week, campers will compete in some of the most exciting tournaments of the Medieval time period. This StemQuest program uses a variety of app-enabled robots that can be free-driven, programmed, and fabricated through team-oriented puzzles and challenges. While the program aims to build proficiency with gaming technology, the curriculum presents exercises that stress all the verticals of STEAM. Campers will create their unique renaissance masks, equip their robots with shields and battle artillery, and design their festival fairgrounds. Join the IDEAS’ instructors for a time-traveling adventure and learn together how modern technology may enhance the competitions of the Medieval Age!
JULY 21: Dynamic Drones
Designed for campers with little to no experience flying drones. We use the safest and most reliable drone products on the market, including the Parrot™ drones, for enhanced safety and most of all, fun. Campers learn the basics of drone technology and safety before taking to the air. Following a debrief on safety and basic flying maneuvers, young pilots will experience a program filled with excitement, challenges, and learning. Campers will also use rolling drones (including BB-8) and jumping drones to play Tic-Tac-Drone, Drone Bowling, and Duck-Duck-Drone.
JULY 28: Aquatic Robotics : Water Rescue!
Campers will be working in their Coast Guard Squads all week performing Mock Rescue, Navigation, and Exploration Missions in and around the water. Campers will collaborate on how to power vessels and boats using modern robots, build bridges to travel over waterways, and let loose with some repurposed classics that will teach the campers about forces in motion, momentum, and engineering. Campers will also chart a course with Magellan, save endangered turtles, and compete in a sailboat race. This will be a wet week for both the campers and the tech.
JUNE 9: Drone Mission : Earth to Mars
3,2,1… LIFT OFF! Join our supportive, positive and professional instructors for an exciting week of drone camp where campers will launch off to a “Mission to Mars”. In this exciting program, teams of campers (Flight Squads) will prepare drones to execute a delivery mission: bring vital life essentials to the Red Planet. While simulating missions with the Odyssey and navigating low orbit satellites, campers will hone their flying skills and programming accuracy as they travel through space towards the Red Planet. Additionally, through the use of flying drones and robotic ground vehicles, flight squads will compete by simulating realistic space scenarios, ranging from the navigation of asteroid belts and planet exploration to partaking in Martian races and mineral collection missions. Strap on your drone space belts! It’s going to be an exciting voyage!
JUNE 16: STEMQUEST: EMPIRE VS. REBELLION
Bring the galaxy from far, far away much, much closer to camp. Using custom built podracers, foam ball blasters, and rolling droid drones, campers will split into two separate groups and participate either as a member of the controlling Empire or of the elite Rebellion strike force. Teams work together in hands-on building activities to prepare for the multiple battles that occur throughout the week – all in a friendly, competitive environment. Build your own TIE Fighters, Starships and more. Create and design self-made defenses to protect home base from the opposition. The ultimate daily and weekly goal is for campers to use both their minds and their hands to eliminate the opposing team’s holdout positions through strategy and collaborative planning. At last, it is time to bring justice to the galaxy. May the StemQuest force be with you!
*No Camp on Thursday, June 19 in recognition of the Juneteenth Holiday. Tuition will be prorated accordingly.
JUNE 23: Ultimate Dynamic Drones
This program is specifically designed for both the novice and experienced drone enthusiasts. Drone search and rescue is a necessity for first responders around the world, adding a new layer of solutions to save lives across the globe. Now campers can take part in and learn from simulated missions during this action-packed, creative, and educational program. Participants will learn to fly drones and rely on their rescue team to collect vital data in specific “rescue areas” to locate “victims” and safely rescue them. We use age-appropriate and cutting-edge technology methods available for creating plans, missions, and maps. Participants will also learn invaluable lessons on how to simply, quickly, and accurately make informed and targeted suggestions for real-world positive applications. Drone safety and the social responsibilities of flying drones are included in this program.
JUNE 30 : Super K’NEX Coaster Builder*
Work on building your very own roller coaster in the morning using K’Nex and other awesome materials, then go on a virtual ride in the afternoon. Roller Coaster Design allows campers to learn and test the science behind roller coasters. After building the coaster in the real world, let’s take it digital! Campers will build and and see their roller coaster from the perspective of a front row rider!
*No Camp on Friday, July 4 in recognition of the Independence Day Holiday. Tuition will be prorated accordingly.
JULY 7: Adventures in Engineering
From simple Rube Goldberg Machines to complex autonomous systems, test your skills as an engineer in this exciting and creative camp! Explore the science of space and shape. Sketch, plan, and build model bridges, skyscrapers, railways, and much more. Test your projects to see how much strain they can take before they crumble to the ground.
JULY 14: Aquatic Robotics: Water Racers
Come check out these awesome Hydro Missions using the aid of Robot technology! Perform in swim meets, sailboat bonanza, and cargo races with ocean liners, all while dodging sharks and getting a taste for treasure. This will be an action-packed week that provides campers with endless opportunities for crafting and engineering boats and bridges, learning concepts of force and momentum in the water, and competing in tons of fun races.
JULY 21: Robot X-Games
Robot X-Games competitions leave no stone unturned. BMX Big Air! Stadium Super Trucks! Street Luge! SnowMObile Freestyle! Moto X Quarter Pipe! Campers will be crafting, testing, and racing X-Games themed gear to compete in some of the competition’s most storied events. Campers will have endless exposure to technology like Sphero SPRK and Ollie, Parrot Drones, etc. through competition and creativity.
JULY 28: Drone Racing Grand Prix
The checkered flag is out! IDEAS is taking a trip around the world to discover, build, and race the best drone courses of all time! Get ready to participate in heat trials at the Budapest Grand Raceway, race around obstacle courses through the treacherous tops of the Himalayas, and build your own world-record challenge courses for other competitors to beat. This fun-filled and adventurous program teaches teams of campers (Flight Squads) to plan their route, make speedy pit stops, and hug the corners as they compete throughout this action-packed week of camp. Flight Squads will earn the points on the circuit by recording the lowest times and having the least amount of “wipe-outs”. So, come prepared to be challenged, both as an individual pilot and as a team as we navigate the Kalamazoo Speedway and pave the way for future drone racers!
IDEAS Tech Camp Weekly Activities Include
Activities are approximately 30-minutes long and are intended to provide campers with a fun and educational opportunity to experiment with a variety of unique and innovative programs. Not every activity is offered on a weekly basis. Please check the Tech schedule for the activities being offered each week.
GaGa and Backyard Sports
Traditional indoor and outdoor sports including: GaGa, Soccer, Volleyball, Beach Games, Cornhole.
Interactive Play-Fitness Games
Get your body moving and your steps in as campers experience the Camp Rock Wall, Ninja Obstacle Course, Relay Races, Scavenger Hunts, and more.
Campers Vs. Bots
Campers must strategize to defeat the opposing team’s robots and drones from scoring points during these action-packed activities. Activities include: Bots on the Run, RoboMaster, Sphero Battles, Robotic Arm Challenge
Engineering, Architecture, Design
Get ready to extract the thrills from the video screen and reconstruct the gaming experience directly into a live setting (without the video screen!). Teams attempt to outwit and out-maneuver one another to score points during friendly competition.
Eco Innovations
Build your own Solar Oven, Circuit Powered Mechanism, or Biosphere.
Technology Visual Arts
Utilize traditional technology and robots to design, paint, and create visual arts.
Digital Media
From the green screen to YouTube productions. Campers enjoy a wide array of technology and cartoon animation.
Daily Swimming
Summer is hot so we like to cool down daily with Open Swim & Swim Games led by Red Cross Certified Lifeguards and Swim Instructors.
A Typical Day At IDEAS Tech Camp
Complimentary Morning Extended Care
(7:30am to 8:45am – included and free)
Normal Camp Hours
(8:45am to 9am)
Each Day Begins With:
Morning Meeting & Counselor Challenge Games
ACTIVITY 1
Morning Activity 1
ACTIVITY 2
Outdoor Backyard Sports or Indoor Interactive Game Wall & Fitness
COMPLIMENTARY SNACK
(Before 10:30am – included and free)
ACTIVITY 3
Morning Activity 3
ACTIVITY 4
Morning Activity 4
LUNCH
Campers Bring Their Own Lunch
All of the above is an example of a daily schedule. Activity times and programs change week-to-week.
ACTIVITY 5
Afternoon Activity: Activity 5
ACTIVITY 6
Afternoon Activity: Activity 6
ACTIVITY 7
GaGa, Create-a-Game & Sport, or Water Sports
ACTIVITY 8
Afternoon Activity: Activity 8
Each Day Concludes With:
Afternoon Meeting & Counselor Quest Challenge
All of the above is an example of a daily schedule. Activity times and programs change week-to-week.
Normal Camp Hours Pick-Up
(2:55pm to 3:15pm)
Complimentary Afternoon Extended Care
(3:15pm to 5:30pm – included and free)
About IDEAS Tech Camp
IDEAS Tech Campers will want to arrive early each day of IDEAS Tech Camp. Girls and boys enjoy a new theme each week of the summer. This one-of-a-kind summer camp strikes the perfect balance between a focused weekly tech project, interactive and daily sports or games activities, and a variety of multiple innovative daily programs. Some examples of IDEAS Tech Camp theme-weeks include: Drone Racing & Obstacle Course, Engineering Adventures, Relevant Robotics, Kids vs. Bots, Digital Media Production, Eco Innovations, Technology Visual Arts, and so much more.
At IDEAS Tech Camp, we challenge campers to expand their interests while encouraging them to open their creative minds. We emphasize individual skills, basic fundamentals and techniques, and overall well-being in a positive, safe and fun learning environment—all while developing character and self-confidence.
Our approach to teaching and hands-on learning focuses primarily on teamwork, leadership and self-confidence. Daily improvement along with the effort over results is the fundamental principle that the IDEAS Camps was built upon. If you are looking to broaden your horizons in a fun and positive environment this summer, then IDEAS Tech Camp is the perfect camp for you!
Led by experienced and creative adults who work in both education and camps, IDEAS Tech Camp provides your son or daughter with a summer camp environment specifically designed for boys and girls who want to focus on a single project throughout the week, but also prefer to extend the learning and fun through multiple experiences that provide a variety of real-life applicable technology of the present and future.
Each week offers boys and girls a new camp-theme and multiple activities, providing them with interactions, experiences and stories which will become the focus of attention during both the ride home and at the dinner table.
Activities
IDEAS Tech campers will flourish with a healthy balance between daily hands-on STEM projects and interactive high-energy daily activities that include both indoor and outdoor activity and play. Parents, you will not have to worry about your IDEAS Tech campers sleeping well in the evening as they fall asleep dreaming about the next camp day’s fun-filled, interactive, and action-packed camp day! Daily indoor and outdoor activity and play is extremely important for all campers attending IDEAS Camps and there will be no shortage each day with a lineup and variety of both timely and timeless tech games and activities.
Together with our adult-led staff, campers will have a blast working in small groups as they create, build, strategize, and challenge one another in this one of a kind tech adventure.
We believe there is a direct correlation between the movement of the body and an enhanced capacity for the developing mind to innovate and create. Therefore, each day all IDEAS Tech campers participate in a variety of play, from the enjoyment of traditional sports and games to creative play. All activities and games are team-based and challenge campers to either beat the clock or engage in friendly competition.
Our Leadership
Rest assured parents, because we are obsessed with the details of sourcing, hiring, and training excellent instructors and counselors to work at IDEAS Camp. Since 1997, our company has an incredible wealth of experience sourcing, hiring and training well-qualified professionals to lead your children, who are entrusted under our supervision and care, each and every day. All IDEAS Tech campers are led by experienced and creative adults who have extensive experience working in education and/or working in a camp setting. Each IDEAS instructor who works with your son or daughter is fully vetted and has passed local and nationwide criminal background checks, in-depth reference checks, and a behavioral personality test – all to ensure that our company core values are upheld and our expectations are fully met each and every camp day.
Moreover, we have a dedicated team at IDEAS Winter Headquarters who work year-round to ensure each camp team member is a proper fit and represents our high level of standards including: safety, experience, courtesy, respect, professionalism, flexibility, and enjoyment. Our entire team of full time and seasonal professionals is filled with persons who lead-by-example, put others before themselves, serve as mentors and friends, and lastly celebrate your camper’s effort over results.
Our Training
IDEAS dedicated full-time Talent Acquisition team works year-round at IDEAS Winter Headquarters, all of whom have children of their own and obsessed with the execution of a proven and extensive professional hiring process. Moreover, we work throughout the year to develop an immersive multi-day, 30+ hour training experience which includes teachings, materials, professional development, and lessons presented: online, during webinars, in-person and on-the-job.
Our Other IDEAS Camp Programs
Our Reviews
“I know how hard it is for the older kids to attend camp. For full transparency, my 7th grader really did not want to go to our camp this morning. However, he came home today so excited that two of his friends were in his group AND that he got to learn a new type of coding language. Here I was nervous all day and he totally surprised me when I picked him up. Just wanted to let you know since I most likely sounded the “false alarm” earlier today when we spoke in the morning. Here’s to a great rest of the week”
Jermaine D.
“Spectacular camp. Amazing. Cinthia and all of her friends attended camp last week (they were the Heroic Stemsters team) and each had an absolute blast. The camp had quite an impression on all of them since they could not stop talking about the fitness games, computer games, and counselor games they played and participated in. The IDEAS counselors provided the confidence and builds the self-esteem these girls need to feel comfortable in a mostly all boys program. I can assure you that more and more girls will be attending your camp in the future since I am now your biggest fan. Thanks again.”
Anna P.
“Your free extended care was really helpful to Dorothy and me this past summer. I cannot thank you enough for adding that as a free option. Usually, I cannot afford to send my older daughter to this high level of a camp because of the cost to attend these programs in the area. But since you include all of the free options, my husband and I can now send D to multiple weeks of your camp. Thank you for your generosity and making it affordable for all to attend.”