Discovery Begins at Summer Camp

Each summer, every corner of the Fleet Science Center becomes a new world to explore as learning labs turn into laboratories, exhibits become hands-on workshops, and hallways transform into launchpads to outer space. Last summer, that spirit of discovery was as alive as ever.

For campers during the Fleet’s 2025 summer camp season, no corner of the science world was off limits. The 27 camp topics offered explored classic STEM subjects in fun and fresh ways, taking campers on some magical, innovative, and even heroic adventures! From Fairy Tale Engineering to the Science of Magic and Superheroes, campers engaged with science in creative and interactive ways all summer long.

Across 10 science-filled weeks, the Fleet welcomed 787 campers at the Balboa Park flagship location and in locations across the county – adding up to more than 27,525 hours of hands-on discovery and experimentation.

During those hours, campers launched rockets, engineered egg drops, tested acid-base experiments, and so much more. Many campers emphasized their love for creativity and engineering – citing building and programming robots and crafting fishing poles as their favorite parts of camp. Others cherished the hands-on activities, from forensic science experiments to growing their own crystals during a week of science wizardry!

Image

But what made last summer so special went far beyond any list of activities or experiments. Those 27,525 hours represented moments of discovery, creativity, and meaningful engagement with science for hundreds of children across San Diego County. Science wasn’t just something campers learned about, but rather, something they built, tested, and created themselves.

The Fleet’s STEM camps are designed to pique curiosity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong interest in science topics. Every time a camper asks bold questions or engages in creative experiments, they take one step closer to seeing themselves as an astronaut, engineer, or scientist. The Fleet is here to help facilitate those moments, and summer camp is one of our favorite avenues to do just that.

“We are thrilled our daughter had the opportunity to attend camp,” said one set of parents. “She talked about her day at camp as soon as she got in the car. She spoke highly of all the staff and every new thing she learned daily. It was such a meaningful experience.”

Now, we are ready to open our doors again for a summer of even more discovery. This summer, your favorite camps are back alongside brand-new subjects designed to inspire the next generation of innovators. Whether your camper dreams of engineering robots or mixing magical potions, there is a place for every curious mind this summer at the Fleet.

Registration for the Fleet’s 2026 summer camps is now open! Join us this summer and discover where the power of science can take your young explorer.

Image