How Science Comes Alive at Pacific Science Center Camps

This summer, more than 3,900 young scientists explored hands-on experiments, outdoor learning, and STEM adventures across King County.  

Pacific Science Center’s Camps for Curious Minds provided a unique opportunity for kids’ science camps in Seattle and surrounding communities. 

Each week brought new adventures, from building robots and experimenting with chemistry to exploring wildlife and the science of flight. Every day sparked curiosity and encouraged problem-solving skills. 

Families noticed the excitement at home. One parent shared, “My kid loves telling us all the science he learned, especially about the planets.” Another said, “This is the only camp my child will do. It takes their summer experience to another level.” 

By the end of summer, families across the region told us their kids’ interest in STEM had never been stronger. 

Camps for Curious Minds reached families across the region through diverse locations, each offering a unique learning experience. 

At Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue, campers explored wetlands, studied wildlife, and connected with nature through environmental science activities. Trails and ponds transformed learning into adventure. 

In Seattle Center, campers experienced hands-on learning in the city’s science hub, exploring robotics, astronomy, and our butterfly garden. 

At Explorer West Middle School in West Seattle and St. Thomas School in Medina, students engaged in interactive STEM challenges in welcoming community spaces. These sites brought PacSci’s youth science programs to new neighborhoods. 

At Impact Salish Sea Elementary School in southeast Seattle, campers thrived in a community-focused setting, helping make science education accessible to more families. 

Together, these locations created a network of learning that connected kids to science across King County. 

At PacSci, every child deserves the chance to explore science. Through our Access to Science Pipeline, hundreds of campers received full scholarships covering registration, lunches, and afternoon care. Families in this program also received a free Access Membership, giving them opportunities to continue exploring science year-round. 

We offered 27 sensory-friendly sessions for campers who benefit from smaller classroom ratios in a lower sensory environment. We also provided 22 girl-focused STEM sessions to inspire female identifying and non-gender conforming youth. 

Many campers identified as students of color, as female or non-binary, or as the first in their family who might attend college. Each camper brought a unique perspective, enriching the community. 

One parent shared, “I want to thank the camp staff at Mercer Slough for their accommodations, caring, and empathy they gave our son during this camp. Your understanding and support were outstanding and so very kind. Thank you for the best camp experience my son ever had.” 

Behind every moment of discovery stands a team of educators who pour their creativity, endless energy, and care into camp.  

More than a hundred staff members worked across PacSci sites this summer, with over half of all staff returning year after year to see new generations of curious minds take shape. 

They are teachers, mentors, and role models who show that science is for everyone.  

“When I first started at PacSci, I was nervous to step into a lead educator role, but I quickly realized how supportive and collaborative the team was,” said Aarthi (they/she), a returning Lead Educator. “That encouragement helped me grow and reminded me that when we build environments where everyone feels supported, amazing things happen.” 

Camp staff model curiosity and problem-solving every day, adjusting lessons to fit the needs of each group and celebrating the joy that comes when something clicks. 

At our Explorer West location, Nick G. described one highlight from Expedition Artemis: “Campers worked together under a time crunch to design and launch model rockets, and every one of them returned safely to the ground. Watching them collaborate and problem-solve was truly special.”