Miller School of Albemarle

We will study the field of agricultural engineering while designing window gardens, and watering and lighting systems. For their final design challenge of the week, campers will build a vertical farm for use on a space settlement. To travel to our space settlement, campers will build a solid-fuel model rocket. We will build the body tube, design and shape the rocket fins, and make the parachute recovery system, before launching them into space. Well also build a rover to help us move around once we reach our destination in space.

Embark on an out-of-this-world adventure with our Astronomy Explorers Camp! Over the course of a week, campers will dive into hands-on activities like simulating asteroid impacts, designing habitats for life on Mars, building solar viewers, and mapping constellations. Each day combines exciting activities, interactive lessons, and captivating demonstrations. By the end of the week, campers will have gained new skills, deeper knowledge, and a sense of wonder for the universe around them.

We will study the field of environmental engineering while designing green roofs, and permeable pavement. For their final design challenge of the week, campers will build an urban landscape that reduces runoff and the spread of pollution. Using popsicle sticks and wooden dowels, campers will build bridges and buildings for our settlement.

In this Kitchen Chemistry Camp Session, campers will explore the exciting world of chemistry through hands-on experiments. Theyll explore the exciting world of chemical reactions using everyday household items, make their own slime to learn about polymers, and even write secret messages using invisible ink. Through these activities, campers will discover the science behind chemical reactions, explore how substances change, and learn about the properties of different materials in a fun and interactive way.

We will study the field of mechanical engineering while designing domino chain reactions, hourglasses and water timers. For their final design challenge of the week, campers will build a water timer with a display or signal. Lets race time with a paper roller coaster. With simple materials, campers will build roller coasters with the challenge to slow time and race their water timer.

Exploremos! This is an academic enrichment opportunity designed for campers who demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for the Spanish language. It gives campers the chance to explore one of the worlds most widely spoken languages exclusively. They are able to not only learn how to communicate in the Spanish language but also explore hands-on cultural activities meant to stimulate critical thinking and encourage empathy. This is a great way to try out learning Spanish before starting it in middle/high school.

In this Forensic Science Camp Session, campers will step into the role of forensic scientists and work together to solve a mock crime scene. They will investigate different types of evidence through hands-on activities such as fingerprinting, analyzing footprints, and extracting DNA from fruit. Teams will document and analyze the evidence to form hypotheses about the crime. This session teaches campers how forensic science helps solve mysteries and emphasizes the importance of observation, documentation, and teamwork in criminal investigations.

Students will learn real-life skills on our working farm. Caring for animals, gardening, composting, solid science, seed starting, building animal shelters, and fencing are just a few of the subjects we will touch on. Using basic gardening tools, students will tend our farm gardens and use harvested produce to make healthy snacks in our farm kitchen. Students will learn basic carpentry skills to build mobile animal housing for our pasture livestock, as well as the importance of rotational grazing. Students will be taught how to safely use all farm tools and equipment. Each week will differ, so students may sign up for multiple sessions. Students will be transported on a Miller bus each day to our on-campus farm.

We will study the field of biomechanical engineering while designing prosthetic devices for a variety of animals. For their final design challenge of the week, campers will build a model prosthetic device for a fish. Campers will learn how to follow construction plans, safely use simple power tools, make templates and patterns, apply caulking, and paint all in the name of building durable dog houses for our four-legged furry friends as part of a local all-volunteer nonprofit organization.

Discover the wonders of the natural world in our Eco Adventurers Camp! Campers will explore ecosystems through guided hikes, analyze water quality in local streams, and create miniature biomes to learn about habitats and biodiversity. Hands-on activities include building pollinator-friendly seed balls and designing solutions to environmental challenges. This engaging week combines outdoor exploration, science, and creativity to help campers connect with and protect the planet.