Week 1 Offerings  (6/29/2026 – 7/3/2026)

STEM Mash Up (Grades 5-8) –  Students will try out challenges like a Shark tank escape, Paper Airplane Challenge & strongest bridge challenge. There will also be a field trip to Trition Systems.

Coding with Sphero Battle Bots (Grades 7-11) – Students will first learn how to code and then students will look at and build robotic designs for battle bots. Then using the engineering design process, students will build protective armor for their sphero robot that focuses on offense, defense, and controlability in different situation. Once completed students will compete and “battle” with fellow students robots. May the best battlebot win!

Architecture and Design (Grades 7-11) – Students will learn about the field of structural engineering. Students will design, create a bridge and participate in a bridge challenge. Students will also complete a 3D kit of their dream house including 3-D furniture. Students will be introduced to graphic design and create an architecture logo.

Crime Science (Grades 5-7) – Students will participate in hands-on activities to help them understand how a crime would be solved. Activities such as fingerprinting, DNA typing, chromatography, blood typing and handwriting analysis will help students put clues together to identify suspects in a crime. This course will be geared toward younger students and students can continue the following year to a more advanced Forensic Course.

Gamemakers (Grades 5-8) – Game development has come a long way from Pacman and Pong, yet 2D games still hold their own in the gaming world. In this camp, students will learn the basics of game development that allow video games like Undertale and Terraria to compete with the bigger game studios. Students will learn mechanics and design techniques through the development of multiple games and will have the opportunity to create their own personal games from scratch!

Careers in Medicine (Grades 9-12) – Discover your future in healthcare at our exciting summer camp! Explore a wide range of careers in medicine through engaging, hands-on labs, interactive activities, and real-world experiences. Enjoy field trips that bring learning to life and gain valuable lifesaving skills by becoming CPR certified. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn, explore, and get inspired!

Week 2 Offerings (7/6/2026 – 7/10/2026)

Forensics (Grades 8-12) – In this more advanced crime science course students will be exposed to the physical and biological evidence of a crime scene. Students will be introduced to the knowledge and laboratory techniques used by forensic scientists in their analysis of crimes and the role of forensic evidence in criminal and civil proceedings. Topics include DNA Analysis, facial recognition, fingerprinting and cause of death. Students will evaluate a crime scene for evidence.

Recycle/Upcycle (Grades 6-10) – This course will focus on current environmental issues in Lowell. Students will learn how to use everyday items to upcycle. We will create projects using items that would normally be put into our landfills. We will use plastic water bottles to make art, CDs into clocks, newspapers to make baskets, and much more. We will also discuss ways to eliminate waste and be more purposeful with our purchases to be environmentally conscious. This camp will also include a tour of the Plastic Engineering Lab at UMASS Lowell.

Advanced STEM Mash Up (Grades 7-12) – This is an advanced STEM course where students will learn how a flashlight works and how to improve the design; coding to make your own App and build a rube goldberg device.

Fees

• Weekly Deposit (per child): $50 
• Weekly Fee (per child):  $150
  

Payments

• Deposits are due at the time of registration. Remaining balances are due one week prior to each week registered.
• Balances not paid by the due date will be automatically charged to the payment method on your account on the due date.
• You can change your payment method on your account anytime online or by contacting the YMCA.
• Financial aid is available to those who qualify, applications must be submitted with required verification. 
  

Session Changes/Cancellations Policies

• Fees are non-refundable.
• Changing of weeks can be made up to June 1, 2026.

FAQ’s

Where is the program located?
UMass Lowell North Campus – Perry Hall -197 Riverside St, Lowell, MA

What are the program times?
Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 2:00pm.

Is there transportation?
No, parents must drop off and pick up at the site.

Where is Pick up/Drop Off?
The rear door of Perry Hall – signs on Riverside Street.

Is lunch provided?
No. Morning snack will be provided but children must bring a lunch with them each day. Staff are not able to heat up lunches for children. If your child has a food allergy, a safe table will be provided.

Is there a sibling discount?
No.

Do you accept vouchers?
No.

What do I need to register?
The child’s most recent immunization record, and camp fees.

What should my child wear?
Comfortable clothes and closed toe shoes.

Can I pick up my child early?
Yes, just text or call the Idea Camp director @ 9788075843

Can my child come early/stay late?
No. Teachers arrive at 8:00 am and leave at 2:00 pm with the students.

Can my child try multiple camps during the same week?
No. They can only register for one session per week.

Can I see what my child is working on?
Yes. There will be a showcase every Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Can I bring my child’s siblings, even if they’re not signed up?
No.

Can my younger children join?
No. Our age groups restricted by grade are for safety reasons.

What To Bring

• Lunch (NO HEAT UP LUNCHES). Be sure to pack ice packs for those lunches requiring refrigeration. If your child has a food allergy, a safe table will be provided.
• Water bottles
• Laptop with charger (please mark with your child’s name)
• Lifesaving Medications (inhalers, epi-pens, etc.). All medications your child needs daily or in an emergency case MUST be registered with the Camp Director prior to your child’s start of camp. Medications must be in their original packaging and have prescription labels on them. 

*Please help us return lost items to you. Mark ALL belongings with your child’s First and Last Name. IDEA Camp is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.