SMARTS STEAM Summer Camp in Lanham, MD
SMARTS offers a distinctive summer camp experience in Lanham, MD, where traditional STEAM education meets creative enrichment through dance and the arts. Our program provides a safe, engaging environment where children develop critical thinking skills, build confidence, and explore their creativity while receiving academic support tailored to their individual learning styles.
Discover Our STEAM-Focused Activities
Our curriculum seamlessly blends science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into an integrated learning experience that keeps children engaged and curious. Each activity is designed to build problem-solving skills while allowing students to express themselves through multiple modalities, from hands-on experiments to movement-based learning.
Dance, Drama, and Creative Expression
Kinesthetic and performance arts form a vital part of our STEAM approach, helping children understand concepts through movement while building self-confidence. Dance routines illustrate mathematical patterns such as symmetry and sequences, while drama exercises teach storytelling structure and scientific processes through role-play scenarios. Students work on short performances that incorporate what they learn in other sessions, creating connections between physical expression and academic concepts.
Science and Technology Projects
Children participate in hands-on experiments, including basic chemistry reactions, bridge-building challenges, and introductory coding activities using age-appropriate platforms. Robotics projects with programmable kits encourage collaborative problem-solving as students work in small teams to complete specific tasks. Technology sessions introduce students to computational thinking without requiring prior experience, making STEAM accessible to all skill levels.
What to Expect Each Day
Our structured daily schedule runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, balancing focused STEAM learning sessions with creative activities, outdoor play, and adequate rest periods. Transitions between activities are intentional, giving children time to shift from intense concentration to physical movement, which supports retention and overall well-being.
Morning Check-In and STEAM Challenges
Each morning begins at 9:00 AM with a welcoming circle where instructors introduce the day's theme through collaborative challenges. These opening sessions might include a group puzzle, a quick science demonstration, or a movement activity that sets a positive tone for learning. Students then break into smaller groups of 8-10 children for focused project work with dedicated instructors.
Afternoon Activities and Movement Breaks
The second half of each day emphasizes creative expression through dance practice, group art projects, or performance preparation. Students spend approximately 45 minutes on movement-based activities, followed by structured outdoor time or quiet reading periods. Healthy snack breaks occur mid-morning and mid-afternoon, giving children opportunities to socialize and build friendships.
Logistics and Amenities
Our Lanham facility is located in central Prince George's County with ample parking for drop-off and pick-up. The space includes dedicated areas for different activities: a movement studio with mirrors and a sound system, a science lab with tables for experiments, and a quiet room for reading or focused work.
Camp Location and Drop-Off Details
Standard camp hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Before-care begins at 6:30 AM, and after-care extends until 6:00 PM for families needing extended supervision. Parents must sign children in and out each day with designated adults listed on registration forms.
Meals and Attire Guidelines
Parents pack a nutritious lunch daily, while SMARTS provides morning and afternoon snacks, including fruit, crackers, and water. Campers should wear comfortable clothing suitable for both physical activities and hands-on projects. Closed-toe athletic shoes are required for safety during movement sessions and outdoor play. Students should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
Tuition and Registration Options
Weekly tuition is competitively priced in the Lanham area, with early-bird discounts available for families who register before May 1st. A non-refundable $75 deposit per child secures enrollment, with the remaining balance due two weeks before the camp session starts.
Enrollment Steps
Registration opens in February on our website, mysmartskid.com. Parents complete an online form, upload health records including immunization documentation, and submit emergency contact information. Spaces are filled on a first-come basis, and we typically reach capacity by late spring.
Refunds and Payment Plans
Full refunds minus the deposit are available for cancellations made more than 30 days before camp starts. Cancellations within 30 days receive 50% refunds. Parents may pay in weekly installments.
Our Staff and Safety Protocols
Our staff includes certified teachers and professional artists who complete background checks through Maryland state systems. We maintain a 1:10 staff-to-student ratio during structured activities and 1:8 during outdoor time, providing personalized attention while maintaining a secure environment.
Expert Instructors and Trained Counselors
Lead instructors hold teaching certifications or degrees in education, while assistant counselors include college students studying education or performing arts. All staff complete training in our curriculum approach and child development principles before camp begins. Dance instructors have professional performance or teaching experience.
Security Measures and Health Policies
We maintain strict sign-in and sign-out procedures with photo ID verification. All staff members are CPR and First Aid certified. Parents receive immediate phone calls for any injuries beyond minor scrapes, and we maintain detailed incident reports. Students with medical conditions receive individualized care plans developed with parents before camp starts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our STEAM Summer Camp
Our camp serves students entering kindergarten through eighth grade, with age-appropriate activities for different developmental stages. Learn more about our year-round STEAM enrichment programs.
Before-care starts at 6:30 AM, and after-care runs until 6:00 PM. Both are included in the summer camp tuition.
Most weeks include one educational outing to local museums or nature centers with transportation provided.
No, there are no sibling discounts.
Note allergies during registration. We provide allergen-free snack options and can refrigerate medications. Read more about the benefits of STEAM education for children and how our approach supports diverse needs.