Renaissance Camps

Previous Camps:

Renaissance Summer Camp 2024

First Grade through Eighth Grade
Discoverers: Entering First gradeNote: To be enrolled in this program children must have completed Kindergarden AND have their birthday on or before August 15th, 2018.   
Explorers: Entering Second and Third grades
Adventurers: Entering Fourth and Fifth grades
NEW Voyagers: Entering Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth grades
Discounts for ETSU employees and multi-camp sign-up. Only One discount can be applied. 

June 3-7, 2024 
WEEK ONE  Cool Chemistry Fun    
Making things explode and having the opportunity to create their own experiments are favorite activities of Renaissance campers. Cool Chemistry Fun has long been a popular camp. 
Field Trip: Warriors’ Path State Park 
• Discoverers Camp: Super Science! 
Grab your safety goggles, you’re entering Renaissance Camp’s Crazy Mad Scientists’ Lab! Campers develop their own formulas to create some safe chemical reactions in this camp, and hands-on activities are used to demonstrate the states of matter and physical and chemical changes. They express their creativity during their art activity time and put their problem-solving skills to the test during group challenges and games. Come join us for a week of oozey, goozey fun! 
• Explorers Camp: Extraordinary Experiments 
Renaissance Camp Explorers always enjoy creating an explosion, and this week’s experiments with various mixtures and solutions are guaranteed to do just that! Campers will identify the properties of solids, liquids, and gases. The Explorers will make some magic purple juice to create a PH indicator and will have the opportunity to mix up some of their own potions. They will also take part in cross curricular art projects and team building activities.  Yes, something will “blow up” and it will be deemed extraordinary! 
• Adventurers Camp: Colossal Chemistry 
The Adventurers will become cool research chemists for the week while practicing their use of the scientific method.  To learn about water solubility, they will participate in some Sharpie science.  Campers will determine the pH level of various solutions.  
Cross-curricular art projects and team building activities round out the week’s activities. This camp is an exciting introduction to the field of chemistry with a variety of fun and challenging experiments!  
• Voyagers Camp: Phenomenal Chemical Investigations 
Our middle school chemists devise their own experiments to observe states of matter chemical reactions and density. While learning about the periodic table of the elements, they will make edible models of molecules. The Voyagers will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of unique laboratory experiences. They will also take part in  
Cross-curricular art projects and team building activities. We guarantee  that there will be explosions and there might be a mess or two, but it will all be part of some cool chemistry fun! 
 
 
June 10-14, 2024 
WEEK TWO  Rockin’ Geoscience Camp                   A popular camp returns! 
Geoscience Camp is back in the lineup for the 2024 season! This has been a favorite as our campers like to study rocks and everybody loves to explode a volcano!  
Field Trip: Emerald Village Gem Mine Spruce Pine, North Carolina 
• Discoverers Camp: A Journey to the Center of the Earth  
The Discoverers will become junior geologists as they learn about rocks, minerals, fossils and much more. They will make a model of the Earth and discover what lies beneath its surface. There will be opportunities to participate in a variety of arts and craft projects and physical activities. Volcanoes will be exploding, the ground will be quaking, quick sand shall be encountered, and there will even be some tasty edible rocks to snack on!  
• Explorers Camp: Geology Rocks! 
The rock cycle, the composition of the Earth and volcanoes are among the topics that the campers will explore. They will take part in activities that will demonstrate why earthquakes occur and how sink holes and caves are formed. The Explorers will make some sparkly crystals and other arts and craft projects about the earth’s geological wonders, as well. Participants will rock out as they explore Earth and its hidden treasures!  
• Adventurers Camp: Digging Deeper into Earth Science  
The Adventurers will use the scientific method of investigation while taking part in daily geology labs. Working in teams, they will build structures that will withstand earthquakes and make their own seismographs. Campers will observe the process of crystallization when they make geodes. They will experience their individuality as they take part in a variety of art projects and do some problem solving with team building challenges. Adventurers are going to “dig” Geoscience! 
• Voyagers Camp: Jumping into the Geosciences 
The participants in this camp will take part in activities that will introduce them to the different areas of geoscience. Campers will work with their lab partners to design and build a structure that can withstand an earthquake and experiment with dissolving rocks in a variety of liquids. They will develop models that demonstrate plate tectonics, create their own geodes and many other theme related activities. Voyagers will take part in some challenging and exciting team building games and cross curricular art projects. Things will be rocking and rolling, shaking and quaking and it will be loads of fun! 
 
 
 
 
June 17-21, 2024 
WEEK THREE   Aqua-Eco: Our Waterways, Oceans, Rivers and Streams 
Aqua Eco or water ecology is back by request! The emphasis will be on marine and freshwater biomes, and keeping our waterways safe for future generations. Campers will participate in activities that deal with oceanography. They will take part in water sampling  and nature walk in the Doe River at Roan Mountain State Park. In traditional Renaissance Camp style, Aqua Eco Camp will be packed with fun and exciting activities. Come on in, the water is fine!  
Field Trip: Roan Mountain  State Park 
• Discoverers Camp: Budding Aquatic Biologists 
The Discoverers will conduct density experiments with salt and fresh water to discover the differences between ocean and river water. The young biologists will learn about aquatic biomes and will have the opportunity to create a diorama of  the plants and animals that inhabit them. They will take part in a variety of other experiments and projects throughout week. The campers will have exciting time as the discover all the creatures living in the crystal-clear water of the Doe River. They will also have the opportunity make their own works of art and participate in team building challenges, 
• Explorers Camp: Junior Aquatic Environmentalists 
The Explorers will make models of the 5 zones of the ocean and take part in projects that will demonstrate adaptations animals make in different environments. They will develop methods to clean up an oil spill and save the ducks! The campers will also take part in many other experiments and projects All of the camp’s participants can investigate the stream and look for critters in the Doe River. They will also have the opportunity make their own works of art and participate in team building challenges, 
• Adventurers Camp:  Water Ecology Warriors 
The Aqua Eco Warriors will be challenged to develop a water filtration system and use the scientific method of investigation to test their results. They will develop methods to clean up oil spills and ways to clean our waterways pollution free. The Adventurers will conduct experiments on pH levels. They will test the pH of a different water samples including the Doe River. Many other interesting and fun activities and experiments will take place. There will be exciting games, problem solving activities and art projects too.  
• Voyagers Camp: Water Ecologists Extraordinaire 
The Voyagers will work in teams to isolate the source of contamination of water and soil  when solve a mock disaster scene, “ Carter Creek: An Ecological Mystery”. The will design and build a water filtration system and work in relay team to clean an oil slick. The campers will take part in other hands on experiments and projects. The highlight of the week will be an excursion to Roan Mountain State Park to investigate the water quality of the Doe River. Campers take part in cross curricular art projects and team challenge activities.Field Trip: Roan Mountain  State Park 
 
June 24-28, 2024 
WEEK FOUR Engineering Exposition:  Physics & Engineering      New & Improved! 
This camp is a reboot of the ever popular “Construction Zone” and “Invention Convention” camps. There is a strong emphasis on basic physics and engineering, but the campers will still be building things and using lots of duct tape and cardboard! 
Field Trip: American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) Oak Ridge, Tennessee 
Discoverers Camp : Fantastic Physics Fun! 
Rolling, bouncing, racing, squishing, the Discoverers have fun with physics! Who knew that corn starch and water had anything to do with Sir Issac Newton’s Law? The campers will become little engineers when making ramps and garages. Whether they are taking part in science, art, or team building, activities will be a fun learning experience for young physicists and engineers. 
• Explorers Camp:   More Fun with Physics and Engineering  
Catapults, puff -ball launchers and quicksand, who knew that science could be so much fun? Campers will construct simple machines to explore the fundamental concepts of energy, force, friction. They will take part in an assortment of cross-curricular projects. We guarantee that it will be an entertaining learning experience. 
• Adventurers Camp:  Keeping the Momentum Going 
Making roller coasters from pool noodles and egg carriers to launch from the parking garage is all done in the name of science! Adventurers will make predictions, discuss observations, test and re-test their ideas while exploring the basic laws of physics and engineering. They will make rubber band cars and devise a way for them to be the fastest in the race! Team building games and a variety of art projects will be included in the daily activities. It will be another fun-tastic week at Renaissance Camp. 
• Voyagers Camp: Phenomenal Physics and Engineering 
Voyagers use the engineering design process of brainstorming, designing, building, testing, and redesigning to meet daily group challenges. They study kinetic energy in making Newton’s Cradle and a vortex cannon. Campers will explore basic laws of physics while building bridges and air-powered dragsters. They will look into the history of atomic energy while preparing for a trip to the American Museum of Science and Energy. Voyagers will find the week to be entertaining, challenging and have a lot of phenomenal fun! 
 
 
 
 
 
July 8-12, 2024 
WEEK FIVE: Kitchestry Limited Enrollment- Fills up fast! 
Kitchestry is the best loved camp session that we have. It is a chemistry, math, cooking and eating camp all rolled into one! Space is limited and it fills up quickly. Register early to ensure that your camper can attend. 
• Discoverers Camp: Little Kitchen Chemists 
The Discoverers make their own snacks and tasty treats and mix up some bubbling potions from items found in the kitchen. As they experiment, campers discover the different states of matter and use their math skills when measuring ingredients. The campers will have many opportunities to try out some science experiments and some popular camp recipes which will all take place in the classroom.  Topic related art projects and team building activities to round out the menu. Little Kitchen Chemist Camp will be just the recipe for an exciting week of cooking fun! 
• Explorers Camp: Fabulous Food Scientists 
Cooking is indeed a science. Explorers will experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques in the classroom and the Foods Lab at Hutchinson Hall. They will experiment with different leavening agents and how to make precise measurements. A popular activity is our “ Fungus Fun” experiments with yeast. They culminate with a trip to the kitchen to make the Renaissance Camp’s world famous pizza! Campers will enjoy their activities in art and team building. So grab your chef’s hat and apron, he food will fabulous and all of the activities will be exciting !   
• Adventurers Camp: Super Chefs 
The Adventurers will work together in their kitchen groups to prepare a variety of recipes. They will have the opportunity to cook dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The week will culminate with a Renaissance Camp Friendsgiving Feast. Each kitchen group will plan and prepare a dish to share with the other Adventurers and members of the staff. It will be a pot-luck party  to top off a delicious week! 
• Voyagers Camp: Top Chefs 
Our oldest chefs concentrate on different skill-building activities to discover how temperature, different ingredients, and methods affect the outcome of a recipe. They will be introduced to the basic safety regulations that must be followed in commercial kitchens. They will work together in their kitchen groups to prepare a variety of recipes. The week will culminate with an all time favorite, the Renaissance Camp’s version of the “ Chopped Challenge” complete with mystery baskets of ingredients. Our campers have never ceased to amaze our guest judges with their culinary talents. They are all Top Chefs! 
    
 
 
 
July 15-19, 2024 
WEEK SIX   Space Odyssey : Astronomy and Aeronomics   
Space Camp is another popular camp session. Campers are fond of our edible solar systems and enjoy launching rockets. Yes, it really is rocket science! Field Trip to Bays Mountain 
• Discoverers Camp: From the Earth, to the Moon and Beyond ! 
What makes up our solar system? How far away is the sun? How did the constellations get their names. Our Discoverers will learn the answers to these questions and many more. They will learn about the planets and make an edible model of the solar system. Discoverers will be introduced to the phases of the moon and other topics through unique hands-on activities. The creative arts program will include space-related projects. It will be an exciting, out of this world experience! 
• Explorers Camp:  Exploring the Outer Limits  
Explores will make a model of our solar system and an edible illustration of the phases of the moon. They will make straw rockets, stomp rockets and create the perfect chemical reaction to launch a bottle rocket The campers will take part in exciting cross curricular art activities and other space related activities. Rockets will be flying, things will be exploding Yes, it really is rocket science! 
• Adventurers Camp: An Experience in Aerospace Engineering 
The Adventurers will further their understanding of astronomy and aerospace engineering. They will explore the laws of motion and the basic physics of flight. 
They will experiment with kites, gliders, and paper airplanes. Using their knowledge of aerodynamics, the campers build and launch their own hydro- rockets.The campers will take part in cross curricular art activities and a other space related activities. The Adventurers will discover that a week as an aerospace engineer can be action packed and exciting,     
• Voyagers Camp: Further Investigation of our Galaxy and Aerospace Engineering 
The Voyagers will delve deeper into a study of our galaxy, how the moon effects our ocean tides and other topics. They will experiment with kites, gliders, and paper airplanes. They will design and make rockets that are powered by different types of fuel. Voyagers have the opportunity make their own works of art and participate in team building challenges.        

  
July 22-26, 2024 
WEEK SEVEN  Science EXPEDITION: A Tour of the Fields of Botany and Zoology.     NEW  
Science Excursion is Renaissance Camp’s newest offering. The emphasis will be on plants, animals, ecosystems, biomes, ecological niches, and habitats. Campers will take part in exciting hands-on experiments and activities which are geared for their grade level. They will have the opportunity to make an excursion to Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, which is an International Biosphere Reserve. Our campers will participate in Grandfather Mountain’s outstanding education program, “Classroom in the Clouds.” Science Excursion Camp, the new kid on the block, will provide a fun filled introduction to Botany and Zoology.  
Field Trip: Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina 
• Discoverers Camp: Habitat Investigation  
Our Discoverers will investigate different members of the animal kingdom and their habitats. They will take part in activities that will demonstrate plant and animal adaptations to varying environments, what plants and animals need to survive. They will be able to design and make a model of a habitat,. Discoverers will express their creativity while participating in the art program and use their problem-solving skills when taking part in team building activities. 
• Explorers Camp: Exploration of plants and animals: how they interact and change. 
What do the Explorers do? Easy, they explore! The campers will learn about the life cycles of plants and animals and their interaction within the ecosystem. They will take part in some experiments that will demonstrate the ways plants and animals adapt to changes in the environment. They will make a diorama of a biome and participate in other related activities. Explorers will also take part in cross-curricular art projects and team building activities. 
• Adventurers Camp: Venturing Further into the Study of Ecosystems and Living Organisms  
The Adventurers will take part in a variety of experiments and projects featuring the interdependence living organisms have on ecosystems and our impact upon them. They will build their own mini–ecosystems complete with live plants, try their hand at dissection and much more. The camp staff will lead the Adventurers in challenging team building activities. Campers will have the opportunity to express their individual creativity in their art classes. The week will be a fun filled and exciting excursion! 
• Voyagers Camp: Delving Deeper into Botany and Zoology 
The Voyagers will use the scientific method of investigation as they plan and conduct investigations and experiments. They will utilize our microscopes to make their own models of plant and animal cells. There will be an emphasis on the interaction of living organisms within the ecosystem. The campers will build food webs, make mini ecosystem and take part in a dissection activity. They will be challenged by team building activities and special art projects. All will be tailored to the interests and skills of the Middle School student. It will be fun and exciting for sure! 
 
July 29-August 2, 2024 
WEEK EIGHT   S.T.R.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Reading & Recreation, Engineering, Art, Math)   
 What is “STREAM Camp”? It is a “STEM” program with art, physical activities and language arts, too. It is “Science and More” with hands-on activities in a variety of fields of science and a lot more. No matter what you call it, it is the Renaissance Camp’s tried and true formula for 22 years of successful children’s programming. It is all “ Learning in the ‘guise of fun” ! 
Field Trip: Wizard of Oz, Barter Theater , Abingdon, Virginia   
• Discoverers Camp: :  A Kaleidoscope of Fun  
This camp truly is a kaleidoscope of ever-changing patterns and scenes! The Discoverers will participate in a variety of activities and experiments in different areas of the sciences: energy, weather, and more too!  They will experiment with magnetism, make simple electrical circuits, and make their own polymers. Campers will be able to express their creative side when taking part in a variety of art activities. There will be fun and games in “Team Challenge,” of course! The Discoverers will enjoy peering into the Renaissance Camp’s kaleidoscope of STREAM activities!  
• Explorers Camp: A Mixed Bag of Tricks 
Scientists, artists, writers, engineers, and mathematicians, that’s who our Explorers are! They will participate in a variety of science experiments and engineering projects. Campers will create a tornado in a bottle when studying weather conditions and lava lamps when discussing density.  Expressing their creative side, they will take part in projects using different art media and styles. The staff will keep the Explorers’ minds and bodies hopping when they take part in various team building activities. This will be an exciting week of diverse activities, a mixed bag for sure!  
• Adventurers Camp: A Mosaic of STREAM Activities  
There are many activities that make up the STREAM mosaic and the Adventurers will take part in a variety of them. The campers will use the scientific method of investigation to develop their own chemistry experiments. They will create unique electrical circuits when working with Squishy Circuits and dabble into the world of robotics. Using different art media and styles, the Adventurers will express their creative side with interesting art projects. STREAM week be an exciting experience. 
• Voyagers Camp: A Hodge Podge Collage 
The definition of a collage is “an art form that is made up of overlapping pieces of different materials” and a hodge podge is a mixture of all kinds of stuff ! The Voyagers will be involved in a true “Hodge Podge Collage “of STREAM activities all designed to peak the interests of our oldest group of campers. They will make electrified clay to create sculptures complete with lights and buzzers. They will investigate  the science of sound and music, engineering and chemistry. Campers will be challenged with a variety of problem solving tasks and have an opportunity to express their individual creativity during art classes. It will be a fun-tastic week!