summer camp 2026
Looking forward to seeing you at Summer Camp 2026!
Get ready for another exciting summer of hands-on science, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable memories! YSI’s Summer Camp 2026 will feature favorite returning programs along with new themes designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of nature. Full details, session dates, and registration information will be available in early spring—stay tuned!
YSI Summer Camps
What Makes YSI Summer Camps Special?
Nature Meets
Exploration
Our camps combine scientific concepts with hiking, arts & crafts, and interactive games with special programs featuring our live animal ambassadors.
Exceptional Staff,
Unforgettable Experiences
Our dedicated team includes passionate college students, classroom teachers, and full-time YSI educators. Every staff member is carefully selected, trained in child safety, CPR, first aid, educational content knowledge, and customer service.
Small Groups for
Big Adventures
We maintain low camper-to-staff ratios: General Camps: 1:9 | Fishing & Biking Camps: 1:6 | Extended Day Camp: 1:10
Unforgettable Experiences With Nature
Friendly Hiking With Each for In-Person Camps
Friendly Hiking With Each for In-Person Camps
Live Animal Encounters
See you this Summer!
If you have questions or need assistance, please email camp@ysi-ca.org or call 408-356-4945 x 2
Select Your Child’s Grade for the Upcoming 2026 - 2027 School Year
Science camp weeks are sold individually
Curiosity Camp | $375
Curiosity is the best science tool—and this camp helps young learners use it every day! Campers explore the world like scientists by noticing details, asking questions, and trying out simple investigations.
Throughout the week, campers practice sorting and classifying as they gather safe nature items and group them by color, texture, shape, and other clues. They’ll explore mixtures by testing what happens when colors blend, and when oil and water refuse to mix. Campers become “rock detectives” as they compare different rocks and learn new ways to describe and categorize them. They’ll also investigate wind and evaporation through hands-on play, make a cloud-like model, and discover how plants use wind to spread seeds. By the end of camp, learners will strengthen observation, language-building, and early problem-solving skills while practicing how to make and share careful scientific observations. Campers will also head outside for guided nature observations to practice real-world field skills.
Camps run from:
9:00-11:30 with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm
Discovery Camp | $375
Every day brings a new “wow” moment as campers explore the natural world through playful, hands-on science! Discovery Camp invites young learners to notice, wonder, and test ideas as they investigate how animals and nature work.
Throughout the week, campers explore movement and flight by trying simple experiments with wings, air, and motion, then compare their models to real animals. They’ll investigate how different animals move in different ways through active games and observation stations. Campers also experiment with bubbles—testing different tools and techniques to see what makes bubbles big, strong, or super stretchy. Each activity builds early science habits like making predictions, observing changes, and sharing what they noticed with the group. By the end of camp, learners will strengthen curiosity, vocabulary, and early investigation skills while practicing how to look closely and describe the world around them. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to connect their discoveries to real animals.
Camps run from:
9:00-11:30 with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm
Explorers Camp | $375
Get ready to move, listen, and discover how energy shows up in our everyday world! Campers explore sound and motion through playful experiments that turn curiosity into real science learning.
Throughout the week, campers create simple musical instruments and test how different materials change the sounds they make. They’ll explore vibrations with hands-on stations that show how sound can travel through air and solid objects, and they’ll use movement games to investigate pushes, pulls, and how things start, stop, and change direction. Campers also practice early biology skills by meeting a toad and comparing living and non-living things using observation clues like movement, needs, and life cycles. By the end of camp, learners will strengthen observation, communication, and early inquiry skills while building confidence experimenting and sharing ideas. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to connect science concepts to real animals.
Camps run from:
9:00-11:30 with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm
Investigators Camp | $375
Some of the most exciting science is invisible—you can’t always see it, but you can definitely test it! Campers become junior investigators as they explore forces that make the world work through playful, hands-on experiments.
Throughout the week, campers explore sound by making vibrations they can hear and feel, and they experiment with magnets to see how magnetic forces can pull, push, and attract through different materials. They’ll also investigate buoyancy by predicting what will float or sink, then testing objects in water and noticing patterns. Campers practice using science tools like careful observation, comparing results, and sharing what they notice with the group. They’ll also meet an isopod and learn how decomposers help break down dead material and keep ecosystems healthy. By the end of camp, learners will strengthen early inquiry skills, vocabulary, and confidence experimenting with cause-and-effect.
Camps run from:
9:00-11:30 with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm
Questers Camp | $375
Every great scientist starts as a curious quester! Campers explore the world through hands-on investigations that build early science skills like noticing, sorting, and testing ideas.
Throughout the week, campers learn different ways to categorize what they see as they collect safe nature items and sort them by color, texture, size, and shape. They’ll explore mixtures by experimenting with color mixing and testing what happens when oil and water meet. Campers become “rock sorters” as they compare different rocks and practice using science words to describe them. They’ll also investigate wind and evaporation through playful experiments, discover how some plants use wind to spread seeds, and even make a cloud-like model. By the end of camp, learners will strengthen observation, vocabulary, and early problem-solving skills while practicing how to share what they noticed like real scientists. Campers will also head outside for guided nature observations to practice real-world field skills.
Camps run from:
9:00-11:30 with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm
Chemistry and Physics Jr. Camp | $475
Put on your “scientist eyes” and get ready for a week of fizzing, mixing, and building! Campers explore chemistry and physics through playful experiments that make big ideas feel easy to see and touch.
Campers mix solutions, create ooey-gooey slime, and watch safe chemical reactions that bubble and change right in front of them. They’ll explore solids, liquids, and gases with simple tests, make a molecule-inspired craft, and investigate why bubbles pop and scents spread. Then campers jump into physics with hands-on building—folding paper airplanes, launching air-powered paper rockets, and testing what happens when they change shapes, weight, or launch angle. They’ll also explore how vibrations create sound and how our ears help us hear. By the end of the week, learners will practice making predictions, observing carefully, and explaining what happened using evidence. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to connect science ideas to real animals
Camps run from:
9:00-1:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 3:00 pm or an extended day camp+ (EDC+) option until 5:00 pm
Feathers, Furs, and Scales | $475
Step into the world of animals and discover what their bodies can tell us about how they live! Campers explore zoology by looking closely at the structures that help animals survive—on the outside and on the inside.
Throughout the week, campers investigate real specimens and models as they compare fur, feathers, scales, claws, teeth, and bones. They’ll match body parts to functions like eating, moving, staying warm, or staying safe, and play hands-on games that test how different adaptations work in different habitats. Campers will build simple “animal toolkit” models, sort evidence like a scientist, and practice describing what they observe using clear, kid-friendly vocabulary. By the end of camp, learners will understand that structures support survival and will strengthen observation, comparing, and scientific explaining skills. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to get an up-close look at how animals are built for survival.
Camps run from:
9:00-1:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 3:00 pm or an extended day camp+ (EDC+) option until 5:00 pm
Radical Reptiles | $475
Get ready for a week of scaly, shelled, and totally fascinating discoveries! Campers explore what makes reptiles unique and how these animals use their bodies to survive in the wild.
Throughout the week, campers meet and safely touch a variety of YSI’s live reptiles while practicing respectful animal-handling expectations. They’ll take an up-close look at reptile anatomy by examining skins, shells, skeletons, and fossils, and they’ll learn how scientists observe and record details using simple tools and kid-friendly “field notes.” Hands-on games and mini investigations help campers connect structure to function—like how scales protect, how shells support, and how different body shapes help animals move. By the end of camp, learners will understand basic reptile traits and strengthen skills in observation, comparing, and scientific describing. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to connect their investigations to real reptiles.
Camps run from:
9:00-1:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 3:00 pm or an extended day camp+ (EDC+) option until 5:00 pm
Wacky Weather | $475
Weather can change in a snap—and this camp helps campers understand why! Campers explore meteorology through hands-on experiments that reveal how clouds form, winds move, and storms grow.
Throughout the week, campers model the water cycle, create simple weather tools, and practice making observations like real meteorologists. They’ll compare different kinds of extreme weather and natural disasters—like thunderstorms, floods, earthquakes, and wildfires—while learning what causes them and how they affect people and animals. Campers also learn the difference between weather and climate using kid-friendly examples and simple data. By the end of camp, learners will be able to describe common weather patterns, practice safety-minded thinking, and build skills in observation, vocabulary, and evidence-based explaining. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors and explore how animals respond to changing conditions. Highlight: campers build a “Weather Ready” plan and practice storm-safety decisions through a fast-paced team challenge!
Camps run from:
9:00-1:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 3:00 pm or an extended day camp+ (EDC+) option until 5:00 pm
Water World | $475
Water is full of surprises—from the way it moves to the life it supports. Campers explore water as both a special substance and an important habitat through hands-on experiments and outdoor discovery.
Throughout the week, campers investigate the properties of water by dripping, spraying, freezing, heating, and mixing it to observe how water changes and why it behaves the way it does. They’ll explore the local watershed, look for signs of water moving through the environment, and connect their experiments to real ecosystems. Campers will also meet live aquatic animal ambassadors and compare how different organisms are adapted to life in water. By the end of camp, learners will better understand water in different states and will strengthen skills in observation, measuring, and describing cause-and-effect. Campers will also head outside for guided nature observations to practice real-world field skills.
Camps run from:
9:00-1:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 3:00 pm or an extended day camp+ (EDC+) option until 5:00 pm
Science of Art Jr. | $475
Where creativity meets curiosity! Campers explore how everyday materials can behave in surprising ways, then use what they discover to create art with intention and confidence.
Throughout the week, campers fold and test paper designs to see how shape and structure create strength, then redesign their builds to make them sturdier. They’ll experiment with water using absorption tests and drip techniques to observe how liquids move across different materials, and they’ll compare tapes and glues to find out what makes things stick, slide, or peel away. Campers will also play with light and shadow through tracing and silhouette art, and build simple instruments to explore patterns and vibrations. By the end of camp, learners will strengthen observation, problem-solving, and creative design skills while practicing how to explain what changed and why. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors and head outside for guided nature observations to inspire nature-based designs.
Camps run from:
9:00-1:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 3:00 pm or an extended day camp+ (EDC+) option until 5:00 pm
Awesome Anatomy | $525
Get ready to explore the incredible systems that keep your body moving, thinking, and growing every day! Campers dive into the science of physiology and discover how different body systems work together like a team.
Throughout the week, campers build organ models, run safe experiments that show how the heart and lungs do their jobs, and use microscopes or magnifiers to examine cells up close. They’ll test reaction time, explore how nerves send messages, and investigate what DNA can reveal about traits. By the end of camp, learners will better understand major body systems and strengthen observation, data collection, and scientific communication skills. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to compare human and animal adaptations.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 5:00 pm
Bike Hike | $550
Turn every ride into a nature discovery adventure! Campers build biking confidence while exploring the habitats of Vasona Park and the Los Gatos Creek Trail.
Campers practice safe riding skills, trail etiquette, and bike safety as they cruise to observation stops in different habitats. They’ll explore how bike parts work through hands-on mechanics experiments, then connect those ideas to ecology by looking for animal tracks, insects, birds, and plant clues along the trail. Each day blends active riding with field science—making observations, sharing findings, and learning how living things depend on their environment. By the end of camp, learners will strengthen outdoor awareness, practice scientific observation, and build confidence navigating trails responsibly. Campers will also head outside for guided nature observations to practice real-world field skills.
Logistics: Campers must bring a properly fitted helmet and a two-wheel bike (no training wheels) in good working condition; YSI cannot provide overnight bike storage.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 5:00 pm
Chemistry and Physics | $525
Step into the lab and watch science come alive through bubbles, launches, and surprising reactions! Campers explore chemistry and physics with hands-on experiments that turn everyday materials into real discoveries.
Campers investigate molecules and mixtures as they create slime and observe big, foamy reaction demos. They’ll test changes of state, design simple reaction “recipes,” and explore what makes bubbles last and scents travel. Then the focus shifts to physics as campers experiment with forces like push and pull, gravity, lift, and drag through paper airplanes, balloon-powered demonstrations, and air-pressure paper rockets. They’ll also explore how vibrations create sound and how energy moves through materials. By the end of the week, learners will practice making predictions, recording results, and explaining cause-and-effect using evidence. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors and head outside for a guided nature walk to practice real-world observation skills.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 5:00 pm
Fishy Fun | $550
Cast a line, explore the creek, and discover what fish can teach us about healthy waterways! Campers investigate how watersheds work and how water quality affects the animals that live beneath the surface.
Campers explore fish adaptations through hands-on labs and games, then connect those ideas to real habitats in the field. They’ll learn fishing safety and etiquette, practice responsible catch-and-release techniques, and fish each day with guidance from instructors. Campers will also participate in an age-appropriate fish dissection or specimen investigation to examine gills, fins, and other features that help fish survive in water. By the end of the week, learners will understand how fish are adapted to aquatic life and how habitat health supports wildlife, while strengthening observation, teamwork, and field science skills.
Logistics: YSI provides fishing poles and bait; campers should bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 5:00 pm
Predators vs. Prey | $525
Step into the wild world of animal survival and learn how predators and prey shape the ecosystems around us! Campers explore insects, spiders, and snakes with a focus on what these animals really are, what they do, and how to stay safe around wildlife.
Throughout the week, campers investigate how animals find food, avoid danger, and use adaptations like camouflage, venom, speed, or warning colors. They’ll practice identifying common myths versus facts, analyze evidence to decide where an animal fits in a food web, and play active ecology games that model predator-prey interactions. Campers head out daily on a guided nature walk to look for signs of wildlife and compare real observations to what they’ve learned. Back at camp, they’ll create a craft that connects to the day’s science theme. By the end of camp, learners will better understand food chains, adaptations, and safe wildlife awareness while strengthening observation and evidence-based reasoning. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to connect their investigations to real animals.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp (EDC) option until 5:00 pm
Bike Explorers | $550
Explore the park and beyond on two wheels as campers build confidence, independence, and outdoor skills! Bike Explorers blends riding adventures with hands-on science that explains what makes bikes (and bikers) work.
Campers practice safe riding habits, improve shifting and braking, and learn basic maintenance and beginner-friendly repairs. They’ll investigate biking physics through quick experiments—like testing how helmets reduce impact and building gyroscopes to see balance in action. Daily rides include stops along the Los Gatos Creek Trail to observe habitats, look for wildlife signs, and connect engineering to the natural world. Campers will also head outside for guided nature observations to strengthen real-world field skills.
Logistics: Campers must bring a properly fitted helmet and a two-wheel bike with gears in good working condition, and be comfortable riding hills; YSI cannot provide overnight bike storage.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp option until 5:00 pm
Boomin' Biomes | $525
Step into Earth’s biggest habitats and discover how life thrives in wildly different places! Campers travel across the planet through hands-on investigations that reveal what makes each biome unique—from climate and soil to the plants and animals that call it home.
Each day spotlights a new biome as campers model rainfall and temperature patterns, build food webs, and test how structures like leaves, roots, fur, or feathers help organisms survive. They’ll compare deserts, grasslands, forests, and more by analyzing real data, designing “survival strategies,” and using simple field science techniques to assess habitat health. Campers also explore how human actions can shift ecosystems and what scientists measure to track change over time. By the end of the week, learners will be able to explain how abiotic and biotic factors shape ecosystems and will strengthen skills in observation, data interpretation, and evidence-based reasoning. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to connect adaptations to real organisms.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp option until 5:00 pm
Sea-u-tiful Science | $525
Dive into the wonders of ocean habitats and discover how marine animals survive in some of the most extreme places on Earth! Campers explore ecosystems like coral reefs, the deep sea, and polar waters through hands-on investigations that connect habitat, adaptations, and ocean processes.
Throughout the week, campers model tides and currents, build creative science projects like a windsock squid and a hydrothermal vent model, and use data and observations to compare how organisms meet their needs in different environments. They’ll connect what they learn to YSI’s animal ambassadors by examining how structure and behavior support survival, then apply those ideas to marine “cousins” out in the ocean. Campers will also participate in an age-appropriate squid dissection or specimen investigation to explore anatomy and how it supports movement, feeding, and defense. By the end of camp, learners will be able to explain how ocean conditions shape adaptations and will strengthen skills in scientific observation, modeling, and evidence-based reasoning. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors to connect their learning to real organisms.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp option until 5:00 pm
Something's Fishy | $550
Slip on your field-scientist mindset and dive into the hidden world of freshwater life! Campers explore creeks and lakes as living systems, discovering how water quality, habitat, and food webs support the fish and critters that live there.
Campers search the creek for aquatic macroinvertebrates and other small organisms, using observation skills to identify what they find and what it reveals about ecosystem health. They’ll investigate fish adaptations through an age-appropriate fish dissection or specimen investigation, examining structures like gills, fins, and swim bladders to connect anatomy to function. Campers also learn fishing safety and etiquette, then cast a line at Vasona Lake while practicing responsible, respectful outdoor behavior. By the end of the week, learners will understand how freshwater habitats support wildlife and will strengthen skills in field observation, comparing evidence, and ecological reasoning.
Logistics: YSI provides fishing poles and bait; campers should bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp option until 5:00 pm
Wildlife Wonders | $525
Step into the role of a wildlife scientist and discover what animals can teach us about survival! Campers explore how bodies and behaviors help species meet their needs in different habitats.
Throughout the week, campers investigate adaptations through active games, experiments, and creative projects that connect structure to function. They’ll compare skulls, tracks, feathers, fur, and other specimens to infer diet, defense, movement, and habitat needs, then test ideas with hands-on challenges and data-based “adaptation puzzles.” Campers practice making claims backed by evidence as they observe patterns and discuss how different strategies help animals compete, cooperate, and stay safe. By the end of camp, learners will be able to identify and explain key adaptations and will strengthen skills in scientific reasoning, observation, and communication. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors and handle specimens to connect their investigations to real organisms.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp option until 5:00 pm
Science of Art | $525
Art and science share the same superpower: noticing the world closely. In this camp, campers use creativity to investigate patterns, materials, and motion—then turn what they discover into artwork they can explain with real science!
Throughout the week, campers run mini-labs that explore color and light, pigment chemistry, and how different tools and surfaces change results. They’ll experiment with forces and balance to create kinetic art, test natural and synthetic materials, and use observation techniques scientists rely on—sketching, measuring, and iterating on designs. Projects connect directly to scientific ideas like energy transfer, structure and function, and properties of matter, so campers learn why techniques work, not just how. By the end of camp, learners will strengthen scientific inquiry, creative problem-solving, and communication skills as they present the process behind their art. Campers will also meet YSI’s live animal ambassadors and use close observation to inspire nature-based designs.
Camps run from:
9:00-3:00 with an extended day camp option until 5:00 pm
Investigators Camp | $350
Take a deeper look at some of the invisible forces that act on the world around you with hands-on science! Join fellow campers as we investigate the sound, the power of magnetic fields, and buoyancy through scientific experimentation. Meet an isopod and learn the important role they play in keeping the environment in balance.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Discovery Camp | $350
Come join the fun and discover the facts behind many natural wonders using hands-on science. How do birds fly? Why do animals move the way they do? Are there different ways to make bubbles? Discover the science behind these questions and more through your journey through YSI Discovery Camp
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Curiosity Camp | $350
Practice basic botany, take a closer look at worms, and learn about bees! Actively experiment with solids and liquids to learn more about the states of matter. Let your curiosity run wild with hands-on science activities, crafts, and guided exploration.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Investigators Camp | $350
Take a deeper look at some of the invisible forces that act on the world around you with hands-on science! Join fellow campers as we investigate the sound, the power of magnetic fields, and buoyancy through scientific experimentation. Meet an isopod and learn the important role they play in keeping the environment in balance.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Discovery Camp | $350
Come join the fun and discover the facts behind many natural wonders using hands-on science. How do birds fly? Why do animals move the way they do? Are there different ways to make bubbles? Discover the science behind these questions and more through your journey through YSI Discovery Camp
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Curiosity Camp | $350
Practice basic botany, take a closer look at worms, and learn about bees! Actively experiment with solids and liquids to learn more about the states of matter. Let your curiosity run wild with hands-on science activities, crafts, and guided exploration.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Investigators Camp | $350
Take a deeper look at some of the invisible forces that act on the world around you with hands-on science! Join fellow campers as we investigate the sound, the power of magnetic fields, and buoyancy through scientific experimentation. Meet an isopod and learn the important role they play in keeping the environment in balance.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Discovery Camp | $350
Come join the fun and discover the facts behind many natural wonders using hands-on science. How do birds fly? Why do animals move the way they do? Are there different ways to make bubbles? Discover the science behind these questions and more through your journey through YSI Discovery Camp
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Curiosity Camp | $350
Practice basic botany, take a closer look at worms, and learn about bees! Actively experiment with solids and liquids to learn more about the states of matter. Let your curiosity run wild with hands-on science activities, crafts, and guided exploration.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Investigators Camp | $350
Take a deeper look at some of the invisible forces that act on the world around you with hands-on science! Join fellow campers as we investigate the sound, the power of magnetic fields, and buoyancy through scientific experimentation. Meet an isopod and learn the important role they play in keeping the environment in balance.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Discovery Camp | $350
Come join the fun and discover the facts behind many natural wonders using hands-on science. How do birds fly? Why do animals move the way they do? Are there different ways to make bubbles? Discover the science behind these questions and more through your journey through YSI Discovery Camp
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
Curiosity Camp | $350
Practice basic botany, take a closer look at worms, and learn about bees! Actively experiment with solids and liquids to learn more about the states of matter. Let your curiosity run wild with hands-on science activities, crafts, and guided exploration.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from:
9:00 am to 11:30 am with an extended morning care option until 1:00 pm.
fAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Any Questions?
Feel free to reach out over email or give us a call
Are there multi-session discounts?
10% of 3rd week plus all additional weeks. For example, if you register your child for four (non-sequential) weeks, the first two weeks will be full-priced science3 camps, and the following two weeks will be 10% off! Please note, the discount will only be applied to registrations within the same transaction. Any camps registered for later will not reflect the discount
Are there multi-person discounts?
5% off all camps for the 2nd child plus all additional children registered. For example, if you are registering our children, the first child registered will have a full-priced science camp, the following three registered will each have 5% off the science camps!
Does YSI have a cancellation policy?
For YSI Summer Science Camp cancellations, the following rules apply:
*20% of total program fees plus a 50$ administrative fee are non-refundable for cancelations made any time before May 11th, 2026
*Cancelations between May 11th and two weeks before your camp start date result in 50% of total program fees, plus an additional $50 administrative fee being non-refundable.
*Cancelations made within two weeks of your camo start date are non-refundable. Cancelations due to medical emergencies will be assesed on an individual basis.
Enrollment Change Policy:
All enrollment change requests—including cancellations, transfers to a different camp session, or changes to enrollment—must be submitted at least fourteen (14) days prior to the camp start date and are subject to availability.
Enrollment changes requested by a parent or guardian are subject to a $50 administrative fee, in addition to the camp fee.
If a camp session is canceled by Youth Science Institute due to low enrollment, families may transfer to another available camp session without an administrative fee, or request a full refund.
Camp enrollments are not transferable to another child.
Minimum Enrollment:
If minimum camp enrollment is not met at least two (2) weeks prior to the first day of camp, Youth Science Institute (YSI) reserves the right to cancel that camp session.
In the event that a camp session is canceled by YSI due to low enrollment, families will be notified as soon as reasonably possible. A full refund will be issued, or families may choose to transfer their enrollment to another available camp session, subject to availability. Transfers are subject to a $50 administrative fee.
YSI reserves the right, at its discretion, to operate camp sessions below the stated minimum enrollment when appropriate.
What grade level of camp should I register my child in?
Your camper should be registered for the grade level they will enter during the fall season of the 2026-2027 school year. For example, if your camper is currently finishing 2nd grade, you would register your camper for the YSI camps that are 3rd-4th grade level.
What ages can attend YSI Summer Science Camp?
YSI summer camps are for children entering Pre-K through 6th grade. Campers entering Pre-K must be at least 3.5 years old by the first day of their registered camp week and able to use the restroom independently.
Where and when is YSI Summer Science Camp?
Summer camp runs from June 8th-August 7th, 2026.
Camp hours vary by grade:
Pre-K–K: 9:00–11:30 AM;
1st–2nd: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM;
3rd–6th: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM.
All YSI summer camps are in the beautiful Vasona Lake County Park. A parking permit with driving directions will be sent out the Wednesday before your child’s camp start date.
Does YSI have an option for extended care?
Do you offer extended care?
Yes—options depend on grade level:
Pre-K–K: 11:30 AM–1:00 PM ($100/week)
1st–2nd: 1:00–3:00 PM ($200/week)
1st–2nd (Extended Day Camp+): 1:00–5:30 PM ($250/week)
3rd–6th: 3:00–5:30 PM ($200/week)
Does YSI have an immunization policy?
Yes, please click here to view our immunization policy.
Does YSI provide scholarships?
Yes, YSI does have scholarship funding available to families who need financial assistance. To help ensure applicants can receive their first-choice camp sessions, scholarship applications should be submitted by March 15, 2026. We will still accept applications after March 15, but applicants will only be able to select from remaining available sessions. To apply, please click here for the scholarship form and email the completed form to camps@ysi-ca.org.
I want to donate to YSI’s Scholarship Fund. How do I proceed?
When registering for a camp session, there are option availble to give a scholarship donation. All scholarship donations are tax-deductible.