Summer Camp 2024
We make science camps fun! YSI summer camp culture is infused with games that foster social skills and playful science camp activities that bring YSI summer camp spirit to life! Our summer science camps incorporate hiking, games, and arts & crafts and feature special programs with our live animal ambassadors.
Most importantly, our exceptional summer camp staff make our summer camps unique. We carefully screen and interview to get high-quality summer camp staff. Our team includes passionate college students, classroom teachers, and full-time YSI educators. Our summer camp staff receive training to ensure child safety, content knowledge, and customer service. Our staff are trained in CPR and first aid. Staff are also trained on state and county protocols for COVID- 19. The COVID-19 vaccination is required for all YSI Camp Staff. Our summer camp group sizes maintain a ratio of 1:7 for most camps, while fishing and biking camps maintain a 1:5 ratio, and Extended Day Camp maintains a 1:10 ratio.
Most importantly, our exceptional summer camp staff make our summer camps unique. We carefully screen and interview to get high-quality summer camp staff. Our team includes passionate college students, classroom teachers, and full-time YSI educators. Our summer camp staff receive training to ensure child safety, content knowledge, and customer service. Our staff are trained in CPR and first aid. Staff are also trained on state and county protocols for COVID- 19. The COVID-19 vaccination is required for all YSI Camp Staff. Our summer camp group sizes maintain a ratio of 1:7 for most camps, while fishing and biking camps maintain a 1:5 ratio, and Extended Day Camp maintains a 1:10 ratio.
Following All State and County Guidelines
An Unforgettable Experience With Nature
Friendly Hiking With Each for In-Person Camps
Science Education With Every Summer Camp
Located in Beautiful Vasona Lake County Park
Science Program Experts Since 1953
Summer Science Camps run from June 10-August 9
Early Registration & Multi Session Discounts
Select Your Child's Grade Level for the 2024-2025 School Year
(Science camp weeks sold separately)
(Science camp weeks sold separately)
Investigators Camp: $289
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)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am with no extended care option.
* Note: July 1-5 week is $232 and only a 4-day week due to 4th of July. There is no camp on Thursday, July 4th.
Camp session for the week of 8/5 is open only to waitlist registrations.
*July 1-5August 5-9
Discovery Camp: $289
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)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am with no extended care option.
Camp session for the week of 7/15 is open only to waitlist registrations.
June 10-14July 15-19
Curiosity Camp: $289
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)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am with no extended care option.
Camp session for the week of 6/17 is open only to waitlist registrations.
June 17-21July 22-26
Explorers Camp: $289
Delve into the world of energy by experimenting with sound and motion. Make musical instruments and do hands-on experiments demonstrating how sound travels. Meet a toad and analyze the difference between living and non-living things. It’s time to examine, experiment, and explore.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am with no extended care option.
Camp session for the week of 7/29 is open only to waitlist registrations.
June 24-28July 29 - August 2
Questers Camp: $289
Begin to develop skills used by scientists. Learn different ways to categorize what is around us, and then sort items we find into categories. Learn about different mixtures - can colors be mixed? How about oil and water? Learn about different types of rocks and how to sort them into different categories (now that you’re an expert at sorting!). What is wind, what’s in the wind? And how do plants use the wind to their advantage? Learn about evaporation, make a cloud, and more!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camps run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am with no extended care option.
Camp session is open only to waitlist registrations.
July 8-12
Feathers, Fur, and Scales: $410
Dive into zoology with YSI! We will actively investigate different kinds of animals from head to toe, and from the inside out. Examine bones, fur, feathers, claws, teeth, scales, and skeletons to learn more about animal adaptations. Together we will meet YSI’s live animals and get an up-close look at how these animals are built for survival.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
All camp sessions are open only to waitlist registrations.
June 10-14June 24-28July 8-12July 22-26August 5-9
Radical Reptiles: $410
During the week, campers will have the chance to meet and touch YSI’s wide variety of live reptiles. Take an up-close look at reptilian anatomy as we learn the proper techniques scientists use to examine skeletons, skins, shells, and fossils.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
All camp sessions are open only to waitlist registrations.
* Note: July 1-5 week is $328 and only a 4-day week due to 4th of July. There is no camp on Thursday, July 4th.
June 17-21*July 1-5July 15-19July 29 - August 2
Nature Sleuths: $324
Learn to use your senses and the tools of a scientist to look more deeply into the mystery of the world around us. YSI’s favorite camp mascot, Peppermint Bob, will help us understand scents and the sense of smell while more activities explore other senses. Experience the scientific method with a simple chemical experiment. Learn to take fingerprints and follow a footprint trail. Decode a message and later transform yourself into a world-class detective! Finally, campers will combine their knowledge and apply these tools and insights to solve a natural mystery.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
This camp is currently full. Join waitlist for June 21-25 or August 2-6.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
This camp is currently full. Join waitlist for June 21-25 or August 2-6.
Chemistry and Physics Jr: $410
Microscopes, lab coats, and test tubes, oh my! Prepare yourself for a week of experimentation and creation. Learn about bonds as you make slime and create rocket power! Find out what molecules have to do with properties and scent. Let your curiosity run wild!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
All camp sessions are open only to waitlist registrations.
June 10-14June 17-21July 15-19July 29 - August 2
Water World: $410
Conduct hands-on investigation of the properties of water by dropping, spraying, heating, freezing, and mixing it. Explore the local watershed and meet live aquatic animals. Campers will develop a better understanding of water as both a liquid and as an ecosystem.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
All camp sessions are open only to waitlist registrations.
* Note: July 1-5 week is $328 and only a 4-day week due to 4th of July. There is no camp on Thursday, July 4th.
*July 1-5July 22-26
Wacky Weather: $410
Explore the world of meteorology with YSI! Explore how the weather changes. What are the different types of natural disasters? What is the difference between weather and climate? Also, learn how to prepare for sudden changes and weather and how you and your family can be safe.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
All camp sessions are open only to waitlist registrations.
June 24-28July 8-12
Bike Hike $435
Biology and ecology are as easy as riding a bike! Practice and improve your riding skills, learn trail etiquette, and bicycle safety. Delve into the mechanics of various bike parts with hands-on experiments. Participants must bring their own helmet and two-wheel bicycle (no training wheels) and be comfortable riding. YSI cannot provide overnight bike storage.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
Camp sessions for the weeks 6/17, 7/15, and 8/5 are open only to waitlist registrations.
June 17-21*July 1-5July 15-19August 5-9
Vast Voyagers: $410
Send your child blasting into space with this week-long program! We will discover the many differences and similarities between the planets in our solar system plus their moons. We will also talk about many different galaxies, the ingredients of a star, and so much more during this fun-filled voyage together. Plus, your child will do many hands-on projects that they will bring home to share with you. It'll be a blast-off!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
* Note: July 1-5 week is $328 and only a 4-day week due to 4th of July. There is no camp on Thursday, July 4th.
Camp session for the week of 7/29 is open only to waitlist registrations.
*July 1-5July 29 - August 2
Groovy Gardening $410
Do you have a love for gardening and want to learn some tricks of the trade? YSI has you covered! Spend the week with us and get your hands dirty while gaining some knowledge of horticulture science!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp session for the week of 7/22 is open only to waitlist registrations.
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
June 24-28July 22-26
Fishy Fun $435
Explore our watershed and examine how its health affects the fish that live there. Learn special traits that our aquatic friends possess to survive and thrive in the water. Learn how to fish, fishing safety and etiquette, and then go fishing! YSI provides fishing poles & bait, so grab your hat and sunglasses and get ready to go fishing!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
All camp sessions are open only to waitlist registrations.
June 10-14June 24-28July 8-12July 29 - August 2
Chemistry and Physics $410
Unlock the secrets to the physical realm with physics! Discover the principles of physics while making music, creating and flying airplanes and rockets, and conducting experiments with magnetism, electricity, light, and more.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
All camp sessions are open only to waitlist registrations.
June 10-14July 22-26August 5-9
Predator vs. Prey $410
Do all insects bite? Are all spiders dangerous? Is every snake venomous? Let's' talk about it! This week, YSI will teach you about each group of animals while discussing which animals are safe, and which ones aren't. You'll also learn the difference between predators and prey, and meet live animals each day to discuss which group you think they fall under based on natural and scientific evidence you gather!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
All camp sessions are open only to waitlist registrations.
June 17-21Juliy 15-19
Bike Explorers: $435
Explore our park and beyond on two wheels! Practice and improve your bike skills, learn how to keep your bike in good working order, and do some basic repairs while learning some biking physics. Participants must bring their own helmet and two-wheel bicycle with gears, and be comfortable riding up and down hills. YSI cannot provide overnight bike storage.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
Camp session for the weeks of 6/10 is open only to waitlist registrations.
June 10-14June 24-28July 22-26.svg)
Sea-u-tiful Science : $410
Learn about the wonders of ocean habitats and the animals that call it home! Campers will spend the week focusing on a specific marine habitat like coral reefs, the deep ocean, and polar seas. They will be introduced to our animal ambassadors and learn about the particular adaptations their marine cousins would require. Campers will do activities that teach them about tides, and how currents are made, and make various crafts like a windsock squid and a model hydrothermal vent! They will also dissect squid and learn about the dynamics of how they survive! We can't wait to dive in together for a week of fun!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
June 17-21July 8-12July 15-19August 5-9
Something's Fishy: $435
Explore the aquatic environment and search the creek for critters. Dissect a fish and learn more about the unique adaptations that allow them to survive in water. Cast a line and go fishing in Vasona Lake! YSI provides the fishing poles & bait, so grab your hat & sunglasses and get ready to go fishing.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
Camp sessions for the weeks of 6/17 and 7/22 are open only to waitlist registrations.
* Note: July 1-5 week is $348 and only a 4-day week due to 4th of July. There is no camp on Thursday, July 4th.
June 17-21*July 1-5July 22-26August 5-9
Wildlife Wonders $410
Actively investigate animal bodies and behaviors with art, experiments, and games. Meet live animals, handle specimens, and learn to identify adaptations that help species survive. It’s going to be a wildly wonderful week of wildlife!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp session for the week of June 10th has been cancelled.
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp session for the week of June 10th has been cancelled.
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
June 10-14July 8-12
Geology Rocks! $410
Learn about the study of our beautiful planet Earth and its many natural wonders! This week, we will explore a variety of topics that cover our most important problems, from energy, water, and mineral resources; the environment; climate change; and natural hazards like landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. Join us on this wonderful exploration, and leave your week as an experienced Geologist!
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Location: Vasona Lake County Park (333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos, California 95032)
Camp runs from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, with an extended care option up to 5:30 pm.
June 24-28July 29 - August 2Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a discount for early registration?
All registrations made before February 14, 2024, will qualify for $10.00 off their registration. Please use code EBD2024 at checkout to apply this discount.
Are there multi-session discounts?
10% off 3rd week plus all additional weeks. For Example, If you register your child for 4 (non-sequential) weeks, the first two weeks will be full-priced science camps, and the following two weeks will be 10% off!
Are there multi-person discounts?
5% off all camp weeks for the 2nd child registered plus all additional children registered. For Example, if you are registering four children, the 1st child registered will have a full-priced science camp, the following three registered will each have 5% off their 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 cancellations made any time before May 13, 2024.
• Cancellations between May 13 and two weeks before your camp start date result in a refund of 50% of total program fees and a $50 administrative fee.
• Cancellations within two weeks of your camp start date are non-refundable. Cancellations due to medical emergencies will be assessed on an individual basis.
• If federal, state, or county COVID-19 guidelines change and prevent YSI from operating our Summer Science Camp programs, registrants can donate program fees, defer program fees to our ACTIVE account to be used as a credit for another camp, or receive a full refund. Scholarship donations are non-refundable.
Enrollment Change Policy:
Any change requests (e.g., canceling out of one camp and enrolling in another camp) must be made at least 14 days before the camp start date and are subject to availability. There will be a $50 administrative fee and the camp fee. Camps and extended camps are not transferable to another person.
Minimum Enrollment:
If minimum camp enrollment is not met two weeks before the first day, that camp may be canceled. If a camp is canceled by YSI, a full refund will be issued.
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 2024/2025 school year. For example, if your camper is currently finishing fourth grade, you would register your camper for the YSI camps that are fifth to sixth-grade level.
What ages can attend YSI Summer Science Camp?
YSI’s Summer Science Camps are weekly, half-day camps from 9:00 am to 11:30 am for our preschool and kindergarten camps and from 9:00 am to 1:00pm for campers entering first through sixth grade. All preschool campers must have a birth date before January 1, 2021, and be able to use the restroom independently.
Where and when is YSI Summer Science Camp?
All YSI Summer Science Camps are in the beautiful Vasona Lake County Park. For directions, please email camp@ysi-ca.org or call 408-356-4945 x 15.
Does YSI have an option for extended care?
Yes! Extended Day Camp for grades first through sixth, which will run from 1:00 pm-5:30 pm daily. To add this option to your registration, please select Extended Day Camp from the menu options during the registration process. The cost for Extended Day Camp is $175.00 per child per week.
Does YSI have an immunization policy?
Yes, we do. Click here to read our immunization policy.
Does YSI provide scholarships?
Yes, YSI does have this option available to families who need financial assistance. To apply, please fill out the scholarship form and email it to camp@ysi-ca.org.
I want to donate to YSI’s Scholarship Fund. How do I proceed?
By clicking on the camp of choice, you will see options under sessions to donate a designated amount. All donations made to the scholarship fund are tax- deductible.
All registrations made before February 14, 2024, will qualify for $10.00 off their registration. Please use code EBD2024 at checkout to apply this discount.
Are there multi-session discounts?
10% off 3rd week plus all additional weeks. For Example, If you register your child for 4 (non-sequential) weeks, the first two weeks will be full-priced science camps, and the following two weeks will be 10% off!
Are there multi-person discounts?
5% off all camp weeks for the 2nd child registered plus all additional children registered. For Example, if you are registering four children, the 1st child registered will have a full-priced science camp, the following three registered will each have 5% off their 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 cancellations made any time before May 13, 2024.
• Cancellations between May 13 and two weeks before your camp start date result in a refund of 50% of total program fees and a $50 administrative fee.
• Cancellations within two weeks of your camp start date are non-refundable. Cancellations due to medical emergencies will be assessed on an individual basis.
• If federal, state, or county COVID-19 guidelines change and prevent YSI from operating our Summer Science Camp programs, registrants can donate program fees, defer program fees to our ACTIVE account to be used as a credit for another camp, or receive a full refund. Scholarship donations are non-refundable.
Enrollment Change Policy:
Any change requests (e.g., canceling out of one camp and enrolling in another camp) must be made at least 14 days before the camp start date and are subject to availability. There will be a $50 administrative fee and the camp fee. Camps and extended camps are not transferable to another person.
Minimum Enrollment:
If minimum camp enrollment is not met two weeks before the first day, that camp may be canceled. If a camp is canceled by YSI, a full refund will be issued.
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 2024/2025 school year. For example, if your camper is currently finishing fourth grade, you would register your camper for the YSI camps that are fifth to sixth-grade level.
What ages can attend YSI Summer Science Camp?
YSI’s Summer Science Camps are weekly, half-day camps from 9:00 am to 11:30 am for our preschool and kindergarten camps and from 9:00 am to 1:00pm for campers entering first through sixth grade. All preschool campers must have a birth date before January 1, 2021, and be able to use the restroom independently.
Where and when is YSI Summer Science Camp?
All YSI Summer Science Camps are in the beautiful Vasona Lake County Park. For directions, please email camp@ysi-ca.org or call 408-356-4945 x 15.
Does YSI have an option for extended care?
Yes! Extended Day Camp for grades first through sixth, which will run from 1:00 pm-5:30 pm daily. To add this option to your registration, please select Extended Day Camp from the menu options during the registration process. The cost for Extended Day Camp is $175.00 per child per week.
Does YSI have an immunization policy?
Yes, we do. Click here to read our immunization policy.
Does YSI provide scholarships?
Yes, YSI does have this option available to families who need financial assistance. To apply, please fill out the scholarship form and email it to camp@ysi-ca.org.
I want to donate to YSI’s Scholarship Fund. How do I proceed?
By clicking on the camp of choice, you will see options under sessions to donate a designated amount. All donations made to the scholarship fund are tax- deductible.
