For our third year of summer programs, we’re trying something new:
a comprehensive, collaborative theatrical experience
based on the music of David Bowie, Queen, Prince, and other legends!!
Building on the skills that we’ve been developing over the past year, we’ll be fully engaged in the design, development, and production of this original video-based theatrical experience. We’ll be advancing our understanding and application of audio & video recording and editing, including both digital and practical effects. Additionally, we'll be exploring and engaging in the fabrication of costumes and props, including 3D design and printing.
Not to mention all the singing & dancing & building robotic mech suits & whatnot.
LEARNING. MAKING. PLAYING. GROWING.
Each week's activities incorporate varying elements and applications of S.T.E.A.M.-based exploration. Our goal is to provide every child with daily opportunities to engage in at least one activity that challenges them, as well as several in which they can more comfortably display their natural creative brilliance! The icons and descriptions below will help you to identify which programs might be of greatest interest.
We are currently accepting any and all students entering 3rd through 9th grade, though exceptions can be made on an individual basis (please contact us directly to discuss age exemptions). We specialize in working with children who might struggle in more traditional academic and social programs due to a wide range of specialized needs. Kids with ADHD, those who are on the autism spectrum, and those who experience high levels of anxiety and/or sensitivity will thrive in our inclusive, structured, and highly engaging environment.
Mondays are Dungeons & Dragons day. Those new to the game are provided with everything they need to join in!
Mondays-only D&D program options are available on the registration page.
Full Week (Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm): $350 per week
Programs run daily beginning June 22nd and concluding August 28th.
Dungeons & Dragons 10-week package (Mondays only, 9:30am-4:30pm):
Sessions run every Monday from June 22nd through August 24th.
Single Day Dungeons & Dragons Sessions (Mondays only): $75 per day
This option will become available in mid-June, based on full-week registrations.
Extended hours (8:30am-9:30am, 4:30pm-5:30pm): $50 per week
Scholarships are available for families with demonstrated financial need. Please contact us directly for more information, or to make a deposit with balance due at least one week prior to program start date ($100 for full-week programs, $40 for single day programs).
PAST PROGRAMS
All program descriptions are general guidelines, not strict pathways.
Adaptations of daily activities will happen based on the individual & collective interests of the kids on the bus each week.
ROBOT UNICORN
Being fabulous. Designing and fabricating costumes and props with a wide range of materials. Sourcing, scavenging, and improvising. LARPing. Creating backdrops and set pieces for photo shoots, short films, and theatrical productions. Learning about special effects, from prosthetics to pyrotechnics.
ANTIGRAVITY INSANITY
Exploring the history of rocketry and space exploration. Learning about celestial mechanics and the challenges of human space travel. Investigating the chemistry of rockets and fireworks. Building and launching rockets of various design. Developing a practical understanding of Newtonian physics.
CHARACTER WITNESS
Exploring and applying the fundamentals of fictional character development, including an introduction to archetypes and The Hero's Journey. Drawing and 3D modeling of the human body. Delving into the basics of costume design and fabrication. Learning about historical and modern practices in the forensic sciences.
THE CRAFT OF MINING
Learning about Washington State geologic formations and history. Practicing rock and mineral identification, with investigations into fossils and fossil fuels. Developing and participating in interactive Minecraft challenges. Designing and fabricating Minecraft-themed costumes and props.
IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES
Diving deep into game theory. Investigating elements of design, development, prototyping, and marketing in the creation of both physical and digital games. Exploring historical and modern advancements in AI technology. Learning and implementing practical applications of data science, visual design, project management, and semiotics.
THE SINGULARITY
Expanding our understanding of developments and applications of artificial intelligence systems. Exploring futurist theories and predictions. Preparing to welcome our new robot overlords. Investigating and applying the fundamentals of modern robotics with forays into mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, including an introduction to computing logic and programming. Learning the importance of staying away from black holes.
THE TANGENT BUS MAKES A RAINBOW
Playing with lasers, and learning why the correct acronym should actually be "loser." Playing laser chess (and regular chess). Exploring the history and technologies relevant to the study of light and optics. Creating spectrographic art. Designing laser light shows. Using lenses for all sorts of practical applications, from solar ovens to Archimedes' Death Ray. Possibly starting a metal band just so that we can name it "Newton's Bodkin."
MICROCOSMS
Exploring natural realms invisible to the naked eye, with an overview of relevant history and technology. Photographing, drawing, and modeling observed microscopic structures and phenomena. 3D printing and painting gaming miniatures. Creating stop-motion animations with Lego. Learning about quantum physics and the search for the Higgs Boson. Building a functioning scale model of the particle accelerator at CERN (ok, probably not that last part).
GEE, I'M A TREE!
Developing our senses and skills relating to environmental stewardship and appreciation. Learning about native plant identification and conservation. Exploring several different styles of wood burning art. Discovering mathematical (particularly geometric) patterns in nature, from macro to micro, with an emphasis on photographing and drawing natural structures and scenes.
Please note: In the interest of the health & safety of all program participants, and because of the potential risk for communicable diseases inherent in any social program, we require that all participants are appropriately immunized for, at minimum, the following diseases: tetanus, mumps, measles, rubella, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), and diphtheria. Families must provide proof of immunization prior to participation in any of our programs. Exemptions may be granted on medical grounds only, upon presentation of appropriate documentation from a licensed medical practitioner. This policy has been adopted per the guidelines & recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Camp Association, and the Washington State Legislature.