STEAM@Stark

Explore new places!

Think new things!

Unlock new ways to be creative!

STEAM@Stark opens the doors of the University of Utah to curious kids ages 10–14, giving them something rare: access to working research labs, professional scientists, and the thrill of creating something they didn't know they could. Campers make synthetic snot with a bioengineer, tour a wildlife area closed to the public, and record their projects in a professional studio with a real production team, all guided by a teacher who spent 20 years making science irresistible (including at Disneyland).

From the team behind Learn.Genetics, used by millions of students worldwide.

At the heart of everything we do is making sure your kiddo walks away with new discoveries, new confidence, and the kind of memories that light them up every time they tell the story.

Choose from 3 camps designed to get kids thinking, building, and buzzing with ideas. Find out more below!

Summer 2026 Camps

Genetic Survivor

Art meets biology in the ultimate survival design challenge

Do you have what it takes to survive a Vampire Apocalypse or raging Lawnmower Bots? Let’s design something nature-inspired that will!

Brains & Biotech

Get your creative juices flowing with bioengineering

Do synthetic snot, engineering projects, neurorobotics, and puzzle-solving intrigue you? Come explore, design, and geek out with us!

Chemistry Magic

Find your inner Mad Scientist with this explosive camp

Marvel at the magic of the chemistry surrounding us. Let’s mix, measure, react, experiment, and crack the code of the periodic table!

Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

U of U Research Park

Sample Camp Activities

*This activity list is subject to change

  • Genetic Survivor

    • Field trips to Tracy Aviary and the Natural History Museum of Utah

    • Exclusive access to Red Butte Canyon Research Natural Area

    • Drawing class with a professional artist

    • Snot lab

    • Egg drop design project

    • Design a way to survive a crazy apocalyptic scenario

    • Create a video promo of your design with a professional writer, an advertising exec, and a video producer

  • Brains & Biotech

    • Interact with cutting-edge tech at a world-famous neurorobotics lab

    • Visit research labs working with materials like titanium and microplastics

    • Hands-on activities with neuroscientists

    • Snot lab

    • Egg drop design project

    • Engineer a prosthetic hand

    • Create a video promo of your prototype with a professional writer and a video producer

  • Chemistry Magic

    • Experiments with visiting chemistry professors

    • Dozens of demos and fun chemistry experiments

    • Visit labs to explore elements and metals

    • Snot lab

    • Help create a video glitter reel of the week to take home

Per camp, per camper

$400

Multi-camp & sibling discount: $25 off each additional registration

U of U faculty, staff & students: 10% off

What Every Camper Gets

Your registration tuition covers:

Licensed Teacher & Camp Director

Jen Taylor has 20 years of classroom experience & science workshops at Disneyland.

Custom Lab Coat

Personalized with their name, theirs to keep forever.

Expert Instructors

University scientists, researchers, professional artists, writers & video producers

Lab Notebooks

A notebook to document discoveries.

Lab Tours & Field Trips

University labs, museums, or wildlife areas depending on camp chosen. Transportation included in camp cost.

Professional Video

Filmed & edited showcase of their project or a highlight reel of the week depending on the camp chosen.

2026 Summer Camps

Stark Science Learning Center @ the University of Utah

We have a multi-camp discount! Sign up your Camper for an additional camp or add a second Camper in your household. Each additional registration is $25 off!

University of Utah faculty, staff, and students get a 10% discount! Email SSLC_Camp@utah.edu with your name and uNID for the checkout code.

Where to Find Us

295 Chipeta Way

Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Contacting Us

Emailing will get you the quickest response.

SSLC_Camp@utah.edu

If you call, please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

(385) 226-5145

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

  • Absolutely! We have a multi-camp discount. Sign up your Camper for an additional camp or add a second Camper in your household. Each additional registration is $25 off!

  • To secure a seat for your Camper...

    1. Fill out this Registration Form.

    2. Submit payment here. If you are unable to add the Camp you want, email us and we will put you on a waitlist.

    Once the registration form and payment have been received, your camper’s spot is reserved. You’ll receive a confirmation email.

  • If you are unable to add a Camp in the payment portal, you may email (SSLC_Camp@utah.edu) and request to be put on a waitlist. We will alert you if a seat becomes available.

  • Requests to move Campers to different weeks will be honored as availability allows.

    Any cancellations for full refund or changes to camp weeks must be made by Monday, 11 May.

  • Email reminders with final schedule will be sent out the week before your Camp starts.

  • We want for all at Camp to

    • be safe

    • make friends

    • feel seen, heard, and appreciated

    • try new things and think new thoughts

    • contribute and value unique perspectives

    To that end, we have a Camp Code that Campers and Parents/Guardians agree to and sign.

    I promise to…

    1. Risk doing new or hard things…no adventure if I don’t venture!

    2. Respect other people and things

    3. Rules protect me…I follow them!

    4. Refrain from taking more than my Fair Share of the adult attention

    Anyone taking more of their Fair Share or choosing not to adhere to the Camp Code will start down this Continuum of Consequences…

    #1 Reflect & Return (R & R)

    • I will have some solo time to think and write about how I can recommit to the Camp Code. I will return when ready with a plan in place to successfully rejoin the group.

    #2 Extended Break

    • I will spend the day at home. I may return the following day with a written plan in place to successfully finish the camp.

    #3 Part Ways

    • Things didn’t work out. I will be removed from the camp for the remainder of the week.

    Willful rebellion/defiance, disregard for the safety of self or others, leaving the premises without permission of the camp staff, or other dangerous behaviors may result in jumping directly to #2 or #3.

  • We don’t want phone distraction to get in the way of the best Camp experience! SO…

    • Campers should leave their phones and other electronics at home.

    • All phones brought to Camp will be placed in the Phone Box from 9 am until 2:55 pm.

    • Messages that can’t wait until after Camp (like a change in carpool) can be texted or emailed to SSLC staff. This number will be emailed to you along with your registration materials.

    Why not allow the Campers their phones during breaks and lunch?

    • Unstructured free time is invaluable for Campers to connect with peers in a meaningful way and build the relationships that we hope to foster here.

    • Anticipating phone use during an upcoming break might keep Campers from enjoying the Camp experience fully.

    • The responsibility for monitoring phone use should rest with the parent/guardian.

    • a non-refrigerated nut-free sack lunch

    • 2 snacks

    • a water bottle

    • sunscreen and/or a hat (we will go outside most days)

    • comfortable walking shoes (will need close-toed shoes on lab tour days)

    • NO CELL PHONES :)

  • All medication should be sent with the Camper in the original bottle with the dosage clearly marked.

    Staff is not allowed to administer medication, but can arrange for safe-keeping on a case-by-case basis.

    • We plan for Campers to be at Camp all 5 days.

    • We understand that life happens and Campers may not be in attendance every day.

    • Be aware that those absences (even if planned ahead of time) will not result in reduced or refunded tuition.

    • Campers should be dropped off between 8:50 and 9 am

    • Campers should be picked up between 3 and 3:10 pm and will be released only to an authorized adult with an ID. Self-checkout can be granted to older Campers with adult approval.

    • Early drop-off or late pick-up will be assessed a fee to pay for additional staffing costs.

    • Detailed procedures to follow.

  • We strive to create an inclusive environment for all to the best of our abilities. Please contact SSLC staff at SSLC_Camp@utah.edu with any questions about your camper’s individual needs.

  • All parents and Campers will be asked to agree to follow this Communicable Disease Protocol

    Expectations of Parent/Guardian to support their child’s participation: 

    My child will not attend the SSLC Summer Camp Program if experiencing any of the following symptoms: 

    • A fever of 100.4°F or higher (any time within the last 24 hours)        

    • A new or worsening cough                                              

    • A sore throat 

    • Tightness in the chest or difficulty breathing 

    • Muscle aches, headache, or chills 

    • Change in taste or smell 

    • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea  

    My child will not attend if they or anyone in the household has been ordered to quarantine or isolate by the Health Department. 

    I will notify the program director should my child test positive for COVID-19, or any other communicable disease, at any time during the program. 

    I will promptly (within 30 minutes) pick up my child if they show symptoms of illness during camp and I am contacted by program staff. 

    I will keep my child home until they are no longer contagious.

    Expectations of Campers

    I will follow proper hand hygiene and sick etiquette.

    I will not come to camp if I’m feeling sick with any of the above mentioned symptoms.

    I will notify a staff member immediately if I start to feel ill while at camp. 

    I will always be respectful to the staff and other campers. 

2026 Summer Camps

Stark Science Learning Center @ the University of Utah

We have a multi-camp discount! Sign up your Camper for an additional camp or add a second Camper in your household. Each additional registration is $25 off!

University of Utah faculty, staff, and students get a 10% discount! Email SSLC_Camp@utah.edu with your name and uNID for the checkout code.