Ann Arbor Public Schools
Community Education & Recreation
ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES & CAMPS
REGISTRATION FOR 2025 SPRING BREAK CAMP
AND SUMMER CAMPS IS NOW OPEN!
NEW Suds, Spas, and Science!
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/23/25 - 6/27/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. Aaah, another relaxing day in the… lab?!? That’s right, this week we will explore the science behind some of our favorite spa day treats. Obviously bath bombs are a must, but what other things can you think of to help with a relaxing day? Expect a lot of chemistry, soothing scents, colors, and of course, BUBBLES! Leave the bathrobes at home, a lab coat is a better fit for this camp! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Nutty Gamer Lab Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/23/25 - 6/27/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. There is a lot to be excited about in the world of gaming! While we will be focusing mainly on OFF screen activities, we will have a lot of fun making friends with similar interests and discussing some of the science behind our favorite games. From Minecraft to Roblox, how we code to how we control, what kinds of things do you think of when you think about the science behind one of our favorite activities. We will get a chance to check out some new video games with a surprising controller. We will even get a change to make a fully unplugged video game. Join us for a week of science for video gamers! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Nutty Gamer Lab Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/23/25 - 6/27/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. There is a lot to be excited about in the world of gaming! While we will be focusing mainly on OFF screen activities, we will have a lot of fun making friends with similar interests and discussing some of the science behind our favorite games. From Minecraft to Roblox, how we code to how we control, what kinds of things do you think of when you think about the science behind one of our favorite activities. We will get a chance to check out some new video games with a surprising controller. We will even get a change to make a fully unplugged video game. Join us for a week of science for video gamers! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Jr. Doctors Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/23/25 - 6/27/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages 8 - 10. Want to be a doctor when you grow up? Explore the fascinating world of medicine with real tools doctors use. Learn basic medical knowledge, first aid skills, and the essentials of human anatomy and physiology. Through a variety of hands-on activities, you’ll learn all about the skeletal system and bone health, how the circulatory system works, as well as the respiratory system and how the lungs function. By the end of the camp, you will be proud to display your healthcare knowledge through the art projects and models you’ve created. Instructor: Fatoumata (Fatima) Traore. Monday - Friday.
NEW Crime Scene Analysis Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/23/25 - 6/27/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 7 - 12. Experience real-life application in Crime Scene Analysis. Become the center of the action as a CSI agent and conduct forensic science experiments. In the laboratory, get ready to learn how to collect and perform analyses of evidence, record findings, and use critical thinking to find the culprit. Everyone will enjoy our interactive and amazing crime scene reproductions. Instructors: Planting Seeds Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Animal Adaptations
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/23/25 - 6/27/25
Abbot Elementary School
Grades: 2nd - 3rd. Students explore animal adaptations for protection, camouflage, food acquisition, and locomotion. Students learn what it means for an organism to be adapted to its environment and how different adaptations can be categorized. Using measurement and beginning data analysis, students design the ideal shoe for travelers to wear in extreme environments, applying what they have learned and looking to plant and animal adaptations to guide their designs. Instructors: AAPS PLTW Teacher and Rec & Ed staff. Monday - Friday. This camp is for rising 2nd and 3rd Graders.
NEW Stability in Motion
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/23/25 - 6/27/25
Abbot Elementary School
Grades: 4th - 5th. Students discover the math and science of aeronautics. They design, build, and test an experimental model glider to find out how air and other forces affect its flight. Students apply the design process to the problem of delivering aid to an area where supplies must be airlifted in and dropped to the ground from an aircraft. Instructors: AAPS PLTW Teacher and Rec & Ed Staff. Monday - Friday. This camp is for rising 4th and 5th Graders.
NEW Nutty Gamer Lab Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/30/25 - 7/3/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. There is a lot to be excited about in the world of gaming! While we will be focusing mainly on OFF screen activities, we will have a lot of fun making friends with similar interests and discussing some of the science behind our favorite games. From Minecraft to Roblox, how we code to how we control, what kinds of things do you think of when you think about the science behind one of our favorite activities. We will get a chance to check out some new video games with a surprising controller. We will even get a change to make a fully unplugged video game. Join us for a week of science for video gamers! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Thursday. NO CAMP JULY 4.
NEW Inventions Through Time Travel
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/30/25 - 7/3/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. Join the Nutty Scientists as we travel back in time through the eyes of a scientist! We will take a look at major scientific inventions, why they were great, recreate our own, and discuss ways we have improved on them since. We will discover the science behind current and future inventions and we will even come up with our own futuristic designs. What kinds of vehicles do you think there will be in the future? From learning about famous inventors like Davinci and Edison, to looking at important inventions such as the very first “clock”, this camp is sure to catch the attention of those that love to design, tinker, and create! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Thursday. NO CAMP JULY 4.
NEW Coding Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
6/30/25 - 7/3/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. Join the Nutty Scientists for a week-long camp introducing young minds to the world of coding. In this camp we will explore concepts of coding through both off screen interactive activities and on screen coding. Coding is a fun way to learn patience and problem solving! From block coding to C++ coding, binary to Morse code, coding robots and playing games, there is so much for a young mind to explore to introduce the concepts of computer science. Each camper will build their own take-home robot to further explore the excitement of robotics at home! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Thursday. NO CAMP JULY 4.
NEW Inventions Through Time Travel
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/7/25 - 7/11/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. Join the Nutty Scientists as we travel back in time through the eyes of a scientist! We will take a look at major scientific inventions, why they were great, recreate our own, and discuss ways we have improved on them since. We will discover the science behind current and future inventions and we will even come up with our own futuristic designs. What kinds of vehicles do you think there will be in the future? From learning about famous inventors like Davinci and Edison, to looking at important inventions such as the very first “clock”, this camp is sure to catch the attention of those that love to design, tinker, and create! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
The Science of Harry Potter
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/7/25 - 7/11/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. From potions to the zoology of mythical beasts we will explore scientific concepts of the magical world. Our classroom experiments will focus on the different themes from the fictional world of many different fantasy characters. From witches and wizards, to dragons and faeries. Our campers can share their favorite stories and we can explore them in a scientific way! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
The Science of Harry Potter
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/7/25 - 7/11/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. From potions to the zoology of mythical beasts we will explore scientific concepts of the magical world. Our classroom experiments will focus on the different themes from the fictional world of many different fantasy characters. From witches and wizards, to dragons and faeries. Our campers can share their favorite stories and we can explore them in a scientific way! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
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Nutty Robotics Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/7/25 - 7/11/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. Come experience the amazing science of robotics. The Nutty Scientists will help you design, build, and program robots with a purpose. Our robots will face unique chAbbotges and it’s up to us to help them solve them. We will also learn how robots are being used on Earth and even in space. Each camper will build their own take-home robot to further explore the excitement of robotics at home! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
A2 Nature Guardians
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/7/25 - 7/11/25
Freeman Environmental Center
Ages: 8 - 11. Interested in outdoor learning experiences and hands-on stewardship projects to help protect and enhance your local environment? Ready for a week full of fun engaging activities to build connections and understandings with the natural world? A2 Nature Guardians will be back in action again this summer at the Freeman Environmental Education Center! Campers will explore ecology and stewardship principles through place-based activities and games, including habitat enhancement and native plant gardening projects on this beautiful 40-acre campus. Hands-on activities will include collecting seeds, removing invasive plants, mulching, planting, hiking, a scavenger hunt, creating and playing nature-based board games, designing and painting a mural, creating a camp newspaper and much more! See how enjoying, studying, and improving a local habitat can help transform you into Ann Arbor’s greatest nature guardians! Instructors: Coert Ambrosino and Nate Hatt. Monday - Friday.
The Science of Harry Potter
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. From potions to the zoology of mythical beasts we will explore scientific concepts of the magical world. Our classroom experiments will focus on the different themes from the fictional world of many different fantasy characters. From witches and wizards, to dragons and faeries. Our campers can share their favorite stories and we can explore them in a scientific way! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Creature Curiosity Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. In this camp, we will investigate some of the AMAZING characteristics of animals on our planet! Why do cat's eyes glow in the dark? How does an owl find food? What color is polar bear fur? Join the Nutty Scientists as we dive into the animal world as Junior Zoologists exploring different themes around animal habitats, behaviors, human impact, and more. Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Creature Curiosity Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. In this camp, we will investigate some of the AMAZING characteristics of animals on our planet! Why do cat's eyes glow in the dark? How does an owl find food? What color is polar bear fur? Join the Nutty Scientists as we dive into the animal world as Junior Zoologists exploring different themes around animal habitats, behaviors, human impact, and more. Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
Nutty Engineering and Tech
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. This camp is all about exploring many kinds of engineering and technology. Get a glimpse of how different aspects of science work together to create new, amazing inventions that are changing the world. We will take a close look at simple machines and turn them into complex Rube Goldberg systems! Take part in engineering chAbbotges, create inventions, train robots, and more. Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Animals and Algorithms
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Abbot Elementary School
Grades: 1st. Students explore the nature of computers and the ways humans control and use technology. Using hands-on activities, students learn and practice counting, cardinality, and shapes while engaged in a story about animals in their habitats. Students work in small groups to design and program a simple digital animation about an animal in its habitat. Instructors: AAPS PLTW Teacher and Rec & Ed Staff. Monday - Friday. This camp is for rising 1st Graders.
NEW Patterns of the Universe
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Abbot Elementary School
Grades: 6th. Students explore the science of our universe through hands-on activities. Students learn about predictable patterns on Earth in relation to its place in the solar system with t mathematical modeling and geometry. Using research and writing skills, they design an exhibit that educates others about a concept they have learned throughout the module. Instructors: AAPS PLTW Teacher and Rec & Ed Staff. Monday - Friday. This camp is for rising 6th Graders.
NEW Jr. Doctors Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. Want to be a doctor when you grow up? Explore the fascinating world of medicine with real tools doctors use. Learn basic medical knowledge, first aid skills, and the essentials of human anatomy and physiology. Through a variety of hands-on activities, you’ll learn all about the skeletal system and bone health, how the circulatory system works, as well as the respiratory system and how the lungs function. By the end of the camp, you will be proud to display your healthcare knowledge through the art projects and models you’ve created. Instructor: Fatoumata (Fatima) Traore. Monday - Friday.
A2 Nature Guardians
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/14/25 - 7/18/25
Freeman Environmental Center
Ages: 8 - 11. Interested in outdoor learning experiences and hands-on stewardship projects to help protect and enhance your local environment? Ready for a week full of fun engaging activities to build connections and understandings with the natural world? A2 Nature Guardians will be back in action again this summer at the Freeman Environmental Education Center! Campers will explore ecology and stewardship principles through place-based activities and games, including habitat enhancement and native plant gardening projects on this beautiful 40-acre campus. Hands-on activities will include collecting seeds, removing invasive plants, mulching, planting, hiking, a scavenger hunt, creating and playing nature-based board games, designing and painting a mural, creating a camp newspaper and much more! See how enjoying, studying, and improving a local habitat can help transform you into Ann Arbor’s greatest nature guardians! Instructors: Coert Ambrosino and Nate Hatt. Monday - Friday.
NEW Nutty Party Science Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/21/25 - 7/25/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. Who doesn’t love a party? From balloons to party poppers, we will not only have a blast enjoying the things we expect to see at a birthday party, but we will get to learn about, and make some fun party inventions of our own! Didn’t catch the invite? Don’t worry, we’ll use science to make those too! We can’t wait to live it up this week in PARTY SCIENCE! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
Nutty Food Science Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/21/25 - 7/25/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. I scream for ice cream! Many people love ice cream, which makes sense, because it's delicious! But, have you ever thought about the science of how to make ice cream? In this camp, we will explore the science of some delicious foods. We will not only look at nutrition, but study other science fields using foods, both savory and SWEET! By the end, you will all be Nutty Scientists, as well as Nutty Chefs! While this camp will not be using nuts or shellfish, there may be experiments with dairy and gluten- Substitutions may be made, but please notify staff of allergies. Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
Nutty Food Science Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/21/25 - 7/25/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. I scream for ice cream! Many people love ice cream, which makes sense, because it's delicious! But, have you ever thought about the science of how to make ice cream? In this camp, we will explore the science of some delicious foods. We will not only look at nutrition, but study other science fields using foods, both savory and SWEET! By the end, you will all be Nutty Scientists, as well as Nutty Chefs! While this camp will not be using nuts or shellfish, there may be experiments with dairy and gluten- Substitutions may be made, but please notify staff of allergies. Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
Nutty Coding Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/21/25 - 7/25/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. Join the Nutty Scientists for a week-long camp introducing young minds to the world of coding. In this camp we will explore concepts of coding through both off screen interactive activities and on screen coding. Coding is a fun way to learn patience and problem solving! From block coding to C++ coding, binary to Morse code, coding robots and playing games, there is so much for a young mind to explore to introduce the concepts of computer science. Each camper will build their own take-home robot to further explore the excitement of robotics at home! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Animal Adaptations
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/21/25 - 7/25/25
Abbot Elementary School
Grades: 2nd - 3rd. Students explore animal adaptations for protection, camouflage, food acquisition, and locomotion. Students learn what it means for an organism to be adapted to its environment and how different adaptations can be categorized. Using measurement and beginning data analysis, students design the ideal shoe for travelers to wear in extreme environments, applying what they have learned and looking to plant and animal adaptations to guide their designs. Instructors: AAPS PLTW Teacher and Rec & Ed staff. Monday - Friday. This camp is for rising 2nd and 3rd graders.
NEW Stability in Motion
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/21/25 - 7/25/25
Abbot Elementary School
Grades: 4th - 5th. Students learn about the forces involved in flight. They design, build, and test an experimental model glider to find out how air and other forces affect its flight. Students discover the math and science of aeronautics. Students apply the design process to the problem of delivering aid to an area where supplies must be airlifted in and dropped to the ground from an aircraft. Instructors: PLTW Staff. Monday - Friday. This camp is for rising 4th and 5th Graders.
NEW Nutty Jr. Detectives
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/28/25 - 8/1/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. Join the Nutty Scientists as we become SCIENCE DETECTIVES! We will use our brains to solve chAbbotges, learn about the amazing science of fingerprints, and even use our detective skills to follow clues and solve a mystery that only a Nutty Science Detective could solve! We will take a kid-friendly approach into the day in the life of CSI. So much detective work all in one week! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Wacky Reaction Factory
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/28/25 - 8/1/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 5 - 7. This week will be all about CHEMISTRY! If you love mixing potions and making messes, this is the camp for you. Will we make this bubble, grow, fizz, change color, and more. We will discuss chemical versus physical changes, talk about different elements, and learn about how we use chemistry in everyday life. Campers should bring a snack, a water bottle, and a smile :) Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Wacky Reaction Factory
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/28/25 - 8/1/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. This week will be all about CHEMISTRY! If you love mixing potions and making messes, this is the camp for you. Will we make this bubble, grow, fizz, change color, and more. We will discuss chemical versus physical changes, talk about different elements, and learn about how we use chemistry in everyday life. Campers should bring a snack, a water bottle, and a smile :) Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
Nutty Robotics Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/28/25 - 8/1/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. Come experience the amazing science of robotics. The Nutty Scientists will help you design, build, and program robots with a purpose. Our robots will face unique chAbbotges and it’s up to us to help them solve them. We will also learn how robots are being used on Earth and even in space. Each camper will build their own take-home robot to further explore the excitement of robotics at home! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Jr. Doctors Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
7/28/25 - 8/1/25
Abbot Elementary School
Ages: 8 - 10. Want to be a doctor when you grow up? Explore the fascinating world of medicine with real tools doctors use. Learn basic medical knowledge, first aid skills, and the essentials of human anatomy and physiology. Through a variety of hands-on activities, you’ll learn all about the skeletal system and bone health, how the circulatory system works, as well as the respiratory system and how the lungs function. By the end of the camp, you will be proud to display your healthcare knowledge through the art projects and models you’ve created. Instructor: Fatoumata (Fatima) Traore. Monday - Friday.
NEW Nutty Survivalists
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
8/4/25 - 8/8/25
Freeman Environmental Center
Ages: 5 - 7. Campers are “TRAPPED” on a deserted island and have only the power of science to help them “SURVIVE”. Campers learn about survivalist skills, design and create crazy shelters, building their own water filters, and so more! Do you think you have what it takes to survive in the WILD?! Don’t miss this fun and chAbbotging week of survivor science! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Science of Michigan Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
8/4/25 - 8/8/25
Freeman Environmental Center
Ages: 5 - 7. Lions, Tigers, and Lakes… oh, MI!! This week will be spent learning about the science of our great state of MICHIGAN! With a close look at not only our geology, but other scientific subjects, we will learn more about what makes our current home so special. From lakes, to bridges, to stones, and the living things in our four seasons states, we can’t wait to dig deeper into facts about the mitten state. What is your first thought when it comes to Michigan?!? Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Science of Michigan Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
8/4/25 - 8/8/25
Freeman Environmental Center
Ages: 8 - 10. Lions, Tigers, and Lakes… oh, MI!! This week will be spent learning about the science of our great state of MICHIGAN! With a close look at not only our geology, but other scientific subjects, we will learn more about what makes our current home so special. From lakes, to bridges, to stones, and the living things in our four seasons states, we can’t wait to dig deeper into facts about the mitten state. What is your first thought when it comes to Michigan?!? Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Science of Michigan Camp
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
8/11/25 - 8/15/25
Freeman Environmental Center
Ages: 5 - 7. Lions, Tigers, and Lakes… oh, MI!! This week will be spent learning about the science of our great state of MICHIGAN! With a close look at not only our geology, but other scientific subjects, we will learn more about what makes our current home so special. From lakes, to bridges, to stones, and the living things in our four seasons states, we can’t wait to dig deeper into facts about the mitten state. What is your first thought when it comes to Michigan?!? Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
NEW Nutty Survivalists
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
8/11/25 - 8/15/25
Freeman Environmental Center
Ages: 5 - 7. Campers are “TRAPPED” on a deserted island and have only the power of science to help them “SURVIVE”. Campers learn about survivalist skills, design and create crazy shelters, building their own water filters, and so more! Do you think you have what it takes to survive in the WILD?! Don’t miss this fun and chAbbotging week of survivor science! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.
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NEW Nutty Survivalists
Full Day Camp
9:00A - 4:00P
8/11/25 - 8/15/25
Freeman Environmental Center
Ages: 8 - 10. Campers are “TRAPPED” on a deserted island and have only the power of science to help them “SURVIVE”. Campers learn about survivalist skills, design and create crazy shelters, building their own water filters, and so more! Do you think you have what it takes to survive in the WILD?! Don’t miss this fun and chAbbotging week of survivor science! Instructors: Nutty Science Staff. Monday - Friday.