CAMP SIMCHAH SPECIALTY: EHS STEM CAMP

ENTERING GRADES 3-7
Mon-Fri, 9:00am-4:00pm

Spark Curiosity and Ignite Imagination in the state-of-the-art The David Lear Sulman Innovation Center at Epstein Hillel School.

Led by EHS STEM Coordinator and 3rd grade teacher Lea Winkler, STEM Camp at EHS is designed to offer campers an unforgettable summer experience that combines traditional camp activities and STEM enrichment to create the balance of learning and fun. The program is tailored to meet the unique interests of today’s tech-savvy kids who want to explore robotics, rocketry, engineering, and more!

Read more below, or View Other Specialty Camps.

Epstein Hillel School
Epstein Hillel School

Laser Cutting, Structural Engineering and Robotics

Week 3: July 7-11, 2025

Get ready for an exciting adventure in our special class, “Laser Cutting and Structural Engineering: Building Houses that Stand Strong!” This week is all about using cool laser technology and smart engineering tricks to make model houses that can handle earthquakes.

Discover the power of laser cutting. Learn how lasers can cut and design things with incredible accuracy.

Explore the secrets of building strong houses. We will talk about important concepts like which materials are best to use and how to make sure our houses stay steady and safe.

Become an architect. Design your own model house and watch your design come to life!

Put your house to the test. We will simulate an earthquake and see if your model can stand strong. Learn how to make it even better each time.

This program is perfect for children who love to create, build, and discover how things work. Join us for a fantastic journey of lasers, engineering, and building to construct a house that can handle anything!

Get ready to dive into the thrilling universe of VEX Robotics. You and your teammates will embark on an unforgettable journey of creativity, innovation, and discovery. Whether you are a budding engineer or a curious coder, this program is the perfect playground to explore, learn, and showcase your talents. Gear up for a week full of challenges, learning, and lots of robot fun!

  • Teamwork & Creativity: Join forces in small teams of 2-3 to brainstorm and build your very own robots using state-of-the-art VEX kits. Each session brings a new challenge, pushing your creativity to the limits!
  • Coding Skills: Learn the basics of block coding in a fun, interactive way. Through hands-on experience, your ideas come to life as you program your robot to follow commands.
  • Design & Engineering: Unleash your inner engineer as you design, construct, and tweak your robots. This is your chance to turn your imaginative designs into functioning robots!
  • The Big Challenge: At the end of the week, put your robots to the test in our exciting challenge. Show off your teamwork, coding, and engineering skills and aim for the top spot!
  • Valuable Life Skills: Beyond robotics, you will learn invaluable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking – essential tools for future tech leaders!

This program is perfect for children who have love for robotics, want to learn more, and are excited to work in teams. No experience is necessary. Join us for a fast paced week full of robots and fun!

Rocket Design, Engineering and Science Wizards

Week 4, July 14-18, 2025

Get ready for an exciting adventure in our special class, “Rocket Design and Engineering: Crafting High-Flying Rockets!” This week is all about using clever engineering tricks to design and build rockets powered by small rocket engines, using a variety of materials and tools.

  • Discover the wonder of designing and building high-flying rockets with incredible precision.
  • Explore the secrets of building powerful rockets. We will discuss important concepts like selecting the right materials and employing creative techniques to ensure our rockets soar to great heights.
  • Become a rocket engineer! Design your own powerful rocket and witness your design come to life!
  • Put your creation to the test! We will launch the rockets and observe how high they can soar. Learn how to enhance their performance with each iteration.

This program is perfect for children who love to create, build, and explore the fascinating world of rocketry. Join us for a fantastic journey of engineering and crafting rockets that can reach new heights!

Become a Science Wizard as you explore the fascinating world of science through hands-on, interactive activities! Each session focuses on a different scientific concept, blending creativity and experimentation for an unforgettable experience.

Chemistry in the Kitchen: Discover the science behind everyday ingredients. Conduct experiments like making slime, creating edible reactions, and exploring the magic of baking soda and vinegar.

Physics with Rube Goldberg Machines: Dive into the world of motion and mechanics by designing elaborate chain-reaction contraptions that perform simple tasks in the most whimsical ways.

Unlock your inner scientist and have a blast experimenting, inventing, and learning how science shapes the world around us!

Laser Cutting, Vehicle Engineering and Robotics

Week 5, July 21-25, 2025

Laser Cutting and Vehicle Engineering: Laser Racers for Little Speedsters!

Rev up your creativity and get ready for an action-packed competition in our exciting week-long program, “Laser Cutting and Vehicle Engineering: Laser Racers for Little Speedsters!” This week is all about the thrill of designing and racing laser-cut cars.

  • Discover the possibility and power of laser cutting! Learn how lasers can turn ordinary materials into amazing shapes. You will design and cut your very own race car.
  • Dive into the complex world of automotives! We will explore how cars travel fast and learn how a design affects speed. From wheels to sleek bodies, learn the secrets of race car engineering.
  • Follow the engineering design cycle and improve your design based on competition results. Learn how to make your car even faster and streamlined. We will share tips and tricks for innovation.

This program is perfect for our young engineers and race car enthusiasts. Join us for a hands-on, high-speed journey into the world of laser cutting and vehicle engineering. Let’s create, race, and have a blast together!

Robotics – Competition Challenge B (Partner Participation)

Get ready to dive into the thrilling universe of VEX Robotics. You and your teammates will embark on an unforgettable journey of creativity, innovation, and discovery. Whether you are a budding engineer or a curious coder, this program is the perfect playground to explore, learn, and showcase your talents. Gear up for a week full of challenges, learning, and lots of robot fun!

  • Teamwork & Creativity: Join forces in small teams of 2-3 to brainstorm and build your very own robots using state-of-the-art VEX kits. Each session brings a new challenge, pushing your creativity to the limits!
  • Coding Skills: Learn the basics of block coding in a fun, interactive way. Through hands-on experience, your ideas come to life as you program your robot to follow commands.
  • Design & Engineering: Unleash your inner engineer as you design, construct, and tweak your robots. This is your chance to turn your imaginative designs into functioning robots!
  • The Big Challenge: At the end of the week, put your robots to the test in our exciting challenge. Show off your teamwork, coding, and engineering skills and aim for the top spot!
  • Valuable Life Skills: Beyond robotics, you will learn invaluable skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking – essential tools for future tech leaders!

This program is perfect for children who have love for robotics, want to learn more, and are excited to work in teams. No experience is necessary. Join us for a fast paced week full of robots and fun!

Rocket Design, Engineering and Science Wizards

Week 6, July 28-August 1, 2025

Rocket Design and Engineering: Crafting High-Flying Rockets!

Get ready for an exciting adventure in our special class, “Rocket Design and Engineering: Crafting High-Flying Rockets!” This week is all about using clever engineering tricks to design and build rockets powered by small rocket engines, using a variety of materials and tools.

  • Discover the wonder of designing and building high-flying rockets with incredible precision.
  • Explore the secrets of building powerful rockets. We will discuss important concepts like selecting the right materials and employing creative techniques to ensure our rockets soar to great heights.
  • Become a rocket engineer! Design your own powerful rocket and witness your design come to life!
  • Put your creation to the test! We will launch the rockets and observe how high they can soar. Learn how to enhance their performance with each iteration.

This program is perfect for children who love to create, build, and explore the fascinating world of rocketry. Join us for a fantastic journey of engineering and crafting rockets that can reach new heights!

Science Wizards: Exploring the Wonders of Science

Become a Science Wizard as you explore the fascinating world of science through hands-on, interactive activities! Each session focuses on a different scientific concept, blending creativity and experimentation for an unforgettable experience.

Chemistry in the Kitchen: Discover the science behind everyday ingredients. Conduct experiments like making slime, creating edible reactions, and exploring the magic of baking soda and vinegar.

Physics with Rube Goldberg Machines: Dive into the world of motion and mechanics by designing elaborate chain-reaction contraptions that perform simple tasks in the most whimsical ways.

Unlock your inner scientist and have a blast experimenting, inventing, and learning how science shapes the world around us!

Lea Winkler has worked at Epstein Hillel School for 15 years, where she is currently the third grade general studies teacher and the STEM Coordinator for the school. As STEM Coordinator, Lea leads the STEM Team, a group of EHS faculty members who develop and implement STEM curricula for grades K-8 as well as special STEM programming for the school and the community. In addition, Lea co-directs the after-school program for Epstein Hillel School. For six years, Lea also worked at Ramah Day Camp in Nyack, NY. Lea received both her MAT (’10) and MEd (’18) from Brandeis University. When not teaching, Lea loves baking, knitting, crocheting, and reading.

שמחה

What is Simchah?

The Hebrew word Simchah means Happiness and Joy. At Camp Simchah, we believe in the power of Camp and the power of Happiness and Joy — so we’ve selected these principles that guide everything we do at camp.

Questions?

Contact Heather Gravelese, Camp Simchah Director, at hgravelese@jccns.com.

Camp Simchah Director Heather Gravelese with Wally, the Boston Red Sox mascot.
2025 Simchah Specialty Dates and Rates
**Epstein Hillel School STEM camp has an additional $100 materials fee.