Spend a week exploring coding and learning algorithms, binary code, functions and digital citizenship. We will do a number of activities, plugged and unplugged, as we problem-solve, create and build games. Work independently and in small groups during the week on coding lessons. Be ready to stretch out of your comfort zone as you try new things and experiment throughout the week. | Taught by: Andrea Cannon, Syracuse Public Schools Teacher

Calling all movers! Are you ready to twirl, jump, and kick? If you enjoy being creative and athletic, this week of fun-filled dance is for you! In this ballet and jazz-focused class, we will explore basic dance techniques, flexibility, and creativity. Come and take part in the joy of movement that is dance! By the end of the week, dancers will get to present a piece learned throughout the camp! Beginners and all levels (grades K-3rd) are welcome in Dancing 101. | Taught by: Quinn Lundgren, University of Missouri-Kansas City Student

Discover the mystery behind ghastly, disgusting things. Dissect grasshoppers, frogs, cow eyes and pig hearts. Grow a germ farm, make a “gas” log, observe really gross things under a microscope and make drinkable blood. Only the most courageous can survive this repulsive class! | Taught by: Ellie Weiler, Nebraska City Public Schools Teacher

Do you feel the ground shaking? Oh no, it’s an EARTHQUAKE! This is one of many topics that will be explored as we swirl like a tornado into learning about natural disasters. As you learn how these disasters can occur, you will create different types of disasters using food experiments. These might include a gelatin and marshmallow earthquake, a chocolatey mudslide or an icy blizzard. Investigate where disasters happen across the United States and research how they occur. Warn visitors to be careful on Friday when they visit our classroom — or they might be blown away by a wind storm! | Taught by: Chelcey Mannel, Lincoln Public Schools Teacher

Have you ever wondered where the food you eat comes from? Come explore how food gets from the farm to your fork. Discover the stages your food travels through before it reaches your stomach! Learn about healthy food and jobs in the food industry. We’ll do experiments, make food and eat food, all while learning where food really comes from (hint… it’s not McDonald’s TM)! This curriculum was formerly offered under the name, “Does My Food Come from McDonald’s TM.” | Taught by: Christy Hodges, Johnson County Central School District Teacher

Start searching the thrift stores now for a piece of wooden furniture. Then take that flea market trash and transform it into a fun, funky piece you’ll treasure for years to come. Use paint, metallic markers, polymer clay and mosaic to create designs everywhere! Please wear old clothing and shoes daily. Bring your piece of furniture with you the first day of class as you will spend the day sanding and priming. Furniture should be made of wood and easily fit through a classroom door. Items such as small dressers, desks, chairs, large mirror frames and tables would be appropriate. | Taught by: Delainey Cast, Midland University Student

Discover the magic where art and nature collide! From painting with flowers to weaving with wild grasses, this camp is all about turning the outdoors into a creative playground. Hunt for natural materials, sketch like a scientist, use the sun to capture images, and explore ancient storytelling traditions. End the week by showcasing your nature-inspired masterpieces! | Taught by: Megan Pitrat, Syracuse Public Schools Teacher

Let’s go on an indoor camping adventure! On this summer adventure you will get the chance to make delicious campfire snacks, use favorite stories to discover and learn about the starry night sky and get creative with crafts. Campers should be ready to compete in the fun and action-filled Camping Olympics. Use your very own compass to help you hike through a scavenger hunt and this amazing week! | Taught by: Nick Cordray, Youth Director at Luther Memorial Church

This is where young ideas make a splash! Join our entrepreneurship class – a dynamic journey from idea to success. Build skills in strategic planning, leadership, and adaptability to thrive in a world of startup companies. Find out what it takes to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. | Taught by: Abby Hodges, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student

Design, build and program robots using the most advanced and newest LEGO® robotics technology — the powerful MINDSTORMS® EV3. Work as a team to complete real-world engineering and computer science challenges as you build and command robots that walk, talk, think and do anything you can imagine. With your ideas and the latest LEGO® operating system and sensors, there are no limits to what you can do. Level 1 — Builder: Entry level, limited or no experience with programming.Objectives are basic programming and robot movement. Level 2 — Explorer: Completed at least 1 class at Level 1 and/or experience through another program. Objective are sensors, loops and switches. | Taught by: Caleb Cannon, Southeast Community College Student and Gabe Dilley, Wayne State Student

We welcome 2nd-4th graders to come explore natural habitats while learning various art techniques such as sketching, painting and embroidery. Create a house for bees and design your own bird feeder. Go home with your very own sketchpad, hand–made yarn critter, and personalized tie-dye shirt!  Each student will need to bring a white 100% cotton t-shirt to tie-dye. | Taught by: Linda Trundle, Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools Teacher

“Oh the Places You’ll Go” on a fun-filled trip through Seussville! We’ll have a Wacky Wednesday kind of day filled with egg-citing science experiments. Oh, the tricks you will learn — perhaps a balancing act like the “Cat in the Hat.” Discover how to create a marble run with recycled tubes, then dabble in the dirt with the Lorax! Who knows how make Oobleck? We will explore that! As the beloved Dr. Seuss would say, “Will you have fun here on a summer’s day? Try it, and you may, I say.” This curriculum was formerly offered under the name, “Dr. Seuss is Loose.” | Taught by: April Simms, Syracuse Public Schools Para Educator

This class is for green go-getters and/or nutritionists, dieticians, and chefs. Are you ready to blast off and get on the scene toward a grander life in green? Get ready to prepare foods that are good for you and the planet! | Taught by: Stephanie Bryant, a Local Resident Drawn to Clean, Organic Living

Are you ready to go on safari? Grab your pith helmet and binoculars to visit Africa and explore the amazing animals that call the savanna, desert and rain forest home. We’ll transport ourselves to Africa using books, music and art to learn how different animals adapt and survive. We will also explore careers that help protect the land and animals. See you on safari! | Taught by: Madi Jording, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student

Have you ever wanted to make your own fashion statement by sewing unique creations with a sewing machine? Learn basic hand stitching and the use of a sewing machine along with how to pin and cut out a pattern. Choose from a variety of projects including creating a custom pillow case, designing a fleece headband, dressing up your old jeans with embellishments, making a swim suit cover-up, or sewing your own dress. Receive your own personal sewing kit to use and take home. On Friday, these projects will be “all sewn up” for a fashion show open house. Beginning and experienced students are welcome. | Taught by: Cheryl Anderson, Owner of All Creative Things

Learn how to write messages to your friends in secret codes. Enjoy puzzles and play strategic games. Become a real-life secret agent learning about cryptography, the science of making and breaking codes, and explore how to crack codes using ciphers. With this new secret intelligence, construct your own book of secret codes and complete a scavenger hunt written in secret messages. You will also discover more about the use of cryptography in agencies like the CIA and other types of secret communication like Morse and Binary Code. | Taught by: Brooklyn Epler, Wayne State College Student

Learn about what exists under the sea — from vertebrate/invertebrate animals to ocean zones/layers. Discover animals in the sea that glow in the dark! Is coral an ocean animal? Are ecosystems important and can you ride a seahorse? Discover answers to these questions and more! | Taught by: Kaylee Meyer, Lincoln Public Schools Teacher

Get wet, wild and wacky as you dive into science experiments that fizzle, flop, float, pop, spin, soar and slide. Explore density, states of matter, chemical changes, pressure, flight, sound and light, the human body and ecosystems. Make elephant toothpaste, race Fruit Loops using lung power and test elasticity with water balloons. Plunge into this exciting science adventure. | Taught by: Kelly Jording, Omaha Public Schools Teacher

Are you interested in hunting and want to find out more about it? This is the class for you! We will identify resources in our state that can help you learn about hunting. We will look at the importance of understanding the safety requirements of hunting. Learn about game animals in Nebraska and relevant considerations of those animals. Most importantly, we will study hunting safety considerations. This class will discuss various aspects of hunting, why it’s fun, and the essential things it teaches us. | Taught by: Fred Anderson, Pastor at Syracuse Bible Church

Calling all movers! Are you ready to twirl, jump, and kick? If you enjoy being creative and athletic, this week of fun-filled dance is for you! In this ballet and jazz-focused class, we will explore basic dance techniques, flexibility, and creativity. Come and take part in the joy of movement that is dance! By the end of the week, dancers will get to present a piece learned throughout the camp! Beginners and all levels (grades 4th-6th) are welcome in Dancing 201. | Taught by: Quinn Lundgren, University of Missouri-Kansas City Student

Become a paleontologist as you explore and dig up hidden fossils that have long been forgotten. Feel and touch some real fossilized teeth as we investigate what dinosaurs must have eaten. Hatch your own dinosaur, determine its type, what it liked to eat and how it lived millions of years ago. Finally, leave the class with an elaborate habitat that your dinosaur can call home and an official Summer Blast Paleontologist Certificate! | Taught by: Madi Jording, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student

Discover the mystery behind ghastly, disgusting things. Dissect grasshoppers, frogs, cow eyes and pig hearts. Grow a germ farm, make a “gas” log, observe really gross things under a microscope and make drinkable blood. Only the most courageous can survive this repulsive class! | Taught by: Ellie Weiler, Nebraska City Public Schools Teacher

Want to learn about different kinds of games? Here you can learn about all kinds of games, including board games, card games and group games. We will create team building, friendly competition, and other social skills. We will even include fun math and reading games. Finally, you can build your own game to demonstrate on Friday. Come and join the fun! | Taught by: Kelly Jording, Omaha Public Schools Teacher

Do you like science? Do you like to eat food? Let’s smash science, food and learning together! Come join us to learn about parts of the body, cells, climate types, rock cycles and other fun science experiments. The best part is — we get to EAT them ALL! Come join us for science fun in the kitchen. | Taught by: Chelcey Mannel, Lincoln Public Schools Teacher

Start searching the thrift stores now for a piece of wooden furniture. Then take that flea market trash and transform it into a fun, funky piece you’ll treasure for years to come. Use paint, metallic markers, polymer clay and mosaic to create designs everywhere! Please wear old clothing and shoes daily. Bring your piece of furniture with you the first day of class as you will spend the day sanding and priming. Furniture should be made of wood and easily fit through a classroom door. Items such as small dressers, desks, chairs, large mirror frames and tables would be appropriate. | Taught by: Cheryl Anderson, Owner of All Creative Things

Blast off into a world of imagination! Design alien planets, sculpt extraterrestrial creatures, and build futuristic space cities. Experiment with galaxy painting, glowing constellations, and immersive art. Work together to create an out-of-this-world space exhibition filled with cosmic wonders. Get ready to explore, create, and bring the universe to life! | Taught by: Megan Pitrat, Syracuse Public Schools Teacher

Let’s go on an indoor camping adventure! On this summer adventure you will get the chance to make delicious campfire snacks, use favorite stories to discover and learn about the starry night sky and get creative with crafts. Campers should be ready to compete in the fun and action-filled Camping Olympics. Use your very own compass to help you hike through a scavenger hunt and this amazing week! | Taught by: Delainey Cast, Midland University Student

Hola Amigo! Bienvenido Espanol! “Hi Friend! Celebrate Spanish” – Step into another language, another culture, another way of celebrating. Want to know how to say some things in Spanish? Interested in learning about Spanish celebrations, culture, traditions and food? How about making a pinata? Come join in the fiesta. Adios mi amigos! | Taught by: Bryan Morquecho, University of Nebraska-Omaha Student

Become an illustrator and write your own story worthy of a spot on the library shelf. Improve your drawing skills and create a dynamic character to star in your very own book. Create characters and backgrounds using pencil, colored pencil, marker, pen, pastel and watercolors. Bring your character to life and create a hand puppet to help tell your story. On Friday, share your handmade book at the gallery showing. Sponsored by Olsson Family Foundation. | Taught by: Stephanie Bryant, a Local Resident Drawn to Clean, Organic Living

Have you ever wondered what a bull snake feels like? Or thought about where tree frogs spend the wintertime? What about how large you are compared to an alligator or cobra? Make turkey calls, touch Nebraska reptiles and amphibians, dissect an owl pellet and make and eat edible scat (yup, that’s poop!). Get up close and personal with all kinds of wild animals from around the world. | Taught by: Brooklyn Epler, Wayne State College Student

Interested in science, engineering or computers? Do you love to build with LEGO® bricks? Ignite your creativity with an introduction to robotics and computer programming. Using LEGO® WeDo kits and LEGO® educational software, you will be challenged to solve real-world problems by creating one-of-a-kind machines with gears, motors and sensors. Themes will include natural disasters, space exploration and speed. | Taught by: Caleb Cannon, Southeast Community College Student and Gabe Dilley, Wayne State Student

In this class, you’ll learn about life on the farm. It’s messy… smelly… and utterly amazing! Discover what farm life is like through interactive and engaging hands-on activities and experiments. From farm animals to crops planted in fields, you will learn about how farms feed the world. This curriculum was formerly offered under the name, “Adventures in Agriculture.” | Taught by: Christy Hodges, Johnson County Central Public Schools Teacher

Where did Van Gogh? Do you like Picasso to eat? How do you make Maltisse cookies? Who likes to draw and paint? If you do — this class is for you. You can paint and decorate white chocolate covered oreos. Yum!! | Taught by: Kaylee Meyer, Lincoln Public Schools Teacher

We welcome 5th-6th graders to come explore natural habitats while learning various art techniques such as sketching, painting and embroidery. Create a house for bees and design your own bird feeder. Go home with your very own sketchpad, hand–made yarn critter, and personalized tie-dye shirt!  Each student will need to bring a white 100% cotton t-shirt to tie-dye. | Taught by: Linda Trundle, Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools Teacher

Come explore the world of wizarding! Unleash your creativity as we begin to explore a magical realm. Throughout the week we will create magic and discover the hidden knowledge of being a wizard. | Taught by: Laini Gocke, Lincoln Public Schools Teacher

Immerse yourself in a captivating week of cookie & cake decorating. The Cookie Lady will guide your creativity, unveiling secrets of intricate designs and vibrant colors. Explore the realm of sweet design as you master the delicate balance between flavor and aesthetics. From delicate piped details to fondant sculpting, you’ll transform simple baked goods into edible masterpieces. | Taught by: Abby Hodges, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student

Before orbiting the galaxy, you must master the skills of an astronaut. Practice completing space chores with astronaut-type gloves, build a space station and taste astronaut food including ice cream! Track constellations and learn amazing facts about the planets. You can’t launch your film canister rocket until you learn about the Earth’s rotation and location. Out in space, discover art, music and literature in another galaxy. Prepare for blastoff! | Taught by: Brian Cleary, Battle Creek Public Schools Teacher

Do you have a passion for animals and have you considered a career as a veterinarian? Meet a retired veterinarian, learn in depth information about dogs and study diseases that can be found in both humans and dogs. Complete the first steps in making your dreams of becoming a vet come true! | Taught by: Gabe Meints, Syracuse Public Schools Teacher