Take learning beyond the classroom! Bright Lights provides unique, motivating, hands-on summer learning camps for K-8th grade students.
Bright Lights is a nonprofit organization that has established a long tradition of offering engaging, high-quality summer learning camps for elementary and middle school students. The summer of 2026 celebrates their 40th summer of camps!!
We believe learning should be FUN. And with over 120 camps offered this summer, there is something of interest for every student.
Bright Lights is a minds-on, hands-on environment and strives to offer hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) opportunities in almost all of our camps. Bright Lights camps are available for students currently enrolled in grades K-8. Please enroll your student based on their current grade as of February 2026. Below are just a couple of the many camps. Check out all the camps here!
 |
- New this year-Twinkles Camp: a camp just for Pre-K students Our new week-long Twinkles camp is designed exclusively for students who will be entering Kindergarten in the fall of 2026. From literature to science to art, students in this camp will experience what Bright Lights is all about through age-appropriate, hands-on learning opportunities. Grade completed: Pre-K. Link for the AM session (camp #304)- https://brightlights.org/camp/twinkles/. Link for the PM session (camp #400)- https://brightlights.org/camp/twinkles-2/.
- Fashion 101 Day Camp: Fashion Camp at The Bay is the place to be! During the week, campers will design and sew their own fashion pieces. Campers will learn how to use a sewing machine, putting their own fashion sense into each design. Not sure how to use a sewing machine? No worries, we’ll learn that and more so students can put their own fashion sense into each design. Grades completed are 3-5 for the Week 1 camp (camp #100) and the link is https://brightlights.org/camp/fashion-101-day-camp/. Grades completed for the Week 5 camp (camp #802) are 6-8 and the link is https://brightlights.org/camp/fashion-101-day-camp-2/
- Penguin Experts: Join us on an exciting journey to the icy world of penguins! Throughout the week, students will explore different types of penguins while learning about their habitats, behaviors and unique characteristics. Each day will include hands-on activities that combine science, reading, art and most importantly, FUN. Campers will build their knowledge, creativity and curiosity as they become true penguin experts. Grades completed for this camp (camp #108) are K-2 and the link is . https://brightlights.org/camp/penguin-experts-new/
- Chess Festival-New and aspiring players will enjoy a wide array of fun chess activities, beginning with a simultaneous chess demonstration match. Learn the art of fast attacks while developing your own rock-solid defensive strategy. Solve puzzles, review the greatest game (and single-greatest move) ever played, then romp through history to meet the best chess champions ever. You will also play in a four-round, Swiss-System chess match where everyone takes home a tournament-style chess set. The final day ends with a class activity and chess demonstration that you’ll have to see to believe. Grades completed for this camp (camp #918) are 4-7 and the link is https://brightlights.org/camp/chess-festival/.
- Wickedly Wonderful Oz: Follow the yellow brick road into a world of imagination and discovery! Inspired by The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, campers will explore magical themes through hands-on experiments, creative writing and inventive design challenges. Activities may include mixing science with storytelling, building and testing imaginative creations, and solving problems worthy of Oz itself. This camp blends literature, science and engineering to spark curiosity, creativity and a little bit of magic—no ruby slippers required! Grades completed for this camp (camp #718) are 3-5 and the link is https://brightlights.org/camp/wickedly-wonderful-oz/.
- Next Gen-K Pop Stars: Calling all future pop stars! In this fun-filled, week-long camp, dancers will step into the exciting world of K-Pop through high-energy dancing, creative crafts and teamwork activities. Campers will learn K-Pop–inspired choreography, practice formations and performance skills, and work together in their own girl or boy band groups. Throughout the week, dancers will create a group name and style, design fun props and build confidence while learning how to perform as a team. The week wraps up with a special showcase where campers can share what they’ve learned with family and friends! Wear moveable athletic clothing and tennis shoes. Please note, CK Dance has a no stomach showing policy. Grades completed for this camp are K-5 and the link is https://brightlights.org/camp/next-gen-k-pop-stars-2/
Registration is February 28 starting at 8 AM at BrightLights.org!
Rates & Discounts
- $145/ Half-Day Camp
- $290/ Full-Day Camp
Location: The main program site is at Roper Elementary School, 2323 S. Coddington Ave. The remaining camps are held at community sites.
 |
Business Review
My daughter attended a Bright Lights: Summer Learning Adventures camp and it was great! These camps are engaging and well-organized. The camps are themed for a week (she picked "Are You Fancy Like Nancy?"), her leader was an LPS chemistry teacher and every day was something new and fun.
She came home with handmade soaps (which she won't allow us to use) and lipgloss, a scrap book of her week and stories about her day. The kids get a snack half way through the afternoon or morning and a recess break.
At the end of the week, parents are invited to attend your child's camp for the last 45 minutes and get an idea of what they've been doing all week. We attended a tea party and got to dress up with our kids.
Our only problem is picking which camp she'll go to this year. There are too many good ones to choose from!
