In the peculiar state of Illinois, where skyscrapers dwell side by side with cornfields and where pizzas are as deep as a dinosaur's footprints, a secret league of super smart kids is on a mission. These young geniuses, known as the IL STEM/STEAM Squad, are certainly not your ordinary school-goers. They are the heart, brain, and spirit of the most exciting adventures in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Meet Sparky, the leader of the squad, a funny kid with hair that always stands on end, as if he had been holding a Van de Graaff generator all day long. He's a whiz at science experiments and can convert any simple kitchen item into a spectacular scientific apparatus. Robotina, our technology champion, can chat with computers in their language and makes robots dance to her tunes. When she's not busy programming, she's creating digital artwork that even Picasso would envy. Then there's Architect Albert, the engineering guru, who constructs impressive LEGO skyscrapers, as tall as his backyard squirrels can climb. He dreams in blueprints and 3D models. Doodlebug is our art virtuoso, who paints sunsets with a mathematical precision that would make Fibonacci proud. With crayons and calculators, she creates a magical fusion of art and math. The IL STEM/STEAM Squad is a force to be reckoned with. They might be young, they might be goofy, but when it comes to STEM/STEAM, they are the maestros. So next time you see a weird-looking contraption in your neighborhood or an odd-looking equation on the sidewalk, you know the IL STEM/STEAM Squad has been there, adding a dash of fun to learning and exploring.
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We are thrilled to bring you some fantastic news! For the first time, we are launching our STEM Summer Camp Program in Torrance, marking our debut in the South Bay and Orange County areas. This is a significant milestone for us, and we hope it's just the beginning of our journey to expand to many other locations. This summer, we are offering your child an unprecedented opportunity to dive deep into the fascinating world of STEM. Our camp will be buzzing with interactive experiments and creative challenges to fuel your child's curiosity and keep them engaged. It's an ideal environment for kids who have an insatiable desire to learn, explore, and grow. We also want to stress our commitment to small group learning. In order to ensure that every child gets the focused attention they need, we're capping the number of spots available. Don't let your child miss out on this incredible opportunity at our exciting STEM Summer Camp. Book their spot today! Our special Science Club program is meticulously designed to cater to children from grades K-6. Each lesson in the Club SciKidz program is crafted to engage students in activities like observation, measurement, identifying properties, and conducting experiments around life, earth, and physical science concepts. Each unit is thoroughly researched by our team of science educators, with valuable inputs from teachers and children. The result is a set of lessons that not only entertain students but also foster genuine learning. Join us for a summer of science that promises to be full of fun and learning!


At Glacial Park, McHenry County Conservation District’s most treasured open space, outdoor adventure awaits. Over 3,400 acres of rolling prairie, delta kames, oak savanna and tranquil presence of the meandering Nippersink Creek make this destination a nature lover’s paradise. From fishing and birding, to biking and paddling, Glacial Park is the perfect spot for a day of exploration. The park is home to over 40 state endangered and threatened plant and animal species, and is listed as one of the top five areas to view migratory wetland birds in the region. Over 64,000 guests visit the park each year to hike or horseback along eight miles of trails, bike a five-mile portion of the 26-mile Prairie Trail, or fish the shoreline of Nippersink Creek. At the Lost Valley Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy changing exhibits, pick up trail maps and guide books, and check out upcoming featured programs, outdoor concerts or workshops. Self-guided exploration is also encouraged, with options such as the Glacial Park hiking app, the two-mile interpretive trail loop, or outdoor treetop decks equipped with binoculars, guide books, and viewing scopes. No matter your interest, a day at Glacial Park promises a unique and unforgettable experience.