Camps @ Cranbrook
Day Camps
STEM Camps
STEM Camps
Cranbrook is excited that it is one of a handful of camps in the nation offering STEM camp modules developed by the Edgerton Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As Cranbrook continues in its relationship with MIT, we are proud to be able to offer such a remarkable opportunity for your child through our day camps.
Each module is a week in length and is offered when available. Modules include App Inventor, Digital Game Design, Electronics Engineering and Design, Techno Threads, Rocketry, Eco Detectives, Physics of Photography, Kinetic Sculpture, Energy Engineer, Advanced Electronics, Underwater ROVs, 3D Printing, and Skitterbots.
About the Camps
(coed, entering grades 3-7 in Fall 2023)
General Information
Each week at STEM we explore a different STEM theme and topic. The weeks are filled with hands-on activities that immerse campers in the world STEM for a unique learning experience. Activities are tailored to age and grade level of campers to help them connect STEM to the world around them and their own personal experiences.
Note: Campers must have a general interest in the offered STEM topics, though prior knowledge and experience is not required!
A Day in the Life
STEM campers begin their day outside together with counselors playing games, participating in icebreakers, and looking at the day ahead. Once drop-off has concluded, campers break into their groups and head inside to their home-base where their instructors are ready to dive into STEM with hands-on, creative activities. During snack and lunch breaks groups once again come together to enjoy a meal, make friends, and share their experiences. Campers end their day outside with a share-circle led by their counselors, and camp games until dismissal. We close out our weeks with a camp-wide celebration and ceremony every Friday afternoon. Each week at STEM, campers earn a unique weekly pin to signify successful completion of the module! Campers attending all 8 weeks will receive a special pin to commemorate a summer full of STEM! Collect the new summer 2023 pins this season!
Basic Daily Schedule
Questions? Contact Special and Summer Programs at summer@cranbrook.edu, (248) 645-3674, or use our Contact Us form.
General Information
Each week at STEM we explore a different STEM theme and topic. The weeks are filled with hands-on activities that immerse campers in the world STEM for a unique learning experience. Activities are tailored to age and grade level of campers to help them connect STEM to the world around them and their own personal experiences.
Note: Campers must have a general interest in the offered STEM topics, though prior knowledge and experience is not required!
A Day in the Life
STEM campers begin their day outside together with counselors playing games, participating in icebreakers, and looking at the day ahead. Once drop-off has concluded, campers break into their groups and head inside to their home-base where their instructors are ready to dive into STEM with hands-on, creative activities. During snack and lunch breaks groups once again come together to enjoy a meal, make friends, and share their experiences. Campers end their day outside with a share-circle led by their counselors, and camp games until dismissal. We close out our weeks with a camp-wide celebration and ceremony every Friday afternoon. Each week at STEM, campers earn a unique weekly pin to signify successful completion of the module! Campers attending all 8 weeks will receive a special pin to commemorate a summer full of STEM! Collect the new summer 2023 pins this season!
Basic Daily Schedule
- Drop-off
- Ice-breakers, Games, Team building
- Module Based STEM Activities
- Snack with Games & Team Building
- Module Based STEM Activities
- Lunch, Break, & Games & Team Building
- Module Based STEM Activities
- Swimming (if scheduled)
- Snack with Games & Team Building
- Module Based STEM Activities
- Share Circle
- Dismissal
Week 1: Energy and Motion (Reimagined for Summer 2023)
Theme: Ecology, Physics, Engineering; (Energy)
Description: Art and science meet as campers explore movement, forces, and energy through design and creation during this exciting, hands-on inaugural week.
Note: Formerly Kinetic Sculptures, this week has been reimagined to incorporate all types of energy exploration.
Theme: Ecology, Physics, Engineering; (Energy)
Description: Art and science meet as campers explore movement, forces, and energy through design and creation during this exciting, hands-on inaugural week.
Note: Formerly Kinetic Sculptures, this week has been reimagined to incorporate all types of energy exploration.
Week 2: EcoDetectives
Theme: Ecology, Engineering, Critical Thinking
Description: Campers become detectives and storytellers as they spend the week learning about ecosystems and the science of the natural world to get to the bottom of a series of strange events in the fictitious city of Eyetooville.
Theme: Ecology, Engineering, Critical Thinking
Description: Campers become detectives and storytellers as they spend the week learning about ecosystems and the science of the natural world to get to the bottom of a series of strange events in the fictitious city of Eyetooville.
Week 3: Blast Off! (Reimagined for Summer 2023)
Theme: Physics, Engineering; (Space and Rocketry)
Description: “It’s definitely rocket science!” Campers leap into orbit this week by exploring rocket-powered flight, building and launching rockets, exploring our galaxy, and engaging in a series of engineering challenges to tackle the conundrum of sustaining life in space!
Note: This week was formerly two separate weeks, Rocketry and Space Exploration. This new space themed week is jam packed full of our favorite hands-on space and rocketry activities!
Theme: Physics, Engineering; (Space and Rocketry)
Description: “It’s definitely rocket science!” Campers leap into orbit this week by exploring rocket-powered flight, building and launching rockets, exploring our galaxy, and engaging in a series of engineering challenges to tackle the conundrum of sustaining life in space!
Note: This week was formerly two separate weeks, Rocketry and Space Exploration. This new space themed week is jam packed full of our favorite hands-on space and rocketry activities!
Week 4: The Third Dimension
Theme: Math, Engineering, Manufacturing; (3D Printing)
Description: Campers spend the week learning the ins and outs of the 3D printing process, from visualization, to design, digital modeling, and actual printing. Using 3D design software and a 3D printer, campers sketch, design, print and create a personalized candy mold.
Theme: Math, Engineering, Manufacturing; (3D Printing)
Description: Campers spend the week learning the ins and outs of the 3D printing process, from visualization, to design, digital modeling, and actual printing. Using 3D design software and a 3D printer, campers sketch, design, print and create a personalized candy mold.
Week 5: Chemistry Quest
Theme: Chemistry
Description: Campers explore the world around them through the lens of chemistry in this hands-on week full of food science, materials science, chemical reactions, STEAM, and MORE!
Theme: Chemistry
Description: Campers explore the world around them through the lens of chemistry in this hands-on week full of food science, materials science, chemical reactions, STEAM, and MORE!
Week 6: Bio Buzz (New in Summer 2023)
Theme: Biology
Description: This week campers join us to explore the world of living things from microscopic to macroscopic and everything in between!
Theme: Biology
Description: This week campers join us to explore the world of living things from microscopic to macroscopic and everything in between!
Week 7: Lights, Sounds, Science
Theme: Physics (light and sound waves, colors, and more).
Description: Campers explore the science behind lights and sound in this STEAM-filled week. We examine how cameras work, how light bends, and colors blend, and explore the science behind music and instruments.
Theme: Physics (light and sound waves, colors, and more).
Description: Campers explore the science behind lights and sound in this STEAM-filled week. We examine how cameras work, how light bends, and colors blend, and explore the science behind music and instruments.
Week 8: Deep Dive (Reimagined for Summer 2023)
Theme: Marine Biology, Engineering; (Underwater ROVs)
Description: We dive into our last week of camp by exploring the world underwater and travelling to new depths in an underwater ROV that each team builds and tests!
Note: Formerly Underwater ROVs. This week has been reimagined to incorporate more of our favorite deep sea science activities!
Theme: Marine Biology, Engineering; (Underwater ROVs)
Description: We dive into our last week of camp by exploring the world underwater and travelling to new depths in an underwater ROV that each team builds and tests!
Note: Formerly Underwater ROVs. This week has been reimagined to incorporate more of our favorite deep sea science activities!
Lunch, Snacks, and Allergies
Lunches and snacks are included in tuition and are provided by Chartwells Dining Services. They are a nut-free organization that caters to Cranbrook Schools during the academic year. Special arrangements can be made for campers with food allergies. Lunches are served in the Cranbrook Kingswood Middle School for Boys Dining Hall.
COVID-19
At a minimum, Cranbrook’s COVID-related protocols will comply with applicable State of Michigan mandates and align with Oakland Country Health Division and the American Camp Association.
Open Swim
Campers swim at Cranbrook's Williams Natatorium. Swim tests are conducted on the first day. Campers who fail or prefer not to take the test are supplied with life jackets and remain in the shallow end of the pool. Campers are allowed to retake the test at any time. The Natatorium staff includes a full-time and certified pool manager, certified lifeguards, and our trained camp staff who serve as lookouts.COVID-19
At a minimum, Cranbrook’s COVID-related protocols will comply with applicable State of Michigan mandates and align with Oakland Country Health Division and the American Camp Association.
Available Options
The following options can be combined to meet your needs. For example, you can choose morning Transportation Service and afternoon Extended Care. Logistical information for these additional options are provided in the Parent Welcome Packet emailed to registrants closer to the start of camp.
The following options can be combined to meet your needs. For example, you can choose morning Transportation Service and afternoon Extended Care. Logistical information for these additional options are provided in the Parent Welcome Packet emailed to registrants closer to the start of camp.
Extended Care
Extended Care is available beginning at 7 AM and ending at 6 PM. Afternoon care includes a snack. Campers enjoy activities, games, and open time outside and in the gym. Extended Care is located at Cranbrook Lower School Brookside. Campers are bused to/from camp each day. Extended Care is also a nice option for families with multiple children attending more than one of our camps to reduce the number of pick up points; parents/guardians simply pick up and drop off all children attending Extended Care at Brookside.
Transportation Service
Transportation Service is available to shuttle campers to and from specific stops in Birmingham (8:10 AM / 3:45 PM), Rochester Hills (7:45 AM / 3:45 PM), Royal Oak (7:50 AM / 4:05 PM), and Troy (8:10 AM / 4:10 PM). Campers not picked up in time will be transported to Extended Care.
After Camp Activities
After Camp Activities include Chess and Coding. Space is limited. These activities are located at Cranbrook Lower School Brookside. Campers are bused from camp each day. Pick-up is at Brookside.
Extended Care is available beginning at 7 AM and ending at 6 PM. Afternoon care includes a snack. Campers enjoy activities, games, and open time outside and in the gym. Extended Care is located at Cranbrook Lower School Brookside. Campers are bused to/from camp each day. Extended Care is also a nice option for families with multiple children attending more than one of our camps to reduce the number of pick up points; parents/guardians simply pick up and drop off all children attending Extended Care at Brookside.
Transportation Service
Transportation Service is available to shuttle campers to and from specific stops in Birmingham (8:10 AM / 3:45 PM), Rochester Hills (7:45 AM / 3:45 PM), Royal Oak (7:50 AM / 4:05 PM), and Troy (8:10 AM / 4:10 PM). Campers not picked up in time will be transported to Extended Care.
After Camp Activities
After Camp Activities include Chess and Coding. Space is limited. These activities are located at Cranbrook Lower School Brookside. Campers are bused from camp each day. Pick-up is at Brookside.
Communication & Photos
Parents/guardians are emailed a newsletter each week that includes a recap from the prior week, highlights for the following week, and updated group lists. Daily camp photos are posted on a secure website for you to see each day. Enhanced options include saving favorite photos, facial recognition with push notifications when a photo of your child is uploaded, posting to social media, emailing a photo to family, customizing photo gifts, and ordering high-resolution digital downloads or prints.
Parents/guardians are emailed a newsletter each week that includes a recap from the prior week, highlights for the following week, and updated group lists. Daily camp photos are posted on a secure website for you to see each day. Enhanced options include saving favorite photos, facial recognition with push notifications when a photo of your child is uploaded, posting to social media, emailing a photo to family, customizing photo gifts, and ordering high-resolution digital downloads or prints.
Why Cranbrook Schools Summer Camps?
Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook’s 319-acre campus features the work of world-renowned architects such as Eliel Saarinen, Albert Kahn, Steven Holl, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Rafael Moneo, Peter Rose and sculptors Carl Milles, Marshall Fredericks and others. Critics have called Cranbrook "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America" and in 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Cranbrook Schools Summer Camps operate under Cranbrook Schools in a dedicated department named Special and Summer Programs. This year-round department focuses solely on summer camps, after-school programs, school rentals, and the school store. The dedicated full-time staff in the department spend the entire year preparing for camp. During the summer, over 1,800 campers from 20 states and nine countries come to Cranbrook for their summer experience. The campus, its facilities, the highly skilled and committed service departments such as Cranbrook's 24/7 security department, and all of Cranbrook's employees, residential faculty, and guests create a wonderful environment for children to learn and have fun.
Each camp includes a dedicated Director, Assistant Director, Office Administrator, Instructors, and Counselors. Each age-aligned group has one or two counselors who remain with their campers throughout the day and take them to each of the instructional areas. The camps are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Cranbrook Educational Community, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprising a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and PreK-12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors, students, and campers to its campus each year.
Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook’s 319-acre campus features the work of world-renowned architects such as Eliel Saarinen, Albert Kahn, Steven Holl, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Rafael Moneo, Peter Rose and sculptors Carl Milles, Marshall Fredericks and others. Critics have called Cranbrook "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America" and in 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Cranbrook Schools Summer Camps operate under Cranbrook Schools in a dedicated department named Special and Summer Programs. This year-round department focuses solely on summer camps, after-school programs, school rentals, and the school store. The dedicated full-time staff in the department spend the entire year preparing for camp. During the summer, over 1,800 campers from 20 states and nine countries come to Cranbrook for their summer experience. The campus, its facilities, the highly skilled and committed service departments such as Cranbrook's 24/7 security department, and all of Cranbrook's employees, residential faculty, and guests create a wonderful environment for children to learn and have fun.
Each camp includes a dedicated Director, Assistant Director, Office Administrator, Instructors, and Counselors. Each age-aligned group has one or two counselors who remain with their campers throughout the day and take them to each of the instructional areas. The camps are accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Tuition and Fees
- Tuition
- Full Session (8 weeks): $2,850
- Half Session (4 weeks): $1,550
- Partial Session (1 week): $430
- Fees
- Cancellation Fee: $50 per week prior to 21 days of session start date. No refund within 21 days.
- Rush Enrollment Fee: $35 per session within 21 days of session start date
- Late Payment Fee: 10% of balance 21 days prior to session start date
- Discounts
- Early Enrollment Discount: $100/$50 off Full/Half sessions. Use code EARLY23 until 4/1/23.
- Multi-Session Discount: $30 off each additional session. Applied automatically.
- Financial Aid
- Aid is available based on calculated need and availability of funds.
- Awards range 0-50% of tuition and 0-100% of Extended Care; Excludes fees and other options.
- Awards are funded by Cranbrook and other camp families.
- To donate, visit our donation page.
- To apply, complete the Parents' Financial Statement. Use SSS Code 9339.
- Tuition Includes
- Lunch
- Morning and Afternoon Snacks
- Options Available:
- Morning Extended Care: $75 per week
- Afternoon Extended Care: $95 per week
- Transportation Service: $50 per way per week
- After Camp Activities: $125
- Camp Merchandise
- Monthly Payment Plan: $0
Dates, Times & Locations
Full Session
- June 19 - August 11, 2023
- No Full Session Spots Available, Register by Week Below
- June 19 - July 14, 2023
- No Half Session Spots Available, Register by Week Below
- July 17 - August 11, 2023
- No Half Session Spots Available, Register by Week Below
- June 19 - June 23, 2023
- June 26 - June 30, 2023
- July 3 - July 7, 2023
- July 10 - July 14, 2023
- July 17 - July 21, 2023
- July 24 - July 28, 2023
- July 31 - August 4, 2023
- August 7 - August 11, 2023
- 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Contact Us
PO Box 801
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
(248) 645-3000
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
(248) 645-3000
