February 26, 2025
Educational Summer Camps Offered at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 26, 2025) — Edison and Ford Winter Estates (EFWE) is offering several summer camp options for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Students are separated into groups according to grade level (K-2 and 3-5). The camps are educational and focus on science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), and incorporate fun activities. Campers get to invent, design, build, and learn in the same location where famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford invented some of the world’s best-known products. Summer camp starts on June 9 and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Most of the camps are available for both age groups; camps for younger students are less complex. Summer camp is sponsored by Captains for Clean Water, Scientists’ Society of Southwest Florida, and TriCircle Pavers. Camp options are listed below.
Hands-On Chemistry
June 9-13 (Grades K-2 and 3-5)
In this camp, students will explore the exciting world of chemistry with a series of hands-on experiments throughout the week. The periodic table, structure of atoms, bonds, reactions, and solutions, are all covered. Some experiments include slime, lava lamps, pH indicators for color changing liquids, the popular exploding toothpaste, and more. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Energetic Engineers
June 16-20 (Grades K-2 and 3-5)
Campers will learn how to handle the problem space by learning the engineering design process and practicing it all week as they are given new design challenges each day. Challenges include a mini paddle boat race, marble roller coasters, bridges, towers and more. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robotics
June 23-27 (Grades 3-5)
This camp is one part code, one part mechanics, and one part creativity. Campers will learn the code and mechanics of LEGO Mindstorm robotics. Using autonomous code and strategy, teams will send their robot into battle against other teams. Campers will design and build a robot that can change its behavior based on sensor data. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Robotics Crash Course
June 23-27 (Grades K-2)
Campers will be introduced to the core code and mechanical concepts of robotics. Using LEGO technics and Spike Essential robotic kits, creativity comes to life. Campers will learn about gears, pulleys, and how simple machines make work easier. Using code blocks, campers will learn about the logic of loops and other important ideas of robotics. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
High-Flying Rockets
June 30-July 3 (Grades K-2 and 3-5)
In this camp, students will learn the physics of lift. Activities include gliders, stomp rockets, parachute design, and water rockets. Newton’s laws of motion are explored as well as Bernoulli’s principle, and the Coandă effect. This camp will also include a demonstration of the Edison Ford unmanned aerial vehicle. Cost: EFWE members: $175, non-members: $200
Machine Makers
July 7-11 (Grades K-2 and 3-5)
Campers will explore all things in motion in this STEAM camp. Concepts learned include the six simple machines, Newton’s Laws of motion, the engineering design process, and rigid design. Campers will rapidly prototype using LEGOs and other common materials as they learn about mechanical advantage and how to apply it. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Auto-Bots: Autonomous Robotics
July 14-18 (Grades 3-5)
Code, mechanics, teamwork, and strategy come together in this fast-paced camp. Campers will use the LEGO Mindstorm robotics platform as they attempt challenges on the First LEGO League challenge table. This camp teaches autonomous robotics as campers learn how to code the motion of the LEGO robot. Members of the Edison Ford robotics program will be on hand to help campers reach their full potential. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
LEGO Creators
July 14-18 (Grades K-2)
Each group of campers will design their own section of innovation city. Using Spike Essential LEGO kits, campers will design their part of the city with moving parts and lights. In order to flip the switch and get things moving, campers will learn basic code blocks to move their city into the future. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Electronics Power-up
July 21-25 (Grades 3-5)
This crash course in electronics covers the history of electricity, and hands-on circuit design. Concepts of electricity such as current, volts, magnetism, insulation, conduction, and more core concepts will be covered. The week of circuits concludes as campers take home their own custom circuit. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
The Science of Art & Design
July 21-25 (Grades K-2)
Campers will delve into creative expression and learn the science behind art. The science of light and color are explored as they learn about the mixing of light and pigment with Newton’s disk. Campers will design soft circuits with conductive playdough and observe geometric patterns with a blackburn pendulum. They will also learn about the seven elements of art. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Code Camp
July 28-August 1 (Grades 3-5)
In this camp, students will explore the core concepts of code as they design a game, an interactive story, or anything they can think up. Campers will learn about loops, boolean logic, if/else statements, variables, and more. They will get a copy of their project at the end of the week that includes a code library for use after camp. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Video Creators
July 28-August 1 (Grades K-2)
This camp is focused on storytelling and the technology behind it. Campers will work on stop motion animation, basic editing, and how to structure a simple scene. In small groups, campers develop their ideas and produce short, animated scenes that they can share with friends and family. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Design in 3-D
August 4-8 (Grades K-5)
In this camp, students will explore the world of Computer Aided Design and 3D printing. They will learn how ideas go from concept to reality with this critical 21st century skill, then take home their own design. Cost: EFWE members: $225, non-members: $250
Scholarships Available
Support from private donors and sponsors make it possible for the Estates to offer one scholarship for each camp. A committee will determine scholarship eligibility based on financial need so that underprivileged children can experience camp. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is two weeks before the desired camp. Parents or guardians can apply through the website at https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/education/camps/.
Throughout the year, other camps and classes are offered when Lee County schools are closed, including one-day camps and spring and winter break. Edison Ford members receive a discounted rate. For registration and additional information, visit edisonford.org.
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