Hollingworth Science Camp has been running for over 40 years — long enough to have earned a reputation that is hard to replicate. Run by the Hollingworth Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, it is a four-week day camp for rising 1st through 5th graders where science is not a subject — it is the frame for everything: the art projects, the music, the read-alouds, the outdoor play. The philosophy here is that young children are natural scientists, and the job of camp is to strengthen that instinct, not replace it with instruction.
Program Overview
Each summer, 200 campers divide into 8 groups, each studying a unique science topic. Topics are tiered by grade: Human Anatomy, Botany, Life Science, Power, Simple Machines, Geology, Aerodynamics, and Structures. A camp-wide theme — past themes have included Colorful Science, Paleontology, and Farming in the City — runs across all groups, with each examining it through the lens of their specific topic. Every group has 25 campers and 3 teachers.
The curriculum is built on three interlocking approaches — inquiry-based science, the engineering design process, and the Maker Movement — all treating failure as part of the process. Curiosity Carts hold curated open-ended materials for free exploration; a Makerspace in every room gives campers space to tinker with natural materials and child-safe tools; a curated library ties fiction, nonfiction, and poetry to each group's topic. Each class takes at least two field trips per summer — past destinations have included the American Museum of Natural History, Harlem Grown farm, and local community gardens.
The arts program is woven in, not bolted on. An artist-in-residence leads a month-long art project culminating in Science on Parade — a walk down Columbia's College Walk where families gather on the Alma Mater steps to cheer campers on. The session closes with a Science Expo and Maker Gallery. At dismissal, teachers carry an "Ask Me About" sign prompting parents to ask their child about a specific lesson — because the conversation on the walk home is part of the learning.
Camp runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. No before- or aftercare. Full-month commitment; no proration for missed days.
Who It's For
This is a natural fit for the child who asks questions constantly, does their best thinking with their hands, and doesn't slot neatly into "science kid" or "art kid." Here, those aren't separate categories. Campers must have completed kindergarten; the program serves rising 1st through 5th graders matched to grade level. Classrooms are fully accessible and nut-free.
Staff & Mentorship
The leadership team holds doctoral and master's degrees from Teachers College and brings over 60 years of combined experience. Head Teachers teach in NYC schools during the year; Assistant Teachers are current TC graduate students. All faculty receive professional development before each season.
Application & Eligibility
New camper applications follow a predictable annual cycle: request form opens in October, applications arrive in early November, deadline is late November, decisions go out in December. A complete application includes a parent form, $25 fee, classroom teacher form, and end-of-year report card (kindergarteners excepted). Some grades fill in the first lottery; others accept rolling applications.
Cost & Financial Information
Tuition is $3,900 for the full month of July, payable in up to 5 installments. Families with financial questions are encouraged to reach out directly to the Science Camp office at hollingworthsc@tc.edu.