Contact Us: 415.221.6161 Hours: 9am-4pm

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140 Balboa Street @ 3rd Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94118

Summer Camp 2012

(To view the most up to date schedule please press "F5")

Think Neuroscience!

Neurons Dive into the mind-boggling world of the brain and nervous system!  We will discover how the nervous system helps us remember, learn and feel.  Through the dissection of a sheep brain and observation of a real human brain, we will explore the different parts of the brain that let us sense the world around us and perform actions with our body.  With the help of very cute cockroaches we will hear electrical activity of what we think of as otherwise silent neurons.  We will learn about neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and epilepsy and try to think of possible solutions harnessing our new knowledge of the brain.  Come join us to what is considered one of the 21st century’s hottest subjects in science.   

Older students will be visiting the Davis Lab at UCSF Mission Bay where they will use powerful microscopes to view neurons and their pathways.    

Led by Erica Warp PhD, a neuroscience research scientist in the Isacoff Lab at UC Berkeley. Erica has taught neuroscience at UC Berkeley and done numerous outreach events about the brain for kids and adults.

Lego Robotics Mindstorm NXT
Introduction / K-3 

Get a head start and learn the foundations of building and programming.  We will have too-much-fun building cars, grabbers, tops and catapults and learn through them basic concepts such as lever, wheels, axle, incline plane and pulley.  Using physics concepts of momentum, balance, centrifugal forces, traction and energy we will experiment and improve our designs. We will complete our creations by doing basic computer programming that will move them without us touching them. 

Lego Robotics Mindstorm NXT
Beginners / 4-6

robot

Build cars, catapults, spaceships and more using the Lego Mindstorm® NXT system.  You will learn how to write basic computer software programs using a child-friendly application that will control your robot wirelessly through its sound, touch and light sensors.   We will create several robots a day incorporating new daily skills learned and your imagination. 

Lego Robotics Mindstorm NXT
Advanced / 4-9

Take your Lego Mindstorm Lego skills to a new level challenging yourself to build sophisticated robots.  You will learn advanced programming and elaborate designs.  Small groups and personalized instruction will bring the best out of you and being with like-minded kids will get your creative juices going! 

Pre-requisite: previous attendance of a Mindstorm Beginners camp – OR - ability to program a robot to move forward, backwards and turn as well as loops and switches programming.

Saving Nemo
Ichthyology and Ecologyclownfish

Fish may be quiet creatures but some of them lead very busy and fascinating lives.  We will dive into the world of sharks, salmon, Atlantic cod and anchovies through dissections and fun games.  We will then make connections between what we eat, drink and do on land and its effect on the lives of fish and their ability to be part of our ever growing world.  Using professional equipment, we will examine the health of San Francisco’s watersheds for pollutants.  We will visit the Presidio’s nursery and take part in the restoration process of these aquatic ecosystems through the use of native plants. 

This is an outdoor’s camp and campers will be traveling daily to different sites using MUNI.  Sites include: the Presidio, Crissy Field, Stow Lake, and the Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council recycling center.   

Led by Jonathan Young, a teacher at the National Park Service in the Presidio.  Jonathan previously taught at the ecology centers and nature reserves in Costa Rica, Ecuador and Australia.   . 

International Top ChefTop Chef

Ever wonder why Japanese put wasabi on sushi, Indians eat spicy food and Africans can get full protein without eating meat?  We will learn how through the centuries people practiced chemistry in their kitchen and develop cuisines that were both delicious and scientifically correct.  We will master the cooking of staple dishes from Japan, India, Italy, Israel, Morocco and Russia.  On the final day we will have our own Top Chef challenge where you will be invited to cook one of your family’s dishes and tell us the story behind it.  This global journey requires no passport!  

The Physics of Comics Superheroes

Spiderman

Come on, let’s get real.  Is it really possible to swing like Spiderman?  No one can lift a building like Superman!  Right?  Not quite.  As we read classic comics, we will evaluate the heroic acts of superheroes and test them using the relevant laws of physics such as kinematics, motion, magnetism and planetary dynamics.  We will discover the secrets such as Superman’s high jumps and Batman’s utility belt.  We may find that we can perform a great deal of super heroic acts by calculating how much more we need to eat or increase our arm length!   A comics artist will also teach us how to draw our own comics of stories that we write and draw that are scientifically correct. 

Led by Josh Roberts, an astrophysics student at San Francisco State University. 

Metalsmithing - Gemstone Setting
Ring with stone

Explore a new work of metalsmithing at Celsius with one of nature’s hallmark creations: gemstones and pearls.    You will choose stones and add them to sterling silver and gold-filled rings, pendants and earrings that you will make.   We will learn various stone setting techniques such as bezel, prong and post settings using gemstones such as onyx, jade, lapis, pearls and more.  This fun week of creation and learning will cumulate in an art show that parents will be invited to.   

Co-led by Emma Mankin-Morris, a third generation of working metalsmiths in the Macchiarini family and Chrystal Powell an accomplished metalsmith artist and a graduate of the Academy of Art University, San Francisco

Logic

Logic, Infinity and the Mind
Mathematics

Become a master of the infinite by learning about the mathematics of logic and set theory.  Harness the full power of the human mind to explore the higher reaches of infinity.  But before you can become a Master of the Infinite, you will need some tools. Your training will involve logic puzzles, card games, and learning how to talk like a computer!  Complexity of subject matter will be age appropriate.

This program is ideal for children who enjoy math and want to take their interest to a new level.  Our math camps always fill up and we recommend signing up early. 

Led by Andreas Voellmer, a PhD student at UC Berkeley in Mathematical Logic and Set Theory.  Andreas has extensive experience teaching math and working with children as a camp counselor. Andreas has a BA in Philosophy and Mathematics from McGill University.

Blooming in San Francisco
B
otany

Beautiful flowers are the results of sophisticated systems.  As we delight in the sight of flowers, we will learn about these systems including energy cycles, hormones, symbiosis, communication and reproduction.  Focusing on flowering plants, we will make our own live “medicine cabinet”, create flower-based dyes to dye fabrics, extract perfume, prepare salad using wild plants, build a terrarium and more.   Not only will you find out why plants are green, you will never look at flowers the same way again! 

This is an outdoor’s camp and campers will be traveling daily to different sites using MUNI.  Sites include: The Botanical Gardens, Conservatory of Flowers, SFSU’s Botany Green House and private gardens in the neighborhood.  

Led by Mikhail Kornievsky, a botanist at San Francisco State University and the president of the Friends of the Greenhouse Club at SFSU

Chance

GoKart Building

Tired for waiting for a driving license?  Wait no more!  Build your own manual car from scratch using wood and fiberglass.  In the process we will learn about Newton’s laws and apply them into the design of the car.  At the end of the week you will get to take your car back home with you.  Ready? Set. Go!  

The Incredibles Boot Camp
The Science of Exercise and Physiology
sport

Do you know how fast you can REALLY run?  How far can you REALLY jump?  Find out in this high-energy week about sports performance.  Learn the science behind improving your body’s strength, speed, power, endurance, and flexibility.  Investigate the latest research and use the latest technology while playing different sports, hiking, enjoying yoga, running, playing fun games, and more.  Learn about the role of key muscles and muscle groups, using less energy in activities, ways to avoid injury, methods of proper warm up, and basics of sports nutrition.  By the end of the week you will design a fitness and training program that is unique to your body, favorite sports, and goals.  This camp will be important for your physical and mental well being throughout life. 

This is an outdoor’s camp and campers will be traveling daily to different sites using MUNI or walking.  Sites include: Rossi Park, Land’s End, Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.    

In San Francisco, led by Ashton Alexander, a personal trainer and a certified yoga teacher who has a great deal of experience with children.  Ashton earned her BA in applied physiology and kinesiology from the University of Florida. 

In Marin, led by Dusty Roady, an award winning athlete and enthusiastic, multi-certified coach. Dusty teaches PE and General Science in Marin schools and coaches young athletes in all aspects of sports performance. She owns Excel Fitness, and has been training and coaching adults and children for over a decade.

 

*** Please Note our Locations **
Balboa-       Our year-round studio on 140 Balboa @ 3rd Ave.
California    Cobb Elementary School, 2725 California Street @ Divisadero
Commonwealth – 51 Commonwealth Ave. @ California
                         (St. Gregory's Armenian Church)

Marin-       Marin County Parks TBA

All locations are 4-6 minutes driving distance from each other.

 
Date Class Grade in Sept 2011 Location
May 29- June 1 Robotics - Intro Grades 1-3 Balboa
  Saving Nemo Grades 1-3 Balboa
  The Incredibles Grades 4-8 Balboa
  Botany Grades 4-6 Balboa
  Top Chef Grades 5-8 Balboa
June 4- 8 Botany Grades 1-4 Balboa
  The Incredibles Grades 1-4 Balboa
  Robotics - Beginners Grades 4-6 Balboa
  Saving Nemo Grades 4-8 Balboa
  Logic Grades 5-9 Commonwealth
June 11- 15 Top Chef Grades 1-4 Balboa
  Saving Nemo Grades 1-3 California
  Robotics - Advance Grades 4-9 California
  Metalsmith Grades 5-9 Balboa
  Superheroes Grades 4-8 California
June 18-22 The Incredibles Grades 1-4 Marin
  Botany Grades 1-4 Balboa
  Neuroscience Grades 1-3 California
  Saving Nemo Grades 3-5 California
  GoKart Grades 4-7 Balboa
  Metalsmith Grades 5-9 Balboa
  Superheroes Grades 4-8 California
June 25-29 Robotics - Intro Grades 1-3 California
  Top Chef Grades 1-4 Balboa
  The Incredibles Grades 4-8 Marin
  Saving Nemo Grades 4-8 California
  Metalsmith Grades 5-9 Balboa
  Neuroscience Grades 4-8 California
July 2-6 (4 days) Saving Nemo Grades 1-3 California
  The Incredibles Grades 1-4 California
  Botany Grades 4-7 Balboa
  Robotics - Beginners Grades 4-8 Balboa
  Superheroes Grades 4-8 Balboa
July 9-13 Neuroscience Grades 1-3 California
  Saving Nemo Grades 3-5 California
  Robotics - Advanced Grades 4-9 Balboa
  Superheroes Grades 4-8 California
  Metalsmith Grades 5-9 Balboa
July 16-20 Saving Nemo Grades 1-3 California
  Top Chef Grades 2-5 Balboa
  Neuroscience Grades 4-8 California
  Metalsmith Grades 5-9 Balboa
  GoKart Grades 4-7 California
July 23-27 Robotics - Intro Grades 1-3 Balboa
  Botany Grades 1-4 Balboa
  Top Chef Grades 4-8 Balboa
  Saving Nemo Grades 4-8 Balboa
July 30-Aug 3 The Incredibles Grades 1-4 Marin
  Neuroscience Grades 1-3 Balboa
  Saving Nemo Grades 1-3 Balboa
  Robotics - Beginners Grades 4-6 Commonwealth
  Metalsmith Grades 5-9 Balboa
August 6-10 Saving Nemo Grades 1-3 Balboa
  Top Chef Grades 1-4 Balboa
  The Incredibles Grades 4-8 Marin
  GoKart Grades 4-8 Balboa
  Neuroscience Grades 4-8 Commonwealth
August 13-17 Saving Nemo Grades 1-3 Balboa
  Robotics - Advanced Grades 4-9 Balboa
  Logic Grades 5-9 Commonwealth
  Metalsmith Grades 4-9 Balboa
August 20-24 Robotics - Intro Grades K-3 Balboa
  Neuroscience Grades 2-4 Balboa
  The Incredibles Grades 4-8 Commonwealth
  Saving Nemo Grades 4-8 Balboa
August 27-31 Top Chef Grades K-3 Balboa
  Robotics - Beginners Grades 4-6 Balboa
  Saving Nemo Grades 4-8 Balboa


    Fees and Policies:

    ● Until April 1st: $395 per week or $315 for 4 day week sessions
    ● After April 2nd: $420 per week or $340 for 4 day week sessions
    ● Multiple Session Discount - Also applicable to siblings
    - Sign up for 2 sessions: receive a total of $40 off
    - Sign up for 3 sessions: receive a total of $75 off
    - Sign up for 4 sessions or more: $140 off or more (at $35 per session)
    Refer friends who have never attended a Celsius camp ever before and receive an additional $30 off per referral. Further details can be found on registration site.

    ● Metalsmith camp: Add $40 materials fee per week.
    When we started our Metalsmith program 5 years ago, the price of sterling silver was about $10 per ounce; today the price is $30 and rising. If prices drop in the future we will be reducing the fee. Metalsmith camps that do not use fair amount of silver or gold will not have a material fee

    Extended Care: 8-9am/4-6pm.
    - Advanced payments for Extended Care are $10.00 per hour.
    - Ad Hoc during the week of camp are billed at $14.00 per hour.
    - Extended Care is billed in one hour increments after a 10 minute grace period.
    ● Any changes to previously confirmed sessions shall be assessed a $30 fee. Transfer subject to availability.
    ●Lunch $25 per week or $6 per day. Options are listed in the online registration.
    ● Cancellation Policy:
    - Before June 1st- a credit for the price paid, less $75 cancellation fee. Credit is good towards any Celsius and Beyond program (camps, birthday parties and workshops) for a year after date of initial registration.
    - After June 1st up to two weeks prior to start date of camp - a credit for 50% of the total price paid. Any cancellation, regardless of reason, within two weeks prior to the start date of session is fully non-refundable.

● Payment Policy:

- We accept cash, check, e-check and credit cards. Reservations are not confirmed without payment received. Online registration and payment ensures immediate confirmation. Payments by check should be sent in within 3 days of making an online reservation or the spot will be released. Faxed or mail-in reservations will be accepted only through April 1st and payment must be made by check or cash for paper registration.