Camp Tamias

10/14/2026

Applications for Camp Tamias 2027 are now open!

Camp Tamias is a residential, project-based science camp for curious students ages 10–15, held in Charlton, Massachusetts. Campers spend one or two weeks working on real projects with mentors: building, experimenting, asking questions and finding answers together.

We look for curiosity, creativity and a willingness to learn, not grades, awards or prior experience. Beginners are warmly welcome.

SESSIONS

- Session I: June 26 – July 3, 2027
- Session II: July 3 – July 10, 2027
- Both sessions: June 26 – July 10, 2027

Each session is limited to 60 campers. Some advanced projects run for two weeks and are open only to campers attending both sessions.

DEADLINES AND TUITION

- Early round (apply by December 1, 2026): $1,650 for one session, $3,200 for both
- Regular round (apply by March 1, 2027): $1,750 for one session, $3,400 for both
- Late round (apply by May 15, 2027, if spots remain): $1,850 for one session, $3,600 for both

Applying in the early round saves $200 on one session, or $400 on both, compared with the late round. Spots fill quickly, so we encourage you to apply by December 1.

Part of the application is written by the camper: a few short questions about what makes them curious. There are no right answers; we just want to hear how they think.

FOR STUDENTS 16 AND OLDER: YOUNG TEACHERS AND TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Do you have an older child who loves science or coding? We’re looking for high school and college students who will be 16 or older by June 26, 2027, to join our team:

- Young Teachers plan and lead coding lessons and projects for a small group of campers, supported by camp staff. Young Teachers pay nothing.
- Teaching Assistants (TAs) support lead teachers in class, help with projects and assist with supervising campers. TAs pay only for lodging and meals: $700 per session.

Both roles are volunteer positions. We document service hours for school, honor society and scholarship programs, and we write recommendation letters for college, scholarship and job applications.

Questions? Just reply to this email or write to [email protected].

We can’t wait to meet your young scientists!

09/22/2026

We're getting ready for our Thanksgiving Trip!

The idea is simple: put the kids in the field with a working marine biologist and let them experience what marine biology actually looks like. Not worksheets about the ocean — actual time in it.

Each day means a new coastal ecosystem:
🐚 Beachcombing for invertebrates
🤿 Snorkeling a rare, shallow limestone reef
🛶 Kayaking through mangroves and seagrass
🌿 Exploring dunes and coastal plants

Afternoons go back to the "lab" — microscopes, samples, identifying what we found. Evenings bring a science talk, then board games, conversations, and hanging out together. And of course, a communal Thanksgiving dinner with the whole group.

📅 Program: Nov 25–28
🏨 Lodging: Nov 24–29 (5 nights), Siesta Key
💵 $500/family for the program (one child included)

We already have a great group of families joining us — we'd love to have yours too. Link to register in the comments! 🌊

09/18/2026

Our 2026 Thanksgiving trip is on!

https://r.mail.camptamias.org/mk/mr/sh/1f8JAEjGcfF85p8NgA3ZGag2vh/srgAa9ou4OHu

This year we're planning to head to the Sarasota / Siesta Key area of Florida. Our marine biology professor, Lev Yampolsky, will lead the scientific program, and we're also hoping to bring along a geobotanist, which would let us explore the fascinating coastal plant ecosystems of this part of Florida as well.

Dates
- The educational program will run November 25–28. For the main group, we're currently planning accommodations for November 24–29 (5 nights).

- November 25–28 are the program dates only. If your family would like to arrive earlier or stay longer, just note your preferred dates on the Google Form, and I'll check with the resort about extending your reservation.

Where we'll stay
- We'll be at Siesta Heron Suites & Villas, a small waterfront property on Heron Lagoon with 1–2 bedroom apartments, full kitchens, and private bathrooms, plus a pool, dock, grills, kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles.

Costs

- Accommodation: $262/night per apartment (sleeps 4–6) → $1,310 for 5 nights
- Program: $125/day per family with one participating child → $500 for the 4-day program
- Additional expenses: airfare, rental car, food, and any kayak/boat/equipment rentals or entrance fees

Families of two: we're happy to try to match you with another small family to share an apartment, if you'd like.

Getting there
The closest airport is Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ). Tampa (TPA), St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE), Punta Gorda (PGD), and Fort Myers (RSW) are also worth checking. You'll need a car, since our program will take place at several locations around the Sarasota area. Families are welcome to coordinate and share rides.

Next steps
Thanksgiving is a busy season in this part of Florida, so we'll need to reserve apartments soon. If your family is interested, please fill out this short form as soon as possible:

09/14/2026

09/14/2026

And now, the feature presentation! ARABIAN DREAMS, the movie release of the year you have all been waiting for! It's funny and exciting, but don't blink! It's very short.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4j9H_tCwfc

09/12/2026

Registration is open for AP Biology and AP Chemistry (May 2027 Exam Prep) led by Dr. Oxana Litvin (Ph.D. in Neuroscience, 18+ years teaching experience, 6-time AP Reader).

These small-group, online courses go far beyond rote memorization focusing on advanced scientific reasoning, quantitative data analysis, and hands-on/virtual lab investigations targeting a score of 5.

Quick Details:

- Target Audience: High School Students (AP Level)
- Class Size: Strictly limited to 4 students per class
- AP Chemistry: Wed / Friday @ 8:00 PM EST
- AP Biology: Tue @ 7:00 PM EST & Thurs @ 8:00 PM EST

Format: Live 60-minute online sessions via Zoom

Check out the full syllabus details or reach out to enroll:
📩 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 914-329-1161
🌐 Web: camptamias.org

09/12/2026

Looking to build a solid foundation in the sciences before high school? 🧬🔬

We’re opening enrollment for small-group, online IGCSE Chemistry and Biology courses specifically designed for middle school students (ages 10–14).

Taught by Dr. Oxana Litvin (Ph.D. in Neurobiology), these courses go beyond standard fact memorization. Students engage directly with observable phenomena, learn to interpret experimental data, and develop authentic scientific reasoning.

Quick Details:

- Target Audience: Middle schoolers (ages 10–14)
- Format: Live 60-minute online sessions via Zoom (once a week)
- Approach: Interactive discussion, graph analysis, lab data interpretation, and core concept mastery
- Biology: Tue @ 6:00 PM EST & Sat @ 10:00 AM EST
- Chemistry: Thurs. @ 6:00 PM EST & Sun @ 10:00 AM EST

If you'd like to read the syllabus or discuss whether this level is the right fit for your student, send us a DM or drop a comment below!

09/07/2026

We’re excited to offer Intro to Filmmaking for students ages 14 and up!

Taught online by filmmaker Daniel Levin (MFA, USC), this 12-week course breaks down the core principles of cinema from character revelation and visual storytelling to sound design, lighting, and editing.

If your student is interested in making their own short film at Camp Tamias 2027, this course is a wonderful prerequisite. It builds the foundational skills needed for our Spring screenwriting class, where students will draft the exact screenplay they will bring to life on set at camp in 2027.

Course Quick Facts:

- Ages: 14+
- Schedule: Thursdays at 7:00 PM CST (12 weeks)
- Format: Live via Zoom

Check out the full syllabus and sign up using the link in the comments! If you have any questions about the curriculum, feel free to drop a line or send us a message.

09/06/2026

Salve!

Is history STEM? Strictly speaking, no. But at Camp Tamias, if it sparks wild curiosity and deep inquiry, it’s our jam.

We are stoked to bring back the brilliant Dilyara Muradova for a series of interactive, hands-on history courses crafted specifically for 10 to 13-year-olds. We’re ditching dry memorization for active investigation, debate, and discovery.

Ready to jump in?

- Ages: 10–13
- Format: Live, interactive online sessions
- Sign-up Link: see the comments section below

Got questions about the schedule or curriculum? Drop a comment below or send us a DM. We’d love to chat!

Vale!