This activity is normally conducted and planned by recognized scientists and engineers in industry and/or government. A specific area is covered, often reflecting an overall theme for the session. For example, if the theme for a camp session is secret agents, areas such as electronics, communication, secret writing, code writing/breaking, surveillance, or encryption technologies would be explored, culminating in the campers building a laser communicator, decoder device, listening device, voice-activated recorder, hidden camera, or other spy-themed item. Each session teaches the principles of a science field, followed by the camper using this new knowledge to build an actual device or item. Examples of areas that the science program covers include, but are not limited to:
- Electrical/mechanical/civil/manufacturing engineering
- Aerospace engineering, including, but not limited to, rocketry, propulsion, aerodynamics, and orbital mechanics
- Various areas of materials engineering, including, but not limited to, metallurgy, metal fabrication, additive manufacturing, nanotechnologies, foundry, composites
- Physics
- Environmental Sciences (ecology, atmospheric science, geosciences, soil science, recycling technologies, ecosystems)
- Health and nutrition, including the making of natural health products and cosmetics
- Earth sciences (geology, meteorology, oceanography, and astronomy)
- Space exploration
- Chemistry
- Biomedical engineering and biology
The Camp Arbolado science program follows the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and thus lectures and activities are outcome-oriented using a multidisciplinary approach with real-world examples and outcomes. Learning activities are iterative and process-oriented, so that campers can explore topics in a self-regulated and creative way through exploration and creation. The STEM model shown below guides how the science program is conducted.
For the 2026 summer camp sessions, science will focus on the health and nutrition area, specifically covering edible plants native to the Camp Arbolado area and the health benefits they offer. Campers will learn how to safely identify and forage them, prepare them, and cook with them. Plants which will be showcased include acorns, stinging nettle, and dandelion. They will be prepared as vegetable dishes, teas, and flour to make breads. pastries and porridges. As an example of the health benefits that edible plants provide, dandelion tea acts as a diuretic and increases urine output to reduce body water weight, helps to detoxify the liver, soothes digestive ailments and constipation, and helps prevent urinary tract infections. Studies as to the cancer-fighting potential of dandelion tea have also proved promising.