Summer Camps for 10, 11 & 12 Year Olds in Charlotte
Finding a summer camp that a 10, 11, or 12-year-old actually wants to attend can be tough. They’ve outgrown finger painting and basic science kits. They want autonomy, advanced technology, and real-world challenges.
At Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte, our 2026 summer programs for this age group are built to respect their intelligence. We treat our 10-12 year old campers like junior engineers and scientists, giving them access to professional-grade tools and the freedom to create unique projects that they can be proud of.
2026 Camp Schedule: Ages 10-12
Advanced workshops designed for the developing minds of pre-teens.
Tech Trailblazers
Best for: Ages 10-12 (Rising 5th & 6th Grade)
Theme: Technology & Engineering
Dates: July 13 – 17
Why it’s great for this age: 11 and 12-year-olds are often consumers of technology (video games, apps). This camp flips the script and turns them into creators, teaching them the coding languages and logic that power their favorite digital tools.
Science Smorgasbord
Best for: Ages 10-12 (Rising 5th & 6th Grade)
Theme: Science
Dates: June 22 – 26 | August 3 – 7
Why it’s great for this age: Pre-teens are still discovering who they are. This “smorgasbord” approach allows them to test-drive different careers—from astrophysicist to robotics engineer—in a single week, helping them find their true passion before high school.
Why These Camps Work for Pre-Teens
Beyond the Classroom
We know that 12-year-olds don’t want to feel like they are in summer school. Our camps are active and project-based. Instead of lectures, we present challenges (“Build a robot that can do X”) and let them collaborate to find the solution.
Socializing with Like-Minded Peers
It’s important for smart kids to find their “tribe.” Our camps bring together 10, 11, and 12-year-olds from across Charlotte who share similar interests in gaming, science, and building, fostering friendships based on shared passions.
FAQ for Parents of 10-12 Year Olds
Q: Is my 12-year-old too old for camp?
A: Not at all. In fact, this is the best age for our specific tech programs. They finally have the math and logic skills to fully utilize our advanced robotics and coding equipment.
Q: Can they check themselves out?
A: For safety, we require an authorized adult to sign campers out daily. However, we do treat this age group with more maturity during the camp day, offering more choices and independence within the museum.