We’ve opened another section of our STEM summer camp! 🥳
We are committed to serving our local students and community, and we couldn’t have done this without your support. Thank you for trusting us with your children’s education and enrichment. Let’s make this summer unforgettable with more opportunities for learning, fun, and growth!
New Class Details:
Minecraft STEM Summer Camp:
– 6 weeks
– Intermediate-Adv (9-14 years old): 1-4PM, 6 Seats
– Beginner (6-8 years old): 9AM-12PM, 6 Seats
Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Register now and secure your spot. Let’s keep the excitement going and make this the best summer yet!
We had a fantastic VeX IQ robotics season! All 4 teams qualified for the State Tournament, where we brought home several awards. Our team, Magnificent Mangos, has earned a spot in the World Championship in Dallas, TX. This is a life-changing opportunity for these students to compete at the largest Robotics Competition in the world.
If you know of a company or philanthropist who would be interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact us. Check out our GoFundMe page to make a tax-deductible donation and make a positive difference in our community today!
Last year was an incredible year of growth, and although we expanded our offerings during the 2024-2025 Academic Year and STEM Camps, they quickly filled up! We expect 2025-2026 to be even more significant. 🥳 To better support our community, we have been on the lookout for fantastic educators who believe in our mission to address gaps in the education system and prepare students for their future EARLY. We are thrilled to introduce our new STEAMwhiz Educators to the “STEAM TEAM,” who like us, are dedicated to positively impacting our young students’ educational journey.
Vera Kraev
Vera is our resident math enthusiast! She is a Mathematics major pursuing her master’s in Data Science and plans to join the PhD program at UAlbany soon. She began to develop her teaching acumen as a Mathnasium tutor and has gained even more profound experience as a STEM educator under the guidance of Program Director Allie.
In addition to her math abilities, she excels as a Minecraft Modder and pro skier. What sets her apart in our eyes is her incredible dedication to making a meaningful impact on our students’ lives!
Daysia Davis
Please join us in welcoming a fantastic new member to the ‘STEAM TEAM’! Daysia is passionate about the environment and how human intervention can help conserve our ecosystem for future generations. Whether paddleboarding with her pups on the water or aiding sustainability efforts at SPAC, the environment is always on her mind.
She is currently shadowing Program Director Allie, exploring all the wonderful ways we do things at STEAMwhiz! It’s thrilling to see her start interacting with our students. We look forward to her sharing valuable insights from her Environmental Studies degree at SUNY, which will significantly enhance the curriculum and enrich our students’ learning experience at the lab.
Registration will open early this year for our SEP and REP labs, targeting June for our returning students. We plan to extend our time offerings starting at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For our families traveling from afar, we will continue to offer the SEP on the second Saturday of the month. Check out more details below.
STEM Enrichment Program (SEP)
The SEP progression will continue as students advance from beginner (pre-readers), to Intermediate, to Advanced, and we focus on one of the most essential resources on the planet. Stay tuned for more details where we will dive deep into physics, chemistry, the environment, and much more🤩
Robotic Enrichment Program (REP)
Current students, get ready! REP 2 is on the horizon, where we will dive deeper into advanced topics such as gear ratios, drive trains, sensors, and build even more incredible and complex robots. New students will join us in the REP 1 labs, where they will get to sink their teeth into Lego Robotics, coding, and much more.
VeX IQ Robotics Competition
We have many returning faces and some new. For returning students, expect to step it up a notch as we investigate sharing motors using power take-off (PTO) and advanced control systems such as PID. New students, get ready to dive into the exciting world of robotics! Emails for registration will go out in April. Spring Prep classes will start the first Saturday in May. If you have any questions, send us a message at info@steamwhiz.com
Are you signed up for STEAMwhiz’s Afternoon Summer Camp Session (1:00 – 4:00 PM)? It’s time to register for the Town of Guilderland’s Tawasentha Park ½ Day Summer Camp!!
Full-Day campers will participate in the morning ½ Day camp session at Guilderland’s beautiful Tawasentha Park. Afterward, they will be transported by Guilderland School District busing to the STEAMwhiz Lab HQ for lunch and a much-needed break before transitioning to their afternoon program from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.
By partnering with the Town of Guilderland (TOG), we have created an incredible opportunity for our students who require full-day care. Now, they can also participate in the enriching, brain-building STEAMwhiz camps that foster creativity, learning, and exploration throughout the day!
Make sure to register for the week(s) that coincide with your STEAMwhiz weeks (1-6)
$100 per week
2 – Register for Bus Transportation:
Bus Name: Flounder
In the allergy section, state that the student will be taking bus to STEAMwhiz
$20 per week, for transportation from your home to the park and then from the park to STEAMwhiz. If you plan on utilizing the bus only from the park to STEAMwhiz, please call the TOG Parks & Rec Dept. for cost adjustment
518-456-3150
**Make sure you register for both your week(s) and transportation needs. The Guilderland website separates them. *See the highlighted green circle in the image above.
If you would like to stay up-to-date with our activities, classes, teaching guidance, etc., the best way is to sign up for our newsletter by creating an account here.
All STEAMwhiz VeX Teams go to NY State Champsionship🤩
We had our final VEX IQ qualifier this past weekend. Team Magnificent Mangos showcased their incredible spirit in the Team Challenge, narrowly missing victory in sudden death elimination by just one goal. 🎉 Their determination shone through as they excelled in the Skills Challenge, winning and bringing home a well-deserved trophy for their outstanding efforts. 🏆 All our other teams made significant strides in enhancing their robots, gaining valuable experience even though they weren’t fully prepared for competition this time. 🤖 They’ve learned an important lesson and are passionately devoted to their preparation for the State Championship in Syracuse on March 5th. Each team will strive for one of the three sought-after bids to the World Championships. 🌎 We stand proud of their journey and all they have achieved this year! If you want to inspire and challenge your student to join one of our teams, use the button below to learn more. 🚀
It was wonderful to see our students during the break, along with some new faces! 😊 In just 15 hours, they learned a great deal about size and scale, measurements, physics, 3D printing, raced Balloon Cars, and launched rockets. 🛠️ Additionally, they used CAD to design and fabricate their own gravity mazes! 🎉 We cannot stress enough how important it is to provide these fantastic experiences early, as they allow students to be creative, solve problems, face challenges, and develop confidence in their abilities. 💪 These experiences set them up for academic success in the future! 🎓
In April, we will dive deeper into the exciting Mazes topic, teaching game design to craft your very own captivating maze runner games! 🎮 While the Intermediate/Advanced Camp is currently full, we still have a few spots available in the Beginners Camp. 🌟 Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions; we are fully dedicated to ensuring the success of each of our students! 🚀 Your journey starts here! ✨
We are excited about the excellent learning that will take place this summer! Check out the wonderful Minecraft creations below that kids designed and 3D printed during our 3D printing weeks! The early bird special ends this month. Intermediate/Advance camps are 95% full with only have a few seats left. The Beginner Camps are over 50% full. We do fill up so don’t hesitate to asks us any questions you may have. Use the button below to learn more today!
Welcome! We are excited about opening up recruiting for our robotics teams 🤩. Below are the essential details for our upcoming STEAMwhiz (SW) VeX IQ Robotics Competition Program for 2025-2026. The time and cost of our robotics program are similar to that of competitive Soccer, Ice Hockey, and Gymnastics. They will be around other high achievers and get all the benefits of a team sport, but in addition, they will learn STEM-related career skills to prepare them for an AI future. Under the guidance of Dr. J, a skilled physicist, engineer, and educator, your students will receive specialized instruction to equip them for this thrilling opportunity. Click here to check out the results from one of our previous competitions.
If you are interested, kindly use the button below to complete the interest form. For our new families, you must attend the orientation before being considered. Please note that the interest form only expresses your interest and does NOT guarantee your place on the team. Spots are limited and available by invitation only. Invitations will be issued following the Vex IQ Orientation. To see the calendar for the entire season, click here -> VeX Calendar. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us; we are here to help.
This track is for focused students who want to compete at the highest levels, including State Finals and possibly competing at the World Competition. These teams will have all the materials necessary to construct 2 concurrent robots – 1 prototype, 1 stable build. The extra time and advanced training with Dr J over the summer will allow them to build 4-6 versions of their robot solution for the challenge.
Program Schedule
Spring 2025 | VeX Summer Camp 2025 | Fall 2025 – Winter 2026
This track is for interested students in exploring the world of robotics competitions. It is very possible to make it far in the competition, and still a significant time commitment. See more details about the required course below. These teams will have all the materials necessary to construct 1 complete robot. They will have the training and time to build 2-3 versions of their robot solution for the challenge.
This is for our new families thinking about joining VeX. Dr J will provide an overview of VeX IQ Robotics and details about our program. You will also get to see our current students and ask them about their builds and experience 🤩 Once you have filled out the interest form, I send out a follow email with details. For our current families in the program, you do not need to attend this.
February 7th @ 6 pm – 7 pm
SW Spring Prep
This is a crash course in vex robotics and essential concepts. It’s a great way to get your feet wet before jumping in! New students will learn the fundamentals of VeX Robotics. Returning Students will learn about the NEW game challenge for the season and begin strategizing and building their robots.
Recreational & Competitive Track ( 8 days, Total of 24 hrs)
Saturdays 2 pm – 5 pm
May 10th – June 28th
SW Summer Advanced Robotics Camp
This summer camp is where the competitive teams get the edge! It’s a boot camp where they get to work with Dr J directly to learn about advanced robotics concepts and start applying them to their robots 🤩
Competitive Track Only ( 10 days, Total of 60 hrs)
Full Day | Mon – Fri 9 am – 4 pm
Aug 11th – Aug 22nd | 2 weeks
SW Vex Core Program
This is the meat and potatoes of the STEAMwhiz (SW) VeX Program. There is a schedule, internal competitions, engineering notebooks, building, coding, and more!
Recreational & Competitive Track ( 44 days, Total 132 hrs)
Mon & Fri 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Sat 2 pm – 5 pm as needed before competitions (4 – 8 days, Total 24 hrs)
Guilderland, NY – January 20, 2025 – STEAMwhiz – The STEM Learning Lab, a leading STEM education center in the Capital District, is thrilled to announce the outstanding performance of its teams at the recent VEX IQ Robotics Tournament in Queensbury, NY. Competing for the first time, three out of four STEAMwhiz teams won, earning them a spot at the 12th Annual Northern New York State VeX IQ Championships, showcasing their incredible potential and dedication.
The VEX IQ competition is a prestigious global event that inspires young minds through hands-on, student-centered learning. With over 24,000 teams from more than 60 countries participating, it is one of the largest and most influential robotics competitions in the world1. The competition, supported by top companies and organizations, including NASA, Google, and Texas Instruments, encourages students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills by designing, building, and programming robots to tackle complex challenges. This year’s local qualifying at Queensbury was fantastic, featuring 25 teams and over 100 students from the local region with multiple years of experience. With the amazing field, the achievements of STEAMwhiz’s teams are even more remarkable as they were the only rookie organization competing for the first time. Out of 25 teams, with only 6 spots available to qualify for the next level state regional competition, STEAMwhiz achieved a hat trick by taking 3 of the 6 spots.
Team Magnificent Mangos received the Outstanding Design Award for their innovative and original robot design, which impressed the judges and secured their spot in the state finals. Their creativity and strategic thinking were key factors in their success. The team also finished 3rd in the Total Skills challenge, showcasing their well-rounded abilities.
Saaqib Maraicayer, Cooper Radler, Caleb Roche, Kolbe Tessarzik
Team Dunk-In earned the CREATE Award, recognizing their strategic approach and use of advanced robotics elements such as pneumatics and an H-drive system. Despite being one of the smaller teams, their hard work and ingenuity stood out, earning them a place in the state finals. Their dedication and perseverance were evident as they refined their robot multiple times leading up to the event.
Team Purple Burritos demonstrated exceptional resilience and dedication, overcoming significant challenges to achieve a stunning upset in the Team Competition Challenge. Their perseverance and teamwork were truly inspiring, earning them a well-deserved spot in the State Finals. The team’s ability to handle pressure and perform under challenging conditions was commendable.
Waliy Ashary, Austin Merrill, Simon Polishchuk, Xavier Pulecio
Team Vortex, mainly consisting of 4th graders, excelled against competitors up to 8th grade, securing second place in the Team Challenge and achieving the event’s highest score. They were one of only two elementary and youngest teams at the event. Although they did not qualify for the finals this time, their potential is undeniable, and they are poised to become a dominant force in future competitions. Team Vortex will compete again on February 22nd at Queensbury to clinch their spot in the state finals.
Benjamin Epstein, Daniel Epstein, Lorcan O’Loughlin, Elle Pulecio, Tegan Waters
Vortex & BrainBots High Score of Event
As the teams prepare for the State Regional Competition in Syracuse on March 5th, they are gearing up to face even tougher competition. Teams like La Salle from Niagara Falls, who have been competing for 10 years and have gone to the world championships multiple times, will be among the formidable opponents2. Despite being the underdogs, STEAMwhiz’s teams are determined to rise to the challenge and demonstrate their innovative spirit and teamwork.
The importance of robotics and AI in shaping the future job market cannot be overstated. According to the World Economic Forum’s latest report, advancements in AI, robotics, and automation are expected to transform 86% of businesses by 2030, creating millions of new jobs in fields such as AI, self-driving automation, and other emerging technologies3. These trends highlight the critical need for STEM education programs like those offered at STEAMwhiz, which prepare students for the jobs of the future.
“We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements,” said Dr. Javier F. Pulecio, Co-Founder and Robotics Program Director of STEAMwhiz. “AI is changing the job landscape from a knowledge-based economy to one that emphasizes creativity, adaptability, and teamwork. Programs like VEX IQ are essential in nurturing these skills, prioritizing innovation, strategic thinking, and working in a team. Our students’ success at the event is a testament to these skills and the supportive community of parents, teachers, and mentors. We look forward to seeing them grow and what they will accomplish next.”
STEAMwhiz is committed to nurturing the talents of young learners and providing them with opportunities to excel in STEM fields. Our primary mission is to nurture creative problem-solving skills and adaptability to prepare students for an AI-driven future. The center’s participation in the VEX IQ competition highlights its dedication to fostering innovation, teamwork, and a passion for learning.
Check out the entire Vex IQ Teams Challenge on Queensbury Schools YouTube channel – Q-Tube. Thank you to tournament director Eric Wood of Finch Paper, the Queensbury School District, and all the volunteers for making the event spectacular.
Heads up! We had a spot open up for VR this Saturday at 3 pm. You register below and check out the upcoming dates 🤩
VR Nights | Drop-In
Fun with Friends
Fall Semester | Sept. 16, 2024 – Dec. 6, 2024
Winter Semester | Dec. 9, 2024 – March 7, 2025
Spring Semester | March 10, 2025 – May 30, 2025
Exclusively for our STEAMwhiz students. Drop off your student (2 hrs) and have fun knowing that your kids are in good hands. Students can play VR, Minecraft on our local server, board games, and more in a safe and fun environment with their friends from the lab. SW’s friends can continue to form stronger bonds with like-minded students.
Recommended ages 10-14 years old (Parents welcomed too!)
Please join the waiting list, and we will try our best to open another time/day as needed.
Join the premier STEM Camp in the Capital District! With our headquarters based in the Capital District, you’ll notice the difference: a passionate team of master educators focused on grades K-8, a stunning learning environment, cutting-edge technology for hands-on exploration, and innovative Year-Round Programs for our local students. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our children! #BeTheChange!
Camp Time: 9 am – 12 pm | Drop-off Starts 8:45 am
Sign up for Both weeks and get $50 Off 🥳(Code: Break$50)
🌟 Discover the incredible ALL-NEW programming we have lined up for your students this year! Each year, we evolve alongside your students, providing fresh and thrilling learning opportunities that ignite their passion for learning! 💖🧠 Our carefully designed projects build on one another week after week, delivering an unparalleled learning experience that will keep your students engaged and excited. Don’t miss out on the chance to sign up for February and April weeks and enjoy a fantastic $50 savings! 🥳 Boost your students’ growth and excitement—enroll today!
Registration is now open for our Minecraft STEM Summer Camps 🥳
We have expanded our capacity to account for last year’s demand. Still, we anticipate being at max capacity again this year. Our best advice is not to hesitate to avoid the dreaded waitlist 😏(which will be on a first-come, first-serve basis). If you have any questions, please contact us with any questions you may have. This is the early notification for our STEAMwhiz families. We will begin advertising in a few days 🤩
Full-Day and Half-Day Options
Full-day camps run from 8 am to 4 pm, during which students go to Tawasentha Recreation Camp in the mornings and take a bus ride to STEAMwhiz STEM camp in the afternoons. Check the product page FAQs for more details.
Half-day camps are offered Mornings (9 am -12 pm) or Afternoons (1 pm – 4 pm) option. Check the product page FAQs for more details.
Early Bird Discounts
The discount is per camper, so multiple kids can sign up for multiple weeks, and get multiple discounts 🥳 Check FAQs on the product page for codes. Early bird runs through February.
We heard your feedback last year and are now concurrently offering Beginners (6-8 yrs old) and Intermediate/Advanced (9-13 yrs old) STEM Camp each week. This will make it easier for our families to drop off their kids at one place 🤓
Many parents wished our Beginner’s summer program ran longer than the first two weeks in August. So, we have expanded their summer program for the entire 6 weeks June 30th – Aug 8th, in parallel with the Int/Adv Classes 🙌
As always, all projects are new for our returning campers each summer. We are adding fun new labs like programming DRONES to complete an obstacle course and crazy fun Minecraft Modding using Origins.
STEAMwhiz T-shirts, woohoo! All our campers will receive a STEAMwhiz t-shirt 👕 Please ensure you fill out the lab participation form after checkout to ensure your student receives one.
February & April Break STEM Camps
February & April Camps are Open!
February & April Break STEM Camps 2025
Join the premier STEM Camp in the Capital District! With our headquarters based in the Capital District, you’ll notice the difference: a passionate team of master educators focused on grades K-8, a stunning learning environment, cutting-edge technology for hands-on exploration, and innovative Year-Round Programs for our local students. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our children! #BeTheChange!
Camp Time: 9 am – 12 pm | Drop-off Starts 8:45 am
Sign up for Both weeks and get $50 Off 🥳(Code: Break$50)
Summer camp registration will open soon 🤓📣 We wanted to provide the schedule so you can start penciling in dates 👍 Below are some updates
Our Beginner Class will now run the entire 6 weeks, just like the Intermediate and Advanced Classes ✨
Full Day Camps are On! Tawasentha Recreational Camp in the morning -> Bus ride to STEAMwhiz -> SW Minecraft Camp in the afternoon. You do not have to be a resident to register for the Tawasentha Camp, it’s open to all students.
There will be Early Bird Registration discounts😀
If you have any quick questions feel free to send us a text at 518-512-9595 or email info@steamwhiz.com
Check out some of the All-New Projects for 2025
W1 Minecraft Makers: 3D Printing Adventure Camp (BEG & INT/ADV)
Challenge: Build your imaginative creation in Minecraft and then bring it to life through 3D printing! Start by constructing a detailed design in the Minecraft universe, and then translate your virtual creation into a physical model using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Explore the principles of design, creativity, and physical construction.
W4 Robotic Catapults & TNT Cannons (INT/ADV)
Challenge: How can you bridge the virtual and physical worlds by designing and constructing a robotic catapult and TNT cannons? Your challenge is to create a functional robotic catapult using LEGO Technic bricks, motors, and input sensors, while also building TNT cannons in the Minecraft universe. This interdisciplinary adventure will draw upon your skills in engineering, physics, and programming. How can you ensure that your catapult and TNT cannons are effective in both the virtual and physical realms, and how will you program your catapult to launch projectiles accurately?
Challenge: How can you design and program a drone to navigate through an obstacle course in real life and then create flying machines in Minecraft? Your challenge is to explore the exciting world of drone technology and Minecraft modding. Starting from concept to creation, how will you integrate motors for flight and sensors for obstacle detection into your drone design? This adventure invites you to be both an engineer and a coder. How can you ensure your drone not only flies smoothly but also responds intelligently to its surroundings? Dive into the realm of electronics, mechanics, and coding as you embark on the journey to create a drone that brings your innovative ideas to life and then translate those ideas into the Minecraft universe.
NSF’s mission is to ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. By funding research and educational initiatives, NSF helps to cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and educators. This support is vital for maintaining the country’s competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
I have served on NSF review boards and received prestigious awards and funding from NSF throughout my scientific career. They are a significant driving force for science in the United States of America, and it would be an incredible achievement for any student to be honored for their accomplishments by NSF!
How STEAMwhiz Can Help
At STEAMwhiz, we are dedicated to preparing students for the future through our comprehensive project-based STEM curricula. Our STEAM Enrichment Program (SEP) theme this year is GAMING and is specifically designed to support students in developing the skills needed for the NSF Game Maker Awards.
Program Highlights
STEAM Enrichment Program (SEP)
Ages 6-14: Our premier program introduces young students to interdisciplinary problem-solving with a focus on AI and new STEM themes each year.
Game Coding: Using Construct 3, Scratch, Scratch Jr., etc., students will dive into game development, focusing on game mechanics, interactivity, and fun gameplay.
Networking: Students will have the chance to connect with other young innovators through gaming and STEM fields.
Join Us!
We encourage all parents to sign up their children for the NSF Game Maker Awards. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. If you want to join one of our teams, our dedicated staff will prepare students and create teams to participate in the NSF Game Maker Awards, providing them with the skills and support they need to succeed. For more information about our programs, click the button below.
Join the Waitlist!We always strive to serve our students by opening new classes, shifting times, and more. When you join the Waitlist, you'll be notified as soon as a spot becomes available. (We do not sell or use your information for anything other than STEAMwhiz. You can unsubscribe at any time!)
New Class Details:
