Rochester Science Factory Camp for Mayo Clinic Employees
Rochester Science Factory Camp for Mayo Clinic Employees
Children ages 6–12 unleash their inner mad scientist in a glorious mess of science, art, and innovation. This camp location is exclusively offered for Mayo Clinic employees through Bright Horizons Back-Up Care.
Camp Details
30 Civic Center Dr SE
MN 55904
Additional info for Rochester Science Factory
We’ll email all registered families a couple weeks before camp begins with helpful information such as daily check-in and check-out procedures, what to bring to camp, and other helpful reminders to ensure a smooth first day.
Hands-On Activities, Every Day
Campers dive into hands-on projects in science, art, and engineering that spark curiosity and encourage experimentation. Our knowledgeable staff support each activity, creating a space for kids to make a mess, test ideas, and figure things out through trial and error. Projects change throughout the week and across the summer, giving campers new ways to create, destroy, and explore every day. Using real materials and challenges, each camp day follows a thoughtful mix of hands-on experimentation, recreational play, brain-teasers, and creative outlets. Core activities run from 9am–4pm, with early-morning and late-afternoon free play included as part of full-day care. (Note: There will be messes. There will be discoveries. We’ll handle both.)
Hands-On Experiments (AM)
Each morning, campers jump into a science experiment using real lab components. Experiments might include building innovative gadgets, exploring rotational inertia, or testing motion and forces. Each one is designed for curiosity and hands-on learning.
Arts and Creativity
Art and science blend through creative projects tied back to the weekly theme. Campers might build scaled solar systems, write disappearing spy messages, or try their hand at stained glass or papyrus making.
Games and Group Play
Campers come together for high-energy group games like tug-of-war, crash landing, and Olympic-style challenges. This daily, recess-like time gets kids moving, laughing, and burning off some serious energy.
Hands-On Experiments (PM)
In the afternoon, campers tackle a second, distinct experiment. Activities can range from rocket builds and salt fishing to artifact digs or ancient coin making, depending on the week’s theme.
Challenges & Demos
Each day includes dedicated time for big demos and playful challenges. Campers might decode secret messages, build a space colony, play strategy games, or experience show-stopping, science-based demonstrations, like vacuum-chamber feather drops.
Free Play and Exploration
Before and after our daily core activities, campers will enjoy bonding together through screen-free play. During this time children may have access to a variety of options including outdoor time, board games, arts and crafts, reading, and building blocks.
A New Theme Every Week
Each week introduces a new theme that shapes experiments, projects, challenges, and games. Activities are designed to feel like a fresh adventure—hands-on experiences that are as educational as they are entertaining. Projects change day to day, so even campers joining for multiple weeks or the entire summer are always discovering something new, while the shared weekly focus gives them time to dive deeper and explore science from different angles.
Chem Week
Explore reactions, mixtures, & materials through hands-on experiments. Expect fizzing, bubbling, & lots of curiosity-driven questions.
Space Week
Through educational & exciting hands-on science experiments, we'll dive into concepts like physics, astronomy, & even asteroid impacts.
Ancient Humans
Explore the secrets of ancient civilizations as we take a step into Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire.
Spy School
An entire week of hands-on science experiments to earn your detective badge as we explore concepts like forensics, cryptology, & engineering.
Chem Week
Explore reactions, mixtures, & materials through hands-on experiments. Expect fizzing, bubbling, & lots of curiosity-driven questions.
Ancient Humans
Explore the secrets of ancient civilizations as we take a step into Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire.
Fuel for Curious Minds
Camp days are packed with creativity and discovery, so fueling up throughout the day is pretty important. Our daily menu is designed to keep campers energized with familiar, kid-approved meals alongside balanced side options. Snacks are available during dedicated snack times throughout the day, as well as by request. All lunch and snacks are included daily.
Food Safety Note
Science Factory Camp does not provide foods containing nuts or nut products. However, some items may be prepared or packaged in facilities that also handle nuts and thus include "may contain nuts" labeling. Please contact us with any allergy questions or concerns.
Book with Bright Horizons Back-Up Care
Please note that this camp location is exclusively offered through Bright Horizons, and booking is only available for benefit eligible Mayo Clinic employees. To reserve your spot, please go through your normal Bright Horizons booking channels, or click 'Reserve Now' below. Families may reserve up to 10 of the days in their back-up care account to be used throughout the summer. Once reserved, we’ll send you a confirmation email with a registration link to create a Science Factory Camp account. For questions regarding your available days or how to book your care, please reach out to Bright Horizons at 877-242-2737.
Each day is filled with hands-on projects and guided experimentation, giving campers new ways to create, destroy, and explore. Lunch, snacks, and all hours (8am–6pm) included.
Experimenting since 2012
Experimenting since 2012
Science Factory began as a small, hands-on science camp based on one, simple belief: kids learn best when they’re free to create, destroy, and explore.
Our Full Story
Contact Us
Curious about Science Factory Camp? Our team enjoys talking camp, science, art, and hands-on learning. Reach out and say hello.
Kelly
(she/her)As Science Factory Camp’s Regional Director, Kelly is here to help answer your camp questions—from curious logistics to the ones that really get things bubbling.
When she’s not at camp, Kelly is usually running or hiking (sometimes very far). She recently completed a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and is always up for talking camp, science, or her latest adventure.