Community Outreach and Education: Chem Camps

Explore Calvin Chem Camps

slime experiment Calvin Chem Camp features demonstrations and many hands-on experiments designed to teach introductory chemical concepts in a way that is fun and entertaining. Chem Camps tackle some sophisticated topics - things like acids and bases, fat analysis of foods and reactivity of metals - in a fun and intellectually challenging way.

The morning and afternoon camp sessions have different activities and are designed for students who are entering the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.

Experiments and Topics

Physical properties of matter: states of matter, density, fun with gases, CO₂cannons
Polymers: experiments with slime, superballs and silly putty
Mixtures: properties of solutions, foam and gels
Chemical reactions: acid/base reactions, reduction/oxidation reactions
Separations: chromatography and extraction

mark and student crystals experiment

Directors

Larry Louters - Calvin College professor of chemistry
Mark Vogel - Grand Rapids Christian High School Chemistry Teacher

Fee and Registration

A $125 fee covers instruction camp - student plus materials and a camp t-shirt. You can register with our on-line registration program and pay with a credit card or check, or download a printable registration form. Enrollment in each session will be limited to 24, and reservations will be made on a first come, first served basis. Those applications received after June 1 will be honored only if space is available. Limited partial need-based scholarships are available. If you feel you qualify, please request an application form by calling the chemistry department office at 526-8801

College Policy

slime experiment If you must cancel your registration prior to June 1, the camp fee minus 10 percent will be refunded. After June 1, no refunds will be given. The college may cancel or postpone any session because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a session is cancelled or postponed, the college will refund 100 percent of registration fees.