Frequently Asked Questions about YEA

At YEA, we believe learning happens best when students and parents are curious, creative, and engaged. The frequently asked questions below will help students and families understand what to expect from a YEA Summer Camp and how to prepare for a successful experience.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

About YEA Camps

What is YEA Summer Camp?

The SUU BZI Youth Engineering summer camps provide hands-on experiences where students explore science, technology, engineering, and math through creative projects and real-world problem solving. Camps are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students see themselves as engineers, innovators, and problem solvers. For more information, visit our About YEA page.

Who can participate?

Students between the ages of 6-18 can participate in YEA camps. Students must have completed kindergarten and not yet graduated from high school. Camps are offered in four age groups: 6–9, 9–12, 12–15, and 15–18. Some overlap is included since kids grow at different rates. If your child is 9, 12, or 15, pick the group that feels like the best fit.

Do students need prior STEM experience?

No prior experience is required. YEA camps are beginner-friendly and support students at all skill levels. Curiosity and a willingness to try are all that’s needed.

Daily Schedule & Activities

What will students do during camp?

Students will:

Design, build, test, and improve projects
Work in teams to solve challenges
Use real STEM tools and technology
Share ideas and celebrate their work

Activities balance learning, creativity, and fun.

What does a typical camp day look like?

Each day includes:

Hands-on STEM challenges
Short lessons and demonstrations
Team-based problem solving
Breaks

What are the camp hours?

We have morning, afternoon, and all-day camps. Morning camps run from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Afternoon camps run from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. All day camps run from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with a break for lunch. Students attending camps all day can stay during lunch, but must bring their own food.

How long do camps last?

We have 1 day, 2 day, and 4 day camps. Each camp description included the days and hours for the camp.

Is this an overnight camp?

No. YEA camps are day-camps only. Students are dropped off and picked up each day.

Technology & Instruction

Will students use computers or technology?

Yes. Many camps include age-appropriate use of computers, engineering tools, lab equipment, or digital platforms. All technology use is supervised and focused on learning and creativity. Students must pass a safety test before using tools.

Who teaches YEA camps?

Camps are led by trained SUU students with STEM and education backgrounds. YEA instructors are chosen for their ability to engage students and create a supportive learning environment.

How are students grouped?

Camps are offered in four age groups: 6–9, 9–12, 12–15, and 15–18. Some overlap is included since kids grow at different rates. If your child is 9, 12, or 15, pick the group that feels like the best fit.

What to Bring & Camp Logistics

What should students bring each day?

A packed lunch (if staying all day)
A refillable water bottle with their name on it
Comfortable clothing. Some camps required closed-toe shoes. Parents will be informed if their students need to wear specific footwear.

All STEM materials are provided unless otherwise noted.

Are snacks provided?

Due to allergy concerns, YEA does not provide snacks. Students are welcome to bring their own snacks to eat during breaks.

Where do I pick up or drop off students?

Pick-up and drop-off locations and details are included in the information packets sent to parents after registration. For security reasons, these locations are not published online.

Safety & Student Support

How does YEA support student safety?

Student safety is a top priority. Camps follow established supervision ratios, check-in and check-out procedures, and campus safety guidelines.

What if my student has allergies or medical needs?

Parents provide medical and allergy information during registration or confirmation. Camp staff will work with parents to ensure student needs are met.

Can my student attend with a friend?

Yes. Students may request to be placed with a friend. While we try to honor requests, group placement cannot be guaranteed.

Registration & Policies

How do I register?

Please see our How to Register page.

What paperwork is required?

Families will complete required forms, including:

Participant information (full name, age, etc.)
Parent/Guardian contact information
Emergency contact information
Medical information (allergies, medications, etc.)
Accessibility & support needs (physical, medical, neurological, etc.)
Please note: While we make accommodations when possible, we are not able to provide one-on-one staffing throughout the camp.
Permissions & releases (photo/video, assumption of risk, code of conduct, etc.)

All paperwork is completed and submitted online .

All paperwork must be completed before the first day of camp. If paperwork is incomplete, it must be completed on-site, and your student will not be able to enter the camp classroom until all forms are finished.

What if a camp is full?

If a camp is full, families may contact the YEA team to be added to a waitlist or to express interest in additional sessions.

What is the cancellation or refund policy?

Refunds are available for cancellations made on or before April 30. After April 30, refunds are no longer available, as camp supplies are purchased at that time. Cancellations may still be made at any time, but cancellations after April 30 will not receive a refund.

Projects & Takeaways

Will students take projects home?

Yes. Most camps include hands-on or digital projects students can take home or share with family and friends.

Contact Information

Who can I contact with questions?

Questions can be directed to the YEA team at stemsummercamps@suu.edu or 435-586-5434.