Summer Adventure Academies

Ranken Summer Adventure Academy 2025 – 16th Annual

Students engage in fun, hands-on technology experiences while exploring career paths in technical industries. This program inspires middle and high school students to stay in school, pursue STEM education, and prepare for careers as part of the indispensable technical workforce. Since 2010, over 2,300 students have participated in Summer Adventure Academies!

An exciting mix of old favorites and new, inspiring camps for 2025!

Saint Louis Location
High School Camp for Rising 9^th thru 12^th Graders
June 16 – 27, 9 AM to 3 PM (excluding weekend and June 19, 2025)
Register for a camp at this location (Not available until March 10, 2025)

EV CAR BUILD CAMP — Electric vehicles reduce air pollution and save money on fuel. How do they work? In this two-week camp, students will work as a team to build a complete electric vehicle designed to be driven on the road upon completion. Students will learn the safety fundamentals to work around low and high voltage equipment as they wire, diagnose, and program this electric vehicle. $400. Please note: There is no camp on Thursday, 6/19/25.

Perryville Location
Middle School Camps for Rising 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Graders
July 7-11, 2025, 9AM to 3PM
Register for a camp at this location (Not available until March 10, 2025)

HEAVY METALS –Ready to shape raw metal into your very own masterpiece? Students will learn the essential skills of welding, from basic techniques to advanced methods. You’ll design and fabricate your own unique metal creations, working with real materials to turn your ideas into solid works of art. This hands-on experience will not only teach you the craft of welding, but also ignite your creativity as you transform metal into something extraordinary. $200

REMOTE CONTROL RACE ENGINEERING – Rev up your engines and take on the ultimate motorsports challenge! In this high-speed camp, students will model their very own motorsports team, working to optimize the performance of a FastTrack RC (remote control) car. Through hands-on inspection and modifications, you’ll learn about the engineering principles behind speed, precision, and performance. Tinker with parts, analyze data, and make adjustments to push your car to its limits. Whether you’re passionate about racing or engineering, this camp is your chance to test your skills and see how fast you can go. $200

Ashland  Location
Middle School Camps for Rising 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Graders
July 7-11, 2025, 9AM to 3PM
Register for a camp at this location (Not available until March 10, 2025)

HEAVY METALS –Ready to shape raw metal into your very own masterpiece? Students will learn the essential skills of welding, from basic techniques to advanced methods. You’ll design and fabricate your own unique metal creations, working with real materials to turn your ideas into solid works of art. This hands-on experience will not only teach you the craft of welding, but also ignite your creativity as you transform metal into something extraordinary. $200

ALL A-BOT ROBOTS – Robots may be the future of technology, and they are definitely fun to make and program!  Students will develop their engineering and technology skills using SPIKE robots, gears, motors, and sensors while building a robot to maneuver through an obstacle course. $200

Saint Louis Location
Middle School Camps for Rising 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Graders
July 14-18, 2025, 9AM to 3PM
Register for a camp at this location (Not available until March 10, 2025)

AIRBRUSHING PAINT FX – Channel your inner artist at our custom painting and airbrushing camp.  Students will learn popular airbrush techniques for painting many different projects such as cosmic space, sunset at the beach, or your favorite character.  For those mechanical minded students, learn popular automotive techniques such as water droplets, rivets, and real flames.  Each student will have the opportunity to take home their own custom made project. $200

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING – Unlock your creativity and dive into the world of engineering! At this hands-on camp, campers will learn the fundamentals of machining and the engineering design process. Using advanced tools like Mastercam and SolidWorks software, you’ll transform your ideas into reality—designing and creating precise molds to bring your projects to life. Whether you’re a future engineer or just passionate about technology, this camp will help you explore the exciting intersection of design and manufacturing. $200

 HEAVY METALS – Ready to shape raw metal into your very own masterpiece? Students will learn the essential skills of welding, from basic techniques to advanced methods. You’ll design and fabricate your own unique metal creations, working with real materials to turn your ideas into solid works of art. This hands-on experience will not only teach you the craft of welding, but also ignite your creativity as you transform metal into something extraordinary. $200

SUMMER RACERS – Want to know how a real race team works?   Our summer racers will build their own car, practice team building skills, and learn about automotive careers. Students will learn how a go-kart works, how to use tools, how pit stops win a race, and how to drive a real go-kart safely! $200

 WOOD WORKS – Design it and build it! Students will construct their own project from start to finish using a variety of woodworking, power tools, and machine tools. This program will familiarize students with fundamental construction techniques, shop and safety skills, and provide them with fun, constructive entertainment. $200

Saint Louis Location
High School Camps for Rising 9^th thru 12^th Graders
July 21-25, 2025, 9AM to 3PM
Register for a camp at this location (Not available until March 10, 2025)

HEAVY METALS – Ready to shape raw metal into your very own masterpiece? Students will learn the essential skills of welding, from basic techniques to advanced methods. You’ll design and fabricate your own unique metal creations, working with real materials to turn your ideas into solid works of art. This hands-on experience will not only teach you the craft of welding, but also ignite your creativity as you transform metal into something extraordinary. $200

ADVENTURES IN ARCHITECTURE – Step into the world of architecture and the built environment! This immersive camp will guide students through the process of designing, sketching, drafting, and building models of their own architectural visions. You’ll gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tools like laser cutting and computer-aided drafting (CAD) software, learning how to bring your designs to life. Prepare to create, innovate, and explore the exciting world of architecture! $200

TETRIX Robotics – Get ready for an action-pack week where you’ll dive into the world of robotics and unleash your creativity! Build and design your very own robot, applying cutting-edge engineering principles and gaining hands-on experience with advanced technical skills. Explore the exciting realm of programming as you learn how to control input and output devices to shape your robot’s behavior. Put your skills to the ultimate test in a thrilling robotics challenge, where your team’s innovation and problem-solving abilities will be pushed to the limit. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced builder, this camp will supercharge your logical thinking, technical knowledge, and teamwork in ways you’ve never imagined! $200

Saint Louis Location
Middle School Camp for Rising 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Graders
July 21-25, 2025, 9 AM to 3 PM (St. Louis Location)
Register for a camp at this location (Not available until March 10, 2025)

SUMMER RACERS – Want to know how a real race team works?   Our summer racers will build their own car, practice team building skills, and learn about automotive careers.  Students will learn how a go-kart works, how to use tools, how pit stops win a race, and how to drive a real go-kart safely! $200

Wentzville Location
Middle School Camp for Rising 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Graders
July 21-25, 2025, 9AM to 3PM
Register for a camp at this location (Not available until March 10, 2025)

ALL A-BOT ROBOTS – Robots may be the future of technology, and they are definitely fun to make and program!  Students will develop their engineering and technology skills using the latest SPIKE robots, gears, motors, and sensors while building a robot to maneuver through an obstacle course. $200

Troy Location
Middle School Camps for Rising 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Graders
July 21-25, 2025, 9AM to 3PM
Register for a camp at this location (Not available until March 10, 2025)

FUTURISTIC FARMING – Students will be introduced to Aquaponics – growing fish and fresh vegetables in a sustainable way, where they will care for live fish and plants. They will weigh and feed fish in a large aquaponic system. They will plant seeds and harvest foods they can take home with them. They will also discover some futuristic ways that farmers are growing more food with less using drones and automation. $200

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING – Unlock your creativity and dive into the world of engineering! At this hands-on camp, campers will learn the fundamentals of machining and the engineering design process. Using advanced tools like Mastercam and SolidWorks software, you’ll transform your ideas into reality—designing and creating precise molds to bring your projects to life. Whether you’re a future engineer or just passionate about technology, this camp will help you explore the exciting intersection of design and manufacturing. $200

Registration Opens: March 10, 2025 (tentative)

Basics of Adventure Academy:

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
• Check-in/out: Students must be signed in/out daily.
• Meals: Lunch, snacks, and water provided. Juice/other drinks available or bring your own.
• Equipment: No special gear needed. Safety equipment (eye protection, gloves) provided.
• Dress Code: Closed-toe shoes required; most programs require long pants (no sandals/flip-flops).
• Course Details: More to come, here, and instructors will email a syllabus closer to the program start date.