The goals of The Sky’s The Limit STEM Camp are to broaden science opportunities for autistic youth through a camp that supports curiosity in a safe, supportive, and accessible learning environment; provide nature-based and interactive learning opportunities aimed at building interest and appreciation for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics); and to embrace neurodiversity and the associated unique thinking and learning of autistic youth through flexible teaching strategies.
Attendees, accompanied by their caregivers, will participate in nature- and STEM-based learning activities, such as science experiments, geocaching, driving a TerraRover, water quality observations, and much more.
The camp is open to all autistic youth within grades 5-12. That includes youth with a medical diagnosis, self-diagnosis, or suspected diagnosis.
The camp is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) GEOPAths program and a gift from the Read Coakley Family Foundation.
View recaps from previous years:
Camp Details
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When will the camp be held?
The 2025 camp will be held on Fridays from June 20 to July 25 (except July 4). The dates are:
- June 20
- June 27
- July 11
- July 18
- July 25
What types of activities will students participate in?
Many of the camp activities will involve implementing the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), biosphere (life), and pedosphere (soil) protocols from NASA’s Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) environmental education and citizen science program.
GLOBE is an international program with participants from over 42,000 schools worldwide from 127 countries. GLOBE connects students, teachers, and scientists to better understand, sustain, and improve the environment, encouraging investigators to think globally while acting locally. Through GLOBE data collection and analysis, a deeper understanding of Earth’s system is reached as students participate in active learning to advance their skills in critical thinking, the scientific process, data analysis, and big-picture thinking.
What should students bring?
Students should wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, such as hiking boots or sneakers, and clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty. We recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellant, a water bottle, a snack (please do not bring snacks with nuts), and a hat for shade.
Do students need to be accompanied?
Youth attendees must be accompanied during the entire camp sessions by an adult, such as a parent, caregiver, or therapist. Unattended students should not be dropped off. In addition, staff from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, School District of Beloit, Welty Environmental Center, and Beloit College will be present acting in a supportive role but will not be providing custodial care. The limited student attendance and abundance of adult helpers will ensure each student is engaged with through a personalized approach that respects their sensory needs and challenges.
How do students register?
Online registration is required. The camp size will be limited to 20 students. This 20-student cap ensures engaging effectively with each child and limiting potential overstimulation. A separate registration must be completed for each student.
Registration is now closed.
Contact
Michael Notaro
Director and Senior Scientist
Nelson Institute Center for Climatic Research
(608) 261-1503
mnotaro@wisc.edu
Photo provided by the Welty Environmental Center and approved for use.