Camp Captivate specializes in summer S.T.E.A.M. day camps. Ignite the fire of curiosity and creativity in your child. Serving kids ages 5-15 in the South Bay Area.

St. Justin's School
2655 Homestead Road Santa Clara, CA 95051, Santa Clara, CA 95051
more locations
(408) 785-0121
5.0
15 Reviews
88
Registrations
17
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Camp Captivate (Science Smart Kids Inc.) does not have upcoming sessions on ActivityHero right now. We can send you an email when they do.

About
Camp Captivate (Science Smart Kids Inc.)

Mission

  • We inspire students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (S.T.E.A.M) by fostering creativity and curiosity.
  • Our passionate and qualified educators facilitate positive learning environments rich in hands-on activities and interpersonal relationships.
  • Our innovative S.T.E.A.M. summer camps have incredible themes and are taught by credentialed teachers.
  • Incredible ratios really set us apart from other camps
Founded in 2009
Our Staff
  • All of our camp teachers are experienced and credentialed.
  • All staff members are fingerprinted and undergo a comprehensive background check.
  • The director and most teachers are CPR/First aid certified.
  • Camp assistants are college or high school students who have experience working with children. A teacher will be present at all times to supervise the campers and assistants.
Honors & Awards

Voted Best STEM Camp in the Bay Area for 2025 by Activity Hero

Voted #1 summer camp in Santa Clara by Yelp and #4 summer camp in San Jose b y Yelp

5 star google rating

Owner is a science teacher with SCUSD and was voted as one of 12 recipients  of the Pac 12 Extra Yard for Teachers award 

Best of 2025 STEM
Best of 2025 Winners
Tax ID (EIN): 83-1466984
Locations (2)
Contact Camp Captivate (Science Smart Kids Inc.)
Reviews
(15)
My granddaughter has attended Camp Captivate for 2 summers now. She loves the hands on activities! I appreciate that she doesn't get bored because they do different themes from week to week. I especially enjoy when the children do a summary on Fridays of what they did for the week. I will be sending her back this year!
Camp Captivate has been great! Our daughter has done at least one of their camps every summer the past three years and is signed up for one this coming summer. She loves them! They are her favorite camp every summer and she talks about them all night after camp and loves showing us her activities for weeks or months after the camps and references things she learned after that. She's done botany, geology, physics, and a general science camp.
April 23, 2025 - David Conoscenti
This past summer was our first experience navigating the wild world of summer camps for our 6-year-old daughter. We tried several camps, and while many were perfectly fine, none came close to the expertise, organization, care, and passion that Ildiko and her team pour into Camp Captivate.
Our daughter not only had a blast but also learned so much in a warm and supportive environment. The smaller, more intimate setting stood out in the best way, offering a refreshing change from some of the larger camps we tried. It’s rare for a 6-year-old and her parents to agree on the “best” camp, but when summer ended, Camp Captivate was the unanimous winner in our household. Thank you, Ildiko and team, for creating such a memorable experience! We’re already looking forward to next year! Go Camp Captivate!
FAQ's
Is Camp Captivate (Science Smart Kids Inc.) worth it?
Parents recommend Camp Captivate (Science Smart Kids Inc.) and the average rating is 5 out of 5. Overall, the reviews indicate that Camp Captivate (Science Smart Kids Inc.) provides engaging and enjoyable experiences for children.
What ages can go to Camp Captivate (Science Smart Kids Inc.)?
Camp Captivate (Science Smart Kids Inc.) has camps for children ages 5 to 15. Age-appropriate activities are designed to engage and inspire children at different developmental stages.
Questions & Answers
Hi! Your course is listed to be 6 hours long (from 9 to 3 Pacific). Is this accurate? Also, for planning purposes, would you please provide a schedule for classes and breaks throughout the day? Thanks (Captivate STEAM Camp Jr. (Online for Ages 7-10)) -
asked on Jun 05, 2021
Jun 06, 2021 - Ildiko Stennis
The Virtual Camp Captivate program is Hybrid, with synchronous classes for daily Fine Arts, SEL. and 2 science labs per day. The remainder is asynchronous. All camps come with custom curated kits, which can be received either through curbside pick up or through shipping (for an extra fee) -
Hi! My kids are super interested in the optical science camp but they're still in school the week of June 14. Any chances you might be offering this course in July? Thanks! (Captivate STEAM Camp Jr. (Online for Ages 7-10)) -
asked on Jun 05, 2021
Jun 06, 2021 - Ildiko Stennis
At this time, we only offer Optical Science once this summer. -
Hi! Do you offer sibling discounts for kids in the same home taking the same course the same week? Thanks! (Captivate STEAM Camp Jr. (Online for Ages 7-10)) -
asked on Jun 05, 2021
Jun 06, 2021 - Ildiko Stennis
Email me at ildiko@sciencesmartkids.com and I can provide you with a coupon code for sibling discount. -
Just to confirm, this can be done through Zoom online correct? (Legends of the Sea Virtual Camp)
asked on May 05, 2020
May 05, 2020 - Ildiko Stennis
Yes- We have pivoted all our programming to zoom virtual classes for the safety of the community as a response to COVID-19. We will have custom material kits available for pick up the Saturday before camp at the Mission Library gazebo in Santa Clara. We can deliver the package for an extra charge upon request. Our virtual camps included ALL materials for you to keep! This includes quality art supplies and custom craft kits and supplies. Thanks! Ildiko -

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