Partnering organizations include:

What is the Summer of Innovation?

Several organizations from across the Southern Tier have united to offer unique learning opportunities for children and young adults during the summer months. These organizations have a common goal of extending the traditional school year into a third summer semester. Our offerings have another purpose as well - to provide students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills that are essential to their success in the future.

How do I register my child for these courses?

To register your child for any of the courses on this site, click on the registration link for the agency offering the course your child is interested in. From there, you will be able to access the registration information you need.

Enrollment is limited; please register early!
When registering for courses, please use the grade your child will enter in the fall unless otherwise indicated.

What is the cost of these programs?

The cost of these academies varies.
Please see the course description for information on price.

Are Scholarships Available?

Scholarships are available from the following partners:

  • Corning Community College
  • Science & Discovery Center
  • Wings of Eagles Discovery Center

@GST BOCES Bush Education Center

459 Philo Road, Elmira
Please note: There is no charge for courses at the Bush Education Center.

RC Garage: Intro to Auto Tech (Grades 7-10)

During this summer camp, students will work on their own valve cover racer. This includes mounting a valve cover to a small skateboard, adjusting weight and lubing wheels to get their valve cover racer ready for a pine car derby style race. As students create their valve cover racer, they will learn about the different automotive parts such as steering, suspension, ride height and tires. Students will break into two pit teams to run and operate their team's R/C crawler on the obstacle course. Students also will come up with a hypothesis for what they believe will happen to their R/C crawler by adding or removing upgraded parts. The last day is race day for both valve cover racers, as well as the R/C crawlers. The winning racer and crawler teams will receive a prize for winning.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch, snack and drink each day.

Custom Paint and Graphics (Grades 7-10)

Students will learn custom painting techniques used in the auto body repair industry. They will achieve this by using paint spray equipment, stencils and free-hand techniques. Students will layout and complete a pre-determined project. Then they will be able to come up with their own design for a panel using techniques learned. Students also will learn about hydro graphics and hydro dip a pre-determined project.

Baking 101 (Grades 8-10)

During this summer camp, students will learn basic baking skills in the culinary kitchen. Students will start off the week by designing their own apron to wear in the kitchen. Students will learn culinary skills as they bake tasty recipes using various techniques. Students will have culinary-themed activities and/or games to do daily.

Building Sheroes: Where Leaders Rise Together(Girls, Grades 7-10)

Building Sheroes is a fun, empowering space where you can find your voice, build confidence and connect with other amazing girls from different backgrounds. This is your place to shine, grow and be yourself. Through creative activities, hands-on workshops and inspiring guest speakers, you'll discover your strengths, learn how powerful your voice can be and build friendships that last. Come ready to create, laugh, share your ideas and grow into the strong leader you're meant to be. Your story matters - and your superpowers are just getting started. Let's build our Sheroes and lead!

Just the Facts: Careers in Criminal Justice (Grades 9-10)

Have you ever watched a cop, firefighter or court show on TV? How much is real? How much is Hollywood? Students in this summer program will investigate five specific jobs within the criminal justice field. They will learn the myth versus reality of a 911 dispatcher, firefighter, police officer, CSI technician and lawyer. They also will practice communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills as they investigate a mock crime, document the evidence and participate in a mock trial. Along the way they will learn to use some of the real tools of the trade, including portable radios, body-worn cameras, handcuffs, fire extinguishers, fingerprinting supplies and other items. Students will have the chance to meet a real dispatcher, firefighter, police officer and attorney to learn more about each career path.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

Emergency Management: Are You Ready? (Grades 9-10)

What would you do if you were in an emergency situation, such as a fire, flood, tornado or terrorist attack? Would you stay calm? Are you ready? Do you have a plan? This summer camp will cover basic preparedness skills and emergency management knowledge that every young adult should have. Students will learn how to prepare for weather and water emergencies, fires, motor vehicle accidents and wilderness survival. They will practice basic skills to help them be ready to prepare, prevent, respond, recover and mitigate emergencies in the future. This program covers most objectives for the Scout Emergency Management Merit Badge.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

Car Crazy: Off-Road Edition (Grades 8-10)

This summer camp will explore the technical and engineering careers in the automotive field. Students will build a visible working model of a 4-cylinder engine and compare it to a real engine that students will dismantle so that they can see all the engine components. Summer campers will take a close-up look at vintage cars to demonstrate advances in technology during the last century. As students work in the shop, they will learn the basics of automotive maintenance, such as oil changes, disc brake replacement and mounting new tires using professional shop equipment. Students also will explore basic automotive electronics by constructing a simple light circuit. Students will use this knowledge to wire a car stereo to see how it works. They will gain experience using professional-level scan tools to read diagnostic trouble codes in actual vehicles. Students will explore 4-wheel drive technology by operating scale RC vehicles on an off-road challenge circuit. In between, students will have fun with car-based activities. Students will be allowed to take home their model kit of a working 4-cylinder engine.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch, snack and drink each day.

Who Dunnit? (Grades 9-10)

Students participating in this summer camp will learn the "7 S's" of a crime scene investigation - how to secure a scene, separate and interview witnesses, see/photograph the area, sketch, search for evidence, secure evidence by bagging and tagging it properly and how to submit the right paperwork at the end of the call. During the week, students will do fingerprinting, casting, hair and fiber analysis and other forensic testing. By Friday, students will be able to prove "who dunnit," make the arrest and testify at mock trial.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

Writing Quest (Grades 7-10)

Calling all writers and adventurers! Take up your quill and follow me through five days of fantasy-themed activities and writing challenges in order to gain patronage, fight a dragon and ultimately save the kingdom. The adventure may be a fantasy, but the writing skills are real, based on creative and technical writing tasks from various CTE programs and real-world professions including fashion design, digital media arts, criminal justice, building construction and more. Students will work together to act, present and write in a variety of genres (both fiction and non-fiction) during structured activities throughout the week, in addition to daily free-write periods. Due to the intense writing focus of the activities, a reading/writing level of at least fifth grade or above is recommended for students wishing to participate.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

> Download PDF Course Catalog
To register for courses on any of the GST BOCES campuses, register online at http://cfapps.gstboces.org/summerofinnovation/registration.

For questions or comments, contact:
Tammy Clark <tamclark@gstboces.org>
at (607) 739-3581 x1426

@GST BOCES Coopers Education Center

9579 Vocational Drive, Painted Post
Please note: There is no charge for courses at the Coopers Education Center.

> Download PDF Course Catalog

Body Shop Boot Camp (Grades 7-10)

Gear up for an unforgettable hands-on experience with this summer camp! Our Body Shop Bootcamp puts 7th-10th graders right in the shop, learning real-world skills used by professional technicians. Fix dents, lay down paint, try your hand at welding, and explore custom refinishing techniques that make cars stand out. Campers will even take a field trip to a local body shop to see the industry in action! If you're ready to build, paint, weld, and create something awesome this summer - this is your camp.

Salon Chic Summer Academy (Grades 7-10)

Do you enjoy making people feel better about themselves? Come to GST BOCES Cosmetology Summer Academy at the Coopers Campus. Each student will learn the importance of hygiene and sanitation, braiding, manicuring, pedicuring and plain facials. Summer of Innovation students will get to work one-on-one with senior students from the Cosmetology program.

Exploring the Mediterranean (Grades 7-10)

Take a culinary journey through the Mediterranean in this hands-on four-day cooking camp designed for teens! Students will explore fresh ingredients, bold flavors and essential cooking techniques while creating a variety of authentic dishes. From building a vibrant mezze platter with homemade flatbread and hummus, to preparing herb-packed tabbouleh, campers will develop confidence in the kitchen. The experience continues with a grilling day featuring grilled mixed vegetables, marinated souvlaki and creamy tzatziki, and concludes with a sweet finale as students craft their own flaky baklava cups. This interactive camp emphasizes teamwork, creativity and global food culture—perfect for aspiring young chefs eager to expand their skills.

Creative Ventures: Unlock Your Digital Imagination (Grades 7-10)

Join us for an exciting week where creativity, technology and hands-on learning come together, and students take home something new every day! This summer camp introduces students to 3D modeling, animation, photography, digital compositing, marketing and even propaganda techniques used in advertising. Throughout the week, students will create a collection of original projects, including a green screen photo, a surreal "Many of Me" poster, a 3D printed model, a custom coffee mug, and a unique animal hybrid featured in their own "Save the ______" campaign, complete with a button and marketing poster, as well as a custom animation. Students will gain experience with industry-style tools and workflows, learning how ideas move from concept to finished product while building skills in creative problem-solving, visual communication and design thinking. This summer camp is the perfect balance of high-tech learning and creative fun.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

Tasting Tour of Italy (Grades 7-10)

The Tasting Tour of Italy summer camp will guide students through the diverse cultural cuisine that makes up Italian food. Students will learn about authentic Italian cooking techniques and then try their own hand at a few dishes. Participants can expect to spend the majority of their time in the kitchen engaged in hands-on learning expanding their cooking skills. To wrap up the week, students will get to make and sample some common Italian desserts.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

Danish Discovery (Grades 7-10)

Students will learn the basics of puff pastry through hands-on cooking. They'll discover how laminated dough works, practice key pastry skills and make their own fruit and cream cheese Danish. The program encourages creativity as students experiment with different flavors, shapes and designs. Activities include demonstrations, skill-building labs and a final pastry showcase.

Video Game Design (Grades 8-10)

Video games are among the fastest growing forms of entertainment and are as varied in scope and design as those that play them. During this summer camp, we will discuss the history and influence of games on our pop culture. Students will then have the opportunity to delve into game design firsthand, learning the process of game development and using RPGmaker to create their own video game levels. At the end of the class, students will be able to take their finished game home, as well as the save files to continue development on their own if they wish.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

Rise and Dine Adventures (Grades 7-10)

Welcome to our four-day breakfast culinary camp! In this hands-on experience, you'll explore breakfast traditions from around the world while building essential culinary skills. Each day, students will work as part of a team to prepare a complete breakfast menu, practice new techniques and present your dishes for tasting.

Mastering Photography (Grades 7-10)

Get ready to level up your creativity! In this hands-on Summer of Innovation camp, students will use real DSLR cameras to capture awesome photos, create wild green screen scenes and experiment with eye-catching special effects. From outdoor shoots to studio-style portraits, every day is packed with fun, interactive projects. Students won't just snap pictures, they'll learn how to see like a creator, using composition, lighting and camera techniques to make their images stand out. Along the way, they will explore advertising photography, creative effects and real-world design skills used by professionals. Best part? Students will create something every day and take-home printed photos and projects they can show off. It's the perfect mix of fun, creativity and real skills. No experience needed, just bring your imagination!
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

One Smart Cookie (Grades 7-10)

Everyone loves cookies, but how much do they really know about them? Students in this summer camp will learn about the fascinating history and evolution of cookies in America. They also will get to learn some new recipes and bake several varieties of cookies throughout the week. If time allows, a field trip to a local bakery will be the cherry on top to show students the many careers related to confectionaries.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

Animation Creation (Grades 7-10)

In this action-packed summer camp, you'll take an idea from your imagination and turn it into a fully animated one-minute film using real industry tools such as Adobe Animate. Along the way, you'll discover how animation really works, exploring motion, timing and movement to make characters feel alive and believable. Students will design their own characters, bring them to life with walk cycles and animation techniques, record their own voiceovers, and add sound effects to build a complete animated story. Each day builds new skills and pushes your creativity further as you move from simple animations to a full production. By the end of the week, you won't just understand animation; you'll have created your own cartoon and premiered it for the class. Lights, camera... animate.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

3D Adventures (Grades 7-10)

Students will learn the basics of 3D modeling software and printing technologies. They will explore Blender and various slicing programs and see their creativity come to life in print. Students will be able to take home models they created, as well as digital Blender and STL files if they desire.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

> Download PDF Course Catalog
To register for courses on any of the GST BOCES campuses, register online at https://cfapps.gstboces.org/summerofinnovation/registration.

For questions or comments, contact:
Tammy Clark <tamclark@gstboces.org>
at (607) 739-3581 x1426

@GST BOCES Wildwood Education Center

1126 Bald Hill Road Hornell, NY 14843
Please note: There is no charge for courses at the Wildwood Education Center.

> Download PDF Course Catalog

Crime Scene Investigation (Grades 8-10)

Get ready, Summer Campers, to step into the role of a real-life crime-scene investigator! This interactive summer camp is packed with short lessons, hands-on experiments and role-playing activities that bring forensic science to life. Campers will learn how investigators solve crimes by breaking the process into simple, exciting steps and then putting it all together in a thrilling final challenge. As a crime-scene investigator, you will sharpen your observation skills as you learn how to spot clues others might miss. You'll dust for fingerprints, make casts and start thinking like a detective. You'll explore different types of evidence, learn how to properly collect it, and create detailed crime scene sketches just like the pros. For the ultimate test, you will use everything you've learned to investigate and solve a mock crime-scene from start to finish and crack the case. If you love mysteries, science and hands-on fun, this camp is for you.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

Digging at Wildwood (Grades 7-8)

During this summer camp adventure, students will have the opportunity to learn the basics of how to operate a backhoe, bulldozer and Ag tractor. Students also will gain knowledge about basic surveying and layout using a transit and laser level. Students will use teamwork to layout and build a small-scale pond with Heavy Equipment and surveying tools. This summer camp will have students using math and science concepts as they gain knowledge and safety awareness using various equipment and tools.

Through the Lens: A Creative Photo Adventure (Grades 7-10)

This fun and creative three-day summer camp introduces students to the art of photography. Campers will learn how to take better photos using simple techniques including lighting, angles and composition, while exploring storytelling through images. Each day includes hands-on activities, creative challenges and a final photo showcase.

Hair Color Innovation (Grades 7-10)

This Summer of Innovation camp offers students an opportunity to explore diverse hair coloring techniques. Participants will gain foundational skills in color formulation utilizing Paul Mitchell products. Hands-on activities include instruction on highlighting, lowlighting and full color application. Upon completion of this camp, students will be able to take their practice manikin home.

Intro to Welding and Fabrication (Grades 7-10)

This comprehensive two-week welding camp is designed for beginners and provides hands-on experience in welding, plasma cutting and the essential skills needed to succeed in the welding and fabrication industry. During this camp, students will learn fundamental techniques, practice safe work habits and build confidence using industry tools and equipment. Participants will apply their new skills to a final project, which is to fabricate and weld a custom metal birdhouse. This will allow students to experience the full process of planning, assembling and finishing a metalwork project. Emphasis is placed on developing both technical ability and practical problem-solving skills, while fostering a collaborative, safety-focused learning environment.
Special Notes: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day. Students also must wear closed-toe leather boots (preferably safety toe), jeans (with no frays or rips) and 100% cotton clothing. Gloves, welding jackets, helmets and safety glasses will be provided.

The Great Cookie Quest (Grades 7-10)

Summer campers will explore the fascinating world of cookies by learning about five distinct cookie types, their histories, ingredients, techniques and cultural significance. Each day focuses on a different cookie style, combining baking skills, math, science and cultural awareness in a fun, delicious environment.

Careers in Criminal Justice (Grades 9-10)

Are you curious about careers that involve action, problem solving and making a real difference in your community? This four-day Criminal Justice Summer Camp gives high school students an inside look at exciting and meaningful careers in the Criminal Justice field. Students will explore careers such as police officer, forensics and crime scene investigation, firefighter, corrections, courts and legal careers, DEC officer, border patrol, NY State Trooper and many more. This is not a sit and listen camp. Students will participate in hands-on activities, hear from guest speakers who work in the field, and attend field trips that show what these careers are really like. You'll learn what the requirements are for these careers after high school and decide if one of them is right for you. Whether you're considering college, the academy or public service, this camp helps you explore your future before making big decisions.
Special Note: Students should bring a lunch and drink each day.

America Runs on Business (Grades 7-10)

America Runs on Business is a summer camp that will introduce students to the world of business. Students will have the opportunity to explore the different careers in business and learn the different types of industries. In addition, students will create, build and market their own business by creating their own business card in Word, create a flyer in Canva and build a business using craft sticks. Finally, students will learn how to maintain a checking account, practice using an ATM card with an online simulator, balance a checkbook ledger and learn how to read a checking account statement. All students will benefit from this program regardless of career interests because America Runs on Business.

The Art of the Perfect Pie (Grades 7-10)

Join us for an exciting five-day culinary adventure where students will learn about the art and science of pie-making! From buttery, flaky crusts to rich custards and savory fillings, this hands-on camp teaches essential baking techniques through a delicious variety of pie styles. Whether you're a beginner or have some kitchen experience, you'll leave this camp with confidence, skills and plenty of delicious pies to take home.

> Download PDF Course Catalog
To register for courses on any of the GST BOCES campuses, register online at https://cf1.gstboces.org/summerofinnovation/registration.

For questions or comments, contact:
Tammy Clark <tamclark@gstboces.org>
at (607) 739-3581 x1426