New Philadelphia science camp set for July at Camp Tuscazoar

New Philadelphia Science Camp 2026 will be held July 13-17 at Camp Tuscazoar, 6066 Boy Scout Road NE, Dover.

The camp, now in its 38th year, is open to area students entering second through eighth grades in association with summer school. Students entering second through fourth grades will attend from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Students entering fifth through eighth grades will attend from noon to 2:30 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Survey STEM: Science Camp.” Activities will include biology, zoology, chemistry, food science, physics, engineering, earth science and ecology. Activities will vary between grade-level groups.

The camp will be taught by New Philadelphia High School science teachers Scott Houmard, Jody Brady and Kip Brady, who have a combined 89 years of teaching experience. Other teachers and speakers may participate during the week.

Campers will take part in activities designed to build inquiry skills and scientific thinking. Activities will include puzzles, labs, hands-on projects, mini-competitions and challenges. Students also will work on projects to test during camp. Some details will be shared before camp begins, while other challenges will be introduced during camp.

The camp has been held at Camp Tuscazoar for the past three years, where students can take part in activities not available at the high school. The location creates an additional expense, and organizers are seeking local businesses, professionals, individuals and organizations to help sponsor the camp.

Donations help support camp T-shirts, incentives and rewards, water bottles, canvas drawstring backpacks, lab experiences, lunches for high school volunteers and camper scholarships. Some businesses provide coupons or rewards directly to campers. Camp typically does not exceed 100 students. About $60 sponsors one student at camp. Individual schools, teachers and administrators determine how to choose students for scholarships.

All camp sponsors will be acknowledged at camp, and sponsor names also will be placed on backpacks. Those who do not want their names shared should notify organizers. The New Philadelphia City School District can provide documentation for tax purposes.

Participants should join Remind with @npscicamp for updated information. Those who install the app also may send questions through Remind.

Applications are available through the Google form on the New Philadelphia City Schools website.

For questions, help applying or donation information, email Jody Brady at bradyj@npschools.org, Kip Brady at bradyk@npschools.org or Scott Houmard at houmards@npschools.org. Messages also may be left at New Philadelphia High School at 330-364-0644 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.