Beyond the Bricks: How to Choose an After-School STEM Program Your Child Will Love

What happens when a LEGO® bridge collapses, a pulley refuses to cooperate, or a young builder discovers their creation doesn't work quite as planned? At Camp Brick, these moments are all part of the adventure!

From building LEGO® creations to testing simple machines, children get to explore new ideas, take on different challenges, and discover how things work along the way.

Of course, not every child enjoys the same kind of activity. Some love following building instructions and creating their own designs, while others are curious about science experiments or how mechanical parts move together. Finding the right after-school STEM program starts with understanding what makes your child curious and giving them opportunities to explore it.

For families in Denver and nearby communities such as Arvada, Golden, and Lakewood, Camp Brick offers a range of hands-on programs that bring building, science, and engineering into the after-school experience. Here's what to consider when choosing a program and what makes each Camp Brick option different.

What Should You Look for in an After-School STEM Program?

Not all STEM programs offer the same experience. Some focus on creative building, while others introduce children to science experiments, engineering challenges, or basic mechanics.

When comparing programs, consider what your child will actually do during class. Look at the activities, recommended grade levels, and opportunities for both guided building and independent exploration.

These details can help you find a program that matches your child's interests and gives them something new to discover.

What Makes Each Camp Brick Program Different?

Camp Brick's after-school programs explore different areas of building and STEM learning. Here's a closer look at three options currently featured in its Colorado offerings.

1. On Your Mark, Get Set… BUILD! LEGO® Club

Does your child love opening a new LEGO® set and figuring out how all the pieces fit together?

On Your Mark, Get Set… BUILD! LEGO® Club gives students opportunities to work with themed LEGO® sets, follow building instructions, and create their own designs.

During class, students can:

• Explore different themed LEGO® building sets.

• Follow step-by-step instructions to complete models.

• Practice assembling structures and combining different pieces.

• Use their imagination during independent free-building activities.

The program combines guided building with opportunities for children to put their own ideas into practice. It's a great fit for students who enjoy constructing things and seeing their creations come together.

2. Brick Lab 101: LEGO® Science Club

Why does a bridge stay standing? What happens when you change the angle of a ramp? How does pushing or pulling affect the movement of an object?

Brick Lab 101: LEGO® Science Club brings questions like these into the classroom through science experiments and engineering challenges.

Students explore concepts such as force, motion, energy, and gravity through activities that include:

• Bridge-building challenges: Discover how different designs affect a structure's ability to support weight.

• Ramp experiments: Change the height or angle of a ramp and observe how objects move.

• Push-and-pull activities: Investigate how different forces affect the direction and movement of objects.

• Engineering challenges: Test ideas, make adjustments, and find ways to improve their designs.

Rather than just hearing about scientific concepts, students get to explore them through hands-on activities. This program is a great choice for curious kids who constantly ask WHY things happen and enjoy finding answers by trying things out.

3. Bricks & Gadgets Club

What makes a wheel turn? How do gears work together? What happens when you connect different mechanical parts?

Bricks & Gadgets Club introduces younger builders to the world of simple machines using LEGO® components and building activities.

Designed for students in Grades K–2, the program explores mechanical parts such as:

• Gears: See how connected gears transfer movement.

• Pulleys: Discover how pulleys help move objects.

• Wheels: Explore how wheels make movement easier.

• Axles: Learn how axles connect to wheels and help them rotate.

Students put these components together to build working models and see how individual parts work as a system. It's a wonderful option for younger children who enjoy assembling things and discovering the mechanics behind everyday objects.

Coming Soon: Brainy Bricks: Coding & AI

There's more BUILDING at Camp Brick! Our newest offering, Brainy Bricks: Coding & AI, introduces children to the exciting world of coding and artificial intelligence.

This upcoming program adds another dimension to Camp Brick's STEM offerings, giving young learners new ways to explore technology, patterns, and computer science concepts.

Stay tuned for upcoming program announcements and registration opportunities!

Which Camp Brick Program Is Right for Your Child?

Still deciding where to start? Think about the activities your child naturally enjoys:

• Loves LEGO® sets and creating things? Explore On Your Mark, Get Set… BUILD! LEGO® Club.

• Always asking WHY things happen? Brick Lab 101: LEGO® Science Club might be a great fit.

• Interested in how things move? Bricks & Gadgets Club introduces simple machines through building activities.

Once you've found a potential match, check the recommended grade level, participating school, and available schedule.

Ready to find a class? Visit our Colorado after-school programs and explore registration opportunities.

Does My Child Need Previous LEGO® Building Experience?

Not at all! Your child doesn't have to be an expert builder to enjoy Camp Brick.

Whether they're already creating LEGO® structures at home or just starting to explore building activities, there's an opportunity to try something new.

Each program has its own activities and recommended grade levels, so parents can choose an option that suits their child's age and interests.

Find Camp Brick After-School Programs at Colorado Schools

Camp Brick continues to bring LEGO® building and STEM enrichment opportunities to school communities across the Denver area and surrounding Colorado communities, including Evergreen and Greenwood Village.

Schools currently offering Camp Brick programs include:

• Cherry Creek Academy

• Marshdale

• Foothills

• Stober

• Three Creeks

• West Woods

Program offerings, schedules, and registration availability may vary by school.

More Colorado programs are coming in January 2027! Camp Brick is preparing to expand its winter and spring offerings, bringing more opportunities to students and families in additional school communities.

Whether you're looking for after-school programs in Denver, Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Evergreen, Greenwood Village, or a nearby community, visit our Colorado After-School Programs page to explore participating schools and available opportunities.

The Excitement Is BUILDING in Colorado!

A child's next favorite after-school activity could be a LEGO® creation, a bridge-building challenge, or their first look at how simple machines work.

With different programs available, Camp Brick gives children opportunities to discover new interests while having fun building, testing, and creating.

Ready to find a program at your child's school?

Explore Camp Brick's Colorado after-school programs and visit our After-School Programs and Registration page to check available sessions and register!

Let's see what your child can build!