This article is an excerpt from the Fall 2026 Talcott Continuum newsletter. Read the full newsletter here.
For seven weeks this summer, Talcott Mountain Science Center welcomed young scientists to the mountain to build, experiment, explore, and see where their curiosity might take them.
Students in grades K-8 joined us for Summer of STEM Adventures 2026, choosing from programs designed for a wide range of interests and age levels. Some students came back to subjects they already loved, while others spent the week discovering something entirely new.
This year’s offerings featured several new programs, including App Design Lab, Eco Explorers, Electromagnetism, LEGO Engineering, Magic of STEM, Paleontology, and Science of Sports. Learning extended beyond campus, too, with field trips to destinations including Dinosaur State Park, Hammonasset Beach State Park, UConn Health, and the UConn Biodiversity Research Collections and Greenhouses.
No matter the subject, each week gave students the opportunity to ask questions, try their ideas, and learn alongside others who were just as curious.
“This summer we had a fantastic team of teachers, and an amazing group of students,” said Brigette Zacharczenko, Ph.D., Life Science Teacher and STEM Programs Manager at Talcott. “I feel privileged to facilitate this program and continue its long-standing legacy of offering fun, hands-on science exploration.”
In Their Own Words
Students shared some of their favorite parts of the summer:
“The summer program is a great way to test something out, whether it is seeing what you like best or to see what you want to be when you grow up.”
“I had a lot of fun in this program. The teachers were nice, I liked making friends, and I would definitely recommend it.”
“I love the Talcott Mountain summer program because I made friends and learned a lot.”
Parents also shared their perspectives on what made the experience meaningful for their children:
“My child had a fantastic experience! They learned so much through play without even realizing they were learning. I really love the STEM-focused, hands-on approach. It makes learning fun, engaging, and meaningful. We’ll definitely be back!”
“My son was so excited about his time and experience at his one week’s program, he didn’t want it to end. He was so enthusiastic about the course that he talked about it all the time.”
“My child LOVES this camp! She attended last year out of curiosity and requested to attend multiple weeks this summer. It was hard to pick which sessions because they all seemed wonderful. The full day, jam-packed schedule with STEM activities and learning is just what she needed to balance the rest of summer. She loves the creative process, science lessons and collaboration amongst other kids. A gem of a camp, for sure!”
Coming Back to the Mountaintop
Summer of STEM Adventures is made possible by a team of experienced STEM educators, interns, and high school volunteers who bring their own energy and enthusiasm to the program each week. This summer, that team included Talcott Mountain Academy (TMA) alumni who returned to campus in new roles.
Maqueda G. (TMA ’24) came back as a volunteer, working alongside Summer of STEM instructors to set up labs, run games, take photos, and even wrangle the tie-dye station. She served as a role model for younger students exploring their interests on the mountain.
For Maqueda, returning felt like a continuation of an experience that has stayed with her. Talcott, she said, is “a place that you never truly leave.”
Remi D. (TMA ’18) returned eight years after his own time as an Academy student, this time as the Program Coordinator Intern. He helped keep the whole program running, managing logistics, supporting instructors, setting up before each day began, and greeting students as they arrived and seeing them off at the end of the day.
Remi described Talcott as “a safe environment for people to be themselves, to experiment, and to try new things.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Summer of STEM Adventures 2026. We are grateful to the students and families who spent part of their summer with us and to the STEM educators, interns, and volunteers who made each week possible. We loved having you on the mountain!
LEARN MORE
To learn more about Summer of STEM Adventures, click the button below.
VIEW PHOTOS
To view more photos from Summer of STEM Adventures 2026, visit our Facebook page.