Bio-INSPIRE Camp

Empowering Young Innovators to Build a Greener Tomorrow through STEM

What is Bio-INSPIRE?

The Blue Swallow Farm Foundation is dedicated to offering students a glimpse of potential STEM careers through outdoor learning. In 2026, we are pleased to announce Bio-INSPIRE, a youth camp focused on teaching students about biophilic design. Biophilic design integrates principles of art and architecture to connect people with nature.

Our 1-day camp provides children the opportunity to learn about biophilic design through authentic, hands-on activities. The fundamental principles include:

  • integrating natural features, like water and plants
  • showcasing natural shapes and forms
  • incorporating natural patterns and processes
  • highlighting the use of light and space
  • utilizing natural materials
  • creating a sense of refuge, awe, and excitement.

Students will participate in a variety of exploratory activities to learn about these principles, construct take-home water features, and collaborate with peers to render architectural models using an array of materials.

Hosted at the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Woodlands Stewardship Education Center

Who Would be Interested in Bio-INSPIRE?

Bio-INSPIRE is tailor-made for students who have a strong curiosity about science, nature, and design. Bio-INSPIRE participants should be highly engaged fifth-grade students who are passionate about exploring these fields. They are successful, communicative collaborators who demonstrate resilience when tackling challenges—especially those that arise while creating models and art projects.

What Can You Expect at Bio-INSPIRE?

Bio-INSPIRE day camps emphasize active, experiential learning. The morning begins with an indoor and outdoor station-centered introduction to biophilic design principles. To demonstrate their understanding, students will produce a working, desktop water feature. Following lunch, attendees collaborate in small groups to design and build architectural models using high-quality materials hand-selected by an architects and STEM educators.

Who is Leading Bio-INSPIRE?

Bio-INSPIRE was developed by a team of curriculum specialists, STEM educators, architects, and researchers. The camp’s curriculum is based on effective practices in child development, educational strategies, and STEM principles. Instructors for Bio-INSPIRE are state certified educators with extensive experience working with children in STEM.

What Will Children Receive at the Camp?

  • Bio-INSPIRE camp t-shirt

  • Tote bag

  • Notebook

  • Take-home products

  • Snacks

What Safety Precautions are in Place?

Protecting the well-being of children who attend Bio-INSPIRE is of the utmost importance. Instructors are experienced, state certified teachers and industry professionals. All instructors and assistants undergo background checks and receive training on safety procedures prior to the workshop.

On the day of the camp, students will transition through activities in small, instructor-led groups. The student-instructor ratio will be 1:6 for optimal engagement and attentive oversight. In addition, a Blue Swallow Farm Foundation administrator will be onsite and available to speak with parents from arrival to departure.

When is the Next Camp?

Stay tuned for more information about the next camp.

What is the Cost and Application Process?

Stay tuned for more information about the next camp.

For more information on Bio-INSPIRE, email bioinspire@blueswallowfarmfoundation.org.

Thank You To Our Sponsors: Jacob Ayubi–State Farm, Bank of Clarke, Michael & Son Services, and R & R Bookkeeping