Little Scholars - Tinker Tank

by Collegiate School · 103 North Mooreland Road, Richmond, VA 23229

Offered by Collegiate School

Ages 6–7

For ages 6–7
Where
103 North Mooreland Road, Richmond, VA 23229
Registration open
You register directly with Collegiate School.

Welcome to the Tinker Tank, where curious young minds become inventors and problem-solvers! This hands-on exploration camp is designed for 1st and 2nd graders who love to take things apart, build new creations, and discover how things work. Campers will engage in open-ended engineering challenges, experiment with simple machines, and use a variety of materials to bring their creative ideas to life. Each day features new tinkering projects that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. From building marble runs to creating contraptions with gears and pulleys, students will develop foundational STEM skills while having fun. The Tinker Tank philosophy emphasizes process over product, allowing children to learn through trial and error in a supportive, encouraging environment. This camp is perfect for young learners who are naturally curious and love hands-on exploration.

What kids do here

engineering challengessimple machinesbuilding projectsmarble runsgears and pulleyscreative problem solvinghands-on experimentsSTEM

Facilities

Main campus on Mooreland Road
Robins Campus on Blair Road
Collegiate School Aquatics Center off Ironbridge Road
Hunter Hall (Summer Quest office location)
Watt/Hunter Hall
High ropes course
Athletic fields
Gymnasiums
Cafeteria
Art studios
Science labs
Outdoor spaces and gardens
Tennis courts
Swimming pools

What’s included

Instruction from Collegiate faculty, staff, and coaches
All camp materials and supplies
Transportation between Mooreland and Robins campuses (for camps at Robins Campus)
Access to facilities
Carpool service for drop-off and pick-up

What to bring

water bottle
snack
sunscreen (labeled)
hat (optional)

Packing list

Required

water bottle

Provided by the camp

building materials
engineering tools
tinkering supplies
safety equipment

Reminders

Label all items with child's first and last name
Apply sunscreen before camp
Child must be able to reapply sunscreen independently
Store sunscreen in sealed plastic bag in backpack

Getting there

New carpool service available for all students arriving and departing campus. Students can be dropped off and picked up at designated times.

Drop-off: 9:00-9:30 AM for morning campsPick-up: 12:00-12:15 PM for morning campsUse designated carpool lanes at Mooreland CampusRegistered families will receive detailed carpool instructions via email

Fees:

Questions parents ask

When does registration open?: Registration for Summer Quest 2026, including for new families, opens on Thursday, February 5 at 12 p.m. Priority registration for returning families and the Collegiate community will be sent via email with a personalized registration link before this date.; Source: Summer Quest main page
How does the deposit process work?: Prior to May 15, each participant must submit a non-refundable 50% deposit for each camp. The deposit is a portion of the total tuition; the remaining balance is due by May 15 to hold your child's spot. If full payment is not received by May 15, the space may be given to the next person on the waiting list.; Source: FAQ section
What is the refund policy?: The 50% per camp deposit is nonrefundable unless a camp is cancelled by Summer Quest. If you change registration with two weeks written notice before camp starts, you can receive a payment voucher minus the deposit that must be used during summer 2026. The credit cannot be transferred to next year but can be used for siblings. No refunds after May 15 regardless of circumstance.; Source: Registration information
What is the minimum age requirement?: The minimum age of a camper must be four years old by August 31 and fully potty trained. Students must be able to use the bathroom independently without assistance.; Source: Registration information
Does staff provide or apply sunscreen?: No, parents/guardians should apply sunscreen on your camper prior to the start of camp. Summer Quest staff will NOT be responsible for providing, applying, or reapplying sunscreen. Your camper will need to be able to apply and reapply sunscreen on their own. If sunscreen is sent, it should be in a sealed plastic bag labeled with your child's name and stored in their backpack.; Source: FAQ section
How do virtual waiting rooms work?: CampBrain uses virtual waiting rooms to give families fair access to registration. When the site is busy, you'll see your spot in line and estimated wait time. You can stay on the page or return within 10 minutes and will automatically enter registration when it's your turn. During high-traffic times, a countdown pre-queue may appear with spots randomly assigned for fair access.; Source: Registration information
What if a camp is full?: If you are trying to register online and a camp is full, the system will automatically notify you that you are being placed on a waiting list. If you are placed on a waiting list, no payment is due at that time. If a space becomes available, the Summer Quest Office will contact you to see if you would still like to enroll.; Source: FAQ section
Can I pick up my child early?: Yes, please contact 804-665-1750 if you wish to pick up your child during program hours. Come to the Summer Quest office located in Hunter Hall, and staff will walk you to the classroom to collect your camper.; Source: FAQ section

Things to know

Requirements

Minimum age of 4 years old by August 31
Fully potty trained
Students must be able to use bathroom independently without assistance
Completed registration form
50% non-refundable deposit per camp (prior to May 15)
Full payment by May 15
Parents must apply sunscreen before camp
Campers must be able to apply and reapply their own sunscreen
Sunscreen must be in sealed plastic bag labeled with child's name
No outstanding balance on account to participate

Contact Collegiate School

(804) 665-1750 summerquest@collegiate-va.org Visit website