Summer STEM camps

GEMS
Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science

Grades 4-12

GEMS is an U.S. Army-sponsored, summer STEM day camp for rising 4th to 12th grade students. Spend a week doing hands-on experiments in a working U.S. Army research lab or engineering center, or virtually from home.

All in-person camps
In-person camp

California — Los Alamitos — ARL West

ARL West GEMS students, photo 1

Hosted by the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in partnership with STARBASE Los Alamitos, the GEMS West program offers middle and high school students an immersive, hands-on exploration of modern STEM careers.

Working directly alongside Army scientists and engineers, participants dive deep into real laboratory techniques—mastering micropipetting and gel electrophoresis, synthesizing biodiesel, conducting flame tests, exploring chemical etching and anodization, and applying forensic science methods like fingerprint and blood-spatter analysis. Overall, GEMS delivers a unique opportunity for curious minds to tackle authentic technical problems, build practical laboratory skills, and experience the future of science and innovation firsthand.

How to Apply

Student applications are completed in the online platform Ideal-Logic. Applications for 2027 GEMS will be open from December 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027. Application requirements differ depending on site.

Volunteer and work with us

Teacher and Near-Peer Mentor applications will be located here as they open. Applications will open December 1, 2026 and run through January 31, 2027.

About ARL West

ARL West research staff have coordinated the GEMS West program since 2018. ARL West is a regional site of the US DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory formerly based out of Playa Vista and now based out of Fort MacArthur.

Our Partners

STARBASE Los Alamitos logo

GEMS West is hosted in partnership with STARBASE Los Alamitos at the Joint Forces Training Base. STARBASE has proven to be a fantastic site for GEMS programming since 2022, including 4 classrooms, a shaded outdoor lunch area, basketball court, Olympic sized pool, and airfield for rocket launches. STARBASE has highly skilled technical staff that work year-round with local students on hands on science and engineering projects, and who contribute immensely to GEMS West every summer.

At a glance
Site
Los Alamitos, CA
Education Level
6–12
Cost
Free
Season
Summerweek-long sessions
Format
In person
Applications due
March 31, 2027
Contact Us

Still have questions?

Get in touch with the ARL West GEMS office. We'd love to hear from you!

ARL West GEMS Office

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