Program Innovation

Rooted in outdoor greenspace learning, ELSO Inc. has helped families access high quality liberatory science education programs. Through camps and experiential paid learning opportunities ELSO Inc. is changing the culture and climate in Texas. Nearly a decade after we launched our first day camp, ELSO continues to be committed to improving outdoor access for all and diversifying the future science, architecture, engineering, agriculture and environmental workforce.

ELSO is on a mission! To catalyze learning and expand access to positive career outcomes for a more just future for all.

Wayfinders

We are committed to providing out-of-classroom enrichment learning for all students no matter the family background or income.Wayfinders Day Camp is an out-of-school time program serving youth during Fall, Spring and Summer bre"Wayfinders Day Camp offers enriching out-of-school programs during fall, spring, and summer breaks, designed to inspire learning and adventure.

Camps combine science and nature, helping kids develop environmental literacy and a love for learning. Wayfinders camps offer week-long adventures in nature, visits to our children’s garden, science projects, maker space activities in cooking, engineering and robotics. Our camps are designed to foster a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world.

Learn More about Wayfinders

- Our Wayfinders K-8 camp program nurtures confidence, curiosity, and joy in childhood through engaging camps at our Beaumont Hub and our partner side on the northside of the Houston Metro area.
- We offer week-long Fall and spring break camps, and 4-6 weeks of camps during summer months.
- Summer Registration

Tappin’ Roots

At ELSO SE Texas, we’re dedicated to helping all students thrive academically while inspiring the next generation of Texans to embrace the wonders of outdoor learning and discovery. Our workforce development program focuses on paid internships for high school students. Tappin Roots is a competitive year-long internship outdoor leadership development program for high school students with paid weekend symposiums, Fall, Spring and Summer break work opportunities.

Learn more about Tappin’ Roots

Join Our Mailing List
- Please contact shannon@campelso.org to learn more about partnership opportunities.

Studio Justice

Our secondary education programs focus on paid learning, leadership development and introduction to career pathways in the natural and built environment. Studio Justice is ELSO’s design program, including paid cohorts, workshops and tours for youth ages 14-22. Young adults learn about careers in architecture, engineering, and design through professional mentors and guest educators. Our programs aim to expand our youth’s STEAMED career pathways to include professions in the built environment while widening their exposure to green sector careers.Through this vital opportunity, participants can find their STEAMED identities and learn about designing public spaces, the power of place, and health equity.

There are no student fees for design program events. Instead, we ensure youth participants receive a scholarship stipend to support growth in STEAMED learning and related careers.

Learn more about Studio Justice

Cohorts are offered online and expose young adults ages 14-22 to careers in the architecture, engineering, and design field. Cohorts take place in the Winter, spring and summer with in person tour opportunities.
Email Kenneth@campelso.org for more information or for partnership opportunities.

Maker’s Space

Our ELSO Hub in Beaumont, TX, empowers the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. We offer a vibrant, inclusive space where young people can explore technology, develop skills, and bring their ideas to life through hands-on learning and collaboration. We aim to spark a lifelong love of learning and creative design thinking in every child, we provide a joyful, inclusive makerspace where youth can explore, experiment, and create together. Our ELSO Hub Makerspace is a vibrant hub where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to explore, create, and innovate.

Values that guide us:

Encourage a sense of wonder and a willingness to try new things, experiment, and explore different materials and tools.
Emphasize the importance of sharing, taking turns, cleaning up after themselves, and respecting the tools and equipment provided.
Encourage participants to work together, share ideas, and help each other out.
Foster an environment where children feel comfortable taking risks, thinking outside the box, and expressing their creativity in unique ways.
Encourage participants to identify challenges, brainstorm solutions, and persevere through difficulties.
Provide opportunities for children to learn new skills, develop existing ones, and gain knowledge in various areas of making
Encourage a positive attitude, resilience, and a belief in their ability to learn and grow.