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! We’re catalyzing learning and expanding 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 offers enriching programs designed to inspire learning and adventure during fall, spring, and summer breaks.

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.

In 2026 Wayfinders Texas will deliver a three-week burst of high-energy, curiosity-driven learning, all led by our exceptional youth interns. Campers will build their science identity, engage in liberatory education practices, and discover pathways into STEM and healthcare fields while having big summer fun. Each week campers will explore a new theme:

Dive In: Water science, aquatic ecosystems, and environmental problem solving
Bots and Beyond: Robotics, makerspace building, prototyping, and math-powered engineering
Discovery Lab: College visits, research institution tours, neuroscience exploration, and science identity development

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 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.
- Registration is closed. Check back next season!

ELSO Inc is committed to programming that centers joy and helps our youth build strong relationships with their environment while discovering the endless possibilities of science through culturally relevant curriculum.

We are honored to be recipients of the American Camp Association’s Character at Camp Grant. This is a two year grant that will help ELSO deliver hands-on learning experiences in the field of climate justice, teach youth how they can be environmental stewards, offer safe access to and recreational activities in natural areas, and offer a curriculum that builds relationships with land and water while affirming youth identity, belonging, and leadership.

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 offers paid internships for high school students.

Tappin’ Roots is a competitive year-long outdoor leadership development internships for high school students with paid weekend symposiums and fall, spring and summer break work opportunities.

Tappin’ Roots applications are now closed. Please check back again for the next round!

Learn more about Tappin’ Roots

Applications are now closed. Please check back again for the next round!
Questions? Contact shannon@campelso.org
- 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 environments. Studio Justice is ELSO’s design program which is made up of paid cohorts, workshops, and tours for youth ages 14-20. 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.

Applications to join the Spring Studio Justice Cohort are now closed. Please check back next season!

Learn more about Studio Justice

Cohorts are offered online and expose young adults ages 14-20 to careers in the architecture, engineering, and design field. Cohorts take place in the winter, spring and summer with in person tour opportunities.
We are now accepting applications for the spring Studio Justice Cohort. Apply by April 3!
Apply here.

Makerspace

The 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 thinking in every child. We provide a joyful, inclusive makerspace where youth can explore, experiment, and create together. The ELSO Hub makerspace is a vibrant gathering place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to explore, create, and innovate.

Values that guide us:

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