West Jefferson's 2025 Summer STEM Lunch & Learn Program Returns with 10 Weeks of Fun and Education

The Village of West Jefferson Parks and Recreation Department is once again bringing the excitement of science, creativity, and exploration to local youth with the return of its beloved Lunch and Learn STEM Explosion program. Kicking off on Monday, June 2, this free summer initiative offers 10 weeks of themed activities, combining hands-on STEM lessons with daily lunch.

Funded through generous support from Battelle, the program runs every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, with participants asked to arrive promptly to maximize their time. The program is open to anyone under the age of 18 with no pre-registration required. Children may attend independently if they are able to manage their own meals and bathroom needs and follow instructions.
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Unless otherwise noted, all sessions are held at the West Jefferson Community Center located at 230 Cemetery Road. Select field trip days are marked and include a specific address for drop-off.

Here’s a look at this summer’s weekly themes and highlights:

Week 1 – TAKE OFF!

• Mon 6/2: Welcome to Lunch & Learn STEM Explosion!
• Tue 6/3: Chef for a Day! (Field trip – meet at 121 W. Main, Flyers)
• Thurs 6/5: Make & Fly Rockets (outdoor activity)

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Week 2 – ON THE WATER

• Mon 6/9: Water Fun w/Mayor Martin (bring towels, sunscreen, water clothes)
• Tue 6/10: 2 Chicks in a Boat (Field trip – meet at 1450 W. Broad St.)
• Thurs 6/12: Tie Dye Father’s Day Craft (messy outdoor activity)

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Week 3 – PLAY IT SAFE

• Mon 6/16: WJ Police Department
• Tue 6/17: Water Safety w/Jefferson Twp. Fire Dept. & Swimming (meet @ 45 Inwood, bring swimsuits & towels)
• Thurs 6/19: Jefferson Twp. Fire Department (outdoor activity)

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Week 4 – ENERGY IN MOTION

• Mon 6/23: WJ Street Dept. & Waste Management (outdoor activity)
• Tue 6/24: AEP
• Thurs 6/26: Generate Electricity w/a Lemon Battery

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Week 5 – NATURE

• Mon 6/30: Seed Bombs w/Laura Koenig from 4H (outside activity)
• Tue 7/1: Nature Scavenger Hunt (meet at 799 Fellows Ave.)
• Thurs 7/3: Fizzy Fireworks!

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Week 6 – MAGNATIZE!

• Mon 7/7: Make Your Own Compass
• Tue 7/8: Travel Tuesday
• Thurs 7/10: Magnetic Slime!

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Week 7 – DOWN THE RIVER

• Mon 7/14: River City Puppets “Wiggly River”
• Tue 7/15: What is a Watershed?
• Thurs 7/17: Build a River

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Week 8 – ICE CREAM

• Mon 7/21: Dippin’ Dots w/Battelle
• Tue 7/22: Custard Info & Making (Field trip to Whit’s Frozen Custard, 265 E. Main)
• Thurs 7/24: Shake Up Some Ice Cream (outside activity)

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Week 9 – THE HUMAN BODY

• Mon 7/28: “Jace’s Big Words and Feelings” with author Heather Taylor Bradley
• Tue 7/29: Model Your Blood Flow
• Thurs 7/31: How Do We Breathe?

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Week 10 – ANIMALS

• Mon 8/4: Madison County Sheriff with K9 & Dog Warden
• Tue 8/5: TBA
• Thurs 8/7: Ohio Wildlife Center

Lunch and Learn continues to be a highlight of the summer for West Jefferson families, encouraging young minds to explore the world around them in a welcoming and educational environment. For those interested in volunteering or with questions, please contact [email protected].