While campers begin dreaming about their workshops as early as fall registration, our instructors are just as excited—not only to dive into teaching, but also to begin planning for one of the most exciting events of the session: TECHTalks, Sci-Tech’s signature end-of-session celebration. This all-camp event brings together everything our campers have created, built, designed, and discovered over the course of ten packed days. 
TECHTalks is more than just a science fair. It’s part showcase, part performance, part closing ceremony—and it’s one of the most anticipated nights of the summer.
Campers choose their workshops long before they arrive, and once those choices are finalized, instructors begin preparing their spaces, supplies, and lessons. Each workshop—Behavioral Sciences, Digital Art, Digital Film Production (DFP), Game Design, Programming & Coding (ProCo), Biology, and Robotics—has its own rhythm, materials, and goals.
“The bulk of the workshop time is spent working on projects—almost all the time after the first Shabbat of the session,” said one of the instructors.
Whether they’re coding a custom video game or analyzing how humans make decisions, campers spend two blocks each day diving deep into their workshop.
“The counselors and I help each camper according to their needs. We sometimes have younger campers who will work 1:1 with a counselor for much of the workshop, while older campers will often want to work independently unless they have a question or want to show something they’ve discovered. As the instructor, I check in with campers individually and in a daily Stand-Up Meeting, so I know what progress they are making,” said Cantor Marc Stober, ProCo Instructor. “As an instructor, my favorite part of TECHTalks is the sense of accomplishment of seeing everyone create different and unique projects in such a short amount of time.”
And behind the scenes the instructors are busy helping each other and preparing for the big event.
“Additional things I do behind the scenes: as one of the senior lead instructors, I do a lot of coordinating of TECHTalks activities with the directors and ProLo.” (ProLo = Programming and Logistics Team)
In Digital Film Production (DFP), the journey begins on day one with a lesson in storytelling. Campers are placed into small production teams and spend the rest of the session working on their own short films.
“Our campers spend the entire workshop on their film. After an intro lesson on storytelling on Day 1, they are broken up into the groups that they stay with the rest of the session,” said Saryn Taylor, DFP instructor.
Each group is supported by a unique mentorship structure:
“We have a camper to producer (counselor) to instructor tier in DFP. David and I assign counselors to different groups who monitor their writing and editing progress as well as accompany them on filming days. We support the campers by reviewing the materials as we rotate between groups and offer individualized support on specific questions,” said Taylor.
The final night kicks off in the Performing Arts Center with the TECHTalks intro skit–a themed, costumed presentation where each instructor introduces their workshop’s accomplishments.
Past themes have included:
- Star Wars
- Doctor Who
- Space
- Sci-Tech-lantis
“As an instructor, my favorite part of TECHTalks is the skit, of course! I love getting on stage with my fellow instructors to present the hard work our campers have done—while in costume! It’s so much fun,” said Taylor.
From there, the Robotics team presents last, followed by the 10th-grade Rube Goldberg video and the world premiere of the session’s DFP films.
After dinner, campers and staff head to the Field House, where each workshop transforms into an interactive booth experience.
Campers share:
- Games they designed
- Artwork they created
- Robots they built
- Research findings
- Code and digital designs
Each booth is supported by the ProLo team, and every detail—from banners and signage to extension cords and signature books—is part of the carefully coordinated plan.
As the evening wraps up, the entire camp community comes together for Havdalah in dorm circles—led by the JLife team, with braided candles, grape juice, and blessings.
It’s a time to pause and reflect on everything that’s happened in just two short weeks.
A cupcake at the end is the sweet finishing touch to a night full of celebration.
TECHTalks isn’t just the end of a session—it’s the culmination of learning, experimentation, teamwork, and joy. It’s a moment where campers and instructors alike pause to celebrate not only what was built, but what was learned and who they learned it with.
“This is the night campers remember,” one instructor said during rehearsal.
“Let’s make it awesome.”
And the instructors’ work doesn’t end with TECHTalks—each instructor sends a personalized letter home telling parents about their camper’s project.