Day Camp Half-Blood, Ithaca

Calling all young demigods and science enthusiasts!
Are you interested in Day Camp Half-Blood in Ithaca, NY (July 6 – 19)?  Quests, Capture the Flag, Weapon Making, Sword play, Ancient Cultures, Music, Art, Theater and more!   Zoe Learner Ponterio, Manager of Cornell's Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility (SPIF) at the Carl Sagan Center, has also pledged support for the 2025 programs. With extensive experience as a scientist and public outreach representative on NASA missions, including the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity, and 10 years of classroom teaching experience, Ponterio brings valuable expertise to the collaboration. "I will host at SPIF a 3-day workshop, 1-2 hours each day, teaching concepts in planetary science, planetary mapping techniques, and NASA mission operations and investigation methods," states Ponterio. The workshop will include age-appropriate, hands-on activities using real data and images from spacecraft missions, along with special activities like "Homemade Comet," "Sniffing with Color," and "Gravity of the Planets."
​ Learn more.

Intentional Programs Designed to Foster Healthy Mindsets:  Empowerment, Confidence Building.

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🚀 Introducing SoundQuest Studio: Where Young Composers Become Changemakers

We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of SoundQuest Studio — a bold new platform where music meets imagination, science, and storytelling. Founded and led by award-winning composer and educator Dr. Anne Deane Berman, SoundQuest Studio is more than a music program. It’s a place where creative young minds ages 10–17 can explore who they are — and what they can become — through sound.
Whether your child is a budding composer, a curious beginner, or a tech-savvy DAWs composer, SoundQuest offers a rich learning experience that blends music composition, creative thinking, and real-world impact.  Learn more.

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Bring a Friend, Recommend a Student!  
You Automatically Earn $50 and Your Friend or Student Also Received $50 Discount through our Referral Program!

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MUN stands for Model United Nations and is an educational and academic simulation of diplomatic decision making.  One week Session July 27-Aug 2

Learn about the UN, MUN and the Vienna Formula. Immersion in critical and design thinking, arts & humanities, diplomacy, advocacy, research, writing, STEM & TECHNOLOGY policy lead to innovation & leadership enabling real world solutions to the SDG’s 169 targets & themes.

Successful Participation may join our Model UN Delegation to travel to various international conferences.  

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Jacob Lehman (right), DIGIVATIONS Theatrical Combat Instructor and Fight Choreographer (Ithaca, NY, Cornell, 2008 and University of Michgan Law School 2009). Learn more

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Zoe Learner PonterioSPIF Manager, GIS Specialist, Outreach CoordinatorFrom 2002 to 2006 I worked under Dr. Steve Squyres on the Mars Exploration Rovers (MER), Spirit and Opportunity. On that mission I served as a student science team member, a critical operations team member, and a representative in the education and public outreach (EPO) program.  As the manager of the Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility (SPIF), my duties include: maintaining archives of hardcopy images from past planetary missions; technical and educational support of planetary research specializing in GIS image analysis; public relations and logistical support of active and proposed NASA missions; and communicating science to the public through outreach events and PreK-12 educational enrichment. I am also a member of the Comparative Planetology and Solar System Exploration (COMPASSE) research group led by Dr. Alex Hayes. My background includes astronomy and planetary research, science operations on NASA missions, informal education and outreach for NASA missions, and formal education at the secondary level.  After graduating with dual bachelor’s degrees in astrophysics and mathematics from the University of Oklahoma, I came to Cornell as a graduate student in astronomy and planetary science. 

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William “Colby” Beserra, Associate Director of Board Games and Dungeon Master, is a rising senior in the Creative Writing department at the Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, located in Houston, Texas. He has been with DIGIVATIONS since he was 11 years old, and has loved every second of it. Colby enjoys writing strange poems and fiction pieces, as well as the occasional confusing short play. His hobbies include playing Dungeons and Dragons with his friends, binge watching TV shows with his family, listening to Sammy Rae and the Friends, and making terrible jokes.

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Gabriella Miller - 1st Year Counselor
Hey everybody!! My name is Gabby and I’m a high school junior from Warsaw, Indiana. I volunteer in children’s ministry at my church and serve on the worship team as the drummer. I attended camp last year and enjoyed myself so much that I jumped at the chance to be a counselor. When I’m not at work, I enjoy D&D, crafting and hanging out with my family and friends.  Can’t wait for this amazing week!!

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What do we do at Camp Demigod?

Summer 2024 Recap!  We had the privilege of hosting thought-provoking sessions with esteemed speakers, including Nobel Laureate chemist and poet Roald Hoffmann, UCLA's Nanotechnologist and chemist Paul Weiss, Qualcomm co-founder Steven Morely, VR pioneer Dr. Jacquely Morie, and Virtual Heritage expert Professor Bernard Frischer, Content Expert in Ancient Cultures from University of Edinburgh Charis Martin, as well as Cornell PhD physicist Dr. Zui (Zoey) Tao just days before she left for her post doc at Harvard.

We visited these unique laboratories and research centers at Cornell:

We were captivated by the Educator Carina D’Urso who brought dozens of art works to life for us at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University.

We toured Cornell’s High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) by Director Joel Brock, Given Foundation Professor of Engineering.

Manager Zoe Learner Ponterio took us on a two hour exploration of the Solar System at Cornell’s Spacecraft Planetary Image Facility.
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Jacob Lehmann provided excellent instruction on theatrical combat both hand to hand and swords.

With the help of our wondrous staff, we quested to the Laboratory of Orinthology, the Dairy Bar, and the Botanical Gardens. Cornell premed EMT Jamie Pollak took the students on daily hikes around campus and to many gorges. Students loved the freedom of being able to walk into College Town for treats and the feeling of living on a college campus with delicious food prepared by Jacob Berman and outdoor dances organized by Sigma Pi VP board member Livui Russo! Not to mention classic water fights!

Several students wrote a new composition based on their original libretto.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in and supported our programs.

​Thank you for making this season unforgettable!

Anne Deane Berman, PhD, Dr. Steve Berman and Jacob Berman (Cornell 2026)
DIGIVATIONS Co-Founders

Directors:

Co-Founders Anne Deane Berman, PhD and Dr. Steven Lee Berman on the Cornell University campus, Ezra Cornell Statue

Our Legacy of Inspiration
Since 1998, DIGIVATIONS INSTITUTE has empowered thousands of students, educators, and professionals across the globe. Founded by Dr. Anne Deane Berman and Dr. Steven Lee Berman, former UCSB and UCLA professors, our NASA award-winning STEM+ARTS+HUMANITIES+KINESTHETIC programs have sparked a passion for learning and innovation in countless young minds.
Our Founders' Impact
Dr. Anne Deane Berman, an internationally renowned composer, and Dr. Steven Lee Berman, a seasoned engineer,attorney, and technology entrepreneur, have dedicated their lives to advancing education and fostering collaboration between academia and industry. His expertise has generated over $300 million in research funding for the state of California and led to the creation of programs like the California-Canada Strategic Innovation Partnership, among other groundbreaking initiatives.  Learn more
Empowering the Next Generation
Through our diverse programs, including the world's first overnight Camp Half-Blood, Harry Potter Camp, and Camp Fandom, we've provided over 5,000 students with unique opportunities to explore their passions, develop critical skills,and make a positive impact on the world. Our programs have also helped countless high school and college students earn scholarships, secure internships, and launch successful careers.
Looking to the Future
DIGIVATIONS is committed to continuing our legacy of inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders. Our current focus is on expanding our Model UN initiatives and developing academic and industry programs that address the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

​Join us in shaping a brighter future for all!

"My son Colby adores DIGIVATIONS, and I do, too! Steve and Anne Berman are brilliant, heart led scholar/teacher/mentors who know how to engage and challenge children to grow and learn and take responsibility for creating a better, stronger, kinder world. It’s nothing short of life changing."  
​- Annie Arnoult, parent (2018-2024)

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"Just wanted to share our experience with DIGIVATIONS as our son was able to join for the January Yale Model UN session.  Patrick did not have previous MUN experience but had always wanted to attend.  Anne, Steve and Jacob were so supportive and able to prepare him in a short time.  Their insights, deep experience, and valued connections created a great learning experience.  Patrick learned valuable lessons on communication and teamwork.  Additionally, he made connections and friends across the US and globe.  We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with DIGIVATIONS and recommend for anyone who might be interested in expanding their extra curricular activities."
- Christyann Andrianopoulos, parent (2024)

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"Your programs are extraordinary, but your genuine concern for the success and well-being of every student in your Institute reflects the heart from which your programs are derived."
- Karen Best, parent (2020-2024)

Alumni Spotlight

Emily Grunert has been a camper at Camp Demigod since her love of Percy Jackson led her to the discovery of the camp the first year it was established in 2013. In 2017, Emily spent her first summer as staff and has returned in the following summers. In 2020, Emily was a member of the Virtual Camp Demigod staff focusing on music and biology lessons (DNA). "I've had so many great experiences at camp and they're something I'll always carry close to my heart." She feels like Camp Demigod has had a big part in her life and helps her be more confident, open-minded, and inquisitive. Emily is a student at Western Washington University, pursuing a B.S. in Biology. She is an undergraduate researcher studying ciliary signaling in cells using the techniques of immunofluorescence staining and microscopy. This research was sponsored by Pfizer (formerly SeaGen). She has presented her research at WWU Scholars Week, winning People’s Choice for Best Poster as well as presenting her research to Pfizer. She is active in her WWU community, participating in the WWU Advancing Excellence and Equity in Science program and other campus organizations. In Summer 2024, Emily will be pursuing research at University of California Los Angeles as an Amgen Scholar, studying the stem cell precursors to blood cells. As a first generation college student, Emily finds passion in advocating for unrepresented demographics in science. Emily is always looking for new experiences and loves learning new things. Some of her greatest joys include reading, science, music, helping younger campers, and making people smile. She hopes that she can make the Camp Demigod experience just as magical for the campers as it was when she first stepped onto camp grounds.

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2025 Speakers:

If you or your DIGIVATOR would like to join any one of the talks virtually for a donation, please reach out for dates and times.

Top Row:

Roald Hoffmann: Polish-American theoretical chemist who won the 1981 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. He has also published plays and poetry. He is the Frank H. T. Rhodes Professor of Humane Letters Emeritus at Cornell University

​Paul Weiss: UC Presidential Chair, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry & Biochem, Bioengineering, and Materials Science & Engineering at UCLA, Co-founder and Chief Scientist at Greenbox Venture Labs

Second Row:

​Steven Morely:  A proven senior technology executive, inventor, and business mentor/advisor/educator who is passionate about turning great ideas into successful businesses that help people.  His 45-year career as a serial startup entrepreneur, senior technology executive, and entrepreneurial mentor/advisor/instructor has successfully proven this dedication working with companies large and small. He has been part of founding six startups, including Qualcomm, where he spent 20 years as a Vice President starting and growing several business units including their integrated circuits and cellular phone development.  
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Jacquelyn (Jacki) Morie, PhD:  Virtual Reality pioneer. Taught at UCLA, USC's ICT, Otis College of Art and Design, in Immersive Experience Design.

Third Row:

​Michael Zyda: Emeritus Professor of Practice, USC Dept of Computer Science, Founding Director of USC's Computer Science Games Program

​Chuck Dages: Former Chairman, Board of Trustees, National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and Chairman, Board of the Entertainment Technology Center at USC. Former entertainment executive at Warner Bros. and CBS.  Member Of The Board Of Advisors at Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

Fourth Row:

Charis Martin: Content Expert in Ancient Cultures, MA University of Edinburgh

Rebecca Cross:  International Artist, Textiles & Drawing

Fifth Row:

​Dr. Steven Lee Berman: Co-Founder, CEO & General Counsel at DIGIVATIONS entities. Entertainment and IP Attorney, Materials Engineer, Former UCLA professor, Advising, counseling and creating new educational and industrial enterprises and industry-university-government strategic partnerships in fields ranging from advanced materials including nanotechnology; next generation computing and AR/VR; biomimicry; biotechnology; commercial space; design thinking; genetics, intelligent cities, infrastructure and transportation; quantum technologies, among others.

Anne Deane Berman, PhD: Co-Founder, Academic Dean at DIGIVATIONS entities.  Composer (Carnegie Hall) and pioneer of Interactive Immersive Environments as former Assistant Professor & Researcher, Iowa State University's Virtual Reality Applications Center and UCSB's Center for Research in Electronic Art & Technology.  

Sixth Row:
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Jacob Alan Berman: Co-Founder, Faculty and Part Time Chef at DIGIVATIONS entities. Cornell 2025, Environmental Sustainability & Anthropology.  Composer, Filmmaker, Writer, Activist, Jewish Educator.

​Alumni Participants:

Ari Turobiner: Elon University, 2025, Cinema and Television Arts

Emily Grunnert:  Biology and Anthropology, Western Washington University Amgen Scholar UCLA

Adam Boyd: Entrepreneur & Game Developer, Prince Edward  Island.

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Hover over each picture to learn their identity

Speaker Spotlight:
Pioneer in VR Heritage - Bernard Frischer, PhD, Digital Archeologist who ensures the survival of the classical world through Virtual Heritage experiences (platforms for virtual tours that transport you across space and time to experience ruins in countries including Egypt, Greece and Italy).

Alumni Participants

Session III XGENS 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals Institute & Model UN Academy 
(Overnight and Commuter ages 13-17, June 30-July 27)
Immersion in design thinking, arts & humanities, diplomacy, STEM & technology policy lead to innovation & leadership enabling real world solutions to the SDG’s 169 targets & themes: ECONOMIC, FOOD & WATER SECURITY; ENVIRONMENTALISM; SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE;  FUTURE OF WORK IN AN AI WORLD; & SOCIAL JUSTICE.

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Register DIGIVATIONS Programs

by ACTIVE Network

DAY CAMPS, July 7-Aug 1, Monday-Friday 1pm-6pm

All of our camps are Queer and Trans Friendly.

Read Testimonials on ActivityHero

 Transportation by Charter Bus available from NYC.

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Curriculum
The Academies' are student centric featuring offerings where each youth will be able to pursue a wide range of interests as they learn and apply new knowledge as part of quests and adventures, and include, among other topics, the sciences, including advanced materials: material science engineering, semi-conductor engineering and manufacturing, bioengineering, commercial space, intelligent infrastructure, and quantum computing. Our goals this year include addressing Societal Needs by refining our curriculum enabling youth to continue to learn and acquire core skills enhancing their career opportunities and providing pathways for college credit to ease the burden of college costs. For the summer, we plan on focusing significantly on AI/Metaverse challenges, cellular biology processes, CRISPR advances in the context of genetic modification, comparative medicine, nanotechnology, neuroscience, plant science, and quantum physics, among others. The AI future depends on the speed with which chips can be developed, advanced and manufactured -- and students who already have this knowledge will have a huge leg up.  The Cornell campus is perfectly suited to all our outdoor activities such as capture the flag, Wizards Chess; and sports such as Quadball (aka QUIDDITCH),  Ice Cream at Cornell Dairy Ice Cream, Quests to local parks with box lunches, picnic dinners, and much more.

GRANDPARENT HIGHLIGHT: ​

This camp has meant so much to my grandson and all of us! Thank you so much for what you do. -Vicki W.

There is no other camp like Camp Demigod! My grandson has been attending the camp for 8 summers. His best friends in the world are his camp friends and he has found his passions from the multi-disciplinary NASA award winning curriculum. Bravo Dr. Anne and Dr. Steve and thank you for creating such an amazing, creative, unique and fun experience!  - Elizabeth D.

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PARENT HIGHLIGHTS:  

Recently our 14 year old daughter participated as a delegate of the DIGIVATIONS XGENS Delegation at the Yale Model United Nations (YMUN). It was an exciting, educational, challenging, growth producing and fun experience.  Dr. Steve Berman, Anne Deane Berman, PhD and their son Jacob Berman, guided our daughter through the YMUN process, and we are grateful she had this opportunity. It came about from being a camper! 

Our daughter loves the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson books and this drew her to the DIGIVATIONS CAMP DEMIGOD INSTITUTE. This has proved to be an investment our family made that is paying off. She loves the camp and returned last year as an Assistant CIT.  

Her social skills, self esteem and leadership abilities definitely grew from her time at DIGIVATIONS CAMP DEMIGOD INSTITUTE. She will be a CIT this summer and hopes to someday be a Counselor.  

The Bermans' care about each child and provide a unique, safe, fun, camp that has enriching opprtunities for growth.  ​
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-The Canty Family, NYC

Upstate New York, Cayuga Lake

With a backyard of incomparable rustic beauty, this very special campus environment is a playground sure to leave an indelible mark on your child.

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DONATE & INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF INNOVATORS, MENTORS & LEADERS THROUGH DIGIVATIONS NASA AWARD WINNING EDUCATIONAL NON-PROFITS!