Overview

Campers design, build, and show their inventions during summer camp at The Bakken Museum. In addition, campers will practice creative thinking skills, learn magic tricks, play games, and explore science, math, technology, and engineering in a fun, engaging environment. Students engage in a variety of hands-on activities that ultimately prepare them to design and build their own projects over the course of the week. Students will have a set of tools and materials available that they can use in their projects and inventions. The students will participate in games, work on group problem-solving challenges, learn about electricity and circuits, take part in hands-on safety training with the tools in the makerspace, engage in activities to inspire creativity, and put together daily take-home science-based magic tricks. Students will work with camp staff to create their own original creations utilizing the Bakken Museum's invention process: Think It, Make It, Improve It, Show It.

Additional Information

Registration Dates (2023)

• Wednesday, January 18 (12 a.m.) - Scholarship Drive Access Open + Scholarship Applications Open
• Wednesday, January 25 (12 a.m.) - Bakken Museum Member Access Open
• Wednesday, February 1 (10 a.m.) - General Registration Available to Everyone

Scholarships

The Bakken Museum is committed to making youth programs accessible to all individuals regardless of their financial situation. Scholarships are funded by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Summer Academic Enrichment Program and donations from generous supporters. Two levels of scholarship are available based on income, and space is reserved in each summer camp session for scholarship applicants.

Member Discount

Members at the household, senior household, and supporting levels also receive a 10% discount on registration to all camps and classes throughout the year.

Camp Details

• Young Makers Camp (Grades 2-3): A special half-day camp for aspiring makers and inventors. Campers get practice using some basic tools and learn the Bakken Museum's invention process while designing and building a unique take-home project. This is a half-day camp with a morning session from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a separate afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Camp Innovation (Grades 4-9): Campers design and build their own project with full access to the museum makerspace and all of the tools and materials. Campers will be challenged, their creativity will be stretched, and their problem-solving skills will be exercised as they practice the innovation process. This is a full-day 5-day camp.

Pricing

• Young Maker's Camp (Grades 2-3): Five-day camp: $240, $216 for Household and Supporting Members.
• Camp Innovation (Grades 4-9): Five-day camp: $470, $423 for Household & Supporting Members; Four-day camp: $380, $342 for Household & Supporting Members.

General Camp Information

• Every session includes: Students learn to responsibly use tools and technology; Students spend time outdoors on our grounds at the adjacent park; Bakken educators, camp counselors, and volunteers provide guidance and room for failure; Students learn to share their challenges and celebrate successes; Campers go home with a project of their own design; Students benefit from a low student-to-staff ratio (4:1).
• Camp is restricted to one week per camper.
• Each year new challenges and tricks are introduced. Inventions are up to the students.
• Before camp, an email will be sent with logistical details, drop-off time and location, emergency contact information, and a link to review safety, participation, and media waivers.

Safety and Supervision

We use real tools and materials in our programs, and with that comes some inherent risk. Our staff will provide supervision and guidance to minimize risks and ensure a safe environment. Our team is trained in safety protocols, including basic first aid, and will act swiftly if any incidents occur.

Available Young Makers Camp Weeks (2023)

• July 8-12 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)
• July 15-19 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)
• July 22-26 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)