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.

Additional Information

• Registration: General registration for 2026 summer camp will be announced soon. Summer camps sell out quickly. Waitlists will be made available as sessions become full. If a session is filled, you can join our notification list. Throughout the season, if spots become available, we will periodically reach out to everyone on the list for that week. After being emailed, you will be able to register for the open spot(s) on a first-come/first-served basis until the session is full again.
• Scholarships & Discounts: 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: 85% of the program cost for families receiving public assistance, and 50% of the program cost for other families needing assistance with a qualifying income. Space is reserved in each summer camp session for scholarship applicants. Processing time may vary and may take up to a week. All members of The Bakken Museum receive early access to the museum's summer camps. Members at the household, senior household, and supporting levels also receive a 10% discount on registration to all camps and classes throughout the year.
• Program Details:
  • 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 to share the experience with as many students as possible.
  • Each year, new challenges and tricks are introduced. Inventions are up to the students.
  • Students will keep and take home their daily science tricks and their final projects at the end of the week.
• Camp Staff: Our experienced educators lead camps. Our education staff is supported by high school and college-aged counselors who have a passion for STEM and experience working with children.
• Safety & Supervision: We use real tools and materials in our programs, and with that comes some inherent risk, especially when working with sharp, hot, or heavy tools. 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. Closed-toed shoes are required when working in the makerspace.
• All-Girls Camp: Our all-girls camp features the same activities and challenges as the other camps, with the only difference being the composition of the class. These camps are intended to present girls with the opportunity to explore activities and environments that too often appear reserved for boys. By providing a camp for girls exclusively, we hope to provide a safe, comfortable environment that empowers young women to pursue science and innovation in their lives. The Bakken Museum seeks to be an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners. Our "Girls" camps include young people who identify as cis, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender queer, gender expansive and any girl-identified young person.
• Meals: Campers should bring their own lunch and water bottle. Lunches and drinks will be set aside in the morning until lunchtime. There is no microwave or refrigerator available for camper use. All lunches will be conducted outdoors, except under extreme weather conditions, usually at picnic tables or in the grass under a tree.
• Refund Policy:
  • More Than 6 weeks before program start date: You may cancel at any time. A $50 administration fee will be deducted from your refund.
  • Two to Six weeks before program start date: A refund is only available if we can fill your space. If we fill your spot, we will issue a refund minus a $50 administration fee.
  • Less than Two weeks before program start date: No refunds will be issued.
• Camp Innovation (Grades 4-9): This is a full-day 5-day camp. It officially starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. Drop off is available from 8:45 a.m. and pick up from 3:50 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. Projects and challenge solutions from this session tend to be more advanced and/or complex, giving older campers a chance to work among their peers.
• Young Makers Camp (Grades 2-3): This is a half-day 5-day camp. It has a morning session from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a separate afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Drop off is 15 minutes before camp starts, and pick up is 10 minutes before and after the half-day ends. Activities, materials, and tools are tailored specific to this younger age group.
• 2025 Pricing (2026 pricing TBD):
  • 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.
  • Camp Innovation (Grades 4-9) Four-day camp: $380, $342 for Household & Supporting Members.
• Pre-Camp Communication: Before camp, an email will be sent with logistical details, like drop-off time and location, and to confirm student details like emergency contact information. Included in that email will be a link to review safety, participation, and media waivers.