Overview

Campers entering grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 will 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.

Additional Information

Pricing:

• Five-day camp: $470
• $423 for Household & Supporting Members

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.

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.
• Processing time may vary and we will respond to request as quickly as possible. This may take up to a week.
• View our complete scholarship guide here to learn more and apply.

Member Access:

• 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.

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.

What students do:

• 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.

What's different about the camp for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders?

• The major difference between this session and the rest is what the students bring of themselves to the camp.
• The projects and challenge solutions from this session tend to be more advanced and/or complex.
• Otherwise, these camps are mostly intended to give our older campers a chance to work among their peers.

Refund Policy:

• Cancellation Before the Program Start Date
  • More Than 6 weeks: You may cancel at any time at least 6 weeks before the program begins. A $50 administration fee will be deducted from your refund.
  • Two to Six weeks: 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. We will notify you as soon as possible if your spot is filled and a refund is approved.
  • Less than Two weeks: No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 14 days of the start date of the program.

Safety and Supervision:

• We use real tools and materials in our programs, and with that comes some inherent risk. This is especially true when students are working with sharp, hot, or heavy tools.
• We believe that learning from mistakes is an important part of growth.
• 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.
• Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about our behavioral expectations or safety practices.

Every Session:

• 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)