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

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)

Young Makers Camp (Grades 2-3)

• 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.
• Five-day camp: $240, $216 for Household and Supporting Members

Camp Innovation (Grades 4-9)

• Full-day 5-day camp
• Five-day camp: $470, $423 for Household & Supporting Members
• Four-day camp: $380, $342 for Household & Supporting Members

All-Girls Camp

• Features the same activities and challenges as other camps, with the only difference being the composition of the class.
• Intended to present girls with the opportunity to explore activities and environments that too often appear reserved for boys.
• Provides a safe, comfortable environment that empowers young women to pursue science and innovation in their lives.

STTEM Camp (Science, Technology, Tennis, Engineering, and Math)

• Offered in partnership with St. Paul Urban Tennis.
• For students ages eight through 13.
• Students will play tennis and design, build, and showcase their very own inventions.
• Free for all participants.
• Priority given to youth from underrepresented and historically excluded communities within the STEM field.
• Campers will participate in two separate sessions of tennis throughout the day.

Registration Dates (2024):

• Wednesday, January 17 (12 p.m.) - Scholarship Drive Access Open + Scholarship Applications Open
• Wednesday, January 24 (12 p.m.) - Bakken Museum Member Access Open
• Thursday, January 30 (12 p.m.) - General registration available to everyone

Registration Dates (2025):

• Wednesday, January 15 (12 p.m.) - Scholarship Drive and Scholarship Applications Open
• Wednesday, January 22 (12 p.m.) - Bakken Museum Member Access Open
• Thursday, January 30 (12 p.m.) - General registration available to everyone

Scholarships:

• 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.
• Space is reserved in each summer camp session for scholarship applicants.

Member Benefits:

• Early access to summer camps.
• 10% discount on registration to all camps and classes throughout the year for Household and Supporting Members.

Camp Staff:

• Experienced educators lead camps.
• Supported by high school and college-aged counselors with a passion for STEM and experience working with children.

Safety and Supervision:

• Staff provide supervision and guidance to minimize risks and ensure a safe environment.
• Team is trained in safety protocols, including basic first aid.
• Behavioral expectations and safety practices are available upon request.