Overview

Students will design and build their own project in this four-week workshop. The first two weeks will be spent on an introductory challenge to introduce students to new engineering concepts and safely use tools in the makerspace. The remaining weeks are dedicated to students working on individual projects with Bakken Museum educators' and volunteer mentors' support and guidance. At the end of the four weeks, friends and family are invited to our Big Show, where students present their innovations and share their challenges and wins from the program.

Young Makers Inventors Club is a newer iteration of the beloved original program but suited to a younger age group (7- and 8-year-olds) and takes place over 4 Saturdays rather than 6. Many Young Makers students are entirely new to makerspace settings, so the projects they work on are at their younger, introductory level.

The Young Makers camp is designed for innovators who will be entering 2nd or 3rd grade in the fall. To best accommodate the younger audience, this is a half-day camp that has a morning session from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a separate afternoon session from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students will engage with group problem-solving challenges, skill-building, project time, and take-home tricks, and we've tailored the activities, materials, and tools specific to this age group.

Additional Information

• Cost: $200; $180 for household and supporting members.
• Scholarships: SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE. The Bakken offers income-based scholarships to help provide access to its youth programs.
• Membership Discount: Household and Supporting members receive a 10% discount on registration.
• Big Show: At the end of the four weeks, friends and family are invited to our Big Show, where students present their innovations and share their challenges and wins from the program.
• Take-Home Projects: Students will keep and take home their daily science tricks and their final projects at the end of the week.
• Drop Off and Pick Up: Young Makers Camp will similarly open the doors 15 minutes before camp starts and have a drop off window 10 minutes before and after the half-day ends.
• Volunteer Mentors: Volunteer mentors can also sign up to assist with this program, and it could be a suitable role for Summer Camp Volunteers to be involved during the school year.
• Session Times:
  • MORNING SESSION: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • AFTERNOON SESSION: 1:30-3:30 p.m.