Overview

Campers entering grades 2 and 3 are invited to participate in a special half-day camp for aspiring makers and inventors. Get practice using some basic tools and learn the Bakken Museum's invention process while designing and building a unique take-home project.

Additional Information

• 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 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a separate afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 4 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.
• Young Makers Camp is a half-day (AMs or PMs) 5-day camp.
• Students learn to responsibly use tools and technology.
• Students benefit from a low student-to-staff ratio (4:1).
• Campers go home with a project of their own design.
• Students will keep and take home their daily science tricks and their final projects at the end of the week.
• 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.

Cost & Discounts

• Five-day camp: $240
• $216 for Household and Supporting Members
• Household and Supporting members receive a 10% discount on registration.

Scholarships

• Two types of need-based scholarships available.
• Scholarships for 85% of the program cost are available to families receiving public assistance.
• Scholarships for 50% of the program cost are available to other families needing assistance with a qualifying income.
• Scholarships are funded by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Summer Academic Enrichment Program and donations from generous supporters.

Meals & Snacks

• 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. This will usually happen at our picnic tables or in the grass under a tree.
• The Bakken Museum will provide a small, individual serving of snacks in the morning. This usually consists of something like pretzels or goldfish crackers, and we do our best to avoid common allergens. Students are welcome to bring their own snacks if they want more to eat or do not want the snack provided. Campers are also encouraged to bring their own water bottle to prevent frequent trips to the drinking fountain.

Outdoor Time

• A half-day camp will have an outdoor break halfway through their day.

Enrollment

• Camp is restricted to one week per camper so we may share this experience with as many students as possible.

Curriculum

• Each year we come up with new challenges and tricks for our students to try. The inventions are up to the students, so they are free to come up with something entirely new and original.

Pre-Camp Information

• Before camp, we will send you an email with logistical details, like drop-off time and location. We will also confirm student details like emergency contact information. Included in that email will be a link to review our safety, participation, and media waivers.

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.

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.