12+

Technology surrounds us and is so woven into our everyday lives.  Even entertainment, like video games, has grown so much in popularity and accessibility becoming a driving force in our culture. Despite this, it is nice to take a step back and see which way the dice fall. In the tradition of classic tabletop gaming, create a war band of miniatures and skirmish with other 'bands' to gain wealth, power, and size. Painting your figures gives them a personality all their own. In between games, help with the construction of a detailed scenery board to have for years to come. Build the environment, learn strategies, play the game. All levels are welcome.

Do you see the automated world around you? Are you curious about how it all works? This is the camp for you. Your curiosity will drive you to problem-solve through the lens of robotics.

Assemble, program, and modify a robot to accomplish various tasks: drive around a track, draw a picture, or dance to music. Try out various sensors that let your robot detect the world around it, and work with a partner to figure out how to solve a maze. Take your robot home at the end of the week and continue tinkering at home.

Utilize the open-source electronics prototyping platform, Arduino,  used by hundreds of thousands of makers and hobbyists across the planet. With an Arduino board, you can control a huge variety of devices and projects with only minimal knowledge of electronics.

Please note: This 4 Day Camp, there is no camp on Friday.

Learn from a seasoned FLL (First Lego League) Pro. Lego Mindstorms is a system of parts that can be programmed to complete a task.

Add motors to move your creation around, and sensors to let it detect the world around it. Then, learn the basics of programming and make your robot accomplish tasks difficult for a purely mechanical machine to do. Work with others to tackle engineering challenges and build robots that you design. Work with a partner to solve problems. Collaboration is a key to refined design.

Please note that the tools and techniques explored in this camp require an advanced level of strength and manual dexterity. We will not accept any campers who are younger than 12, and we ask that parents call us to discuss any questions regarding their child's readiness. Campers may also meet the instructor before signing up.

Over the course of a week, you will design, build, paint, and relax in an Adirondack Chair. Following an introduction to furniture design, you will learn to construct this traditional style of chair using various hand tools such as drills, drivers, and handsaws. Bring your personal flair to your design. Construct a custom chair that reflects your personality. Add it to your collection. Enjoy your chair for years to come! 

This is the perfect camp for aspiring engineers or those curious about flight. This camp will test your patience and perseverance to create delicate balsa wood flyers.

Construct and fly free–flight models, powered by hand, by catapult, and by twisted rubber. Beginning to advanced projects. Traditional designs or on your own. With a trip to Rice Field for flight trials.

Have you ever wondered how your dishes were made? In this workshop, you will learn some of the processes used in industrial ceramics fabrication. Test out split-casting molds to make uniform cups for your table—add a handle and call it a mug. Make plates and bowls with slump and drape molds. Extrude clay for precise components.

Participants will be making high-fire ceramic dishes that are food-safe. Bowls, plates, cups and more.

Learn the basics of Blender, a professional, open source 3D modeling and animation toolkit. Blender is used to create animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, interactive 3D applications and video games. This program contains numerous modeling features as well as an integrated game and physics engine.

Start with a 2D animation to familiarize yourself with the software. Work up to modeling and rigging a 3D character animation.

Beads are purposeful and playful. For approximately 100,000 years beads have withstood the test of time. Originally made from shells, beads  are one of the first materials in history  used for decorative jewelry making. In prehistoric times beads played a role in tradition and rituals and today this remains true along with their use in pure decoration and aesthetics. For some they are calming stress relievers like worry beads and for others they are a great way to dangle decor on your key chain, shoes, purses, and jewelry. 

This week campers will discover the versatile ways in which beads can be used to form everything from natural forms like beetles and spiders to jewelry. They will learn how to use tools and techniques to bring their beaded creations to life. There is so much to discover with beads apart from the conventional. Join us and discover traditional and non traditional beading, how different materials work and maybe you will even make your own beads in clay and glass!

We are in the midst of the “Maker” revolution and we have the tools to turn your ideas into reality. Crash courses in laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC milling will lend you the resources to build your designs.  Refine your skills by designing and making a clock.

After learning the basics you will work in a small group for a friendly yet fierce design competition. 

Join Artist in Residence Kat Wiese in a beginner-friendly 5-day papermaking and collage camp. Learn to make laser-cut stencils, pulp paintings, and handmade paper with embossing, collage, and Japanese stab-binding. After pulling a sheet of cotton paper, create a rich image using an assortment of finely pigmented (colored) pulp and stencils. Pulp painting with stencils allows for control, while painting with pulp can create otherworldly effects. Participants will be provided materials to make cotton and abaca paper, and are encouraged to bring recycled papers, dried plants, or other materials they may want to include in their paper or collage. See an outline of the course below.