Are you looking for a free, high quality STEM summer camp for your kids?
If your child is 12-18 years old and loves to build, hack, and tinker, then Maker Camp 2015 might be perfect. The summer camp runs July 6- August 14 and features themes including fantasy, funkytown, farmstead, fun and games, flight, and far-out future. Maker Camp is sponsored by Google and Maker Media, the company that publishes the popular MAKE magazine for DIY enthusiasts.
What makes Maker Camp unique is that it is a virtual summer camp hosted by organizations around the world. At these camps, kids get to explore, invent, and build things. Some organizations set up real-world camps but many kids also participate online using the Google+ community platform. On Google+, kids can watch videos, get project instructions, and interact with other campers to share ideas.
I learned about Maker Camp from Liz Rowland, the Young Adult Librarian at the Newton Free Library in Newton, MA.  Liz said it was a great program, and that last year’s kit included a MaKey MaKey invention kit, LEDs, copper tape, an Arduino board, button batteries, and many other maker supplies. The teens especially enjoyed making steampunk jewelry. Another favorite activity was creating light up cards with copper tape and LEDs. The kids had such a good experience last summer that the Newton library has applied to be part of the program again this year.
3 Ways to Get Your Child Involved
1. Sign-up and participate online from home.
2. Find a camp in your area. Many libraries, makerspaces and community centers (e.g., Boys & Girls Clubs) host camps.
3. Apply to host your own physical camp.
Being part of the Maker Movement gives kids hands-on experience with engineering and helps them to learn by doing. The Maker Movement emphasizes creativity and exploration, and teaches kids that failure is ok. Failure is actually expected in the design and build process and helps kids to learn resiliency. Visit the Google+ Maker Camp community page to get ideas and see what other camps have planned.
