SUMMER CAMP AT THE BAKKEN MUSEUM

SUMMER CAMP

THE SUMMER CAMP YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR.

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.

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)

2025 registration dates coming soon. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date.

  • All members of The Bakken Museum receive early access to the museum’s summer camps. Members at the household, senior household, and supporting levels also receive a 10% discount on registration to all camps and classes throughout the year. See below for camp pricing.

    BECOME A MEMBER

  • General registration for summer camp will open on Thursday, January 30, at 12 a.m. (midnight). Summer camps sell out quickly. Waitlists will be made available as sessions become full.

  • The Bakken Museum is committed to making youth programs accessible to all individuals regardless of their financial situation.

    Scholarships are 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, and space is reserved in each summer camp session for scholarship applicants.

    Processing time may vary and we will respond to request as quickly as possible. This may take up to a week.

    View our complete scholarship guide here to learn more and apply.

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YOUNG MAKERS CAMP

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.

GRADES: 2-3
COST: $240, $216 for Household and Supporting Members

2025 CAMP DATES:

June 23-27 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
June 23-27 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)
July 7-11 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
July 7-11 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)
July 14-18 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
July 14-18 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)
July 21-25 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
July 21-25 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)
July 28 - August 1 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
July 28 - August 1 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)
August 4-8 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
August 4-8 (1 p.m.-4 p.m.)

CAMP INNOVATION

Campers entering grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 will design and build their own project with full access to the museum makerspace and all of the tools and materials. Campers will be challenged, their creativity will be stretched, and their problem-solving skills will be exercised as they practice the innovation process.

GRADES: 4-9
COST:

  • Five-day camp: $470, $423 for Household and Supporting Members

  • Four-day camp: $380, $342 for Household and Supporting Members

2025 CAMP DATES:

June 9-13 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
June 16-20 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
June 23-27 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) All girls camp*
June 30 - July 3 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) Four-day camp
July 7-11 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
July 14-18 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
July 21-25 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
July 28 - August 1 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
August 4-8 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
August 11-15 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
August 18-22 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
August 25-29 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) All girls camp*

*The Bakken Museum seeks to be an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners. Our “Girls” camps are open to trans girls, cis girls, non-binary young people, and/or any gender expansive young people.

Reviews from parents of summer camp participants

“My kids had a lot of fun and learned a lot about being creative, working through the engineering process and seeing success in building something new that they can feel proud of.”

“Loved how excited by all the activities and guides the kids were EVERY day they came home. It was awesome to hear how hands-on they were - including using soldering irons the very first day! Impressive. A great way for the kids to spend the week learning and playing.”

“My son loved this camp and can't wait to go back! Very well organized, and the project showcase was a great event at the end.”

CAMP 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. Interested in becoming a Bakken Museum Summer Camp Educator? 

Contact André Phillips to be alerted about opportunities.

Scholarships

Scholarships to The Bakken Museum’s summer camps are funded by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education Summer Academic Enrichment Program and donations from generous supporters. You can help provide enriching summer camp experiences to students by making a tax-deductible donation here.

Learn about scholarship eligibility and apply.

FAQs

Visit our frequently asked questions webpage to learn all the ins-and-outs of summer camp at The Bakken Museum.

View the summer camp FAQ here.