Summer 2026 Camps — Registration Now Open!
We're thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for Illinois MakerLab Summer 2026 Camps! This summer we're offering five week-long programs for young makers ages 10-17, running from June 1 through July 31 (no camp the week of June 29 – July 3).
Whether your camper is a Minecraft fan, a budding engineer, or curious about AI, we have a camp for them. And this year, we're introducing two brand-new camps featuring cutting-edge robotics!
Our Five Camps
Minecraft + 3D Printing (Ages 10+)
Our flagship camp is back! Campers design creations in Minecraft, then learn to model and 3D print them in the real world. With 8 sessions across the summer, this is our most popular program. Perfect for first-time makers.
Adventures in 3D Modeling (Ages 10-17)
Dive into professional-grade 3D modeling with Autodesk Fusion 360. Campers learn to design from scratch and bring their ideas to life on our 3D printers. Two sessions available.
Generative AI + 3D Printing (Ages 12+)
Explore the frontier of artificial intelligence and digital fabrication. Campers use generative AI tools to create unique designs, then 3D print their creations. Two sessions available.
Build Your Own Robot Arm (Ages 12+) — NEW!
In this hands-on camp, small teams of up to 5 campers build a real SO-ARM100 robot arm from the ground up. Campers assemble, wire, and program their robot arm — then take on challenges to test what it can do. Two sessions available.
AI Robotics with Reachy Mini (Ages 12+) — NEW!
Meet Reachy Mini Lite, a humanoid robot designed for learning AI and robotics. In small groups of up to 5, campers program Reachy to see, move, and interact with the world. Two sessions available.
Schedule and Pricing
- Dates: June 1 – July 31, 2026 (no camp week of June 29 – July 3)
- Schedule: 3 hours per day, 5 days a week — morning (9am–12pm) or afternoon (1pm–4pm) sessions
- Price: $250 per week
- Early bird: $225 per week if registered by March 15!
Refund Policy
All camps have a $20 non-refundable deposit. Full refund (minus deposit) if cancelled 21+ days before camp. Half refund (minus deposit) if cancelled 8-20 days before. No refund within 7 days of camp start. Campers may switch sessions at no cost if seats are available.
Register Today
Spots fill up fast, especially for our new robotics camps (limited to 5 campers each). Don't wait — register now to secure your spot and lock in early bird pricing before March 15!
For full details on each camp, schedules, and session dates, visit our Summer Camps page.
Questions? Email us at uimakerlab@illinois.edu.