DESIGN THINKING CAMPS

In Design a Better Block, campers will become architects and urban planners as they use LEGO to create imaginative and functional neighborhoods. Over two weeks, students will design eco-friendly “smart homes,” public spaces like parks and playgrounds, and sustainable transportation systems. They’ll also collaborate to build a large LEGO mini-city, with each camper designing their own unique “block” as part of the community. The camp concludes with a showcase where families can explore the students’ creative visions for a better, more sustainable future.

What if you could design the next big toy or game? In The Future of Play camp, students will become toy inventors and game creators, using their imaginations to build fun, interactive, and original play experiences. Campers will analyze what makes toys exciting, explore different types of play, and learn about game mechanics and storytelling. By the end of the two-week session, students will have created unique projects like board games with hand-drawn art and custom rules, interactive card games with surprise elements, and toy prototypes made from clay, LEGOs, and 3D-printed parts. They’ll also build mini arcade-style games using simple coding tools like Makey Makey or Micro:bit kits. The week ends with a “Toy Fair,” where students showcase and demonstrate their creations to family and friends.

In Collaborative Mural Camp, young artists will work together to design and create a stunning mural that will transform the staircase of Newburgh Creates, spanning from the ground floor to the third. Over two exciting weeks, campers will explore 2D design, learn hands-on painting techniques, and experiment with mixed-media materials like clay, wood, and found objects to craft unique panels. They’ll also develop skills with various tools, bringing their creative visions to life. The camp culminates in an opening night celebration, where family and friends can admire their masterpiece and celebrate their creativity in our gallery space. Don’t miss this chance to inspire your child with the power of art and collaboration!

Step into the future with the Robotics Adventure summer camp, where students become engineers, coders, and problem-solvers. This hands-on, high-energy camp introduces students to the exciting world of robotics using LEGO Spike Prime kits. Throughout the camp, participants will build and program custom robots to complete fun weekly challenges. From navigating obstacle courses to designing robots that can pick up and deliver items, students will develop essential STEM skills like coding, critical thinking, and teamwork. Each day, students will complete smaller robotics challenges, and by the end of the camp, they will compete in a friendly Robotics Competition where students’ robots face off in speed, strength, and problem-solving tests. No prior experience is needed — just a passion for building and a love of learning!