University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Summer Camps

Our technology and arts-based summer camps excite young minds and prepare them for a future of creative and collaborative work and play. Staff are committed to helping each camper reach their potential, and most importantly, have fun.





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Click here to go to this summer's camp page

CAMP
FORMS

Required forms for camp participation

Camp Scholarship Waiver

Learn more about free or reduced cost camps

General Summer Camp Information

For 2023 camp registration, please click on the summer camp link above

Drop Off

  • Fab Lab staff will be stationed outside to check-in campers and answer any questions.
  • Campers will need all their camp forms filled out and turned in the first day of camp.
  • Parents/Guardians will sign-in their campers each morning.
  • Fab Lab staff reserve the right to turn away campers that display any Covid-like symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue, etc..)

Pick Up

  • Campers will come outside as they are called once it is clear a parent/guardian is there to pick them up.
  • They will be signed out by a staff member.
  • If you are running late for any reason, please call the Lab at 217-265-5342

Snacks/Lunch

Campers need to come with their own snacks and water.

There will be an outdoor snack break during camp everyday (weather permitting).

Camp Waivers / Scholarships Available

Thanks to the amazing support we continue to receive from our Holiday Market Fundraisers, if your camper qualifies for free or reduced lunch we may be able to offer free or reduced price camps.

Learn More: Camp Waivers

Refund Policy

In efforts to keep campers and staff safe we have altered our refund policy to best accommodate any immediate cancellations due to a positive COVID test or reason to believe your camper may have been exposed to an illness and can no longer attend camp. In this case, a full refund for days missed or the full week missed will be given. 

However, if you know in advance of the camp you will no longer be able to attend, we do ask that you let us know as soon as possible so we can open up spots for those on the waitlist. 

Still Have Camp Questions?
Ask Here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fab Lab camps are for ages 10+. Our curricula has been designed for campers that have some basic computer knowledge, are able to independently problem solve, manage new tools, and engage in group work. *An exception can be made for campers who are 9 but will turn 10 on or before September 1st of this year.

 

 

It’s OK, life happens. Please email the Fab Lab to let instructors know. We’d also like to know if you have to leave early for any appointments.

Playing no, learning to use tools in the lab responsibly, yes!

Need-based scholarships are available. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

After you register, you will receive an automated confirmation email. If you do not receive an email, please contact us to make sure we know you are coming.

Camps will have a 15-20 min snack/recess break during each session. Snacks and drinks will NOT be provided.

Check out the tutorial gateway to learn about our tools and projects. If you have additional questions about specific camps, please feel free to email us with questions.

Philosophy and Learning Processes

All of our camps are designed to help participants come up with new ideas, solve problems, and make things. We strive to create an environment where design thinking flourishes, meaning that campers (and patrons) usually learn through the iteration of prototypes made using our tools. Practically, this means trying things, sometimes failing, returning to the design, and trying again. We believe that this approach encourages campers to cultivate creative thinking and determination in addition to exposing them to new technologies.

Our camps are also designed to inspire the development of cross disciplinary skills. A camper learning about art in video game design will come away from the experience having learned about creating digital art, video game logic, and storytelling. Campers learning to sew are also learning about digital design through digital embroidery and are gaining spatial skills through the geometry fundamental to sewing.

Last, we believe that campers across all of our camps experience immense satisfaction in seeing things from their imagination brought to life, whether it is a 3D print from a Minecraft model they built or an animated video they created. Campers love hands-on learning and take great pride in what they create.