2024 Teen Summer Camps
We believe every teen has the potential to be a maker. Our camps transform teens into lifelong makers through hands-on experiences in woodworking, digital fabrication, art, and entrepreneurship. These projects inspire creativity, critical thinking, and practical skills, preparing teens to tackle real-world challenges and pursue their passions confidently.
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Ultimate Makers: Intro to Digital Fabrication using Lasers, 3D, and Electronics (12+)
In this camp teens sharpen skills to make ideas a reality using cutting-edge technology including digital fabrication, laser cutting, soldering, 3D printing, and electronics. Each day brings new challenges to build skills and broaden creativity. In our state of the art makerspace, campers innovate and create under the guidance of expert makers, transforming from curious learners to skilled creators.
Schedule: June 17, 2024 to June 21, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm (closed June 19th in observation of Juneteenth)
Price: $450
Location: Events Bay
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Woodworking 101 (13+)
Tailored for budding junior makers, this camp is designed for young enthusiasts eager to explore the wonders of a woodshop in a secure environment. Students will get hands-on experience with a variety of tools including drill presses, scroll saws, drills, hammers, and hand saws. They'll craft projects to proudly take home and cherish. No previous shop experience needed!
Schedule: June 24, 2024 to June 28, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $400
Location: Woodshop
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Makers' Movie Magic: Stop-Motion Filmmaking (Age 12+)
Students will direct, record and animate their own short stop-motion animation sketch. Makers will design and build a set using generative AI in combination with traditional design and fabrication tools. Then they’ll create their characters and animate them in a storyline. This class will allow creativity and self expression while also teaching skills of design, storytelling, digital editing, and animation principles.
Schedule: June 24, 2024 to June 28, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $ 425
Location: Events Bay here
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Ultimate Makers: Intro to Digital Fabrication using Lasers, 3D, and Electronics (12+)
In this camp teens sharpen skills to make ideas a reality using cutting-edge technology including digital fabrication, laser cutting, soldering, 3D printing, and electronics. Each day brings new challenges to build skills and broaden creativity. In our state of the art makerspace, campers innovate and create under the guidance of expert makers, transforming from curious learners to skilled creators.
Tools and Skills: 3D printing, Soldering, electronics, Laser Cutting, Vinyl Cutting, sublimation printing, heat press and hand tools!
Schedule: July 1, 2024 to July 5, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm (closed July 4th in observation of Independence pence Day)
Price: $450
Location: Events Bay
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Comics and Manga (12+)
Dive into the world of Comics and Manga! Campers will ignite their creativity using both digital and traditional tools to create their own stories. Guided by experienced artists, they'll be introduced to the fundamentals of character development and storytelling. Campers will use makerspace tools to transform their designs into a variety of formats such as comic books, buttons, and more.
Schedule: July 1, 2024 to July 5, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $425
Location: Events Bay
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Woodworking & Metalworking (14+)
In this intensive camp tailored for aspiring makers, elevate your skills from 80 to 220-grit! Teens will delve into the world of woodworking and metalworking, mastering the safe and proficient use of equipment to craft stunning and practical objects. Led by seasoned educator-makers, this premier camp offers a comprehensive learning experience for teens keen on honing their shop skills to perfection.
Schedule: July 8, 2024 to July 12, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $400
Location: Woodshop and Metalshop
Note this camp is full. Check out the next one below on August 5th! -
DIY Synth: Music & Electronics (13+)
In this camp, teens will discover how to convert electricity into sound by building their own synthesizer. Participants will gain a foundation in electronics, mastering basic concepts and techniques such as soldering and laser cutting. They will assemble their synth board using a pre-designed kit and then design a custom laser-cut case to encase the electronics. By the end of the week, campers will have their own synthesizer to take home and the skills to create music with it. (For Teen ages 13-18)
Schedule: July 15, 2024 to July 19, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $425
Location: Events Bay
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Art Studio: Jewelry, Stained Glass and Resin (13+)
Teens will be immersed in the Nova Labs Artisan Studio for a week of artistic exploration. Perfect for art-loving makers, campers will unleash their creativity through crafting metal jewelry, experimenting with resin, and assembling stained glass! They will learn stained glass techniques from cutting to soldering, craft their own jewelry using various metalworking and beading methods, and learn to pour and cast resin. This camp offers a blend of creativity and skill-building. Campers will take pride in bringing home stunning handmade projects while gaining hands-on experience with an array of tools available at the Nova Labs Artisan Studio.
Schedule: July 15, 2024 to July 19, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $400
Location: The Studio
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Woodworking: Woodcut Art & Murals (12+)
Campers will receive instruction from a professional artist experienced in creating public art within the DMV region. They'll explore the history and techniques of public art and engage in hands-on sessions to develop skills in woodcutting, painting, and sculpture. The highlight of the camp will be the collaborative creation of a woodcut and painted mural to adorn Nova Labs, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. Each student will be able to take home one of the completed collaborative mural panels. No previous shop experience needed.
Schedule: July 22, 2024 to July 26, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $425
Location: Events Bay
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Shop Foundations: Mixed Media Makers (12+)
This art filled camp is designed for young makers and artists looking to explore the Mixed Media Shop at Nova Labs! Perfect for beginners, campers will learn foundational making skills in a safe and secure environment. They will gain hands-on experience with a variety of tools, including drills, hammers, and hand saws, and learn techniques in wood, casting, sculpting, and painting. As they learn these techniques throughout the week they will build an interactive bluetooth sound sculpture that they get to take home at the end of the week. No previous shop experience needed! Taught by artist and sculptor, Jeremy Kunkel.
Schedule: July 29, 2024 to August 2, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $400Location: Mixed Media Shop
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Cosplay, Costumes, and Props (12+)
Learn the ins and outs of prop-making and cosplay. Campers will create a helmet, a cloak, and various props using makerspace tools like laser cutters, heat presses, sewing machines, and 3D printers. Inspired by their favorite characters and shows, they will bring their ideas to life with hands-on experience and creativity.
Schedule: July 29, 2024 to August 2, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pmPrice: $425
Location: Events Bay
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Woodworking & Metalworking: Wheels Edition
Build and ride your own scooter. This camp introduces tools and skills in wood craft and metal working. Learn to effectively design and build from the ground up a fully functional scooter you can ride away with at the end of the camp.
Schedule: August 5, 2024 to August 9, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $425
Location: Woodshoop & Metalshop
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Novice to Pro: Explore a Path to Creative Entrepreneurship
This camp is designed for aspiring artists and makers interested in taking the first steps to making their art into a brand and building a creative business. Participants will learn the building blocks of what it takes to put together a portfolio for bigger opportunities like college, entrepreneurship, and freelancing. Projects this week will include designing a business card, writing an artist statement, preparing a portfolio, considerations for selling art online, and more.
Guided by practicing artist and small business owner Lee Sowell of Lee Strawberry, who sells artwork at conventions and artist alleys within the DMV.
Recommended for campers going into 10th grade through 12th graders who have just graduated high school in 2024.
Schedule: Aug 5, 2024 to Aug 9, 2024 - 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: $375
Location: Events Bay
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Digital Art + Drones Coding Camp
Our first full day camp offering! This camp is a cooperative camp with DigiKidz Academy. Campers will spend he first half of the day at Digikidz Academy in Chantilly learning Digital Art and then they will be transported to Nova Labs to learn to code and fly drones. Visit DigiKidz partner website for more details and registration.
Recommended Minimum Age: 8+
Price: Visit DigiKidz registration page for pricing.
Date and Time: August 12 to August 16, 9AM-5PM
Transportation between DigiKidz and Nova Labs will be provided by DigiKidz. Parents will drop off and pick up the campers at DigiKidz.