Crash Course 500
WEEK 7: July 22- July 26
Ages 9 – 14
About This Camp
Join us for an exciting week at BitSpace’s Crash Course 500!
From July 22 to July 26, campers will explore physics principles through hands-on activities, including designing and testing egg-saving vessels.
Using woodworking and laser cutting techniques, kids will participate in:
ā¢ High-velocity crash test dummy collisions
ā¢ Long-jump competitions
ā¢ Wildcard challenge designed by campers
ā¢ Learning woodworking and laser cutting techniques
@bitspacechicago The crash test was a smash hit! š³š³š³ #eggdrop #forkids ā¬ Theme From A Summer Place – Percy Faith
Who Is It For?
Crash Course 500 is perfect for both newcomers and experienced campers ages 9 to 14.
To give your child the best possible experience, pleaseĀ choose a campĀ that aligns with their skills.
š ļøRequired Skills:
motor skills, planning ahead,Ā attention to detail,Ā basic computer skills
What does a typical day at Summer Camp look like?
Our camps offer more than just projects; they’re a springboard for skills that open doors to lifeās vast opportunities!
Monday is all about settling in! Campers meet the guides, cover safety, and learn the ropes for a fun, responsible makerspace experience.
The rest of the week goes something like thisā¦
- Morning Warm-Up: Icebreakers, brain teasers, and easy tasks to get our minds ready
- Mid-Morning: Brainstorming, designing, and planning big ideas
- Snack Break
- Creative Time: Hands-on building in the woodshop, digital lab, or textiles area
- Lunch Break
- Afternoon Check-In: Quick roundtable to share progress
- More Creative Time: Back to work on projects
- End of Day Clean-Up: Organize desks, tidy up, and put tools away
- Pickup at 4pm: Campers go home with stories and smiles!
Lunch Break: Weather permitting we head outside for some fresh air and fun eat our lunch. After lunch we jump right back into making progress on the week’s project.
Free Build: In the final working hour from Monday to Thursday, we switch gears for free-build time. This is when campers can let their creativity run wild, working on anything they choose that’s outside the scope of the weekly theme.
Why Parents Look Forward to Our Camps
ā Our son recently attended a school vacation mini camp. At the end of the week, he surprised me with a standing desk for my office. He was so proud of his accomplishment. And I was floored. Thank you BitSpace for encouraging my son to be creative, develop a plan, get dirty and build something cool. ā
āMarissa, parent
ā After day one Julie told my husband and I she couldn’t wait to get back to the camp the next day. That never happens in our house! She built a skateboard. It started with the design concept, built a mold and then used power tools and muscle to finish the board. She has continued to practice how to use a skateboard and has been recording her progress! Thank you BitSpace for building confidence in a girl in what might be regarded as a boys interest. Super cool and fun. ā
āEileen, proud Mum of Julie age 9
What You’ll Get
FIVE (7-hour) days of camp facilitated by professional architects, designers and makers
Complimentary Before and After Care for when you need some extra time to get to or from work. We watch educational (but fun) videos or brainstorm for free-build
All the materials needed for the entire week
Access to state-of-the-art tools and technology (e.g. 3D printers, programmable electronics, virtual reality integration, and so much more.*)
Traditional woodworking training
Life skills development ( time management, persistence and determination to name a few)
Direct support from expert guides
Camper’s project to take home with them
All-In Price for 5 DAYS of Camp:
$800
ā ļø Updated Safety Guidelines
- Masking During Specific Activities
While we’ve relaxed general mask requirements, masks will be used during high sawdust activities for additional safety. They also help protect campers from airborne particles and dust in the workshop. - Health Monitoring
If your child has a cough or cold symptoms, they will be asked to wear a mask at camp for the safety of all participants. In the event of visible illness symptoms at camp, parents will be expected to pick up their child. - No Vaccination Proof Required
We no longer require proof of vaccination for participation. However, we encourage everyone to follow the latest health guidance to ensure the well-being of all campers and staff.
Thousands of Ideas Brought to Life
Check out some of the incredible projects created by campers with our guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. As long as it can fit through our doors and yours (and they have your approval).
Projects made during the InterAct camp week, however, will remain at BitSpace as a semi-permanent installation.
No. Once you sign up, your child gets free access to our tools and equipment during their stay at the camp.
Note: For safety reasons, some of our tools are restricted for older kids (ages 11+).
You are welcome to request to switch to a different camp week, provided there’s availability. We recommend making this request at least 30 days before your target camp date to ensure we can accommodate you. Just drop an email to Cherry at cherry@bitspacechicago.com, and weāll help update your registration.
For requests made 30 days prior to the camp start date, we offer a full refund or transfer to another week of camp, if spots are available.
For requests made less than 30 days in advance, we offer a transfer to another week of camp, if spots are available, or a shop credit for future use to be used within 1 year from the date of issuance.
We do not offer refunds or credits for no-shows.
Campers don’t need to have a specific product idea to join the camp. Part of what we do is to help them generate and refine their ideas as we dive into making.
If your child is excited to join Bitspace, so are we! Fort Week is the perfect camp for kids 7-9 who are excited to make. This is the week for only the youngest of makers.
We also have Day Off Camps for kids 8 and up. They’re a great introduction for the younger makers to explore the makerspace.
If your child is showing signs of interest in taking things apart or testing the limits of what they are trying to do at home, then they’re more than ready for our camp!
They have as much agency as an architect would have when asked to design a museum. Their ideas are 100% their own but within the container of a conceptual topic.