More Summer Camps › NOVA Labs Makerschool
NOVA Labs makerschool provides an uncommon, innovative approach to twenty-first-century education! It strives to create the global innovators, leaders, and makers of the future by offering authentic opportunities for learning, play, and experimentation.
Your children — from ages 6 through high school — are invited to join them for a maker camp like no other! Whether they’re budding hobbyists, tinkerers, engineers, artisans, or entrepreneurs, NOVA Labs makerschool has a summer opportunity for them:
AGES 6-9
GRADES 1-3
Jun 29-Jul 3, 2026
LEGO Master Builders
This camp explores LEGO worlds, amusement parks, space builds, and moving creations. Campers build with LEGO bricks and motorized elements while learning basic engineering concepts. Through guided challenges, they design structures and vehicles that move and spin, building creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Note: LEGO bricks are not taken home.
Jun 22-26, 2026
Young Inventors: Explore Mechanical Machines
Young inventors explore simple machines, gears, and motion while designing creative builds. Campers prototype ideas with LEGO before creating take-home inventions using mixed materials. The program introduces foundational engineering concepts while encouraging curiosity and hands-on problem-solving.
Jul 6-10, 2026
Dragon Tamers: Make Mechanical Dragons
Campers design and create their own mechanical dragon companions. Projects include crafting dragon armor, sewing soft creatures, and building moving designs. This imaginative camp blends storytelling, mechanics, and hands-on making to bring each dragon to life.
Jul 13-17, 2026
Magic Makers: Magician’s Academy
This camp introduces young magicians to tricks, props, and performance skills. Campers create items like wands and capes while learning illusion and presentation techniques. Activities build confidence, creativity, and storytelling through hands-on magic experiences.
Jul 20-24, 2026
Junior Engineers: Build for Land, Air, & Sea
Campers explore how things move across land, air, and water. They design vehicles, test flight and launch ideas, and build floating creations using LEGO and other materials. This program encourages experimentation and problem-solving through hands-on engineering.
Jul 27-31, 2026
Makers of Wonder: Enchanted Forest Creatures
This creative camp invites campers to design forest creatures using fabric, felt, and craft materials. Projects may include wings, crowns, and creature homes, as well as simple sewing. Storytelling and imaginative play help bring each creation to life.
Aug 3-7, 2026
Young Inventors: LEGO Prototyping Camp
Campers design and test machines using LEGO mechanisms and hands-on materials. They explore gears, motion, and simple machines while building moving creations. LEGO serves as a tool for testing and improving ideas before creating a final take-home invention.
Aug 10-14, 2026
LEGO Master Builders
This camp focuses on imaginative LEGO builds, from cities to space creations. Campers use bricks and motorized elements to design moving structures through guided challenges. The experience builds creativity, confidence, and foundational engineering skills. Note: LEGO bricks are not taken home.
AGES 8-12
GRADES 4-6
Jun 22-26, 2026
Makerspace Explorers
This camp introduces students to makerspace tools like 3D printers, electronics, and hand tools. Campers complete hands-on projects while learning safe tool use and building independence. As they earn Maker Passport stamps, they gain confidence working with materials and technology.
Jun 29-Jul 3, 2026
Makerspace Explorers
This camp introduces students to makerspace tools like 3D printers, electronics, and hand tools. Campers complete hands-on projects while learning safe tool use and building independence. As they earn Maker Passport stamps, they gain confidence working with materials and technology.
Jul 6-10, 2026
Micro-Pets with Micro:Bits: Build a Robot Companion
Campers design and build robotic companions using the Micro:Bit platform. They craft their creations with maker materials, then code behaviors like movement, light, and sound. Through testing and personalization, students explore how hardware and code work together and take home their finished robot pet.
Jul 13-17, 2026
Elephant Toothpaste & Other Explosions
This high-energy science camp explores chemistry and physics through hands-on experiments. Campers test reactions like elephant toothpaste, build air rockets, and create mousetrap cars. Activities encourage curiosity, observation, and scientific thinking through engaging experiments.
Jul 20-24, 2026
Galactic Explorers
Campers explore space science through hands-on design challenges. They build spacecraft models, habitats, and creative space-themed projects using craft materials and makerspace tools. This camp blends science, engineering, and creativity for curious builders.
Jul 27-31, 2026
Bridges, Trebuchets & Castles
This camp combines medieval themes with hands-on engineering. Campers design and build catapults, bridges, and castles, then test their creations. Activities focus on problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork through interactive building challenges.
Aug 3-7, 2026
Wearable Tech: Code What You Wear
Campers create wearable and handheld tech using Micro:Bit and maker materials. Projects include light-up accessories and interactive designs that respond to movement and touch. The focus is on building and creativity, with coding used to bring ideas to life.
Aug 10-14, 2026
Code & Play: Build Your Own Games & Gadgets
This camp invites students to build interactive games and gadgets using Micro:Bit and hands-on materials. Campers create projects like reaction games and custom controllers while testing and refining their designs. The program emphasizes creativity, experimentation, and confidence with coding and electronics.
AGES 12-17
Jun 22-26, 2026
Shop Foundations: Mixed Media Makers
This beginner-friendly camp introduces teens to the Mixed Media Shop. Campers gain hands-on experience with drills, hand tools, and power tools while learning techniques like sawing, carving, and finishing. They create both artistic and functional projects using wood and mixed materials to take home.
Jun 29-Jul 3, 2026
Makers’ Movie Magic: Stop-Motion Filmmaking
Teens direct and animate their own stop-motion film. Campers design sets using digital and hands-on tools, then create and animate characters within a storyline. The program builds creativity while introducing storytelling, design, and animation techniques.
Jul 6-10, 2026
Manga & Comics
This camp explores storytelling through manga and comics using both digital and traditional tools. Campers learn character development and visual storytelling, then transform their work into formats like comic books and custom creations.
Jul 13-17, 2026
Cosplay: Sewing & Costumes
Teens design and sew custom cosplay pieces, including cloaks and accessories. Using tools such as a laser cutter and a heat press, campers personalize their creations. No prior sewing experience is required.
Jul 20-24, 2026
Cosplay: Prop Making
Campers create custom cosplay props using EVA foam and maker tools. They design helmets and accessories, apply finishing techniques, and add simple electronics for light-up effects. This hands-on camp builds creative and technical skills.
Jul 20-24, 2026
Shop Foundations: Mixed Media Makers
This beginner camp introduces essential shop skills in a safe environment. Campers work with wood and mixed materials while learning to use tools and techniques such as sculpting and finishing. Projects are both creative and functional, and completed pieces are taken home.
Aug 3-7, 2026
Ultimate Toy Maker Workshop
Teens explore the full toy design process from concept to finished product. Campers prototype and refine ideas using makerspace tools, then design custom packaging. The program blends creativity, engineering, and product design.
Aug 10-14, 2026
Ultimate Makers: Maker Technology for Teens
This camp introduces advanced maker technologies like laser cutting, 3D printing, and electronics. Teens complete daily challenges that build skills and creativity while working in a makerspace environment.
AGES 13-17
Jun 29-Jul 3, 2026
Art Studio: Jewelry, Stained Glass, & Resin Camp
Teens explore jewelry making, resin casting, and stained glass in the Studio Shop. Campers learn techniques like cutting, soldering, and metalworking while creating handmade projects to take home. This camp blends creativity with hands-on skill-building.
Jul 6-10, 2026
Woodworking 101
This camp introduces teens to woodworking in a safe, guided setting. Campers use tools like saws, drills, and hammers while learning measuring, joinery, and assembly techniques. They design and build functional projects while developing foundational shop skills.
Jul 27-31, 2026
Art Studio: Jewelry, Stained Glass, & Resin Camp
Teens explore jewelry making, resin casting, and stained glass in the Studio Shop. Campers learn techniques like cutting, soldering, and metalworking while creating handmade projects to take home. This camp blends creativity with hands-on skill-building.
Aug 3-7, 2026
Woodworking 101
This camp introduces teens to woodworking in a safe, guided setting. Campers use tools like saws, drills, and hammers while learning measuring, joinery, and assembly techniques. They design and build functional projects while developing foundational shop skills.
AGES 13-18
Jul 27-31, 2026
Hands-On Electronics: Build a Synthesizer
Teens build their own synthesizer while learning core electronics skills like soldering and laser cutting. Campers assemble a synth board and design a custom case for their device. By the end of the week, they take home a fully functional instrument and foundational skills in sound and technology.
AGES 14-17
Aug 10-14, 2026
Woodworking & Metalworking
This intensive camp helps teens build advanced woodworking and metalworking skills. Campers learn to use shop equipment safely while creating functional, detailed projects. Guided by experienced instructors, the program focuses on skill development, precision, and hands-on craftsmanship.
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📌 3850 Jermantown Rd., Fairfax, VA
📌 Fairfax County
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
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