Join us this summer for a maker experience where students (ages 7 – 12) design and build custom creations they can proudly take home. Our summer camps combine creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship in a supportive studio environment designed for both first time makers and returning students. Each camp week provides access to our 3D printing, woodworking, and textiles stations, with dedicated instructors in each area guiding students through tools, techniques, and projects. Every week also features a themed focus that inspires ideas across our maker zones and gives students a starting point for their creations. While themes provide structure, students are encouraged to explore projects that interest them, combine ideas across weeks, or pursue custom builds with instructor support.
Camp Schedule and Daily Flow
Summer camp runs from May 29 through July 31, 2026, with ten themed camp sessions offered throughout the season. Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Camps are designed for students ages 7 to 12 and take place at Santa Cruz Maker Studios, located at 427 A. Swift Street in Santa Cruz.
A typical day includes morning and afternoon maker workshops, allowing students to rotate between woodworking, sewing and beading, and 3D printing. This structure gives campers time to focus deeply on projects while still experiencing multiple disciplines.
Daily schedule
9:00 AM Check in and arrival
9:15 to 11:30 AM Morning maker workshop
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Lunch break. Students bring their own lunch
12:30 to 3:00 PM Afternoon maker workshop
3:00 PM Check out and pick up
Session 1: May 27 & 29 (Two-Day Camp)
Choose Your Mini Project – $144.00
This one day camp is designed for creative exploration and flexibility. Students choose a mini project based on their interests and skill level and spend the day designing, building, and finishing something they are excited about. Projects may include woodworking builds, simple robots, sewing projects, laser cut designs, or 3D printed creations. This session is a great introduction for new students and a fun option for returning makers looking to try something new.
Session 2: June 1 – June 5
Arcades and Games – $720.00
Students step into the role of game designers and builders. Using woodworking, laser cutting, and 3D printing, campers create playable arcade style games such as a mini foosball table and mini-golf course. Others may design custom board games, chess boards and pieces, or build video game characters and environments inspired by games like Minecraft and Zelda. Sewing and craft elements may be incorporated for storage bags, game boards, or decorative details.
Session 3: June 8 – June 12
Robot Week – $820 ($720.00 + $100 material cost)
Robot Week focuses on engineering, mechanics, and problem solving. Each student builds one controllable robot to take home, using motors, wiring, lights, and a controller included in the material cost. Campers may design robots inspired by Wall E, R2D2, or create original designs. Students can also collaborate in teams to build additional robots for challenges such as battlebot style games. Additional projects may include assembling and customizing 3D printed robots inspired by Star Wars.
Session 4: June 15 – June 19
Robot Week – $820 ($720.00 + $100 material cost)
Robot Week focuses on engineering, mechanics, and problem solving. Each student builds one controllable robot to take home, using motors, wiring, lights, and a controller included in the material cost. Campers may design robots inspired by Wall E, R2D2, or create original designs. Students can also collaborate in teams to build additional robots for challenges such as battlebot style games. Additional projects may include assembling and customizing 3D printed robots inspired by Star Wars.
Session 5: June 22 – June 26
Dragons and Fairies – $720.00
This imaginative week blends fantasy storytelling with hands on making. Students design and 3D print their own Dungeons and Dragons characters and can bring them into adventure quests using simplified rules or the full rulebook depending on interest and age. Projects may include wooden dragons, fairy crowns, laser cut fantasy scenery, custom dice boxes, fabric costumes, and magical accessories created through sewing and beading.
Session 6: June 29 – July 2 (Four Day Camp)
Towns and Trains – $626.00 ($576 + $50 material cost)
Students become city planners and engineers as they design and build their own towns. Projects include wooden buildings, roads, bridges, and landscapes, along with trains or cars powered by a motorized base included in the material cost. Campers may laser cut signs, 3D print vehicles or accessories, and sew flags or banners for their towns. A wooden train track set is included for collaborative builds.
Session 7: July 6 – July 10
Pirates and Mermaids – $720.00
This playful week combines woodworking, crafting, and costume design. Students may build mini wooden boats, toy fishing rods, treasure boxes, and sea creature figures. Sewing projects include pirate accessories, eye patches, mermaid costumes, and fabric sea animals. Laser cut maps, 3D printed sea creatures, and beaded jewelry add extra depth and customization.
Session 8: July 13 – July 17
Robot Week – $820 ($720.00 + $100 material cost)
This second Robot Week offers students another opportunity to build robots, compete in challenges, and explore more advanced designs. Campers build a controllable robot to take home and may collaborate on team robots for games and engineering challenges. Projects include custom robot bodies, 3D printed parts, motors, lights, and wiring, along with optional Star Wars inspired robot builds.
Session 9: July 20 – July 24
Dragons and Fairies – $720.00
Students return to fantasy world building and creative storytelling. Projects include designing and 3D printing Dungeons and Dragons characters, building wooden dragons, creating fairy crowns and magical accessories, and participating in adventure quests. Campers may expand into laser cut terrain, custom dice towers, sewn cloaks, and beaded charms.
Session 10: July 27 – July 31
Science and Space – $720.00
This week explores science and engineering through hands on making. Students may build marble runs, gravity defying sculptures, and mechanical experiments using woodworking and laser cut components. Space themed projects include planet orbital models, 3D printed spaceships, satellites or rovers, and sewn alien plushies. Campers can also explore glow in the dark elements, constellation designs, and science inspired art.
Flexibility and Project Choice
While each week has a themed focus to guide inspiration, students are not limited to only those projects. Campers may work on different projects throughout the week, draw inspiration from other themes, or design custom creations of their own. Our instructors support individual interests and help students bring their ideas to life across 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, sewing, and beading.
Registration and Pricing Notes
An ongoing early bird discount is available. Book by April 3rd to receive a 10 percent discount. Prices will increase after April 3rd.
Registration is currently open for full weeks of summer camp. As camp dates approach, individual day registrations may be opened if space allows.
Common Questions
Do students finish projects during the week?
Yes. Camp projects are designed to be achievable within the camp schedule, with dedicated time for building, customizing, and finishing. Some students choose to complete several smaller projects across different maker areas, while others prefer to focus deeply on one larger build throughout the week. Our instructors help students set realistic goals and guide them toward completed projects students can take home..
Do students rotate through all maker areas?
Students typically rotate between woodworking, sewing and beading, and 3D printing during the week. The amount of time spent in each area may vary based on the weekly theme, individual interests, and project choice. While we encourage students to experience multiple stations, students are not required to spend equal time in every area.
What skill level is required?
No prior experience is required. Camps are designed for beginners through more experienced makers. Each week begins with accessible techniques and clear instruction, and students are supported as they build confidence, learn new tools, and take on more complex ideas at their own pace.
What if my child wants to work on a different project than the weekly theme?
Weekly themes provide inspiration and structure, but students are not limited to theme specific projects. Campers are welcome to draw inspiration from other weeks, combine ideas across themes, or design custom projects of their own. Our instructors work closely with students to help adapt ideas and guide them toward successful builds using the tools and materials available.
How much 3D printing do students get to do?
3D printing is included in camp tuition. Students typically complete multiple 3D prints throughout the week, depending on project complexity and printer availability. During busy sessions, print times may be limited to ensure fair access for all campers. Instructors help students select and adapt designs so their prints can be completed successfully within these limits.
Do students receive supervision throughout the day?
Yes. Students are supervised at all times. We have instructors in each maker zone who guide students through projects, prioritize safety, and provide support as needed. Tools are introduced with clear instruction, and all workspaces are monitored throughout the day.
What safety measures are in place?
Safety is a priority at Santa Cruz Maker Studios. Students receive age appropriate tool training, use supervised hand tools and equipment, and work in clean, organized spaces. Instructors closely monitor tool use and ensure students follow safety guidelines at all times.
What should students bring to camp?
Students should bring a lunch, a reusable water bottle, and wear comfortable clothes that can get messy. Closed toe shoes are required for safety in all maker areas. All tools and materials are provided unless otherwise noted for specific sessions with additional material costs.
Are snacks provided?
Families provide lunch and snacks. Students are welcome to eat when they feel hungry, and water is available throughout the day.
Can parents stay during camp?
Parents are not required to stay during camp hours. Some families choose to stay briefly on the first day to help their child feel comfortable, which is welcome.
Do you offer single day registration?
At this time, registration is open for full camp sessions only. As camp dates approach, individual day registration may be opened if space allows.
What ages are camps designed for?
Summer camps are designed for students ages 7 to 12. If you have a child who is 6 and interested in attending, we recommend reaching out to discuss whether a trial or specific session may be a good fit.
Do projects go home at the end of the day or the week?
Yes. All completed projects go home with students. Some projects may stay at the studio during the week to allow time for drying, printing, or additional work before being taken home on the final day.
How can I stay updated or ask additional questions?
You can reach us at admin@scmakerstudios.com with any questions. Families can also follow us on Instagram or Facebook at @scmakerstudios for updates and announcements.