Youth Camps Program
Colorado School of Mines
The Youth Camps Program offers various science, mathematics, and technology based courses for students kindergarten to 12th grade.
2026 Youth Camp Registrations
Camp registrations for Summer 2026 open JAN 16 at 7 AM! Register below to be notified when registration opens.
Engineering Design Summer Camps
The Engineering Design Summer Camp, offered through the Youth Camps Program at Colorado School of Mines, provides an opportunity for high school students, grades 10-12, to attend a 5-day summer camp on the Mines campus in Golden, Colorado. The objective of the camp is to guide participants through a fun and rewarding hands-on experience of authentic engineering design practices.
*Grade level listed is the grade your child will be entering in Fall of 2026*
* Sessions I, II, III and IV are the same camp, but offered multiple weeks.
This camp will introduce a tool to build and make parametric models of parts and assemblies. Learn with a computer-based tool, through a software program called SolidWorks™ by Dassault Systems, which allows for creative modelling and visualization. SolidWorks™ is an integral part of engineering design and/or problem solving. Students who are interested in science, technology, engineering, and math will enjoy this course, because it will guide them to support and improve their 3D design skills and make their conceptual ideas come to life. The software is very versatile and fun to use, you will be excited by the challenges you are given. The opportunity to become a Certified SolidWorks™ Associate (CSWA) will be given on the final day, this is an industry known certification.
Session I* [Grades 10, 11, 12] July 6-10
When: July 6-10, 2026 : (Monday-Friday) • 9:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 25
Fee: $650.00
Instructor: Dedi Sadagori
Session II* [Grades 10, 11, 12] July 13-17
When: July 13-17, 2026 : (Monday-Friday) • 9:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 25
Fee: $650.00
Instructor: Dedi Sadagori
Session III* [Grades 10, 11, 12] July 20-24
When: July 20-24, 2026 : (Monday-Friday) • 9:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 25
Fee: $650.00
Instructor: Dedi Sadagori
Session IV* [Grades 10, 11, 12] July 27-31
When: July 28-31, 2026 : (Monday-Friday) • 9:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 25
Fee: $650.00
Instructor: Dedi Sadagori
Academies for Young Minds
The Acadamies for Young Minds camps are designed to encourage children to be innovative and use creative problem-solving by engaging them in fun, hands-on activities.
*Grade level listed is the grade your child will be entering in Fall of 2026*
Lego Robotics- Mindstorm [Grades 6, 7, 8] June 29- July 2 - CAMP FULL - WAITLIST AVAILABLE
When: June 29- July 2, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Brian Hostetler
Level up your summer at our LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Camp, where middle schoolers transition from casual brick builders to future engineers. Using advanced Mindstorms technology, campers will design, construct, and code fully autonomous robots capable of walking, gripping, and “thinking” on their own. We dive deep into the logic of programming and mechanical design, challenging students to use sensors and motors to conquer complex obstacle courses and strategic missions. It’s the ultimate crash course in STEM, where code transforms into motion and creative problem-solving takes the lead.
Magic of Science [Grades 3, 4, 5] June 15-18 CAMP FULL - WAITLIST FULL
When: June 15-18, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Brian Hostetler
Prepare to be amazed at our “Magic of Science” Summer Camp, where we pull back the curtain on the impossible to reveal the incredible power of scientific discovery! Your camper will become a magician of the natural world, engineering gravity-defying skyscrapers out of simple playing cards and brewing colorful chemical concoctions that bubble and transform before their eyes. We’ll dive hands-on into the laws of physics, chemistry, and performance. It’s not just a camp—it’s a laboratory of wonder where curiosity sparks and every discovery feels like a magic trick waiting to be explained.
Charged Up! [Grades 3, 4, 5] June 15-18 CAMP FULL - WAITLIST FULL
When: June 15-18, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Brian Hostetler
Get ready for a hair-raising adventure at this “High Voltage” Summer Camp, where we harness the invisible power that lights up our world! Campers will spark their curiosity by mastering the zap of static electricity, using invisible charges to move objects and make hair stand on end, before switching gears to become master circuit builders. We’ll wire up the future, diving into current electricity to design glowing loops, buzzing motors, and complex pathways. It’s an electrifying journey from the sudden snap of a spark to the steady flow of power, illuminating the genius within every young engineer.
Lego Robotics- Mindstorm [Grades 6, 7, 8] June 22-25 CAMP FULL - WAITLIST AVAILABLE
When: June 22-25, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Brian Hostetler
Level up your summer at our LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Camp, where middle schoolers transition from casual brick builders to future engineers. Using advanced Mindstorms technology, campers will design, construct, and code fully autonomous robots capable of walking, gripping, and “thinking” on their own. We dive deep into the logic of programming and mechanical design, challenging students to use sensors and motors to conquer complex obstacle courses and strategic missions. It’s the ultimate crash course in STEM, where code transforms into motion and creative problem-solving takes the lead.
Lights, Camera, Creation! [Grades 6, 7, 8] June 22-25 CAMP FULL WAITLIST AVAILABLE
When: June 22-25, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Brian Hostetler
Unleash the Science of Creativity at our unique Middle School camp, where the laboratory meets the digital studio and the fabrication workshop! Campers will bridge the gap between artistic expression and technological precision, beginning with hands-on explorations in graphical design to understand composition and digital layout. The curriculum then spans digital to physical creation: students will learn the principles of spatial geometry and design as they move into 3D printing, designing and bringing their imaginative sculptures to life. The real magic happens as we step into filmmaking: students will script, direct, and produce captivating stop-motion animations, mastering the physics of movement, and finally learning the technical and creative skills of video creation and editing to transform raw footage into polished, narrative masterpieces. It’s the perfect synergy of STEM logic and artistic flair, giving every camper the tools to create stunning content both on-screen and in three dimensions.
Game Design [Grades 6, 7, 8] June 29- July 2 camp full - waitlist available
When: June 29- July 2, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Brian Hostetler
Enter the Game Changers Development Lab, our middle school camp where students don’t just play video games—they build them! Campers will dive into the exhilarating process of game design, learning core concepts of coding, asset creation, and interactive storytelling. We’ll use accessible and powerful platforms like Bloxels, allowing students to physically design characters and levels before watching them instantly come to life on screen. The innovation continues with Makey Makey kits, transforming everyday objects—like bananas or playdough—into custom game controllers, pushing the boundaries of interface design. This camp is a full-stack experience in digital creativity, perfect for transforming great ideas into playable, customized video games.
Lego Camp [Grades 3, 4, 5] July 6-9 CAMP FULL - WAITLIST AVAILABLE
When: July 6-7, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Stephanie Musyj
Gear up for the ultimate challenge at our “LEGO Master Builders Academy”! This camp is specifically designed for 3rd through 5th graders ready to move beyond instruction manuals and explore advanced architectural and engineering concepts. Campers will tackle large-scale structural challenges, learning essential principles of stability, leverage, and design thinking. From constructing complex mechanical devices with moving parts to collaborating on massive cityscapes and solving themed engineering missions, students will develop critical thinking and teamwork skills while fueling their creativity. It’s where serious building meets serious fun, transforming every participant into a genuine LEGO Engineering Pro!
Lego Camp [Grades 3, 4, 5] July 6-9 CAMP FULL - WAITLIST AVAILABLE
When: July 6-7, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Stephanie Musyj
Gear up for the ultimate challenge at our “LEGO Master Builders Academy”! This camp is specifically designed for 3rd through 5th graders ready to move beyond instruction manuals and explore advanced architectural and engineering concepts. Campers will tackle large-scale structural challenges, learning essential principles of stability, leverage, and design thinking. From constructing complex mechanical devices with moving parts to collaborating on massive cityscapes and solving themed engineering missions, students will develop critical thinking and teamwork skills while fueling their creativity. It’s where serious building meets serious fun, transforming every participant into a genuine LEGO Engineering Pro!
Building Basics [Grades K, 1, 2] July 13-16 CAMP FULL - WAITLIST FULL
When: July 13-16, 2026 (Monday – Thursday) • 9:00am – 12:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Stephanie Musyj
Welcome to Building Basics, the ultimate hands-on construction camp designed just for our youngest engineers (Kindergarten–2nd Grade)! Campers will ignite their imaginations as they explore the fundamental fun of creation using a wide variety of materials, including classic LEGO bricks, innovative KEVA planks, and other colorful building components. We focus on teamwork, fine motor skills, and creative problem-solving as students design and construct everything from soaring skyscrapers to fantastic imaginary castles. It’s a joyful, supportive environment where every young builder learns that a sturdy foundation and a big idea are the keys to building anything they can dream up!
Fly like a Scientist! [Grades K, 1, 2] July 13-16 CAMP FULL - WAITLIST FULL
When: July 13-16, 2025 (Monday – Thursday) • 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Colorado School of Mines campus • Golden, Colorado
Maximum students: 20
Fee: $300.00
Instructor: Stephanie Musyj
Prepare for takeoff at our exciting “Fly like a Scientist” Camp, specially designed for Kindergarten through 2nd graders! Campers will become junior aeronauts as we explore the amazing science of flight through play and discovery. We’ll experiment with paper airplane design, investigate the forces that make birds soar, and build various types of simple flying objects like kites, gliders, and parachutes. Your child will discover hands-on why some things float and others drop, all while having a blast learning about aerodynamics and wind power. It’s an imaginative journey into the sky where every day is filled with high-flying fun and amazing science!
Meet Our Instructors
Brian has more than 20 years experience leading camps and other science based programs at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the St. Louis Science Center and the University of Missouri Before and After School Programs. He has been a guest many times on local news outlets teaching anchors about some of the wonderful and weird things science can show you every day. He is currently teaching S.T.E.M. at Canyon Creek Elementary School for primary grades K-2. He holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and a M.Ed. in Science Education from the University of Missouri. He’s crazy excited to learn and explore with your kiddos this summer!
Stephanie Musyj has spent nearly a decade teaching first, second, and third grade, and she especially enjoys bringing learning to life through problem-based projects and hands-on STEM activities. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado and later completed her master’s degree in STEAM Education. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find her traveling, trying new foods with her husband Gerry, or chasing their goldendoodle pup, Ginny, who insists on joining the adventures whenever possible.
Dedi Sadagori has an academic background in engineering, finance, and economics. He was an adjunct faculty member at the Colorado School of Mines from 2006 to 2017 teaching Computer Aided Design (CAD) with SolidWorks™ in the Design EPICS program. In 2015-2017 he was also responsible for SolidWorks™ field session in the Mechanical Engineering Department. More than 4,000 students have been certified in SolidWorks™ (at the associate and professional levels) under his instruction. Mr. Sadagori is passionate about teaching students at all levels.
General Information for Summer Camps
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Camp tuition assistance is now open. A limited number of seats are available in select sessions, so we encourage families to apply as soon as possible. We are able to offer funding for those on the free/reduced lunch program. If budget allows, we will also provide scholarships to other children with financial need. Once all available positions are filled, the application will close.
You can find the application here: https://forms.gle/cpx6Jp7SBYUD8mMb8
Thank you for your interest. Please email k12@mines.edu with any questions or to submit supplemental paperwork.
ADDITIONAL MINES' AFFILIATED CAMPS...
Forge & Form: Engineering Innovation at Mines is a one-week summer program for rising high school juniors and seniors that explores the intersection of materials science, engineering, and design. Through hands-on learning in the Labriola Innovation Hub, students build technical skills, tackle a mini design challenge, and engage with Mines faculty—gaining an inside look at engineering disciplines and campus life. For more information and application deadlines visit:
Academies for Young Minds Camps
Pick-up and Lunch
Camp participants must be picked up no later than 15 minutes after the end of the last session for which they are enrolled on each day of the camp. Late pickups will result in a charge of $20.00 for each occurrence.
For campers attending a morning and afternoon ½ day camp during the week, there will be a supervised lunch each day. Campers will need to bring a sack lunch. This includes 15 minutes of outdoor playtime.
Prerequisites and Restrictions
To participate in the summer 2026 camps, students must be entering the grades indicated for each camp in the fall of 2026.
Lodging and accommodations
On-campus lodging is not available. Click here for a list of accommodations in the area.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your enrollment at least two weeks (fourteen days) prior to the start of each camp, your registration fee minus $50 for each camp canceled will be refunded. No refund can be given for cancellation within two weeks prior to the start of each camp.
No partial refunds can be given because of absences, no-shows, or other reasons for not attending the complete camp session
More information
For more information about Engineering Design Camp activities and expectations, please contact:
Conference and Event Services, Youth Camps Program
Colorado School of Mines
Email: K12@mines.edu
Engineering Design Summer Camps
Prerequisites
To participate in the summer 2026 camps, students must be entering the grades indicated for each camp in the fall of 2026.
Lodging and accommodations
On-campus lodging is not available. Click here for a list of accommodations in the area.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel your enrollment prior to May 15, 2026, your registration fee minus $50 for each camp canceled will be refunded. If you cancel your enrollment after May 15, 2026 but at least two weeks (fourteen days) prior to the start of each camp, your registration fee minus $100 for each camp canceled will be refunded. No refund will be given for cancellations within two weeks prior to the start of each camp.
No partial refunds will be given because of absences, no-shows, or other reasons for not attending the complete camp session.
More information
For more information about Engineering Design Camp activities and expectations, please contact:
Conference and Event Services, Youth Camps Program
Colorado School of Mines
Email: K12@mines.edu
Waivers
Waivers
Parents/guardians will be required to read and agree to several waivers for each registrant. You can view the waivers at the below link prior to completing a registration. Click Here !
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