Innovation Doesn’t Stop for Summer: Introducing the First-Ever Make48 Summer Camp!

When Make48 first started, the mission was simple: bring people together through a high-energy, live invention event where creativity, teamwork, and rapid problem-solving could shine. As we grew, we realized this magic belonged in the classroom, too. We’ve expanded into schools, giving students hands-on engineering and design experience during the academic year.

Now, we are taking the next step. Learning, creativity, and big ideas shouldn't have to pause just because the school year ends.

This summer, from July 20th to July 23rd, we are officially launching the first-ever Make48 Summer Camp in Great Bend, Kansas!

Dream. Create. Pitch: What is the Summer Pilot?

This four-day immersive camp is a unique pilot program designed specifically for rural Kansas students. The goal isn’t to replace existing school programs, but to open a brand-new pathway for students to discover innovation outside the traditional calendar.

Hosted at Barton Community College, students from multiple communities will team up to tackle a real-world design challenge.

How It Works:

• The Challenge: Teams receive a real-world problem and immediately dive into brainstorming and design.

• The Build: Using Barton Community College’s state-of-the-art campus makerspace, students will build, prototype, and test their solutions.

• The Support: They won't be doing it alone! Industry mentors and Tool Techs will be on-site to help bring student ideas to life.

• The Pitch: The camp finishes in a thrilling showcase where teams pitch their final prototypes to the community and industry leaders.

Innovation is for Everyone (No Experience Required!)

Think you need to be a coding genius or a master carpenter to join? Think again! We have deliberately kept the barrier to entry low to ensure this experience is approachable and accessible to all.

Who should attend? This camp is for any student who loves building, creating, problem-solving, working with others, or simply thinking outside the box.

Why This Matters for Rural Communities

For students living in rural areas, hands-on access to makerspace technology and industry professionals isn't always available close to home.

This summer camp pilot changes that. By keeping the experience local, students gain exposure to career paths; like manufacturing, engineering, design, and entrepreneurship; without having to travel far from where they live.

It takes a village to spark a movement, and this event is powered by an incredible lineup of local partners:

• Great Bend Economic Development is championing the effort locally.

• Barton Community College is generously opening its campus, tools, and makerspace.

• Network Kansas is helping connect the dots between schools and communities.

• Make48 is bringing everyone together to build a stronger future workforce.

Camp Logistics & How to Register

• Dates: July 20th – July 23rd

• Location: Barton Community College (Great Bend, KS)

• Daily Hours:

  • Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Check-in begins at 8:30 AM)

  • Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Ready to join the innovation movement? Spaces are limited! Scan the QR code in our flyer (or click this link) to register today, or reach out directly to Braeden@make48.com for more details. Let's make something incredible this summer!