That’s a Wrap! The First-Ever Make48 Summer Camp Hits Kansas
- Make48+Team
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Kansas City, MO (August 11, 2026) – The inaugural Make48 Summer Camp pilot has wrapped in Great Bend, Kansas, and what an incredible time it was!
Barton Community College generously opened its doors and hosted our very first summer pilot, bringing local students together for 3 days of non-stop creativity, hands-on learning, and innovation.
Working in teams, camp participants jumped headfirst into the full Make48 experience.
Students stepped up to tackle real-world challenges by:
Brainstorming solutions and designing products from scratch.
Building and testing functional prototypes in the Barton makerspace.
Pitching their final creations directly to local professionals and industry leaders.
Beyond learning how to build physical products, students strengthened critical real-world skills: collaboration, out-of-the-box creative thinking, and confidence in their own ideas.
Bringing Innovation to Rural Kansas
Opportunities like this aren't always readily available in rural areas. This pilot was launched to bridge that gap and prove that hands-on STEM and design experiences belong in every community.
For Barton Community College, hosting the pilot aligned perfectly with their mission for local youth. Dr. Kathy, Barton’s Dean of Workforce Training and Community Education, noted how well Make48 fits into the youth programming the college has been rebuilding, and the high demand for programs serving this age group.
“Those students are hungry for things to do. They've got remarkable ideas. They’re brilliant. They’re bright. They think outside the box,” shared Dr. Kathy. “I think the Make48 opportunity is phenomenal. And I think it gives us an opportunity to expand, in a different way, some of the things we’re already doing.”
The vision came to life thanks to Dr. Kathy and Braeden DeLong, Make48 Kansas Ambassador, who launched the camp with key leadership and support from Network Kansas and Great Bend Economic Development. Together, they recognized the summer camp as a vital way to expand access for students who might not otherwise have exposure to makerspaces, specialized equipment, and industry mentors.
Reflecting on the success of the week, Braeden highlighted what truly mattered:
"What counted most during this week was, 'Were the kids having fun?'" Looking at the energy in the room and the innovative prototypes brought to life, the answer was an overwhelming yes.
Take a look at the photos below to see our young makers in action – brainstorming, building, and presenting their big ideas!
Thank you to Barton Community College, Great Bend Economic Development, Network Kansas, and all the mentors, volunteers, and students who made this historic first summer camp an unforgettable success!
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