Summer Camp
Summer 2027 · Santa Monica
Twelve weeks of real engineering, reimagined for 2027 — two age tracks, eight signature projects, and the same small groups we aim to keep at 8:1 or better.
More projects. More instructors. A better fit.
This summer we're splitting camp into two age tracks, each with its own set of signature projects led by a specialist instructor. More projects, better fits — and the same small groups Forge is known for.
Younger makers
Four hands-on projects built for newer makers — real tools, big wins, and the confidence that comes from building something that actually works.
every week
Older makers
Four advanced projects that push deeper into real engineering — more electronics, code, and mechanics for kids ready for a bigger challenge.
every week
One per project — an expert in that exact build, not a generalist.
Our target ratio or better — small groups so every kid gets real time on the tools.
Every project runs every single week, so campers can pick any build, any week.
than 4 weeks?
Campers can choose a project in the other age group if an instructor deems them ready. We also welcome students to step up as a CIT (Counselor-in-Training), helping lead a project they've already completed. A long summer stays fresh and always challenging.
Finish all 4 projects, fill your summer badge plate.
Every project a camper completes earns a badge on their own summer badge plate. Master all four in your track and the plate is full — a whole summer of real engineering they can point to and be proud of.
Real projects from past summers.
Every one of these was engineered, tested, and taken home by a camper. It's the caliber of build you can expect from our two new tracks — the full 2027 project slate drops when enrollment opens.
RC Car — Build & Race
Assemble a real hobby-grade RC car from the chassis up, customize it, and race it on park day.
Lightsaber Engineering
Build and program a full-size, customizable lightsaber using real electronics and code.
Control-Line Airplane
Build and fly a real airplane using classic mechanical flight controls.
Arcade Engineering
Design, wire, and program a playable arcade cabinet from scratch.
Racing Drone Engineering
Build and fly a racing drone — from soldering to simulator training to park flights.
Mechanical Clock
Assemble a beautiful, working mechanical clock you can mount at home.
Super Soaker Engineering
Engineer and test a custom water blaster built from real components — with versions for younger and older makers.
Woodworking — Choose Your Adventure
Learn real woodworking skills and design a custom project from start to finish.
Robotic Arm Masterclass
Explore advanced robotics with sensors, actuators, and real code.
Built for every kind of kid.
Forge Summer Camp is for all kids — not just the ones who already think of themselves as “engineering” or “STEM” kids. No prior experience required. Just curiosity and a willingness to try.
- Love to build, tinker, and create
- Learn best by doing
- Are curious about how things work
- Want to build something real — not just follow instructions
Real tools. Real materials. Real engineering.
Most STEM camps revolve around screens and worksheets. At Forge, campers spend most of the day actively building — not sitting and watching.
- Hands-on, project-based learning every day
- Real tools — soldering irons, woodworking, electronics, motors
- One real project that takes the whole week
- Every camper takes their build home
- Taught by experienced makers and engineers, not camp counselors
Real tools demand a real ratio.
Soldering irons, saws, power tools, circuits — this work needs close, hands-on instruction. Real engineering takes real supervision, so we aim to keep groups at eight campers per instructor or better. It's how every kid gets real time on the tools instead of waiting their turn to watch — a ratio you won't find in most other programs.
- Every camper hands-on with the tools — not stuck watching a demo
- An instructor close enough to coach each build, step by step
- The safety that real shop work with kids demands, every single day
Build, break for the park, build again.
Hands-on build sessions morning and afternoon, a snack, and a midday walk to Gandara Park for lunch and outdoor play. At pickup, campers show off what they built that day.
- 8:30–9:00 AM
Drop-off window & check-in
- 9:15 AM
Safety talk + Forge intro
- 9:30 AM
Morning build session
- 10:30 AM
Snack break
- 10:45 AM
Second build session
- 12:00 PM
Walk to Gandara Park — lunch & outdoor play
- 1:20 PM
Back at Forge — afternoon build
- 2:50 PM
Cleanup — every camper resets their station
- 3:00–3:15 PM
Pickup window — show off the day's builds
- 3:15 PM
Remaining campers checked into aftercare (billed)
- 4:15 PM
Aftercare ends
Be first in line for Summer 2027.
Enrollment opens January 2027, and the most popular projects fill fast. Drop your email and we'll let you know the moment weeks go live.
Camp questions, answered.
When can I sign up?
What's new for 2027?
Who can come?
Can my kid come for more than four weeks?
How big are the groups?
What about lunch?
Is aftercare available?
Cost shouldn't be the reason a kid misses out.
We offer a sliding scale for households up to roughly 120% of the Santa Monica median income. It's a partial adjustment, not a full scholarship — but for many families it makes a real difference. Income documentation is required, and every application is handled privately.