Summer Camps
Weekly Wednesday Summer Camps at Innovation Barn
Hands-On Sustainability Fun!
Looking for a summer camp that’s fun, educational, and eco-focused? Each Wednesday, campers explore a new sustainability theme through hands-on activities tied to the circular economy — from composting and recycling to food systems and design.
Camp Details
Morning Session: Ages 5–11 | 8:00–11:00 AM
Afternoon Session: Ages 12–15 | 12:00–3:00 PM
Cost: $100 per camper, per session
Join one week or all five!
Each camp is led by experienced educators and packed with interactive learning and real-world problem solving. Space is limited — check out weekly themes below and register today!
Wednesday July 23, 2025 - Rethink the Circular Economy
Get the inside scoop on Charlotte’s first in the nation Circular Economy. Campers will explore behind the scenes of the Innovation Barn. They will expand their understanding and rethink the way we all have an impact on our community. This camp session will include helping in our mini MRF at the Innovation Barn to sort and learn where our waste in Charlotte is re-circulated. Campers will use the engineer design process and problem based learning to create a blueprint that can RETHINK a way the Innovation Barn re-circulates waste to divert it from the Mecklenburg County landfill.
Wednesday July 30, 2025 - Deputy of Diversion
Learn how to recycle right and become a Deputy of Diversion to Wipe Out Waste. Campers will learn how to “recycle right”and divert waste from the landfill. At this camp, participants will work in teams to learn about becoming a Deputy of Diversion and making their impact. Each camper will earn a certificate and badge that they can take with them as a pledge to educate others to be a Deputy of Diversion and support the circular economy.
Wednesday August 6, 2025 - EcoEngineers- Reuse Commonly Wasted Materials
EcoEngineers will learn to REUSE items commonly wasted in Mecklenburg County. Learn to reuse materials brought to the Innovation Barn such as plastics, glass, and textiles. Campers will expand their knowledge of the circular economy and use our plastic chipper, glass crush truck, and explore textile design. In addition, EcoEngineers will use the engineer design process and problem based learning to design and create jewelry, garden accessories, or even dog leashes. Campers will get to bring home or donate items that improve their community and diverge waste from our landfills.
Wednesday August 13, 2025 - Scraps to Sustainability
Explore our impact on the ecology around us. Campers this week will learn about sustainability through composting, ecology, and reducing our negative impact on the environment around us. This week will focus on the impacts our soil and gardens have on the success of our community and the circular economy. Campers will create healthy compost, enjoy our edible gardens, and observe strong bee habitats at the Innovation Barn. Through the engineer design process and problem based learning, campers will create a sustainable green house from food scraps and pollinator watering stations.
Wednesday August 20, 2025 - Repair and Rewear
Join us to repair and rewear our commonly discarded textiles and make an impact on the circular economy. Help divert waste from the landfill and learn how to fix and repair textiles. Roughly 92 million tons of textile waste is generated each year worldwide. Join us to do our part in repairing and rewearing textiles that can be recirculated back into our community. Walk away with a new design and improve the circular economy with problem based learning.
Location: Innovation Barn
Fee: $100 per camper, per session
Capacity: Limited to 25 campers
Enrollment Details:
Application process required
Medical forms, waivers, and payment required to secure spot
Waitlist option available
Spots are limited – reserve your camper's place today!
Email us for more information.