BitSpace Chicago Day Off Camps

BitSpace Chicago offers innovative Day Off Camps designed for young makers and creative thinkers ages 7 to 14 when school is out. Located in Chicago, these full and half-day programs immerse children in design thinking, collaboration, and hands-on making experiences using cutting-edge tools and technology.

Each camp begins with extensive safety and awareness training to ensure all participants can work confidently and safely in the maker space. Campers start their day with group skill-building exercises to learn new skills or refine existing ones, followed by group design challenges that encourage teamwork, creative thinking, and problem-solving.

The program provides access to professional-grade equipment including 3D printers, programmable electronics, virtual reality integration, laser cutters, and traditional woodworking tools. Expert guides who are real-life architects, designers, and makers provide direct support throughout the day, helping campers bring their ideas from conception to completion.

Daily activities include project work, museum exploration, and when weather permits, lunch breaks at the playground at Gross Park. Lunch is at noon daily with campers bringing their own food. All materials needed for daily challenges are provided. Campers participate in a facility-wide cleanup at the end of each day, learning responsibility and teamwork.

BitSpace emphasizes inquiry-based design thinking while helping children develop valuable life skills including time management, persistence, and determination. The camp follows a “if you make it, you can take it” philosophy, allowing children to keep their creations. For projects requiring more time, campers can attend Open Shop sessions to add final touches.

Private Day Off Camps are available for groups of 8 or more. Health and safety guidelines include masking during high sawdust activities and health monitoring protocols. Registration is open for the 2025-2026 school year with no vaccination proof required.