Mini Makers Summer Camp in Scottsdale, AZ

Ages 4–5
Big creativity starts with small hands. Young makers design, build, invent, and create as they make their biggest ideas real through playful, hands-on projects they can see, touch, test, improve, and proudly share. Daily swimming, active games, and supportive adult-led guidance keep every day joyful and full of discovery.
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WHY MINI MAKERS?WEEKLY THEMESWEEKLY ACTIVITIESDAILY SCHEDULEABOUT MINI MAKERSFAQ

MINI MAKERS AT A GLANCE

An All-Inclusive Scottsdale Summer Camp for Young Makers

Located at Rancho Solano School in Scottsdale, Mini Makers is designed especially for children ages 4–5. Every week blends hands-on projects, imaginative play, supportive guidance, movement, and swimming.

Ages 4–5Designed for young makers
Small GroupsWe aim for a 6:1 camper-to-counselor ratio
Adult-LedExperienced, well-trained teams
Daily SwimmingInstructional swimming included
Projects + SnackAll materials and a daily snack included
FREE Extended Care7:30–8:45 AM and 3:30–6:00 PM
FREE extended care is included in weekly tuition. Many camps charge extra for morning and afternoon care; Rancho families pay no additional fee. Use it on any camp day without an advance reservation and manage it through the Rancho Camp App.

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Mini Makers summer camp in Scottsdale for ages 4 to 5

Why Attend Rancho Mini Makers Camp?

Mini Makers turns big ideas into hands-on adventures for children ages 4–5. Each week introduces a new theme filled with building, art, storytelling, imaginative play, and creative problem-solving.

Campers plan, make, test, improve, and proudly explain their creations. Some projects are individual take-home pieces, while others become larger group builds that encourage teamwork and sharing. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore.

Our experienced adults guide every activity in a welcoming, age-appropriate environment where effort, experimentation, and confidence matter more than perfection.

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2027 Scottsdale Mini MakersCamp Dates and Themes

Ages 4–5 · Select each week to review the approved theme description.

MAY 24 LEGO Theme Park Builders
Design and build a one-of-a-kind LEGO amusement park! Campers will create rides, towers, ticket booths, Ferris wheels, bridges, stages, and even an animal area as their park grows throughout the week. Young builders can choose a creative theme—such as medieval tournaments, a trip around the world, or a candy-filled adventure—and use it to guide their designs. Campers will combine individual structures into a larger group park, sharing ideas and solving building challenges along the way. They will also design a park ticket and mascot to take home, while families receive photos showing the different stages of the group build.
MAY 31* Little Inventors, Big Ideas
What problem would you like to solve? Campers will imagine a real or make-believe challenge, then design and build a device or structure that could help. Working individually and in small groups, young inventors will plan their ideas, create prototypes from cardboard and craft materials, test what they built, and make improvements. They will practice creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving as they turn an idea into something they can see and touch. At the end of the experience, small groups will present their inventions and explain how they work. Campers will bring home their individual machines and a new appreciation for the invention process.
JUNE 7 Marbles, Mazes and More!
Ready, set, build! Campers will design mazes, marble runs, targets, and ping-pong-ball obstacle courses using cardboard, straws, grid paper, and other maker materials. They will experiment with towers, turns, loops, and pathways, then test their designs and make improvements. Small groups will race their creations, solve building problems, and collaborate on larger challenges throughout the week. Young makers can bring home individual maze and target projects, along with photos of the larger group builds. It is a playful week of hands-on construction, friendly competition, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
JUNE 14* Mini Masterpieces
Explore a colorful new art experience each day! Campers will draw, paint, print, stamp, weave, sculpt, make collages, and create wearable art while experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques. Along the way, they will learn about artists and discover different ways creative ideas can take shape. Campers will work both independently and alongside friends, building confidence, dexterity, and hands-on skills as they bring their own artistic visions to life. At the end of the week, their work will come together in a child-made gallery. Campers will bring home their individual creations, and families will receive photos of the gallery.
JUNE 21 Lego Bots to the Rescue!
How can a robot make the world a better place? Campers will use LEGO machines to design small-scale robot helpers that respond to real or imaginary problems. They may invent search-and-rescue robots, trash-collecting machines, ocean-cleaning bots, animal helpers, or robots that assist firefighters and doctors. Each day, young makers will explore a new challenge, build and test an idea, and explain how their robot could help. Campers will keep a design log describing their inventions and the problems they solve. Families will also receive photos of the campers and their creative robot-helper builds.
JUNE 28 Tiny Town Makers
Big ideas become a tiny town in this hands-on building adventure! Each day, campers will design a different part of a community, including houses, shops, parks, roads, garages, and vehicles. Young makers will draw a city map, plan their projects, and build individual creations from cardboard and other materials. As the week continues, campers will connect their work to create one imaginative town with friends. They will practice planning, construction, collaboration, and creative problem-solving while seeing how separate ideas can become one larger project. Campers will bring home selected buildings, vehicles, and maps, and families will receive photos of the town taking shape.
JULY 5* Once Upon a Story
Bring a new story to life every day! Campers will dream up characters and adventures, then turn their ideas into hands-on creations such as puppets, costumes, scene dioramas, and illustrated storybooks. Young storytellers may work together to plan a group tale while creating their own pictures and projects to take home. Through drawing, building, dressing up, and imaginative play, campers will experience the entire creative process—from the first idea to a finished story they can share. Families will receive photos of storyboards, characters, and scenes, while campers bring home a collection of their own story-inspired creations.

* Four-day session. No camp May 31, June 18, or July 5 due to the holiday calendar.

BUILD A SUMMER THEY WILL REMEMBER

More Weeks, More Discoveries

Each Mini Makers week brings a different theme, new projects, and new ways to create. Many families choose two or three weeks so campers can build confidence, deepen friendships, and explore more of what they love.

The more weeks you enroll, the more you save.Multiweek savings and sibling discounts are available.

VIEW REGISTRATION DETAILS

Young Rancho camper concentrating on a colorful hands-on craft project
Representative Rancho Camps activity photo. Mini Makers-specific photos will be added as the new program grows.

Mini Makers Weekly Activities Include

  • Hands-on building and simple engineering
  • Art, design, and creative storytelling
  • Cardboard construction and collaborative group projects
  • LEGO-style machines, vehicles, and imaginative builds
  • Testing ideas and making improvements
  • Age-appropriate sports, games, and movement breaks
  • Daily instructional swimming
  • Take-home creations and project photos

MAKE

Dream it. Build it. Bring it to life! Campers paint, sculpt, design, and turn big ideas into creations they will be proud to share.

EXPLORE

Try it, tweak it, and discover what happens! Campers explore playful challenges and learn that every great idea can grow even better.

SHARE

Show it off and celebrate! Campers swap ideas, team up with friends, and cheer for every imaginative creation.

A Typical Day at Mini Makers Camp

7:30–8:45 AMComplimentary morning extended care
8:45–9:00 AMArrival and welcome
MorningMaker challenge, building, creative project, and movement break
MiddayLunch, social time, and supervised transition
AfternoonProject continuation, group creation, games, and daily swimming
3:30–6:00 PMComplimentary afternoon extended care

About Rancho Mini Makers Camp

Rancho Mini Makers Camp in Scottsdale provides a supportive environment designed around the needs, energy, and imagination of children ages 4–5. Each weekly theme combines structured guidance with plenty of room for individual ideas.

Projects help campers practice planning, fine-motor skills, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. Our goal is to build confidence by helping every child experience the excitement of turning an idea into a finished creation.

Experienced, Adult-Led Teams

Rancho Camps is led by trained adults who know how to create a safe, welcoming, and fun experience for every camper. Our adult leaders complete extensive pre-camp training and state and nationwide background checks.

Young Mini Makers campers create age-appropriate hands-on art projects at Rancho Camps
Representative Rancho Camps creative activity photo.

“Incredible job. Thank you for inspiring my three girls. See you next summer.”

— Lindsi V., Rancho Camps Parent

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Makers Camp

What ages is Mini Makers Camp designed for?

Mini Makers is designed specifically for children ages 4–5, with age-appropriate projects, guidance, movement, and transitions.

Where is Mini Makers Camp located?

Rancho Mini Makers Camp is held at Rancho Solano School in Scottsdale, Arizona.

What activities are included?

Each week includes hands-on building, art, storytelling, simple engineering, imaginative play, games, movement breaks, and daily swimming.

Are swimming and extended care included?

Yes. Daily swimming and complimentary morning and afternoon extended care are included in the weekly tuition.

Can my child attend for only one week?

Yes. Families may enroll in one weekly theme or choose multiple weeks for a summer filled with different projects and discoveries.

Does my child need previous building or art experience?

No. Mini Makers welcomes beginners. Curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to explore are all that campers need.

Explore More Rancho Camps

Find the right next adventure—programs are arranged from youngest to oldest.

Ready to Make, Build, and Imagine?

Choose one exciting theme or build a two- or three-week Mini Makers experience. Weekly enrollment is limited, and sessions can sell out.

Multiweek savings and sibling discounts are available.

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