think.make.tinker. at Westside Community Center

Welcome to Colorado Tinkering School!

Colorado Tinkering School is a STEAM summer camp where kids unleash their creativity using real tools and skills to design & build go-karts, castles, boats & beyond!

2026 Summer Camps

Book the TinkerMobile

The TinkerMobile is our fully-functional mobile woodshop! Our classroom on wheels has everything needed for your workshop, including all power tools, building materials, safety equipment and even a generator for power!

Perfect for School STEM Workshops, Youth Organizations & Birthday Parties! We have space for up to 12 participants.

All Participants learn how to safely use & operate all tools. Workshops can range from 2-4 hours and include design & build time, with projects ranging from benches to picnic tables, bird houses to go-karts.

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Tinkering School on the News!

Camp Photos

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A person lying on a net made of purple ropes within a wooden structure, outdoors.
A group of kids standing on a large wooden structure in a parking lot, with a red tarp and trees visible in the background.
Child sitting on a wooden Ferris wheel structure outdoors
Three children wearing helmets sit in a homemade wooden go-kart, with a visible steering wheel and pulley system, outdoors on a sunny day.
Children playing with a homemade go-kart made from wood and decorated with drawings, being pushed on a paved path in a grassy park.
Group of people riding a makeshift wooden vehicle on railway tracks with a red sail

So, what will your young maker learn?

  • Campers gain hands-on experience with real woodworking and construction tools, all in a safe and supervised environment. They’ll learn to measure, drill, sand, and build while mastering power tool safety and worksite awareness.

    Tools They’ll Use:
    Tape measurer, level, clamps, sanders, power drill, impact driver, table saw, band saw, compound miter saw, drill press & more!

  • Tinkering School is kid-driven, powered by imagination and open-ended creative builds! Campers will learn to follow structured designs while also embracing problem-solving and adaptability. Whether they’re designing a castle or constructing a sail-powered go kart, they’ll gain confidence in both precision and creativity—learning that mistakes are part of the process and every challenge has a solution.

  • Building something amazing takes collaboration! Campers will work together to plan, construct, and bring their projects to life—learning how to communicate, share responsibilities, and celebrate what they create as a team.

Want to get involved?

Are you a team-player, builder or maker? Tinkering School is looking for Collaborators (Summer Camp Counselors) to join our team!

We are looking for candidates who want experience in open-ended learning environments and the challenges they present. Ideally you can hold space for a 7-year-old’s unbelievably fascinating story and talk to an eleven-year-old with the adult tone they crave and deserve. We can teach you how to use tools and you can learn to build along side the kids, but it is essential that you firmly believe children are already whole people with important things to say.

Apply to Join OUR TEAM TODAY

FAQs

  • To register, complete the online form and submit payment in full. Once your payment is processed, your spot will be secured!

  • The cost for each 5-day camp session is $750 per camper.

    • $100 off when signing up for multiple sessions. Use code: MULTI100

    • $75 off per additional camper from the same household when enrolling multiple children. Use Code: FAMILY75

  • Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 4:30-5:00 PM each day. Drop-off is between 8:45 AM and 9:00 AM, and pick-up is between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM.

  • Camp will take place at Westside Community Center (1628 W Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO)

    Camp is held rain or shine!

  • No, Colorado Tinkering School is a day camp. Campers return home each evening.

  • Yes! On Friday afternoon, family and friends are invited to join us for a celebration where campers showcase their projects and hard work.

  • No formal application is required. Simply complete the online registration form to reserve your camper’s spot.

    • A packed lunch and snacks

    • A water bottle

    • Close-toed shoes (no sandals)

    • Sunscreen and a hat to protect against the sun

  • We maintain a 6-7 campers per staff member ratio to ensure plenty of individualized attention.

  • Yes, all camp staff members undergo thorough background checks and are trained in safety procedures, including first aid.

  • Please notify us if your child will miss any camp days so we can ensure they stay caught up.

    • Full refunds are available up to 30 days before the start of camp.

    • Cancellations made after that date are non-refundable.

  • Yes, Tinkering School is committed to inclusivity and will work with families to accommodate any special needs or requirements. Please contact us in advance so we can make the appropriate arrangements.

  • For any questions or to discuss special arrangements, please reach out to us at COTINKERINGSCHOOL@GMAIL.COM.