Hands-on STEAM camps for kids ages 7–15 in Alexandria, VA. Real tools — 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC, welding, electronics — with instructors who build for a living.
Our flagship week-long camp. Kids design a project on day one and leave with a finished build on Friday.
Five days of hands-on building across our full shop — 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, welding, and robotics. Every camper ships a finished project home on Friday.
Four tracks, one shop. Whether your kid is here for a day, a week, or the whole school year — there's a way in.
Merit badge workshops and hands-on sessions built around Boy Scout, Girl Scout, and Cub programs.
Learn more →Week-long camps where kids design, build, break, and iterate across the full maker toolkit.
Learn more →Weekly and monthly co-op sessions that plug STEAM skills directly into your homeschool curriculum.
Learn more →Bring a classroom, team, or youth group for a curated maker experience in our Alexandria shop.
Learn more →No surprises, no guesswork. Here's what to expect from the moment you hit "Register."
Pick the camp, week, and age group that fits. Each program lists dates, skills covered, and what your kid takes home.
Reserve a spot online in under two minutes. We'll confirm by email with everything you need for drop-off day.
Show up with curiosity. We'll handle safety, tools, and materials — your kid walks out with a project they made.
Our 10,000 sq ft facility is the same one we use for professional R&D — 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, welding stations, electronics, soldering, and more.
Whether you're an individual, homeschool co-op, scout group, or an entire school, we build the experience around your kid — not the other way around.
"My 10-year-old came home talking about MIG welding. I've never seen him this excited about anything."MMaria K. · Parent, Alexandria
"Small groups, pro-grade tools, and instructors who actually build things for a living. This isn't daycare with a glue gun."JJames & Priya · Parents, Arlington
"I designed something on a computer and then it came out of a machine. It's like real magic."AAvery, age 11 · Summer Camper
Innovation Academy is powered by Building Momentum, a small business based in Alexandria, Virginia. Building Momentum specializes in advanced R&D, prototyping, and training for defense and industry — Innovation Academy channels the same spirit of innovation into hands-on education for our local community.
We believe in co-creating programs that ignite curiosity. If you don't see a program that sparks your kid's passion, reach out and tell us what you want to see.
Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
Camps run for ages 7–15, grouped by skill level. Younger campers (7–9) work alongside older ones but with age-appropriate projects and closer supervision.
Every session starts with a safety briefing. Campers only use tools appropriate for their age and after one-on-one instruction. Power tools (welding, CNC) are instructor-assisted for younger groups. We maintain a 1:6 instructor ratio and every staff member is trained in shop safety and first aid.
Doors open at 8:45am. Mornings are skill-building and small projects — learning a tool, sketching designs, making parts. After lunch (bring your own), afternoons are project time where campers put it all together. We wrap at 4pm with a show-and-tell.
Yes — every camper leaves with at least one finished project. Summer Maker Camp produces a final multi-part build (laser-cut body, 3D-printed parts, wired electronics) on Friday.
Closed-toe shoes (required for the shop floor), a packed lunch and water bottle, and clothes that can get dirty. We provide all tools, materials, safety gear, and snacks.
Full refund up to 14 days before the camp starts. Between 14 and 7 days we offer a 50% refund or full credit toward a future session. Within 7 days, credit only.
Sibling discounts are automatic at checkout. Need-based scholarships are available — reach out to us directly and we'll work something out.