Days 1-2
Electrical Engineering
Building Safe Systems
- Circuit building with breadboards
- LEDs, resistors & electronic components
- Light & motion sensor integration
- Emergency alarm systems
- Prototype testing & iteration
Innovation
Summer Camp
Powered by Motorola Solutions Foundation
A week-long STEM adventure at MSU Denver exploring Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Fire & Emergency Response Administration through hands-on smart city projects.
July 20-24, 2026
MSU Denver Campus
Rising Grades 6-8
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About the Camp
Where innovation meets inspiration
The Innovation Summer Camp is a week-long, immersive STEM experience for middle school students, aimed at introducing them to key disciplines that shape our modern world.
Through hands-on, team-based challenges, students will design and prototype "smart city" solutions that promote community safety and equity. Led by MSU Denver faculty and supported by university students and industry partners, this camp provides a unique opportunity for early STEM engagement while fostering mentorship, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.
Hands-On Learning
Build real projects with coding, circuits, and safety systems you can demonstrate.
Expert Mentorship
Work alongside MSU Denver students and faculty who guide you every step of the way.
Smart City Theme
Explore how technology makes cities safer and more efficient for everyone.
Final Showcase
Present your cross-disciplinary project to families and industry professionals.
5
Days of Fun
3
STEM Tracks
60
Students
∞
Possibilities
What You'll Learn
Three exciting STEM disciplines in one unforgettable week
Days 3-4
Computer Science
Coding for Safer Communities
- Smart city simulations with Block Coding
- Traffic light & emergency vehicle routing
- AI & machine learning for safety
- Sensors & real-time data
- Build Your Own Mini City
Day 5
Fire & Emergency Response Administration
Leadership, Operations & Community Safety
- Emergency response leadership & operations
- Community risk assessment & safety planning
- Hands-on fire suppression demo
- Emergency response technology & equipment
- Design a community safety plan
New to STEM? You Belong Here!
No coding or engineering experience needed. Our mentors will guide you every step of the way. All you need is curiosity!
Daily Schedule
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM each day, lunch provided
Electrical Engineering Day 1
Monday, July 20
Building Safe Systems
9:00 AM
Icebreaker - The Human Circuit
Get to know your teammates through a hands-on circuit activity
10:00 AM
Fuse & Short Circuit Activity
Learn how fuses and short circuits work
11:00 AM
Build a Simple Electric Motor
Construct your own working electric motor
12:00 PM
Lunch
Provided
1:00 PM
Paper Circuits
Create circuits using conductive tape and LEDs
2:30 PM
Simulating Traffic Lights on a Breadboard
Build a working traffic light system using a breadboard
5:00 PM
Pickup
Parent/guardian pickup
Electrical Engineering Day 2
Tuesday, July 21
Hardware Solutions
9:00 AM
Building a Smoke Detector Circuit
Construct a working smoke detector circuit
10:30 AM
Soldering a Flashlight
Learn soldering fundamentals by building a flashlight
12:00 PM
Lunch
Provided
1:00 PM
Soldering a WeevilEye with a Photosensor
Build a light-sensing circuit using soldering skills
2:30 PM
Soldering a Simon Says Game
Put your soldering skills to the test with an interactive game
5:00 PM
Pickup
Parent/guardian pickup
Computer Science Day 1
Wednesday, July 22
Coding for Safer Communities
9:00 AM
Smart City Simulation
Code traffic light systems using block-based tools
10:30 AM
AI for Safety
Train a machine learning model to detect safe vs. unsafe environments
12:00 PM
Lunch
Industry partner presentations
1:00 PM
Team Design Challenge
Brainstorm a 'Smart Safety' app with MSU Denver mentors
3:00 PM
Coding Workshop
Continue building your smart city simulation
5:00 PM
Pickup
Parent/guardian pickup
Computer Science Day 2
Thursday, July 23
Data & Smart Decisions
9:00 AM
Intro to Sensors & Data
How real-time data helps cities make smart decisions
10:30 AM
Design Sprint
Develop and refine your Smart Safety system
12:00 PM
Lunch
City planner workshop
1:00 PM
Integration Challenge
Combine CS and EE projects for final showcase
3:30 PM
CS Showcase
Present your coding projects to peers
5:00 PM
Pickup
Parent/guardian pickup
Fire & Emergency Response Administration + Showcase
Friday, July 24
Emergency Response & Celebration
9:00 AM
Introduction to FERA
How emergency response leaders protect lives, property, and communities — featuring MSU Denver's National Fire Academy-recognized program
10:00 AM
Emergency Operations & Leadership
Team-based incident management scenarios and decision-making exercises
11:00 AM
Hands-On Demos
Fire suppression demo and emergency response technology & equipment
12:00 PM
Celebration Lunch
With families and partners
1:30 PM
Final Project Showcase
Present cross-disciplinary projects to families
3:30 PM
Certificates & Closing
Celebrate your achievements!
5:00 PM
Pickup
Parent/guardian pickup
Our Partners
Bringing together education and industry expertise
Metropolitan State University of Denver
MSU Denver is Colorado's urban university, providing quality, accessible education to over 17,000 students. Faculty from the Computer Science, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Fire and Emergency Response Administration departments lead the camp curriculum and instruction.
Visit MSU Denver
Motorola Solutions Foundation
The Motorola Solutions Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, partnering with organizations to build safer cities and thriving communities. Their generous grant makes this camp possible, helping to expand and diversify the STEM workforce on Colorado's Front Range through meaningful educational experiences.
Visit Motorola Solutions Foundation
Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control supports the camp's Fire and Emergency Response Administration (FERA) track, providing expertise in fire and life safety education for the next generation of emergency responders.
Visit DFPC Fire & Life SafetyInterested in partnering with us for future camps?
Contact UsRegister Now
Secure your spot for an unforgettable STEM experience
Eligibility Requirements
- Rising 6th-8th graders
- Denver Public Schools students have priority enrollment
- All Colorado students welcome to apply
- No prior STEM experience required
Registration Fee
$50 (Financial assistance available)
Includes
All materials, lunch daily, water bottle, and camp t-shirt
Limited Spots
60 students maximum
Ready to Join?
Submit your application to secure a spot in the Innovation Summer Camp! Space is limited to 60 students. Priority applications accepted through April 15, 2026.
Apply NowQuestions about registration?
innovation-camp@msudenver.eduFrequently Asked Questions
Everything parents and students need to know
The Innovation Summer Camp is open to rising 6th-8th graders. Priority is given to Denver Public Schools students, but all Colorado students are welcome to apply.
The registration fee is $50, which covers all materials, lunch each day, a water bottle, and a camp t-shirt. Financial assistance is available for families who need it.
Students should bring a water bottle, comfortable clothes suitable for hands-on activities, and their curiosity! All materials, equipment, and lunch are provided.
Yes! Lunch is provided every day. Please note any dietary restrictions or allergies on the registration form.
Camp runs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Drop-off begins at 8:30 AM and pickup is at 5:00 PM.
No prior experience is required! Our curriculum is designed for beginners while also engaging students who may have some background. MSU Denver student mentors work with small groups to ensure everyone can participate fully.
The camp takes place on the MSU Denver campus in the Auraria Campus. Specific building and room information will be sent to registered families before camp begins.
We follow MSU Denver and local health guidelines. Current protocols will be shared with registered families before camp. Students should stay home if they feel unwell.
Absolutely! Families are invited to the Friday afternoon showcase where students present their projects. It's a highlight of the week!
Email us at innovation-camp@msudenver.edu with any questions. We typically respond within 2 business days.
Still have questions?
Contact UsContact Us
We're here to help with any questions
Camp Overview
July 20-24, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Grades 6-8
Camp Location
MSU Denver
Auraria CampusDenver, Colorado