Exploring Smart Cities at Next Step’s Maker Space Summer Camp

This summer, 15 young people joined Next Step’s Maker Space Summer Camp for a week of creativity, technology and hands-on learning. Held from 20 to 24 July at Next Step’s community center in Budapest, the five-day camp brought together children aged 12-15 to explore the theme of “Smart Cities” through coding, robotics, electronics, digital design and creative making. They spent each day experimenting with different tools and technologies while working together, testing ideas and learning by doing.

Watch the camp video

Throughout the week, the children explored a wide range of Maker Space activities, including coding and robotics, 3D design and printing, 2D design and laser cutting, electronics, handcraft and creative brainstorming. They had the opportunity to work with equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, micro:bit, EDU:BIT, Arduino, LEGO SPIKE, Makeblock mBot, moving from ideas and designs to physical creations and working prototypes. The variety of activities also gave participants the freedom to discover what interested them most.

The camp was designed not only to introduce children to new technologies, but also to give them the space to experiment, collaborate and solve problems together. Some activities required patience and repeated attempts, while others encouraged children to think creatively and find their own solutions. The week ended with a celebration and certification, giving participants an opportunity to reflect on their experience and celebrate what they had accomplished. Parent feedback was overwhelmingly positive, giving the camp the highest rating for their own and their child’s experience. Parents also praised the mentors, the planning, the communication and the facilities at Next Step’s community center.

The enthusiasm did not end with the camp. The feedback showed strong interest in continuing Maker Space activities beyond the summer camp, with children keen to explore areas such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, CyberPi, engineering and fabrication tools. Some participants already have ideas for future projects, from cars and airplanes to technologies that could support people with disabilities.

We would like to thank all the children who took part for their participation and creativity, as well as their parents for their trust and support, and our camp’s mentors, staff and volunteers for guiding the participants throughout the week, and helping make the camp possible. We are excited to build on this enthusiasm and continue creating opportunities for children and young people to explore technology, creativity and making at Next Step.