Youth Explore, Create, and Discover During KDF STEAM Camp

More than 150 children spent four days enjoying KDF's 14th annual STEAM Camp

Group photo of all K-6 campers, student volunteers, and teachers. Photo provided.

(Batesville, Ind.) - More than 150 children spent four exciting days designing, building, experimenting, and creating during Kids Discovery Factory's 14th Annual STEAM Camp in July, continuing a tradition of inspiring young learners through hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

This year's campers traveled from all across Ripley, Franklin, Decatur and Dearborn counties, demonstrating the growing regional impact of Kids Discovery Factory's educational programming.

The summer kicked off with STEAM at the Park, a two-day camp held at Liberty Park that gave a small group of young learners the opportunity to explore science and creativity outdoors. Campers designed giant bead animals, created clouds in a cup, investigated colorful chemical reactions, and discovered how everyday materials can become exciting scientific experiments.

The excitement continued during the organization's signature four-day STEAM Camp, where students entering kindergarten through sixth grade rotated through a variety of engaging workshops that challenged them to think creatively, solve problems, and work together. Campers launched water rockets, explored the science of bubbles, built cardboard creations in a makerspace, designed with 3D printing pens, and participated in dozens of other hands-on learning experiences.

"This week is always one of the highlights of our year," said Program Director, Dawn Koch. "Watching children become completely immersed in discovery—asking questions, trying new ideas, and learning through play—is exactly why Kids Discovery Factory exists. Every camp activity helps build confidence and reminds campers that learning can be exciting."

The success of STEAM Camp was made possible through the generous support of community partners and volunteers.

Honda served as the camp's Title Sponsor and led an interactive robotics breakout session, introducing campers to robotics and engineering concepts through hands-on exploration.

Baxter sponsored Kids Discovery Factory's Mobile Factory experience at camp, giving students the opportunity to explore additional interactive engineering and STEM activities throughout the week.

Margaret Mary Health supported the museum's Museums for All Campership Program, helping reduce registration costs so more children could participate regardless of financial circumstances.

Employees from Batesville Tool & Die volunteered each day to distribute snacks and encourage campers, while 20 middle school and high school student volunteers from regional schools worked alongside teachers throughout the week, mentoring younger campers, assisting with activities, and helping create an engaging learning environment.

"Our camps reflect what can happen when an entire community invests in children," said Emili Uden, Executive Director. "We're incredibly thankful for every sponsor, volunteer, educator, and family who helped make this experience possible."

While construction continues on Kids Discovery Factory's new museum in downtown Batesville, programs like STEAM Camp continue to advance the organization's mission of inspiring youth to explore, play, and grow through hands-on learning.

Planning is already underway for next year's summer programming as Kids Discovery Factory prepares to welcome even more young learners to future camps and, ultimately, to its new permanent home opening in 2027.