Sandbox Summer Camp: Creativity, Technology, and Joy!

2023 Program Description

Sandbox Summer Camp is a unique in-person experience for students ages 8+ that combines art, design, storytelling, creative technologies, movement, and outdoor activities in different environments and locations. 

Over the course of four days, creative campers will discover three locations in Milwaukee. Each day they will learn, explore, and create through various activities and experiences like scavenger hunts, guided tours, and their own limitless creativity! Armed with one of Islands of Brilliance’s iPads, participants will merge the physical and digital worlds as they leave their mark at each location.

HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT!

Day One

Participants will be introduced to the experience and each other. They will learn about and explore the iPad they will be using over the course of the workshops. Portals from another dimension have opened! Who is coming through? Campers will begin their journey together by creating a character from another dimension. We’ll explore Milwaukee together with the goal of convincing other extra-dimensional characters to come visit.

Day Two - Learn About Nature

Campers will be introduced to the concept of “Slow Looking” where they become detectives as they slow down and really explore nature at the Urban Ecology Center. They'll be encouraged to notice the slightest of details and come up with stories behind those details, allowing time to make their own discoveries and form a more personal connection with nature.

Scavenger Hunt time! Participants will then break off into small groups to further explore the location through their character's eyes.

Campers will create Sun Prints and Leaf Rubbings with the items they have found - taking pictures with the iPad that will be used to create a super cool collage using ProCreate!

Day Three - History of Human Interaction

We head to the Milwaukee Public Museum to explore how humans have interacted over time. MPM staff will discuss how museums curate their displays and how those have changed over time. You’ll travel through the museum with your character taking the time to really look at details - you might see or hear something you never have before!

Become an Archeologist! We’ll dig for evidence of the past and document our findings with the iPad.

Campers will then create their own Cabinet of Wonders using all the items they’ve discovered to create a digital curated collection.

Day Four

We will return to the studio to reflect on our experiences over the past three days. Participants will create a travel brochure using the images and experiences they’ve collected. Participants will be challenged to tell the story of what makes Milwaukee a great place to visit.

Program Outcomes – SEL/Soft Skill Targets

• Self Awareness

• Self Management

• Social Awareness

• Relationship Skills

• Responsible Decision Making