What ages is the camp for?

The program is designed for 4th–6th graders, matching content and supervision to that age range.

Are life jackets provided for canoeing?

Yes, life jackets are provided and staff supervise all water activities.

Is lunch included in the $190 fee?

Lunch is not included; campers should bring a packed lunch and snacks each day.

What materials are provided for building?

Basic materials and tools for the miniature house projects are supplied by the camp.

What if my child has allergies or special needs?

Notify staff at registration so instructors can accommodate dietary needs, medical requirements, or learning supports.

Designing Small Spaces: 2026 Architecture II Camp for Kids in Midland, Michigan | Workshop | History Tour

Q: How do parents see the final work?

There is an end-of-week showcase where campers present their miniature houses and describe their design choices.

Midland, Michigan, is the setting for a week of hands-on design and outdoor discovery at the 2026 Architecture II Camp. Tailored for 4th–6th graders, this day camp runs 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and offers two sessions in summer—Session I in June and Session II in July—where young participants build a miniature house, work through collaborative projects, and push ideas from sketchbook to small-scale model. The program blends studio time with canoe outings and short urban walks that show how everyday places are shaped by design and environment. Campers spend mornings in a project studio, learning basic drafting, scale, and material selection as they assemble a functioning miniature house. Instructors guide age-appropriate tool use, from safe hand-cutting techniques to simple joinery, so each child finishes with a tangible structure and an understanding of form and function. Afternoons shift outdoors: short canoe trips introduce waterborne perspectives of the neighborhood and local green spaces, and guided observation walks turn sidewalks into case studies — how a porch, window, or street corner can change how people move and meet. The Midland site sits within a landscape of low glacial plains, mixed hardwoods, and freshwater corridors typical of central Michigan, so students encounter riparian edges, wetland grasses, and birdlife as part of design lessons. That direct contact with local ecology helps kids consider sustainability choices—materials, placement, and how small buildings interact with water and shade. The camp’s combination of studio craft and modest fieldwork makes it a standout for families who want STEM, art, and outdoor time delivered in one package. Practical details are simple: this is a daytime program priced at $190 per session, with scheduled school-age program hours that fit summer routines. The pace is intentionally varied to keep younger attention spans engaged—hands-on building, short paddles, then reflective sketching. Instructors with experience in education and outdoor supervision keep groups safe during canoeing and tool use, while promoting curiosity and teamwork. For visitors to Midland, the Architecture II Camp is more than a childcare option; it’s an introduction to how places are made, read, and lived in. Kids leave with a finished miniature house, new skills in collaboration and observation, and a fresh appreciation for how design shapes everyday life. Whether you’re local or visiting for the summer, this camp offers a memorable and practical immersion into design and place for budding builders and future thinkers. Parents can expect an end-of-week showcase where campers present their miniature houses and explain design choices—an occasion that builds communication skills and pride. Materials and life jackets for canoeing are provided, but campers should bring a packed lunch, a refillable water bottle, and clothes that can get wet or dusty. The camp balances structured instruction with open-ended making. Daily.

About Alden Dow Home and Studio

Alden B. Dow Home and Studio in Midland, Michigan, preserves the legacy of architect Alden B. Dow and offers public programs, guided tours, and youth design camps. The property is recognized for its Mid‑Century Modern architecture and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can tour the Home and Studio to see Dow’s integrated approach to design, materials, and site planning.

Public programs include guided Group Tours that can be tailored to group interests, highlighting the creative process and architectural innovations of Alden B. Dow. Seasonal Holiday Tours in December present festive decorations, whimsical scale trains, and mechanical toys, offering a family-friendly experience that blends design history with holiday tradition.

Youth programming features immersive camps for elementary and middle school students. The 2025 Architecture I Camp engages 4th–6th graders with hands-on projects such as constructing a miniature treehouse and exploring the site from unique vantage points, including canoeing on the pond. The 2025 Design II Camp invites 7th–9th graders to study design principles through mixed-media projects, inspiration from historic artists, film screenings, and outdoor activities.

Educational value is grounded in the site’s historic status and its physical examples of Mid‑Century Modern practice. Interpretive tours and structured camp curricula provide clear learning objectives and creative skill development. Visitors and groups can reserve tours and programs through the Home and Studio’s booking channels. Programming combines architectural interpretation, hands-on making, and site-based learning to create memorable, educational visits. The site welcomes visitors of all ages to explore design education and inspiration daily.