2026 Summer Camp
The Small Business Start-Up Camp is an immersive, two‑day experience for rising high‑school juniors and seniors who are excited to turn ideas into reality. Designed around hands‑on product design, this fast‑paced camp exposes participants to the full cycle of innovation. Brainstorm, prototype, test, and pitch your product ideas. Working in teams, participants will build practical skills in creativity, collaboration, problem‑solving, and entrepreneurial thinking. Whether you dream of launching a business, inventing something new, or simply learning how great ideas come to life, this camp will inspire you to create boldly and experiment fearlessly.
Age Group: Students entering grades 11–12
Fee: $250
Includes all activities, meals, and on-campus housing. This program includes an off-campus outing.
Market research: Learn how to spot problems worth solving and develop a unique product idea that fills a real-world need.
Prototyping: Be ready to get your hands dirty. Using basic materials, design principles, and common maker tools, you'll build a minimum viable product (MVP) to test your concept.
Create your business: Using the business model canvas, you will learn to develop the core components of a successful business. Identify your target customer, plan revenue streams, and start marketing.
Did you know you can save money on your Penn College tuition if you attend one of our Summer Camps?
Creative thinking and clothes that can get messy during the prototyping process.
What do I need to bring? Where will I stay? What’s for dinner? So many questions, and we have all of your answers!