3D Printing & Design *4-day*
Description
This camp runs on the USM-Portland campus, Monday through Thursday, December 28th-31st 2026.

This session's pricing ($445) does not include a take-home 3D printer. This session has the following options:

  • Camper uses one of our "lab" printers, which are lightly-used printers used in camps & workshops. This is a limited option, around 6 spots available.

  • Or, we will order a printer for the camper. The camper will receive a brand-new printer that they take home with them. This would be an additional $250, which is the cost for us to purchase these.


These options are available during the registration process.

Explore the entire fabrication process using 3D printing technology in our 3D Printing & Design camp. Campers start the camp by assembling their own 3D printer while learning about the components and functions of the machine. Campers also explore the world of 3D design by using 3D modeling programs such as SketchUp, TinkerCAD, or others (depending on instructor), as well as learning how to optimize these designs for printing. This session will also focus on calibrating the machines; starting and finishing the print; fixing errors; and all the details that make 3D printing both challenging and rewarding. At the end of the week, campers take home all the cool things they’ve created. If you choose to purchase a 3D printer for the camp as well, they will also take home their new printer & 3D filament to kickstart their printing journey at home.

For 2026/2027, we're planning on using the Bambu A1 Mini. This may change, depending on availability.

Open to ages 12 to 16, no experience needed.

This camp is 4 days long, and will run from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Drop-off begins at 8:45am, please arrive no earlier. Please also plan on spending a few extra minutes on the first day to confirm information about your campers with the session leader.

Registration will close 3 weeks out from the session start date to allow for us to purchase the equipment for camp. For this session, the last date to register will be December 6th.

Want to learn more about our camps? Check out our website here: https://usm.maine.edu/stem-outreach/stem-camps/

Camp pricing:

The University of Southern Maine is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, and we do everything in our power to keep our camps affordable for Maine families. At the same time we make an effort to staff with the best mentors for our campers, we do this by employing classroom educators, university faculty/staff, industry experts, and college undergraduate & graduate students.

With that being said, our biggest expense each year is our camp staff wages. As the cost of living, and the cost of wages increase, it directly impacts the cost to run our camps. Please keep this in mind as you’re browsing our selection of camps, and understand that we do everything we can to keep our camps affordable.
Location:
University of Southern Maine - Portland
Dates:
SY 1 - 12/28-12/31
Time:
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Ages:
Ages 12 - 16
Cost:
$445.00
Availability:
This session has openings
Registration will end on 12/6/2026 at 11:00 PM.