IDEA Camp will be held again in Summer 2026, with the option to attend at multiple locations:
July 7, 2026 | NIACC Career Center, Charles City, IA >
July 9, 2026 | Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Clear Lake, IA >
IDEA Camp
A hands-on day camp where middle school students explore ideas, build business models, and gain confidence in their creativity.
An exciting day camp opportunity for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
Dive into the exciting world of entrepreneurship at this dynamic day camp designed for middle school students. This hands-on program guides young innovators through the essential stages of business creation, from brainstorming ideas to building a strong business model.
Whether students come with a business idea in mind or need help discovering one, IDEA Camp provides the tools, structure, and support to help bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life.
Locations and Registration
How Much Does it Cost?
Because of the generous support of our sponsors, IDEA Camp is available for $25 per student, with lunch included. We are grateful to Bank Iowa for sponsoring the Clear Lake location and First Citizens Bank for sponsoring the Charles City location.
What Students Will Learn
Students will be introduced to key concepts in entrepreneurship and guided through the process of developing their own business idea.
- Ideation and Discovery: Develop creative thinking skills and learn how to identify problems and opportunities that can lead to innovative business ideas.
- Business Model Canvas: Gain an understanding of the nine key building blocks of the Business Model Canvas, including value proposition, target market, and revenue streams.
- Value Proposition: Learn how to define and deliver products or services that meet customer needs.
- Target Market: Understand the importance of identifying and analyzing the ideal customer for a business idea.
- Marketing Strategies: Explore how to create simple, effective marketing plans to promote a business idea.
- The Role of Partnerships: Discover how key partners, resources, and activities can strengthen a business.
- Financial Literacy: Create simple financial projections to estimate costs and revenue.
Who Should Attend?
IDEA Camp is designed for middle school students who are eager to explore entrepreneurship, strengthen creative problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their ability to create and innovate.
No prior experience is required — just curiosity and enthusiasm.
