When kids are asked what they want to be when they grow up, "engineer" hasn’t traditionally made its way to the top of the list.
But that's changing.
This shift is being powered by figures like Mark Rober, founder of CrunchLabs® and former NASA engineer for the Curiosity Mars rover. Rober created the innovative and wildly popular CrunchLabs® Build Boxes, which serve as portals into the mindset and problem-solving methods of real engineers.
This hands-on learning approach supports Rober’s stated life's work: "to spark a love of science and engineering in the next generation of big problem solvers."
Combine Rober’s philosophy with the iD Tech mission to create life-changing tech experiences that embolden students to shape the future, and you have a new partnership that's about to transform how young learners think about building, creating, and problem-solving.
Introducing Camp CrunchLabs® IRL: Hands-on Engineering, an immersive CrunchLabs® Build Box journey designed for kids ages 7-9, where children explore, tinker, and discover what it really means to Think Like an Engineer™.
What Makes Camp CrunchLabs® IRL Different
iD Tech and CrunchLabs® have joined forces to launch something truly special.
Built for Every Skill Level
One of the biggest misconceptions about engineering camps is that they're only for kids who love math and science. Camp CrunchLabs® IRL breaks that myth wide open. Whether your child is a complete beginner or already considers themselves a junior inventor, this program welcomes all skill levels.
Throughout the week, campers progress from foundational engineering principles to more complex problem-solving. They master core concepts, tackle real-world challenges, and build new skills as each day unfolds. The curriculum is designed to meet kids where they are and help them grow from there.
Daily Build Boxes That Spark Creativity
Each day brings a fresh CrunchLabs® Build Box, curated specifically for iD Tech campers. Kids get to build, play, and tinker with materials that encourage hands-on learning and creative problem-solving.
The beauty of this approach is that it combines multiple disciplines in one activity. Every build box challenge weaves together math, science, and creativity, pushing campers to think critically about design and function.
Plus, kids take home their completed builds, which means the learning doesn't stop when camp ends. They can continue tinkering, experimenting, and refining their creations long after the final day. It’s the kind of hands-on engagement that turns casual interest into genuine passion.
Collaborative Challenges That Build More Than Structures
Engineering doesn't happen in isolation. Real engineers work in teams, bounce ideas off each other, and iterate based on feedback. Camp CrunchLabs® IRL mirrors this reality by having campers team up each day to tackle new collaborative challenges.
Working alongside peers, your child will learn to communicate ideas, listen to different perspectives, and combine their strengths with others. These soft skills of collaboration, communication, and creative thinking are just as important as the technical knowledge they're building.
Think Like an Engineer™
At the heart of Camp CrunchLabs® IRL is a philosophy that goes beyond building: learning to Think Like an Engineer™. This means understanding how real engineers approach problems, and specifically, how they design, iterate, test, and refine their solutions.
Throughout the week, campers explore this engineering mindset in action. They'll discover that failure isn't something to fear, and that it's a critical part of the process.
When a design doesn't work the first time, that's not a setback—it's valuable data that informs the next iteration.
Find Your Local Camp
Camp CrunchLabs® IRL is available at iD Tech locations nationwide—so there’s likely a campus near you.
(Note: We do expect this new camp to sell out fast, so if you've been looking for the perfect way to spark your child's curiosity about STEM, now's the time to act!)
See You This Summer!
Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore new interests without the pressure of grades or standardized testing. Camp CrunchLabs® IRL fits right in—a space where curiosity is celebrated, creativity is encouraged, and engineering becomes something kids actually want to do.
The engineering leaders of tomorrow are being shaped right now. Explore Camp CrunchLabs® IRL: Hands-on Engineering at a location near you.