All Access Maker Camp

All Access Maker Camp is a fun week of exploring the Intrepid Museum, solving problems, experimenting with new tools and technology, designing projects and making friends! This camp is specifically for children and teens ages 8–14 with developmental disabilities, including autism.

The camp provides an in-depth learning opportunity for campers to practice social-emotional skills, including problem-solving, communication and collaboration. Campers try out design challenges related to the ship, aircraft and space, and they go behind the scenes to meet with experts.

All staff and interns are specially trained in working with children with disabilities in a museum setting. Visual schedules, illustrated instructions, multisensory opportunities and clear expectations help campers transition into the week, focus on the tasks at hand and have fun. Campers learn about and use a wide range of materials, both low-tech (LEGOs, clay, foil, craft supplies) and high-tech (robotics kits, computer-assisted design software and 3D printers), as they solve problems, experiment and innovate.

Camp counselor helping camp goer's do activities at the intrepid museums all access maker camp

All sessions are one week, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day. Campers may attend ONE session:

For First Time Campers:
Spring: April 14-18, 2025
Summer: August 18-22, 2025

For Previous All Access Maker Camp Campers:
Camp 2.0: August 25 - 29, 2025 (See Camp 2.0 for more information)

$75 for the week (includes all materials and snacks). Lunch and transportation are not provided

Enrollment is by online application. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Museum staff select applicants based on their level of interest in the material, past experience, financial need, and the overall dynamic of the group.

The application requires submitting the child’s most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) or similar documentation. Campers must be able eat and use the toilet independently.

For spring session (April 14-18, 2025): Applications are due by Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

For summer session (August 18-22, 2025): Applications are due by Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Application for Children who have NOT previously attended

If your child previously attended All Access Maker Camp, please do not apply for the above sessions for first-time campers. Please see below for information on Camp 2.0 for previous campers.

two all access campers doing an activity at the intrepid museum

All Access Maker Camp 2.0 welcomes previous campers, up to age 18, back for another week of solving problems, experimenting with tools and technology, and designing projects! Campers will expand on the sea, air and space design challenges and social-emotional skill-building from their first session.

They will revisit low and high-tech tools and materials and try out new ones. Campers will have the opportunity to dig deeper into their favorite topics and have fun in a now-familiar setting where there is still much to discover.

Dates:
August 25-29, 2025, from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day
Cost:
$75 for the week (includes all materials and snacks). Lunch and transportation are not provided.
How to apply
Enrollment is by online application. Museum staff select applicants based on their level of interest in the material, past experience, financial need and the overall dynamic of the group.

As some time has passed since your child attended All Access Maker Camp, we ask that you share updated information in the application, which requires submitting your child’s most recent Individualized Education Program (IEP) or similar documentation. Campers may be up to age 18.

Applications are due by Sunday, April 20, 2025.

Application Link for Camp 2.0 (returning campers)

Intrepid Museum invites past All Access Maker Camp campers, ages 16-21, to apply to be Counselors in Training (CIT)! CITs will assist Camp educators during the summer session of All Access Maker Camp. CITs will learn new professional skills, which will help them gain more independence, in a familiar environment with mentors they already know. We will hire two CITs for Access Maker Camp offerings in August (dates below).

All Access Maker Camp CITs will work with Camp educators to:

Take photographs for the Camp Showcase slideshow.
Assist with preparing, setting up, and putting away materials.
Encourage engagement between All Access Maker Camp participants.
Role model appropriate behavior during tours, design challenges, and workshops.
Potentially lead icebreakers, energizers, and activities.
Participate in daily debrief after campers are dismissed.

The manager of All Access Maker Camp will work with CITs to plan out responsibilities and tasks throughout the week based on their strengths and goals.

Required Dates and Pay
All Access Maker Camp CITs will be required to attend three training sessions (one at the Museum and two online), all five days of All Access Maker Camp (August 18-22), and a post-Camp virtual debrief meeting.

CITs will receive a stipend of $750 after the completion of their required responsibilities.

Application Process

Camper and parent/guardian review and complete the application.
1. Applicants submit responses to short answer questions, which may be submitted in writing or as an audio recording.
2. Applicants select which dates they are available for an interview at the Museum.
Museum staff contacts the applicant to confirm their interview date and time.
Museum staff sends applicants the interview questions in advance.
Interviews at the Museum.
1. If the applicant is under the age of 18, they must submit working papers at their interview. Click here to find more information about acquiring working papers.
Museum staff notifies applicants if they have been selected as CITs.

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 20, 2025

CIT Application

All Access Maker Camp is generously supported by The FAR Fund, J.E. & Z.B. Butler Foundation and the Frank J. Antun Foundation. Intrepid Museum’s Access programs are supported, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.