Explorers: 4th Grade Innovation & Discovery Camp (Week B) at The Henry Ford – Dearborn, MI
Explorers: 4th Grade Innovation & Discovery Camp (Week B) is a weeklong STEM and innovation-focused summer camp hosted by The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. Running July 6–10, 2026, this immersive camp invites rising 4th graders to explore invention, problem-solving, and creative thinking through hands-on experiences rooted in history, engineering, and real-world innovation.
Designed specifically for upper elementary learners, Explorers encourages students to think like innovators by asking questions, testing ideas, and learning from both success and failure. Campers engage with The Henry Ford’s collections and learning spaces while developing skills that connect curiosity with critical thinking and creativity.
Program Details
Program name: Explorers: 4th Grade Innovation & Discovery Camp (Week B)
Ages served: 9-10 (Rising 4th Grade Students)
Program type: Innovation and STEM summer day camp
Focus areas: Innovation, engineering thinking, problem-solving, collaboration
Format: In-person
Pricing: $380.00 (THF Member) | $450.00 (Non-member)
Date and time: July 6-10, 2026 (Week B) | 9:00AM to 4:00PM (7 hours)
Location:
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Boulevard
Dearborn, MI 48124
Program Overview
The Explorers camp introduces 4th graders to innovation and discovery through a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Throughout Week B, campers explore how inventors, engineers, and problem solvers approach challenges by examining real artifacts, experimenting with ideas, and engaging in collaborative design activities.
Learning is guided by Model i, The Henry Ford’s signature learning framework. Model i emphasizes curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, encouraging students to explore problems from multiple perspectives and iterate on their ideas. Rather than focusing on right or wrong answers, campers are supported in asking meaningful questions, testing solutions, and refining their thinking.
Activities may include design challenges, exploration of historical innovations, and interactive projects that connect past inventions to modern problem-solving. This approach helps students understand that innovation is a process — one that blends creativity with persistence and reflection.
Learning Focus & Skills Developed
Innovation and design thinking
Creative problem-solving and experimentation
Collaboration and teamwork
Critical thinking and reflection
Understanding the role of invention in society
Confidence expressing ideas and learning from feedback
Who This Program Is Best For
Rising 4th graders curious about how things work
Students who enjoy hands-on projects and exploration
Learners interested in invention, history, or engineering
Families seeking enrichment camps near Detroit or Dearborn
Kids ready for structured, curiosity-driven learning experiences
About the Provider
The Henry Ford is a nationally recognized cultural institution dedicated to inspiring people to learn from America’s stories of innovation, ingenuity, and progress. Through museums, historic sites, and immersive educational programs, The Henry Ford connects past innovations to present-day challenges and future possibilities.
Educational programs at The Henry Ford are built around Model i, a learner-centered framework that helps students develop transferable skills such as creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Summer camps like Explorers reflect this approach by empowering students to explore ideas actively and see themselves as capable innovators.
Program Location & Local Context
Explorers camp takes place at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, a region known for its deep ties to innovation, manufacturing, and American history. The setting provides campers with access to inspiring spaces and real-world examples of invention that bring learning to life in a meaningful and memorable way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade is this camp designed for?
This camp is specifically designed for students entering 4th grade.
What is Model i?
Model i is The Henry Ford’s learning framework that emphasizes curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration through hands-on exploration and reflection.
What will campers do during the week?
Campers participate in design challenges, innovation activities, collaborative projects, and guided exploration tied to real historical and modern inventions.
Where does the camp take place?
The camp is held in person at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan.
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