MADE Camp Brings Hoverboards and Robots to McMinn County

19 Aug 2026

News, Articles

The McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA) brought its first summer camp to life this past June, with 29 middle school students learning about manufacturing career paths while developing STEM skills. Each day was packed with activities, fun lessons, and challenges created by local businesses. Campers are already asking their parents if they can come back next year.

“The students were quiet the first morning because they didn’t know what to expect,” says Aryn Stewart, Office and Event Coordinator at the EDA. “But they jumped in when the first lesson started and were excited the rest of the week. No one was afraid to try new things or participate in the hands-on activities we developed.”

The summer camp made learning fun while showing kids how they can turn something they are interested in (like playing with robots) into a career. This camp can better prepare students to choose career pathways in high school that can help them after graduation.

Check out the EDA’s recap of MADE Camp in the video below and keep reading to learn about each day, the various activities campers enjoyed, and the invaluable businesses and partners who made it all possible.

Day One: Hoverboards and Robotic Programming

Shortly after arriving at camp on the first day, students were divided into two groups and participated in activities by DENSO Manufacturing and Heil Trailer International. Athens City Schools brought mini-robots that kids could program to run through floor mazes. The DENSO team helped teach the campers how to code the bots and even programmed them to play soccer with a mini ball.

“Within the first hour, the kids were screaming, cheering on their teammates, and so excited to play with the robots,” says Stewart.

Meanwhile, Heil Trailer sent a senior engineer to teach campers how to make hoverboards with plywood, duct tape, and a few staples. Just add a leafblower, and you’re ready to go!

“Students had to measure the hoverboard and make sure its design was precise,” says Stewart. “They also had to figure out the power and direction of airflow, while testing out different techniques to make the hoverboard work.”

Each day included soft skill development. The goal of the first day was to hone teamwork.

Day Two: Derby Cars and Custom Soap

The second day also featured two sessions from local business owners, with students divided into teams. The Creative Foam Corporation taught kids how to make derby cars. They made weight adjustments and worked on aerodynamics and creative designs.

MADE camp was held at the McMinn Higher Education Center at Cleveland State Community College, which means students had access to college-level chemistry labs. This is where Midlab, Inc. set up its section. Campers created their own hand soap with custom colors and scents. They were each given pump bottles of their soap to take home and were asked to develop labels with names and brands. Before the session was over, the kids gave marketing pitches to sell their soap brands to their peers.

The soft skill for day two was problem-solving as they learned how to build the derby cars and make their own soap. Each day of camp also had activities on the STEMmobile by Tennessee Tech. Kids could keep learning and playing with different crafts.

Day Three: Local Industry Tours

The third day brought students into the real world, where they learned how products get developed from start to finish. The field trips included tours of IronCraft Attachments, Crescent Sock Company, and Mayfield Dairy Farms. These tours were paired with an educational discussion on how students can turn interests into future careers.

“The kids were asking a lot of questions and weren’t afraid to answer the questions asked by the field trip leaders,” says Stewart.

The soft skill of day three was communication. Students were encouraged to ask questions and learn as much as possible from inside the manufacturers and education partners.

Day Four: Races and Awards

Each day of camp led up to the last day, and the various challenges and races at the end didn’t disappoint. Campers participated in derby car races and rode their hovercrafts past their parents and siblings. Tennessee State Representative Mark Cochran awarded medals to the hovercraft victors, while Mark Moses, President of DENSO, spoke to students during the camp graduation ceremony.

“Each student received a certificate for completing the camp, and some students received other awards if counselors noticed they were good problem solvers or creative in their derby car designs,” says Stewart.

The soft skill on the final day was time management, where students learned to manage their time to make last-minute adjustments to their hovercraft and derby cars before racing them.

After the ceremony, some parents even tried out the hoverboards. The kids said they can’t wait to come back, and the EDA is already planning for MADE Camp 2027.

MADE Camp Was a Team Effort

This camp supported students from Athens City Schools, McMinn County Schools, and homeschoolers. It was made possible by a team of organizers, including:

Countless other business owners and community members supported the camp.

“We weren’t turned down by anyone when we asked for help,” says Stewart. “Whether it was monetary or in-kind donations or time, everyone understood how this camp was filling a need. We appreciate everyone who contributed in some capacity. Otherwise, MADE Camp wouldn’t be possible.”

The EDA plans to expand enrollment next year to accommodate 10 more campers. It wants to keep growing each year to support local middle school students. Anyone who wants to get involved as a sponsor, session leader, or supporting business can contact the EDA to start planning for next year.

Get Involved in the EDA

MADE Camp is a great example of how the EDA is involved at all levels of workforce development, from inspiring the next generation of workers to helping manufacturing and HR managers address workforce needs. Its work also extends to site selection, business attraction, and community development. Learn more about the EDA and the value of becoming a member. You can help shape McMinn County and make it a bright star in Tennessee. Reach out today.