Built on the historic grounds of Camp Belzer, the renovated Skip + Alex Lange Innovation Center has emerged as a dynamic hub for creativity, adventure, and learning in central Indiana. Among its many engaging offerings—air adventure courses, rock climbing, and robotics labs—the centerpiece is a vibrant makerspace designed to ignite innovation and hands-on discovery.
A Space for Making, Learning, and Growing
Open to Scouts and the wider community, the makerspace is nestled within the historic Camp Belzer fieldhouse and offers a dedicated environment for creative exploration, robotics, and technology. The Discovery Room features opportunities to tinker with 3D printing, engineering, drones, coding, and robotics—it’s an all in one welcoming, hands-on learning space.
Designed by 1st Maker Space for True Engagement
The makerspace was installed by 1st Maker Space, bringing their signature approach—modern, interdisciplinary, and engaging—to this unique facility. Their design transforms community spaces into innovation hubs, equipping leaders and learners with tools to push creative boundaries and build real-world skills. The makerspace at the Skip + Alex Lange Innovation Center is essential because it transforms curiosity into action. By combining hands-on exploration with real-world technology, it equips young people with creativity, resilience, and future-ready skills while strengthening community connections.
A Place for All to Explore
Whether you’re scouting for hands-on STEM experiences, seeking out a robotics challenge, or learning to create with 3D tools—instructors, families, and scouts alike are encouraged to explore the possibilities. The Innovation Center offers accessible, all-day entry to programs that spark curiosity and confidence. Rob Tankersley, the Operations Director for Crossroads of America Council, says, “Adding a makerspace to summer camp programming has greatly increased both access and interest in STEM activities for campers. By providing hands-on opportunities to design, build, and experiment with tools and technology, campers can engage with science, engineering, and creative problem-solving in fun and approachable ways. This type of experiential learning allows students to see the direct results of their ideas, fostering deeper understanding and retention of STEM concepts. The hands-on approach also builds confidence, creativity, and collaboration skills, showing campers that STEM is not just about theory, but about applying knowledge to bring ideas to life. Being able to reinforce the concept of ‘There is no failure as long as you’re willing to try it again’ has been a great part of the makerspace experience.”
Why It Matters
- Hands-On Learning for Everyone: The space invites learners of all ages and backgrounds to experiment with real tools and technology.
- Future-Ready Skills: From design thinking to robotics, students apply concepts in tangible, creative ways that mirror real-world innovation.
- Community Connection: Serving not just scouts, but educators, families, and youth groups, the makerspace strengthens local partnerships and expands access.
The Skip + Alex Lange Innovation Center makerspace stands as a shining example of how purpose-built design—and community partnership—can transform learning through making.
