A Fresh Take on Summer Camps: One-Day Workshops & Mentorship in Action

I try to build every one-week camp into a system like this where we follow the design cycle. This innovation includes a “Pattern” day that integrates mentorship and one-day workshops into that structure.

At Mezzacello Urban Farm, I’ve always taught summer camps using a mix of the design cycle, systems thinking, and mentorship. But this year, a small shift sparked a big idea: what if one-day workshops could deepen and extend the impact of our week-long camps?

 The Role of The Workshop in Teaching & Learning

Workshops offer a focused dive into one design challenge and real-world problem, helping students quickly engage with the design-build-test process. When paired with MenTerns — former campers who return to lead and mentor -- this model becomes even more powerful. Peer-to-peer learning thrives, and everyone benefits.

 Make It Work Wednesdays

Then came Make It Work Wednesdays - a weekly evening workshop where students can prototype, problem-solve, and learn from near-peer mentors. It’s affordable, impactful, and now integrated with camp “Pattern Days,” giving campers a chance to lead while welcoming new students into the experience.

The result? A dynamic learning environment where leadership grows, learning is shared, and innovation is hands-on. It’s a win-win model we’re excited to keep building.

If you would like to learn more about our summer camps and individual and Make It Work Wednesdays Workshops, visit us at Mezzacello.org/events. Or contact us - we’d love to hear from you.