Summer Camps

The Soap Box Derby® STEM Summer Program is a fun skill-building opportunity for youth ages 8-13, offered at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio.

2024 Summer Camp Information

Activities

This five-day program gives kids ages 8-13 the opportunity to:

  • Race a Soap Box car daily down Derby Downs Track
  • Meet and make new friends
  • Design, build, race, and take home a Mini Soap Box car
  • Participate in a variety of fun, hands-on STEM projects
  • Invite family & friends to attend Friday’s Family Day where they will watch and cheer their racers during the Mini Car and full-size Soap Box Derby Championship races

Details

Dates: June 3 – 7, 2024
Time: 8:30am – 2:30pm daily
Cost: $225 (After March 31 cost increases to $245)

Register Now

Frequently Asked
Questions

Is my child allowed to change groups to be with their friends?

We try to accommodate group changes as much as possible. Due to staff/camper ratios this is not always possible.

What should my child bring with them to camp?

Morning snack, lunch (refrigeration provided), water bottle (water filling stations will be provided), sunglasses, and camera (if you want to take photos), all participants must always be wearing closed-toed shoes.

What does my child need to wear at camp?

Sunscreen, comfortable clothes (dress for the weather) and closed-toed shoes.

Will my child spend time outside?

Yes, several of the summer camp activities take place outside throughout the day.

How much does a summer camp session cost?

Summer camp costs $225 per child when paid on or before March 31st. The cost after March 31st will be $245 per child.

What time does the program run?

8:30 am – 2:30 pm each day.

Where do I drop off and pick up my child?

Drop off and pick up are both located at 1000 George Washington Blvd., Akron, OH 44312 in the blue building. Drop off time: 8 am – 8:25 am. Pick-up time: 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm.

Do I have to go inside to drop off and pick up my child?

Yes, you must sign your child in and out each day.

What if I want someone else to pick up my child?

Please let us know ahead of time when you drop off your child if someone else will be picking them up. If someone else will be picking up your child, please write that person’s name on the sign-in form.

What happens at Family Day on Friday?

Family Day is the grand finale event help to showcase your child’s Soap Box Derby Camp experience. This event begins at 11:30 am in the blue building. While in this building, you will have the opportunity to meet the campers, cheer the Mini SBD race finalists and tour the Soap Box Derby Museum. At 1 pm you will make your way down to the track to watch and cheer as your child races down Derby Downs.

Watch as your child participates in a Soap Box Derby Mini Car race and then make your way down to the track to watch them race down Derby Downs!

Who is teaching the summer camp program?

Certified teachers will be teaching the camp. Junior Camp staff will also be assisting.

How long is registration open?

Registration is open until full.

How do I contact the camp?

Call 330-733-8723 x 12

Will my child get to ride down the Derby Downs track?

Weather permitting each child will get to ride down the Derby Downs track at least once per day.

Will I have the chance to ride down the Derby Downs track?

After the conclusion of the campers’ race at Family Day, family members and friends (ages 7 and up), will have a chance to race down the track! All persons wishing to ride down the track must sign a waiver at the check-in table located at the starting line pavilion. Also, all drivers must wear closed shoes.

To ride down the track you must be wearing closed-toed shoes and sign a waiver at check-in.

Have more questions that aren’t listed above? Please contact us.

Become a Summer Counselor or Junior Counselor!

Looking for an amazing opportunity to serve as a counselor during our Summer Camp? If you are 14 years old and older and would like to be part of the Soap Box Derby’s Summer, we encourage you to apply today!
Apply Today

Purpose

The Soap Box Derby offers young people the opportunity to serve as a Summer Camp Counselor to provide real-world “workplace” experiences for them. This position is designed to provide young people with the opportunity to develop key life and career skills as they progress through the application process, training, and Summer Camp program.

Requirements

The counselor position is open to anyone who will be at least fourteen years of age by June 1, 2024. A counselor must have reliable transportation to and from Derby Downs, 1000 George Washington Blvd., Akron, OH. Any counselor age 18 and older must agree to submit to any necessary background check. A counselor must be available to attend the Soap Box Derby Summer Camp sessions: June 3-7, 2024 (Monday-Friday) 8 am – 2:45 pm

*All applications must be submitted by May 1, 2024 by 5 pm. Interviews will be held during May.