Spring Break Camps   

Held in the state-of-the-art Industrial Welding Lab at our Strawberry Plains campus, this three-day camp introduces teens to MIG (wire) welding through hands-on, small-group instruction—no experience needed. Each day covers safety, equipment setup and basic techniques, with a take-home project to build confidence and pride. Perfect for teens who enjoy working with their hands and want to explore skilled trades in a fun, supportive setting. Safety gear is provided. Participants will need to provide their own lunches. Limited to 10 students—register early!

ACE CNC Machining — Youth Camp (Ages 14–18)

What this camp is
The ACE CNC Machining Youth Camp is a hands-on, industry-aligned experience designed for students ages 14–18 who want real exposure to modern manufacturing. This is not a lecture-based camp. Students work in a professional machining environment, learn how CNC machines are used in industry, and develop practical skills that directly connect to high-demand technical careers.

Who this camp is for

Students ages 14–18 exploring engineering, manufacturing, robotics, or skilled trades. Youth interested in hands-on learning and technical problem-solving. Students considering college, technical programs, apprenticeships, or workforce pathways. No prior CNC or machining experience required

What students will gain

Hands-on experience operating a CNC milling machine in a supervised lab setting. Understanding of how digital instructions and designs become physical parts. Exposure to real shop safety standards and professional expectations. Increased confidence using tools, machines, and measurement equipment. Strong resume, scholarship, and college application talking points. Eligibility to earn industry-recognized credentials (Haas Basic Mill), based on assessment results

Industry and career exposure
Students train on industry-standard equipment used in modern manufacturing facilities. The knowledge and terminology learned align directly with careers and education pathways, such as:

CNC machining and manufacturing technology. Mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing engineering, Automation, mechatronics, and robotics, Technical college programs and university engineering majors

Career and education impact

Builds early awareness of skilled trade and engineering careers. Strengthens applications for college, dual enrollment, and CTE programs. Demonstrates initiative, technical curiosity, and hands-on ability. Introduces students to high-demand, well-paying career pathways

Cost and registration

• This youth camp has no registration fee

• Space is limited and registration is required to reserve a seat

• Enrollment is first-come, first-served

ACE Metrology — One-Day Youth Camp (Ages 14–18)

What this camp is
The ACE Metrology Youth Camp is a focused, one-day, hands-on experience designed for students ages 14–18 who want to understand how precision and quality drive modern manufacturing. This camp is intentionally scheduled to immediately follow the ACE CNC Machining (Machine Tool) Youth Camps, allowing students to see the next step in the manufacturing process: verifying that parts meet specifications.

This is not a classroom lecture. Students will work in a lab environment using real measurement tools and industry practices to inspect parts similar to those produced in CNC machining.

Who this camp is for

Students ages 14–18 who have completed or are interested in the ACE CNC Machining Youth Camp, Youth curious about quality, inspection, engineering, and problem-solving, Students exploring engineering, manufacturing, automation, or technical career pathways, No prior metrology or inspection experience required

What students will gain

Hands-on experience using precision measurement tools, Understanding of why measurement and inspection are critical in manufacturing and engineering, Ability to interpret basic part dimensions and tolerances, Exposure to quality control concepts used in real production environments, Strong resume and college application talking points related to quality and precision, Clear connection between CNC machining and quality assurance careers

Skills and concepts covered

Fundamentals of measurement and why accuracy matters, Reading basic dimensions and tolerances on technical drawings, Use of common metrology tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and indicators, Introduction to inspection processes and documentation, Understanding variation, consistency, and why parts can pass or fail inspection, Critical thinking and problem-solving through hands-on measurement tasks

Students gain a systems-level understanding of how machining and inspection work together in industry.

Cost and registration

• This one-day youth camp has no registration fee

• Registration is required to reserve a seat

• Enrollment is limited due to lab capacity