Fort Kids Children’s Museum is thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership with Fort Smith Public Schools and the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders to host a Construction Camp for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders on June 23rd from 9 AM to 2 PM. This free and exciting camp will take place at Peak Innovation Center and will give students a hands-on opportunity to learn about construction and design while building a real project that will be featured in the Fort Kids’ pop-up space at the Bakery District: a kid-sized racetrack for imaginative play.
This collaboration highlights a shared mission within our community. Fort Kids has a vision to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence through STEAM-based experiences, and Peak Innovation Center’s goal is to prepare students for real-world, workforce-ready opportunities from a young age. The Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders is a professional organization that promotes quality housing for our community where these summer campers could see a future down the road.
“Partnerships like this are what Fort Kids is all about—bridging education, play, and career exploration in ways that are meaningful and memorable for kids,” said Sarah Strom, President and Founder of Fort Kids Children’s Museum. “We’re excited for local students to
build something that will be enjoyed by thousands of children in our community at our pop-up space at the Bakery District.”
“This is a great example of the true community collaboration that has made the Peak Innovation Center possible,” said Dr. Gary Udouj, Director of Career Education and District Innovation for Fort Smith Public Schools. “Our students’ career focus begins in elementary school with hands-on learning activities like this.”
The camp is designed to inspire the next generation of builders and makers by introducing them to the tools, teamwork, and techniques used in the construction industry. Guided by local professionals, students will explore building concepts, problem-solving skills, and creative design—all while contributing to a permanent exhibit in Fort Kids’ traveling museum experience.
Spots for the Construction Camp are limited. Parents and guardians can register students through Peak Innovation Center’s website or by contacting Fort Kids for more information.
About Fort Kids Children’s Museum
Fort Kids Children’s Museum aims to create a world-class facility that will inspire curiosity, joy, and confidence in children through hands-on exhibits and educational programs. The museum will be located on a 5.6-acre site donated by the Robbie Westphal family, just south of the U.S. Marshals Museum. While capital funds are being raised, the 501c3 nonprofit is running as a museum with no walls offering year-round programming for children birth to 14 years of age and their caregivers.
For more information about Fort Kids, how to contribute to the capital campaign, or upcoming events, please visit www.fortkidschildrensmuseum.com or email info@fortkidschildrensmuseum.com
Contact: Fort Kids Children’s Museum PO Box 180014, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72918 lauraw@fortkidschildrensmuseu.com
About Peak Innovation Center
Fort Smith Public Schools’ Peak Innovation Center is a career and technical education hub serving Western Arkansas, and it is dedicated to preparing students for future success through real-world learning in fields like healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades.
For more information about Peak Innovation Center, please visit Home – Peak Innovation Center.
Contact: Peak Innovation Center 5900 Painter Lane, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903 gudouj@fortsmithschools.org
