Summer camp 2026

Two six-session programs, KidPreneur Camp and VentureLab, helping young founders ideate, build, and pitch market-ready ventures alongside industry leaders and business experts.

The two programs ran at the same time, from June 5 to July 10, and ended in separate Fish Tank divisions.

Fish Tank 2026 Every session

KidPreneur campers pointing at the camera and smiling — KidPreneur Session 3, 95th Street Library, June 19, 2026.

Dates: June 5 to July 10, 2026
Where: 95th Street Library and Nichols Library, Naperville
Grades: 3 to 9, in two tracks

students taught: 165
sessions per track: 6
guest speakers: 2
camp programs: 2

Two tracks, side by side

Pick a track to see its sessions. Both met every week at the same libraries and finished at Fish Tank.

KidPreneur
Grades 3–6
For first-time founders: Networking Bingo, the Bug-Me List, BizBucks, and a Fish Tank-style mock pitch.
VentureLab
Grades 6–9
For students ready to go further: feasibility and market research, prototyping, project management, and Demo Day practice.

01
Session 1June 5, 202695th Street Library, Naperville
2026 KidPreneur Session 1: Ideation
In Session 1, our kidpreneurs kicked things off by connecting with new friends and high school instructors through a high-energy Networking Bingo game. They then explored real-world problem solving with an interactive "Bug-Me List" and ideation session, learning how to spot everyday challenges and turn them into business ideas. Throughout the session, they also began learning the importance of using money wisely by earning BizBucks, which they can redeem for a variety of rewards.
02
Session 2June 12, 2026Nichols Library, Naperville
2026 KidPreneur Session 2: Finance
In Session 2, students took part in an interactive Finance Workshop at Nichols Library, starting with a "Price is Right" icebreaker to learn cost, price, and profit. They explored what makes a strong pitch and how to develop ideas, then applied these skills through activities like a Startup Auction, Shark Tank deal decisions, Business Disaster scenarios, and the $100 Challenge. Throughout the session, students practiced teamwork, decision-making, and learned to use money wisely by using opportunities.
Featured speaker
Isha Elandassery
Entrepreneur & Finance Educator
“Money Moves & Smart Decisions”
About the talk
Bringing finance to life through real-world scenarios, she showed students how smart money decisions fuel entrepreneurship. From startup auctions to Shark Tank-style deal analysis, she made every dollar a lesson in strategy.
03
Session 3June 19, 202695th Street Library, Naperville
2026 KidPreneur Session 3: Marketing & Prototyping
In Session 3, students dove into the fundamentals of marketing and product design. They learned how businesses attract customers, build a brand, and communicate value effectively. Through hands-on activities, students created their own brand identity and began designing simple prototypes of their ideas. By testing and refining their concepts, they understood how strong marketing and thoughtful design work together to bring ideas to life and make products stand out.
04
Session 4June 26, 202695th Street Library, Naperville
2026 KidPreneur Session 4: Problem Solving & Business Models
In Session 4, students focused on solving problems and turning ideas into structured business models. They learned how successful companies identify customer needs, create value, and generate revenue. Through interactive exercises, students broke down their ideas into key components such as target audience, pricing, and operations. By the end of the session, they had a clearer understanding of how businesses function and how to build a sustainable and scalable idea.
05
Session 5July 3, 2026Nichols Library, Naperville
2026 KidPreneur Session 5: Presentational & Speaking Skills
In Session 5, students developed strong communication and presentation skills essential for entrepreneurship. They learned how to confidently speak in front of an audience, structure a compelling pitch, and clearly explain their ideas. Through practice activities and feedback, students refined their tone, body language, and storytelling abilities. This session prepared them to present with confidence, helping them effectively share their ideas and persuade others.
Featured speaker
Scott Wehrli
Mayor of Naperville
“Leading the Local Way”
About the talk
Sharing stories from his journey in public service and business, he inspired students to see leadership as service to their community. He encouraged them to stay curious, take initiative, and use entrepreneurship to make a lasting local impact.
06
Session 6July 10, 2026Nichols Library, Naperville
2026 KidPreneur Session 6: Mock Pitch
In Session 6, students brought everything together in a Mock Pitch experience. They presented their business ideas in a Fish Tank-style setting, applying the skills learned throughout the program. Students received feedback from instructors and peers, allowing them to improve their ideas and presentation style. This session built confidence, reinforced key concepts, and prepared them for the final competition by simulating a real entrepreneurial pitching environment.
Photos from the 2025 camp

01
Session 1June 5, 202695th Street Library, Naperville
2026 VentureLab Session 1: Ideation
In Session 1, students were introduced to entrepreneurship through a hands-on Startup Ideation Lab. They learned how to identify real-world problems using a "Bug Me List" and turn those challenges into creative business ideas. Through brainstorming, poster creation, and a mini tradeshow, students explored different concepts, collaborated with peers, and began forming teams. By the end of the session, they delivered short pitches and took their first steps toward building a strong, innovative startup idea.
Photos from the 2025 camp
02
Session 2June 12, 2026Nichols Library, Naperville
2026 VentureLab Session 2: Feasibility & Market Research
In Session 2, students continued building on their ideas from the Startup Ideation Lab. They refined their problem-solution concepts, strengthened their understanding of their target audience, and further developed their startup vision. Through continued collaboration, feedback, and pitching practice, students improved their ideas and communication skills. This session reinforced creativity, critical thinking, and iteration, helping students gain confidence in their ideas while preparing for more advanced development in future sessions.
03
Session 3June 19, 202695th Street Library, Naperville
2026 VentureLab Session 3: Prototyping
In Session 3, students learned how to bring their ideas to life through prototyping. They explored how successful startups test and refine their concepts using simple models, sketches, or mockups. Through hands-on activities, students created early versions of their product or service and gathered feedback from peers. This process helped them understand the importance of iteration, user experience, and continuous improvement as they began transforming their ideas into something tangible.
04
Session 4June 26, 202695th Street Library, Naperville
2026 VentureLab Session 4: Project Management & Linking
In Session 4, students focused on organizing their ideas and managing their projects effectively. They learned how to break down their startup into key tasks, set goals, and assign roles within their teams. Additionally, they explored how different parts of a business connect, including product development, marketing, and operations. Through structured planning activities, students strengthened their teamwork and leadership skills while ensuring their ideas were clear, cohesive, and ready for presentation.
05
Session 5July 3, 2026Nichols Library, Naperville
2026 VentureLab Session 5: Presentational & Speaking Skills
In Session 5, students developed the communication skills needed to present their ideas confidently. They learned how to structure a clear and compelling pitch, improve their public speaking, and use storytelling to engage an audience. Through guided practice and feedback, students refined their delivery, body language, and clarity. This session helped them feel more confident presenting their ideas and prepared them to effectively communicate their startup vision.
06
Session 6July 10, 2026Nichols Library, Naperville
2026 VentureLab Session 6: Demo Day Practice
In Session 6, students focused on practicing for Demo Day in a low-pressure, supportive environment. They ran through their full pitches, received feedback from instructors and peers, and made final improvements to both their ideas and presentation style. The goal of this session was repetition and refinement, helping students build confidence, fix weak points, and feel fully prepared. By the end, students had a polished pitch and a clear understanding of how to present effectively.
Photos from the 2025 camp