Second-Annual Foundry Camp for Kids

Foundry Fun Camp

On May 31, fifteen 6-10-year-olds participated in the second-annual Foundry Fun Day at Kids Discovery Factory, sponsored by Batesville Products.

Campers learned about manufacturing through several hands-on activities related to engineering, casting, CNC machining, and polishing. In one activity, the campers melted gelatin and molded it into gummy worms, similar to how foundries melt and mold metal.

Campers also “cast” crayons into a custom shape.

And learned about mold-making.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The Foundry Fun Camp is just one of the ways Batesville Products is introducing the next generation to American manufacturing.

In October 2022, BPI published the children’s book Foundry Friends Make a Casting, where young readers learn about the manufacturing process. The book inspired coloring books, at-home manufacturing activities, classroom visits, tours and more.

In fall 2024, Batesville Products plans to publish its second children’s book with the help of the Purdue IN-MaC microgrant program. This book, along with coloring pages and activities, will also be donated to local schools.

Kids Discovery Factory

Kids Discovery Factory is a non-profit children’s museum in Batesville, IN that teaches science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through fun, hands-on activities. The Foundry Fun Day camp was the first of three STEAM camps they’re hosting this summer.