MakerCamp

School Vacations and Summer 2018
What can you expect at Vacation MakerCamp?

We make JitterBugs, ScribbleBots, and WiggleBots using Teachergeek materials.  We experiment with all sorts of movement, including with ArtBots that spread glitter or draw repeated patterns with markers.

Cars. We build all sorts of vehicles beginning with sailcars powered by everyday floor fans. We set up a track using sliced up pool noodles taped to the floor. Get ready for a friendly competition. Get set. Go!

After using wind power, we then build vehicles powered by rubber bands. It gets “tense,” but don’t worry. All the tension leaves us as our cars zoom around the room.

Finally, we build electric cars. Beginning with experimentation on gears and pulleys, we figure out how to make the turning shaft of the motor transform into motion upon the wheel axis to propel our cars forward. Vvvvrrrroooommmm.

That’s not all.

We build Keva Plank structures and then knock them down. We film their demise and edit our video to play it in slow motion and reverse. Building Keva Plank structures is both fun and educational.  The blocks do the teaching. Mechanical and engineering concepts include inertia, friction, trajectory, momentum, and chain reaction. Ping pong balls help.

We also experiment with sewn circuits using conductive thread and Lilypad electrical components from Sparkfun. We make illuminated bracelets, plushies with buttons and slider switches, and then move on to twinkling microcontrollers.  

There’s more.

Never let a day go by without a messy art project. That’s a rule. Watercolors, fingerpaint, tempura, puffy paint, and even acrylics are on hand.  Don’t forget the neon glitter paint! We have a blacklight standing by to make for some spooky creations. We aren’t limited to painting on paper. We paint all kinds of things. We have clay, model magic, popsickle sticks, and pinball machines. “What?” you say? Read on:

Cardboard pinball machines provide us with a clean canvas, so to speak, for manifesting our wildest imaginary games. Have you seen the Pinbox3000 created right here in Chittenden County? It’s a blast!

Oh! Don’t forget the programmable toys that roam around the rooms with direction from devices such as iPads, iPhones, and iPods. We have Ollie, Sphero, Dash&Dot, and an Ozobot. New this year is a flying machine. Look out!

Participants will have opportunities to learn stop motion photography and video creation, including with green screen technology.  This gives families an inside view on what we do here at Vacation MakerCamp. Follow along!

Returning MakerCampers will have opportunities to replay their old favorites or explore new projects and passions. We’re always adding to our program.  Whether it’s coding or soldering or directing their own films, participants will always have something new to satisfy their creative aspirations.

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MakerCamps with Cynthia for kids age 6-11
​Times - 9:00-3:00, 9:00-12:00 or 12:00-3:00.
​Extended care available upon request at $6/hour. Pick up by 5:30. ​
  • April 16-20 ($150/$300)
  • June 18-22 ($150/$300)
  • August 6-10 ($150/$300)
  • August 13-17 ($150/$300)
  • August 20-24 ($150/$300)

The Why 
  • Out-of-school learning programs in the summer months provide critical support and enriching experiences for children and teens.
  • A safe, healthy environment over the summer weeks can make all the difference in a child’s inner and outer well-being. The opportunity to discover or pursue passions is invaluable.
  • Self-confidence soars as collaborative abilities strengthen during camp experiences that develop age-appropriate skills.
The How
  • Get absorbed in imaginative, creative projects that whiz, buzz, jitter, wobble, wiggle, blink, and shine. 
  • Learn about electrical circuitry and take away items that you may wish to continue working on at home
The What
  • Participants may choose to integrate their creations into video expressions that can be filmed and edited to include sound and animations.
  • With a wide variety of materials and digital media, this program experience will include construction of cardboard pinball machines, simple robots, and simple electronic wearable items. 
  • Both an imaginative and creative outlet for vacation fun AND a structured opportunity to use building tools and follow a progression of skill-building.  
  • We will build small robots, hack into electronic toys, and create wearable electronics such as bracelets, hats, hairbands, etc. 
  • To learn about electrical circuitry, we'll use LEDs, coincell batteries and conductive materials such as thread, paint, and electro-dough.  
  • We'll use hobby motors, alligator clips, and battery packs, and more. 
  • We may even use a sewing machine, a soldering iron, or a dremel -- maybe even all three.


Suggested Progression of Projects

Movable Projects                              Sewn Projects

WiggleBots and ScribbleBots         Glowing Pin (simple circuit)

Rubber Band Racer and
Balloon Cars                                    Illuminated Mask (parallel circuit)

Sail Cars and
Soldered InsectBot                         Light Up Plush (buttons and switches)

Gears and Pulleys and
Mini Wind Turbine                          Micro-controlled Felt Project

Electric Race Cars                            Interactive Stuffed Monster