Spring Break 'Middle School Makers Camp' mixes fun with tech learning

The New Entrepreneur Network of the Hop and Mae Adams Foundation, together with the Carson City Library, will kick off the second Middle School Maker Camp during Spring Break, March 21-23, 2017.

Campers will get hands-on experience in digital media, web design, branding, and 3D printing. The three-day camp will take place during three half-day sessions from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, and kids are able to participate in any or all of the days.

Middle School Maker Camp will take place at the Digitorium at the Carson City Library, which features a state of the art 3D printer, Green Screen and full-loaded Macbook computers. The entire camp will revolve around the key aspects of creating a successful business. As in all NewE programs, entrepreneurial thinking is the key ingredient.

“What we’ve learned through lots of experimentation in the NewE Program is that students are interested in and curious about how people start and build businesses, however, they often don’t think of themselves as “entrepreneurs” because they lack the context,” says Alex Ellison, Executive Envisioner of NewE Network. “With these camps, they can make a real connection to great tools, people and resources. It begins to shift the way they think of themselves. They get excited about entrepreneurship and becoming Makers.”

Day 1, March 21st, will introduce Campers to digital media production. Students will use Green Screen technology and imovie to create their own commercials. The guest speaker on this day will be Arianna Bennett, a news anchor from Channel 2.

Day 2, March 22nd, will focus on web design and branding. Campers will learn how to design a basic website and gain an understanding of the importance of consistent branding. Guest speaker Lindsay Chichester is a web design and branding specialist from UNR Cooperative Extension.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with these young creators and entrepreneurs on their projects,” says Chichester. “Teaching them tips and techniques for web page design as well as branding themselves and their projects, will enable them to apply these skills to future projects they’ll be responsible for.”

Day 3, March 23rd, will be 3D printing day. Students will learn how to code for 3D printing and how to calculate the costs of materials needed to print their designs. Guest speaker Jake Mestre is an engineer and 3D printing expert.

“The library looks forward to community partnerships like the Maker’s Camp with NewE Network,” notes Natalie Wood, Creative Learning Manager at the Carson City Library. “Through these partnerships, we’re providing valuable and relevant programs for youth in our community to strengthen and prepare a new generation of entrepreneurs in Carson City.”

Students interested in signing up for the Middle School Maker Camp should be in grades 6th-8th. Email alex@newenetwork.com to register.

The Hop & Mae Adams Foundation
Founded in 2008, The Hop & Mae Adams Foundation is a charitable foundation of Mae Adams. She left her family’s legacy to assist the Carson City community. The Foundation embraces Mae’s convictions by providing career and educational tools to help community members help themselves. HMAF encourages collaboration and innovation. For more information, visit: AdamsCarson.org.

New Entrepreneur Network (NewE)
A project of the Hop & Mae Adams Foundation, NewE is designed to help Carson’s students achieve a “life unstuck,” opening up new possibilities by fostering innovative problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking. Programs include the NewE Club at Carson High, The Student Consulting Project, and the Entrepreneurial Readiness Intensive (ERI).