3d Printing
Summer camp
Portland
Public Schools
Partner
“My 4th grader
loves this class!” ~Rebecca H.
A STEAM “maker” Experience, where portland kids bring their imagination to life
Kids design, build, and walk out the door with their own 3D creations inspired by that week’s theme.
Small group sizes * Nut-Free Facility
Who?
Incoming 3rd - 8th Graders
WhEN?
Standalone Weeks running from:
June 22nd to August 21st,
9am - 12pm, Mondays - Fridays
WHERE?
Two Options!
Downtown (@ NedSpace)
621 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR
Inner SE (@ Taborspace)
5441 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR
What’s Included
8:1 Student to Instructor Ratio
All materials and 3D printing supplies
Camp T-shirt
Daily snacks (nut-free)
Take-home 3D printed projects every week
Friday Family Showcase (12:00pm to 12:30pm)
What Makes ours a True STEAM Camp?
Science: Materials & design testing
Technology: Real 3D printers & design software
Engineering: Structural problem-solving
Art: creative modeling & miniatures
Math: Measurement & scaling
Use code Multicamper10 for a 10% discount on multiple campers
Register by Weekly Themes
Sign up for one or ALL weeks!
$345 per week/Spot
Get 5% off of 3-4
Get 10% off of 5 or more
9am-12pm | Monday, June 22nd through Friday, June 26th
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New to 3D printing? Perfect! This foundational week is where every camper's journey begins. Students are introduced to Tinkercad, the industry-standard beginner design platform. They will learn how digital ideas become real, physical objects. By the end of the week, campers will have designed and printed their first original creation, built a working vocabulary around 3D design, and gained the confidence to tackle any theme in weeks to come.
This week is the ideal starting point for first-time campers and is recommended (but not required) before attending other sessions. No prior experience needed whatsoever.
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What if you could design your own toys from scratch? This week, campers channel their inner inventor to create original game pieces, figurines, puzzles, and playable props. Students learn how to design for fun, think about how objects fit together, and bring characters and concepts from their imagination into the physical world. It's part design challenge, part play, and completely hands-on.
This week is the ideal starting point for first-time campers and is recommended (but not required) before attending other sessions. No prior experience needed whatsoever.
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From tiny houses to bridges, this week is all about the built world. Campers explore the basics of architectural design, learning how to think about scale, structure, and space as they design buildings, interiors, and miniature environments. Students will tackle real design constraints like stability and proportion while letting their creative vision drive the final look. A great week for campers who love building, planning, or anything Minecraft-adjacent.
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This week, campers become sculptors and storytellers. Using 3D design tools, students create original characters, creatures, and figures, designing everything from facial features to accessories and poses. The focus is on artistic expression and learning how to translate a 2D sketch or idea into a fully realized 3D form. Campers leave with a printed character that is entirely their own.
9am-12pm | Monday, July 27th through Friday, July 31st
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Good design isn't just beautiful, it's useful. This week challenges campers to think like engineers by designing objects that actually solve problems or serve a purpose: custom phone stands, organizers, hooks, containers, and more. Students learn how to design with real-world function in mind, accounting for fit, durability, and usability. A fantastic week for campers who love problem-solving and seeing their ideas put to practical use.
This week is the ideal starting point for first-time campers and is recommended (but not required) before attending other sessions. No prior experience needed whatsoever.
9am-12pm | Monday, August 3rd through August 7th
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Gears, wheels, thrusters, and treads. This week dives into the mechanical side of 3D design as campers build vehicles, robots, and machine-inspired creations. Students explore how parts connect and move, and learn to think about assembly and motion as part of the design process. Whether the goal is a sleek racing car or a hulking battle robot, this week is a favorite for campers who love things that go.
9am-12pm | Monday, August 10th through August 14th
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3D printing isn't just for gadgets. This week explores fashion, art, and personal expression as campers design rings, pendants, bracelets, keychains, and wearable accessories. Students learn how to design for the human body, accounting for size, comfort, and style while pushing the creative boundaries of what jewelry and accessories can look like. Every camper leaves with a wearable piece they designed themselves.
9am-12pm | Monday, August 17th through August 21st
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This is the week campers have been building toward. With no assigned theme and full creative freedom, students pitch their own project idea on Day 1 and spend the week designing, iterating, and printing it from concept to completion. Instructors serve as mentors and coaches as campers apply everything they've learned to their most ambitious creation yet. Dream Project Week is a celebration of growth, creativity, and the confidence that comes from multiple weeks of making.
Seats are Limited
Reserve your spot now
Meet Our Instuctors
Matthew Thogerson
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Matt is a maker, tinkerer, and creative problem-solver with a deep enthusiasm for hands-on learning.
He first got into 3D printing while designing a tabletop war game, and quickly discovered how powerful digital fabrication can be as a learning tool. Today, he uses 3D printing for everything from tabletop gaming and costuming to practical problem-solving around the house.
Matt has a strong passion for working with kids and helping them build confidence through creativity. He believes the best learning happens when curiosity leads and mistakes are treated as part of the process. At PDX MiniMakers, he enjoys helping students turn ideas into physical objects while learning how tools, technology, and imagination intersect.
He’s excited to be part of a community that encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and joyful making.
Marney andersen
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Marney has over 20 years of corporate experience leading programs, leveraging technology, and mentoring teams. With a strong background in operations, project management, and technology implementation, she has experience in translating complex systems and processes into easy-to-understand language and ideas. Her experience onboarding clients to technology systems, training diverse groups, and creating clear, step-by-step learning materials translates into supporting students with digital tools, STEM activities, and structured enrichment programs. Marney excels at creating structured, engaging environments where young learners can thrive.
In addition to her professional background, Marney has been a Girl Scout Troop Leader for the better part of a decade. This opportunity has allowed her to lead hands-on education programs while also mentoring children in leadership, outdoor skills, STEM, and entrepreneurship. Her goal is to foster confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
With a career in tech and a passion for working with children, Marney brings a unique blend of structure, creativity, and technological fluency. She is committed to creating safe, engaging, and tech-forward experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and help children build skills for the future.
Josh Dunne
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Lifelong learner and tinkerer. Experienced mentor, educator, and creative problem solver.
Josh moved to Portland with his family in December 2019. His children have attended Abernethy, Hosford and Cleveland schools. Josh is also a volunteer for the Cleveland Weekend Warriors cleanup program. Prior to moving to Portland Josh was a Radiology PACS Administrator for UK Healthcare supporting highly complex diagnostic imaging applications and modalities. His background as a PACS Administrator was a perfect foundation for understanding 3D printing software and technologies. While in Kentucky Josh also enjoyed being an assistant coach with the elementary school cross country team.
Josh is a voracious learner and is constantly seeking out new technologies, modalities, mediums and workflows that he incorporates into a variety of hobbies. In his free time Josh loves to create custom DnD miniatures and is always working to improve his painting skills on them once complete. Josh also uses 3D printing technology to create a variety of different types of art, jewelry and other novelties that incorporate a range of mediums and workflows.
Josh is super excited about the opportunities that 3D printing provides young, inventive minds. He strives to provide a safe and collaborative environment that encourages fun and creative problem solving.
Margaret Klement
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Margaret has been working in education since 2013.
Starting as an early childhood educator, she moved to Portland Public Schools in 2016. In 2019 Margaret earned her Master’s degree in Teaching and currently works as a substitute teacher for grades K-8. Margaret is also a working artist, with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art. She paints murals, works in textiles, and does design work.
Margaret enjoys bringing artistic creativity to classrooms, encouraging students to enjoy the process; experiment, make mistakes, and think outside the box. She is passionate about project-based learning and STEAM activities, believing the blending of artistic and technical skills fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Weston Baker
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Weston Baker is an engineer, fixer, and lifelong learner.
As a high school student, Weston volunteered for several weeks at a camp teaching sixth graders about nature and community. It was one of the more impactful experiences of his life and planted the seed for his continued interest in being an educator. He was first exposed to 3D printing while working towards his engineering degree and was impressed with the accessibility of this manufacturing process to the average person. He has created artistic projects, practical components for repairs, and professional prototypes for mechanical components using 3D printing technology.
Weston is inspired every class by the creativity that kids possess and their ability to quickly learn how to bring their ideas to life through new digital and physical tools. He looks forward to encouraging this learning process and witnessing the moments when each new concept clicks.
In addition to teaching, Weston enjoys reading at the library, watching behind-the-scenes documentaries, and going backpacking.
Hear From Our Makers
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![4th grade girl with blonde hair smiling as she holds up a blue 3D printed disk with a name on it]()
“This class is super fun and I hope the school keeps offering it next quarter. [It’s] like cotton candy because it is a beautiful shade of red and pink and green and it tastes fun and sugary...”
~ Audrey (4th Grader) -
![Grid of many diverse cartoon avatars of children]()
“I use design software (Tinkercad) more outside of this class, now. This class is pretty cool.”
~ Luc (7th Grader) -
![5th grade boy with plaid orange shirt and blonde hair looking at a laptop screen with a slight smile on his face]()
“You can do pretty much anything.”
~ Eitan (5th Grader) -
![Grid of many diverse cartoon avatars of children]()
“I made the best top ever. It has holes in it. ... I think it's pretty fun because I'm with my friends.”
~ Malcom (5th Grader) -
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“I have a buncha friends in the class that I like talking to. I thought my design was good.”
~ Avery (5th Grader) -
![Grid of many diverse cartoon avatars of children]()
“My favorite things about this class is designing things, and I like how helpful the people are.”
~ Alden (5th Grader) -
![4th grade girl with light brown hair sitting behind an open laptop looking up and to the left in a cute pose with her fingers under her chin]()
“I like my amulet because it represents my identity.”
~ Stella (4th Grader) -
![Grid of many diverse cartoon avatars of children]()
“I had fun making the amulet!”
~ 6th grader -
![Grid of many diverse cartoon avatars of children]()
“I feel like it's cool to make stuff. It's nice to know I did something.”
~ Ari S (6th Grader) -
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“The top was my favorite. I love printing fidgets because they're satisfying.”
~ 5th Grader
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Week 1 is designed for beginners, but every week starts with the basics, so anyone can learn and enjoy 3D printing no matter which week they register for.
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Yes! Each week is standalone. You can also register for multiple weeks, or all of them!
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Find our refund/cancellation policy here.
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Yes, we’ll be at a nut-free facility. Please pack a nut-free lunch even if your child is not allergic, to keep the nut-free environment safe for everyone..
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We cap our classes at 8 students per instructor so every camper receives hands-on guidance and support.
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Since this is an indoor program, weather shouldn’t be an issue.
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YES! Please inquire at contact@pdxminimakers.com to see how we might help make enrollment possible for your kiddos.
As our general rule of thumb, we like to offer 1-2 scholarships for every 10 signed-up students.
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Lunch (optional, but it is a nut-free facility)
Water bottle
Closed-toe shoes required
Frequently Asked Questions
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Week 1 is designed for beginners, and every week starts with the basics
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Yes! Each week is standalone.
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Yes, nut-free facility. Please pack a nut-free lunch.
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10:1, likely much less.
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Indoor program, weather is never an issue
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YES! Please inquire at contact@pdxminimakers.com; our rule of thumb, which does not need to be published, is we like to offer 1-2 scholarships to students for every 10 signed-up students
Register your camper now. Spots are limited.