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Youth Programming

The Space fosters curiosity, experimentation, imagination, hands-on problem solving, and collaboration through the exploration of digital fabrication, gaming, electronics, robotics, digital literacy, computer programming, graphic design, AV production, design thinking, and more. We offer a variety of day camps, after school programs, and one-off workshops.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING INTEREST

We are planning out youth programming opportunities. We need your feedback to determine where to focus our energy. Please use the button below to submit an interest form. Email thespaceonmain@gmail.com with any questions!

AFTER SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

Guest what?! BUS 6 from BES/OHS has an after school drop-off location at the corner of Main St + Bank St. This is perfect for attending programming at local community organizations such as The Space On Main, The Hub: Teen Center, and Bradford Public Library. (Note: Make sure your student has a note giving them permission to ride Bus 6 and be dropped off in front of Star Cat Books.)

SUMMER 2024 PROGRAMMING

The Space On Main hosts a variety of youth and adult programming. New for 2024, we are adding programming for a wider variety of age groups.

Jun 24 – Jun 28 | Print, Pour, Paint: Crafting with Technology & Creativity (Ages 8-11)
Dive into the intersection of technology and art with “Print, Pour, Paint,” where traditional ceramics meet modern innovation. Participants will learn to create figurines, models, and sculptures using 3D-printed molds, a pioneering approach that marries digital design with hands-on craftsmanship. This program not only caters to enthusiasts of D&D, Warhammer, and pop culture but also equips young creators with practical skills in 3D modeling and printing, critical thinking, and artistic expression. By transforming digital designs into tangible art, students will explore the creative economy’s future, understanding the value of blending technology with traditional art forms.

Jul 15 – Jul 19 | Shadow Playtime: Engineering Stories through Light & Movement (Ages 8-11)
“Shadow Playtime” invites young minds to explore the ancient art of shadow puppetry through the lens of modern technology. From initial sketches to the final performance, participants will engage in storytelling, design, and engineering. Learning to use tools like laser cutters and integrating mechanics with art to bring puppets to life, students will develop foundational skills in design thinking, engineering, and digital fabrication. This program emphasizes the importance of narrative in technology and art, preparing students to think critically and creatively about how stories can be told in innovative ways.

Jul 29 – Aug 02 | Build a Little House: Architecture & Engineering Fundamentals (Ages 8-11)
“Build a Little House” combines creativity with practical engineering, challenging participants to design and construct miniature houses. This program introduces the basics of architectural design and structural engineering, encouraging students to think about how buildings are made on both a small and large scale. Utilizing tools like laser cutters and understanding the principles of design and stability, participants will gain hands-on experience in problem-solving and critical thinking, foundational skills that are essential in the fields of architecture, engineering, and design.

Aug 05 – Aug 09 | Comic Book: Digital Art & Storytelling (Ages 8-11)
“Comic Book” introduces the exciting world of digital art, focusing on creating comic book pages using digital tools. Participants will learn about graphic design, digital illustration, and visual storytelling, embracing the power of technology to bring stories to life. This program not only hones artistic skills but also emphasizes the importance of narrative in digital media. By the end of the session, students will understand how to combine text and imagery effectively, a critical skill in the digital age, culminating in the creation of their own comic book.

Jul 08 – Jul 12 | Make a YouTube Podcast: Multimedia Production & Digital Literacy (Ages 12-14)
In “Make a YouTube Podcast,” participants will uncover the intricacies of digital content creation, from video and audio production to animation and editing. This comprehensive program offers a behind-the-scenes look at multimedia production, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy in today’s media landscape. Students will learn valuable skills in content planning, technical production, and digital storytelling, preparing them for the evolving world of digital communication and media. By the end of the program, participants will have a foundational understanding of how to create engaging content that resonates with audiences.

Jul 22 – Jul 26 | Music Notation Software & AI Tools: Composing the Future (Ages 12-14)
Explore the harmony between technology and music with “Music Notation Software and AI Tools.” Participants will delve into the world of digital music composition, using advanced software and AI tools like MusicGen to bring their musical ideas to life. This program offers an invaluable look into the future of music production, where technology enhances creativity. Students will learn about music theory, composition, and the innovative role of AI in the creative process, equipping them with the skills to explore new dimensions of musical expression and creation.

Jul 15 – Jul 19 + 8am-12pm Jul 20 | Business Generator: Igniting Entrepreneurial Spirit in Youth (Ages 13-16)
CO.STARTERS Generator is a transformative program designed for young individuals, aimed at turning their passions into actionable business or social ventures. Through a structured journey from idea generation to launch, participants engage in creative problem-solving, self-discovery, and strategic planning using the intuitive CO.STARTERS Canvas. This program emphasizes the development of critical entrepreneurial skills, including understanding market needs, financial planning, and effective team collaboration. By fostering a safe environment for exploration and innovation, this program equips young entrepreneurs with the tools to ideate, validate, and articulate their business concepts confidently. It instills a sense of pride and ownership in students, encouraging them to explore their passions, embrace challenges, and iterate on their ideas, laying a solid foundation for future success in any entrepreneurial endeavor. There is an additional Saturday morning session for students to finish up their business plans and to present to parents. Lunch will be provided for students and parents during presentations.

Aug 05 – Aug 09 | Girls Who Code: Programming Bootcamp for Young Innovators (Ages 13-16)
This bootcamp is specifically designed for young learners, with a focus on welcoming first-time coders and those new to programming, particularly female and gender-expansive youth. This program aims to bridge the gender gap in technology by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where students can explore the world of coding alongside peers and mentors who reflect a diverse and dynamic image of what it means to be a computer scientist today. Python 3, known for its versatility and user-friendly syntax, serves as the perfect gateway into programming, offering applications in web development, data science, machine learning, and more. Through engaging, hands-on lessons, participants will not only learn the fundamentals of Python but also gain the confidence to see themselves as future innovators in the tech industry. This bootcamp underscores our commitment to change the narrative around who can be a programmer and what they can achieve, thereby empowering students to envision a future in technology without limits.

DESTINATION IMAGINATION

The Space On Main is an official host of Destination Imagination. Destination Imagination (DI) inspires young people to imagine and innovate today so they become the creative and collaborative leaders of tomorrow. As parents and educators, our most important goal is to prepare our kids for the future. In Destination Imagination, students work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM challenges designed to teach the creative process. Why is that important? The creative process is a step-by-step approach that helps students better understand problems and ask better questions, come up with solutions, learn from failure, and celebrate their achievements. In going through this process, kids learn vital life and career skills—creative thinking, critical thinking, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving—that help them feel empowered and set them up for success in their future.

(SPRING 2024 IS FULL.)

GIRLS WHO CODE

The Space On Main is an official host of Girls Who Code. Girls Who Code is on a mission to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does by providing a safe and supportive environment of peers and role models where students learn to see themselves as computer scientists. We work with the Sphero Robotics curriculum, Swift Playgrounds, edClub’s Typing Club, and a variety of web design and development programs.

Videos GHC at The Space: Check out this fun feature from Channel 3 WCAX News! And this interview Monique did with the Nevada County Tech Connection!

(2024 SESSIONS HAVE NOT YET BEEN SCHEDULED)