Camps

Snakes, Dragons & More! (Ages 9–12 – Week 4)

Get ready for a week of fun, creativity, and hands-on discovery at our Articulated Creatures camp for ages 9–12! Campers will design and 3D print snakes, dragons, insects, and robotic creatures with moving parts, learning how to build hinges, joints, and multi-part models that really move.

Articulated Creatures – Snakes, Dragons & More!

Get ready for a week of fun, creativity, and hands-on discovery at our Articulated Creatures: Snakes, Dragons & More! summer camp—designed for curious creators ages 9–12 who love building things that move! In this exciting program, students will explore the mechanics behind hinges, joints, and modular design, using their new skills to bring articulated creatures to life.

Campers will begin by sketching and prototyping ideas using 3D printing pens, then transition into digital design in TinkerCad, where they’ll learn how to engineer multi-part models with movable components. From slithering snakes to winged dragons, robotic insects, and other creatures of their own invention, students will design prints that can bend, twist, flap, or slither—all while developing real engineering intuition.

With guidance from instructors, students will prepare their models and print them using real 3D printers, understanding how tolerances and part connections affect movement. Some prints may be finished outside of class and returned to maximize design time.

This camp blends creativity with mechanical thinking, giving older kids the tools to dream big and design like real makers. It’s perfect for anyone who loves creatures, robotics, or design challenges—and wants to take their 3D printing skills to the next level.

Location: Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka, 2050 112th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
We’re proud to partner with Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka to bring this movement-filled camp to life!

Typical Day Schedule:

9:00–9:30: Student Arrival
9:30–10:45: Creative Activity Session (working with 3D pens)
10:45–11:00: Short Snack Break
11:00–12:15: Continued Project Work (building on morning activities)
12:15–13:45: Lunch Break
13:15–14:30: Games and Outdoor Activities (weather permitting, walk to the playground)
14:30–14:45: Snack Break
14:45–15:45: Final Project Session (exploring 3D creations, playing games with created objects, finishing touches)
15:45–16:00: Pickup Time

Our camp is more than just an educational experience—it’s a supportive, playful community where young creators develop essential life skills like teamwork, innovation, and persistence, all while having fun!

What to Bring

All your child needs is a water bottle, snacks, and lunch—we provide everything else!

Safety and Well-being

We place the highest priority on the safety and well-being of our campers. Our instructors are carefully trained to ensure a secure and supportive environment at all times. We follow strict safety protocols, particularly regarding the proper use of 3D pens and printers. All staff members are equipped with basic first-aid training and prepared to manage any health-related concerns swiftly and effectively. Our camp setting encourages inclusivity, ensuring every child feels welcome, respected, and confident to participate fully.

What Your Child Will Gain

Our camp offers young learners much more than technical skills. By participating, your child will:

Build confidence and creativity through engaging STEM-based projects.
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by tackling exciting challenges.
Enhance teamwork and collaboration abilities through group activities and projects.
Foster persistence and adaptability while bringing imaginative ideas to life.

Location

Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka, 2050 112th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
We are excited to partner with Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka to bring this amazing camp to life!

Questions?

Visit our Parent FAQ Page.

Meet the Instructors

Sindhu Raju

STEM Teacher

Hi, my name is Sindhu, and I’m excited to guide your child through the exciting world of 3D printing and creativity! As a passionate sustainable designer and a teacher/assistant at ThinkAhead Lab, I believe there are no mistakes in art—only opportunities for unique solutions. I love inspiring kids to explore their creativity and discover their own design potential.

A little about me: On weekends, you’ll often find me traveling, hiking, or upcycling household waste into fun and functional items. I also have a love for colorful things that brighten up life! And I enjoy 3D printing miniature scale models.
Fun fact: I’m always on the lookout for cool DIY projects and ways to make old things new again!
I’m super excited to dive into a fun and creative 3D printing journey with your little innovators!

#Teacher

Secure your spot today!

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Get ready for a week of fun, creativity, and hands-on discovery at our Articulated Creatures camp for ages 9–12! Campers will design and 3D print snakes, dragons, insects, and robotic creatures with moving parts, learning how to build hinges, joints, and multi-part models that really move.