3D Modeling & Design Camp (3 Days)
Explore Tinkercad • Fusion • Blender

For Middle and High School Age Youth

In this fast-paced, hands-on camp, students will dive into the world of 3D design by learning three powerful tools in three days—each with its own style, purpose, and creative possibilities.

Day 1: Tinkercad — Intro to 3D Design Students start with the basics using Tinkercad, an easy-to-learn platform perfect for building confidence. They’ll learn to create simple models, understand 3D geometry, and prepare designs for 3D printing.

Day 2: Fusion — Engineering & Precision Next, students step into the world of professional CAD modeling. Using Fusion, they’ll learn how engineers design functional parts, explore constraints and assemblies, and create more refined, technical models.

Day 3: Blender — Animation & Creative Expression On the final day, students jump into Blender, a powerful tool used in film, animation, and game design. They’ll learn the fundamentals of sculpting, textures, lighting, and simple animation to bring their creations to life.

By the end of the camp, participants will understand the strengths of each platform and come away with a set of projects that showcase their creativity, technical skills, and imagination.

About the Instructor:
Lyssa Troemel is a multi-disciplinary artist, puppeteer, and metal worker currently based out of Winston-Salem, NC. She holds an MFA in Animatronics from UNCSA and was a participant in the international Next Gen Showcase program. Prior to moving to Winston-Salem, she ran the Maker Lab at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, IN, served on the board of Puppeteers of America and was also a Resident Artist at Three Rivers Music Theatre where she designed and built many props. She was also the puppet designer and builder for the award-winning shadow puppet music video for the band Silbo Gomero for their song “Whale Fall”. Currently, she is an instructor and artist in many disciplines at Mixxer Community Makerspace.

Intro to Blade Smithing
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM • Lunch Provided Daily

For Makers in 6th through 12th grade

In this immersive, hands-on bladesmithing class, students will create their own handcrafted Everyday Carry (EDC) knife from raw steel to finished handle. Across three days, participants will learn foundational forging techniques, heat management, tool safety, and the artistry behind functional blade design.

Students will begin by forging and shaping the blade, learning to control the hammer, steel temperature, and blade geometry. Then they will profile and refine the blade, grinding it to its final form and preparing it for a durable edge. The class concludes with handle making, where students choose materials, shape the handle, and bring all components together into a finished, usable knife.

This workshop is perfect for beginners who want an approachable introduction to the craft. All tools, materials, and safety equipment are provided.

About the Instructor
Thaddeus  Prevette is a sculpture artist who began working with three dimensional  objects back in 2016. He graduated from Western Carolina University in  2020 with a BFA in studio art and graduated from East Carolina  University with an MFA in sculpture in May of 2023. He participates in  public art exhibitions and was commissioned for the design of the ECU  911 Memorial sculpture back in 2021. He works with recycled and  repurposed material to create narrative artwork that is influenced by  historic and modern mythologies.

This hands-on robotics course teaches students the essential skills needed to imagine, design, build, and program functional robots. Participants will learn the core principles that support all branches of robotics—from industrial automation to creative engineering to competitive battle bots.

Throughout the program, students will:

Learn the fundamentals of robot design and structural planning

Practice coding and sensor integration using beginner-friendly tools

Build, test, and refine their own robot through guided challenges

Explore pathways into different robotics fields and competitions

Every participant will leave with their own working robot, along with the foundational knowledge needed to continue into more advanced robotics, engineering, or competitive programs.

About the Instructor:
Carrie Beach is a CTE (Career and Technical Education) teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and serves as Mixxer Community Makerspace’s Resident Advisor for STEAM programming. Whether she’s teaching 3D modeling, jewelry making, or something entirely new, Carrie brings her creativity, curiosity, and deep love of hands-on learning to every class she leads.

Originally from Kansas, Carrie now calls Winston-Salem home with her husband David their two wonderful (college age) kids.

A lifelong maker with a passion for crafting and creating, she’s always exploring new skills and helping others discover the joy of making.

Furniture Design: Build Your Own Chair (3-Day Workshop)
December 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM • Lunch Provided Daily

In this hands-on woodworking intensive, participants will design and build a functional, handcrafted chair from start to finish. Over three days, you’ll learn how to read furniture plans, understand essential design concepts, and safely operate key woodworking tools including the table saw, miter saw, planer, jointer, sander, and router.

Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll move from rough lumber to a finished piece of furniture you can proudly take home. Along the way, you’ll gain practical skills in joinery, shaping, sanding, and assembly—plus insight into what makes good furniture design both strong and beautiful.

This workshop is ideal for beginners with some tool curiosity as well as hobbyists ready to level up. All materials and lunch are included.