Date/Time: June 1 - June 5, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: This course is for rising 6th -12th grade youth

3D Modeling & Design Camp 
Explore Tinkercad • Fusion • Blender

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.

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.

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.

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.

Instructor Bio: 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.

Get introduced to the world of printmaking through Screenprinting and Laser Cut Drypoint Etching processes. You will explore both high tech and hands-on processes, learning how digital tools and traditional techniques collide in the best possible way.

By the end of the week, you will walk away with at least two original designs, multiple finished prints of each, and the skills to keep building your printmaking practice long after the ink dries.

Laser Cut Drypoint Etching: Design your image for print, use Mixxer’s laser cutter to create your drypoint plate, then ink and run it through the etching press. This introduces the fundamentals of intaglio printmaking while giving you hands-on experience with professional equipment.

One-Color Screenprinting: You’ll format a digital design, prepare your screen, and print onto both paper and t-shirts and focus on processes, setup, and making clean, consistent prints.

Instructor:
Savannah Shanley joined Mixxer in 2023 after graduating from Salem College and brings a deep love of printmaking, painting, quilting, and fiber arts into every workshop she leads. She is passionate about helping makers build skills and confidence while finding their creative voice.

Date/Time: June 8 - 12, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: Rising 6th through 12th grade youth

Just like fine jewelry begins with raw materials, great design can start with what others throw away. In this hands-on class, students will explore how upcycled and everyday materials can become the foundation for beautiful, wearable art.

Join Mixxer instructor and CTE teacher Carrie Beach for a week of creative jewelry-making focused on both sustainability and core jewelry design principles. Students will work with repurposed items like newspapers, water bottles, DVDs, and other reclaimed materials while learning universal techniques used across the jewelry world.

Throughout the week, participants will develop essential skills such as measuring, shaping, cutting, drilling, wire wrapping, fastening, and finishing. They’ll gain experience using a variety of real jewelry-making tools and learn how design concepts like balance, texture, durability, and function apply no matter the material.

To cap off the experience, students will design and create a finished jewelry piece that incorporates copper accents, combining upcycled elements with traditional materials for a polished, professional look.

This class empowers students to see waste as possibility, build practical maker skills, and walk away with one-of-a-kind jewelry that reflects both creativity and craftsmanship.

Date/Time: June 8 - June 12, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: Rising 8th through 12th grade youth

Learn how to work with one of the world’s oldest building material - wood. This course, led by experienced educator Thaddeus, offers a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of woodworking.

During this course, you'll gain practical experience using a variety of woodworking tools and machinery, including the band saw, drill press, table saw, and drum sander. You'll learn essential woodworking techniques, such as basic joinery, to create a functional and stylish wooden tote box.

To add a personal touch to your project, you'll also have the opportunity to use a laser engraver to etch your initials or a custom design onto your tote box.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this course is the perfect way to dive into the world of woodworking. All tools and materials will be provided, and lunch will be included.

Instructor Bio: 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.

Dates/Time: June 15 - 26, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: Rising 6th through 12th grade youtth

Embark on a two-week fashion design journey, starting with the basics and culminating in sustainable creations! Week one, "First Steps in Fashion," will cover the essentials of sewing: learn to operate a sewing machine, understand and use patterns (and even create your own!), and explore a variety of stitches. You'll put your skills to the test by making your own garment. Week two, "Upcycled Fashion," dives into the exciting world of sustainable design. Discover how to deconstruct, reconstruct, and alter existing garments to create unique and stylish pieces. Learn textile manipulation and embellishment techniques to transform old clothes into fashionable new designs.

Instructor Bio: Savannah Shanley (she/her) joined the Mixxer staff as Events Manager in May of 2023 after graduating from Salem College. She loves all kinds of creative mediums including painting and printmaking but her biggest passion is the art of quiltmaking and fiber arts. She loves helping others to learn and share their creativity with the world. Stop by to say hello whenever you're at Mixxer!

Date/Time: June 15-19, 2026, 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: Rising 7th through 12th grade youth

Ready to dive into the exciting world of game development?

Join experienced instructor Stephan Duga for a week of hands-on learning with Unreal Engine, one of the most powerful game creation platforms. This beginner-friendly course introduces you to the fundamentals of game design. You'll learn how to navigate the Unreal Engine interface, create basic 3D environments, design simple characters, and implement core gameplay mechanics. No prior experience is necessary – just bring your creativity and a passion for games! Get ready to start building your own game worlds!

Instructor:

Stephan Duga is an educator who's been on a Latin-teaching journey for most of his career. A few years ago, he took a detour into Creative Media and Game Design, something he's been tinkering with since he was a kid. He's passionate about understanding how we learn and using the way we learn to play to enhance education. He firmly believes that game design should be open to everyone, and the more diverse minds we have shaping games, the cooler they become.

Date/Time: June 15-19, 2026; 9:00AM to 12:00PM

Age Range: Rising 6th through 12th grade youth

Take your first steps into the exciting world of fashion with "First Steps in Fashion - Intro to Sewing"!

This comprehensive class will equip you with the essential skills to bring your fashion ideas to life. Learn to confidently operate a sewing machine, from threading the needle to mastering various stitches.

Dive into the world of patterns, understanding how to use existing ones and even creating your own unique designs. Explore the diverse applications of different stitches, discovering how they can add both functionality and flair to your creations. Throughout the class, you'll gain hands-on experience and build your skills, culminating in the creation of your very own garment.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and sew your way to stylish success!

Instructor Bio: Savannah Shanley (she/her) joined the Mixxer staff as Events Manager in May of 2023 after graduating from Salem College. She loves all kinds of creative mediums including painting and printmaking but her biggest passion is the art of quiltmaking and fiber arts. She loves helping others to learn and share their creativity with the world. Stop by to say hello whenever you're at Mixxer!

Date/Time: July 6-10, 2026, 9:00AM to 12:00

Age Range: Rising 9th through 12th grade youth

Unreal Engine Game Design: From Beginner to Game Creator

Level up your game design skills with this two-week intensive course led by expert instructor Stephan Duga! This program caters to both beginners and those with some prior experience.

Week 1 (Beginner): Start with the basics, learning the Unreal Engine interface, creating 3D environments, designing characters, and implementing fundamental gameplay mechanics. No prior experience is needed!

Week 2 (Advanced): Build upon your new skills and delve deeper into advanced game development concepts. Explore topics like level design, scripting with Blueprints (Unreal Engine's visual scripting system), creating and importing assets, and more complex gameplay mechanics. This week will challenge you to take your game design to the next level and create more polished and engaging experiences. Some familiarity with Unreal Engine or other game development tools is recommended, but not required. Students who complete the beginner week are well-prepared for the advanced content.


INSTRUCTOR:
Stephan Duga is an educator who's been on a Latin-teaching journey for most of his career. A few years ago, he took a detour into Creative Media and Game Design, something he's been tinkering with since he was a kid. He's passionate about understanding how we learn and using the way we learn to play to enhance education. He firmly believes that game design should be open to everyone, and the more diverse minds we have shaping games, the cooler they become.