Samantha Dinelle

July 31, 2026

Summer’s almost over, but the last few weeks still count. A summer STEM camp is one of the best ways to use them: kids build real projects like games, robots, and 3D designs, keep their skills sharp before school, and end the break with something to show for it. Even a single week turns restless end-of-summer days into a real head start on September.

Is it too late for summer camp?

No. There is still real value in the weeks before school, and you do not need a whole summer to make…

July 28, 2026  |  MakerKids Team

The STEM skills that give kids a head start in September are not just coding facts. They are problem-solving, focus, logical thinking, and math confidence, the habits that make every subject easier. Kids who build these skills before school starts walk in ready to tackle challenges instead of shrinking from them, and a little practice over the coming weeks goes a long way.

Which STEM skills give kids a head start?

The most valuable skills kids gain from STEM are…

July 25, 2026  |  MakerKids Team

A maker portfolio is a growing collection of the projects a young coder has built, like games, apps, robots, and 3D designs, gathered in one place with a few words about each. Every young coder should have one because it turns scattered projects into proof of real skills, builds pride and motivation, and shows how far they have come. Starting one is simple, and it gets easier when kids create something new regularly.

What is a maker portfolio?

A maker portfolio…

July 23, 2026  |  MakerKids Team

MakerKids brings STEM classes to kids in North York through our nearby Leaside location and live online classes. Kids ages 5-13 learn to code, build, and create with Scratch, Python, Minecraft, robotics, 3D printing, and Unreal Engine, grouped by age and guided in small groups. Whether your child is brand new or ready to level up, there is a class that fits.

What STEM classes can North York kids take?

North York families can choose from a full range of hands-on p…

July 21, 2026  |  MakerKids Team

Python is a beginner-friendly programming language known for its clean, readable code, and it is currently the most popular language in the world. Should your kid learn it? If they can read and type and have tried block coding like Scratch, yes. Python is the natural next step into real, text-based programming, and it powers everything from AI to websites.

What is Python?

Python is a general-purpose programming language, which means it is used to build a huge…

July 19, 2026  |  MakerKids Team

Screen-smart summer activities help Toronto kids create with screens rather than just scroll, from coding a game to designing 3D worlds, all balanced with time outside. The goal is not zero screen time but better screen time: swapping passive watching for building, making, and problem-solving, while keeping the active, outdoor hours summer is made for.

What does “screen-smart” actually mean?

It means the type of screen time matters as much as the amount.…

July 16, 2026  |  MakerKids Team

Unreal Engine is the free, professional 3D software Epic Games built to create video games and visual effects, and it powers everything from Fortnite to Hollywood films. Should your kid learn it? If they already love making games and are ready for something more advanced, yes. Thanks to its visual, drag-and-connect scripting, older kids can build real 3D games without writing heavy code.

What is Unreal Engine?

Unreal Engine is a real-time 3D creation tool, or…

July 14, 2026  |  MakerKids Team

Sensory-safe spaces matter for neurodivergent kids because overwhelm makes learning nearly impossible. When a room is too loud, too bright, or too unpredictable, a child’s energy goes toward coping instead of creating. MakerKids removes those barriers with things like noise-cancelling headphones, sound-dampening rooms, and calmer routines, so neurodivergent kids can focus, build, and thrive in STEM like anyone else.

Why do sensory-safe spaces matter for…

July 12, 2026  |  MakerKids Team

To get more girls excited about coding and STEM, start early, show them real role models, and frame coding as a creative tool for building and solving problems rather than an abstract tech skill. Girls in STEM thrive most in small, supportive, low-pressure spaces where effort is praised over “being a natural.” The gap is about confidence and encouragement, not ability.

Why is there a gender gap in STEM?

Not because girls are less capable. Research consistently…

July 9, 2026  |  MakerKids Team 

At a first STEM camp, your child will spend the day building hands-on projects like games, robots, and 3D designs, with a mix of build sessions, snack breaks, a daily park trip, and lunch. No experience is needed, kids are grouped by age, and each day wraps up with a parent show-and-tell where your child shows off what they made. Most first-timers walk in nervous and leave asking to come back.

What does a day at STEM camp look like?

A MakerKids camp day runs…