Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club uses grant to buy Maker Cart
This group of Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club members worked together to engineer their very own battery-powered car.
Submitted
The Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club recently was awarded a grant through the Wayne County Community Foundation that allowed the club to purchase a Maker Cart.
“We are always exploring new ways to expand program offerings and improve our members’ club experience,” OABGC resource development coordinator Kelly Krueger said. “We were graciously awarded funding from the Carl E. Congdon Jr. and Susanna Congdon McIntyre Memorial Fund, a component of the foundation.”
The STEM/maker space program was started last year by OABGC CEO Josh Nolan.
“The goal,” Krueger said, “was to allow kids to explore various activities and experience the fun and excitement of STEM subjects without requiring them to be experts. We aimed to offer something straightforward, accessible and engaging for all kids, regardless of their background or experience.”
For those not familiar with the maker space concept, Krueger said, “Our maker space is a place for kids to tinker and try new things in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
Program coordinator Andrew Arnold designs activities that cater to both younger students and more advanced projects and that complement what is being learned in school and in other club activities.
“For instance, if they’re studying shapes or patterns in math, we might have them create something related to that concept,” Krueger said. “The goal is to make learning more engaging and help kids connect their studies to real-world experiences.
“Our STEM/maker space programs offer kids a fun way to learn and grow. It’s not about becoming experts, but about encouraging exploration, experimentation and teamwork.”
A fifth grade club member said, “Thank you for making the OABGC a great place. The OABGC has taught me how to be a better friend and a creative person. Maker studio helps me be creative, and it is fun.”
The club is planning an open house on March 29 for the community to have an opportunity to visit the maker space.
The club relies on community support and donations to keep its programs affordable, and donations of all kinds are always welcome. Monthly sponsorships of the STEM program are needed at this time to be sure the club is able to keep the Maker Cart stocked and always ready. Donations may be made online or by mail. To reach out directly, email Nolan at jnolan@oabgc.org or call the club at 330-683-4888.
