31 APRIL 6-12, 2023 westword.com WESTWORD | CONTENTS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | MUSIC & VENUES | Ph.D. chemist, Puerto Rico native and mom of three Cristina Hartman had a vision for a unique space where kids could explore the wonderful world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). “I’ve always loved science and learning how the world works, and I’m really interested in education. I think it’s very important to have a variety of educational experiences from an early age,” she says. She imagined a fun and engaging environment where students could expand upon traditional learning in creative ways. Enter MindCraft Makerspace, which opened as a tutoring company run by former teachers in 2012. With the original owners looking to retire, it was the perfect opportunity for Hart- man to share her love of science and education and inspire a new gener- ation of thinkers and creators. She took over their Stanley Marketplace site in May 2021, and the new and improved MindCraft Makerspace has been growing strong ever since. MindCraft Makerspace is three busi- nesses in one. The retail component, a colorful storefront that supports the mission and vision of MindCraft, is not your average toy store. Here you’ll find STEAM-focused products for all age groups, such as learning games, puzzles, science kits, 3D building models, fidget toys, art and crafts, and, of course, some plush- ies, including quirky science-related ones. No two visits to the retail store are ever the same, as the shop is always bringing in the newest and trendiest toys, games, building kits, crafts and puzzles. Hartman also kept MindCraft’s tutoring program, eXL Learning, which focuses on an Or- ton-Gillingham teaching approach, a method specifically designed for children with dyslexia and dys- graphia. eXL Learning offers tutoring year-round, and a very successful Academic Booster Summer Camp, where children have five weeks of one-on-one tutoring with certified OG teachers and group instruction on reading comprehension, writing and math. But the main attraction at MindCraft is the Makerspace itself. MindCraft Makerspace hosts STEAM- focused after-school programs, summer camps, school-break camps, field trips and even birthday parties. With over thirty different and unique themes offered every year, ranging from “Sewing and Needle Felting” to “CSI: Applied Sciences in Forensics” to “3D Design and 3D Printing,” there’s something to delight every curious child, no matter their age, interests or skill level. At MindCraft, students have unparalleled access to cutting-edge equipment including eight 3D printers, an Epilog Laser en- graver, a resin 3D printer, five Brother CS-6000i sewing machines, 3D pens, a Cricut Maker Machine and computers and tablets loaded with all the latest design software. Guided by passionate and expert staff, children have the chance to engage with these tools in a safe and age-appropriate environ- ment. MindCraft’s talented team of creatives includes scientists, former and current teachers, graphic designers, coding experts, 3D printer experts and even a carnivorous plant whiz. With its advanced technology and highly skilled teachers, MindCraft is able to offer children pro- grams you simply won’t find anywhere else. MindCraft Makerspace was voted one of the Top Three STEM Camps in Colorado Parent magazine in 2021 and 2022 for its dedication to creating a highly valued educational and fun environ- ment for children. “Not only will your children develop skills like teamwork, strategy, problem-solving and creativity, but they’ll also learn about science, history, math and engineering in a way that’s digestible and enjoyable for their age,” says Hartman. For example, a class like 3D printing will add math and engineering into the mix when students take measurements, build scale models and plan out designs. “We work through the creative pro- cess. It really teaches them that things are not made instantly and that part of being creative is trial and error,” Hartman explains. “Although we go heavy on the learning, we also need to find a balance. This is not school, so we want to make sure this is a place in which they learn something new and valuable while having fun.” Even a summer camp like Mermaid Tails and Pirate Sails incorporates ge- ography and world history, but with a healthy dose of fantastical fun. With students ranging from five to fifteen (no ECE children), classes are either specifically tailored to a certain age group or subdivided based on age and ability. Older students may start out with more raw materials or have less hands-on instruction and more freedom in their creations, so that each student is challenged at the appropriate level. Although the after- school programs are open to anyone who wishes to sign up, in order to help out busy parents in the Central Park area, MindCraft Makerspace currently picks students up from West- erly Creek Elementary, Swigert Inter- national School, Bill Roberts Elemen- tary and Isabella Bird Community School for those programs. But stay tuned, because MindCraft is working to expand to a second location west of Denver! The best gift that you can give your children while they’re young is a lifelong love of learning. MindCraft Makerspace is here to foster that childlike curiosity, and to show kids how education can be fun and exciting. “Our mission and vision are to support education. Many schools do not have access to this kind of technology and a knowledgeable and caring team, so this is our contri- bution to our community — a way in which we can get children acquainted with art, technology and science at an early age,” says Hartman. “We want to make sure that they leave at least a little more knowledgeable than when they came in through our doors, and that they leave with a positive experience. We love it when children come here for multiple years, because we see them grow — not only in size and maturity, but also in intellect and inventiveness.” The full schedule for Summer 2023 camps is available now on the newly updated Mind- Craft Makerspace website, so sign up while there’s still room, or try a drop-in class at MindCraft Maker- space today! MINDCRAFT MAKERSPACE IS GOING FULL STEAM AHEAD -ADVERTORIAL-
