Rocker-bogie makerspace
STEM makerspace for kids
St. Marys, ON

Hands-on engineering for kids

Rocker-bogie is a hands-on engineering shop program that activates children's natural problem-solving skills and creativity. Through freeform 3D construction with real tools, open-ended play, and mentorship, children discover in real time the magnificent things they're capable of. Your child's first session is free - come try it out!

Register How it works
  • When Tuesdays 5:30–7:00 pm
  • Where Riverwalk Commons 84 Water Street South, St. Marys, ON
Rocker-bogie makerspace flyer: Hands-on engineering for kids
How it works

The engineering design process

Every session, kids move through the same loop real engineers use - with coaches right beside them.

  1. 1

    Brief

    Kids receive a real-world engineering challenge to solve.

  2. 2

    Plan

    They sketch ideas and decide how to approach the build.

  3. 3

    Build

    Using real tools, they bring their prototype to life.

  4. 4

    Test

    They put the prototype to the test and see what happens.

  5. 5

    Reconfigure

    They learn from failures and improve the design.

Our philosophy

Where the good stuff happens

With a mechatronic systems engineer on site during all Tuesday sessions, Rocker-bogie is a unique opportunity to explore STEM design and engineering.

But it's also about child-led learning through play. Open-ended freeform construction is a kind of play that teaches children to trust they can manage challenge and risk when it comes. And that play is when the good stuff happens.

Sustained exposure to the engineering design process means children go deeper into a rich hands-on learning experience. They expand knowledge, follow their instincts, and build a skills tool kit to take into the world.

Collaboration with peers and with coaches is a life skill. And when we do hard things with others, we also learn persistence, readiness to fail, and resilience.

Our hope is that, as children build confidence with the makerspace tools, they can branch out and use this space as a launch pad for their own creative projects.

Meet the coaches

We're going to teach your kids!

Evaline Warmels

Evaline Warmels

Mechatronic systems engineer & mom

Evaline has a decade of experience making robots work - mostly for space. She's a firm believer in pursuing what intimidates you. The first time she built something intimidating, it was a doghouse with her Dad. Being trusted with real tools gave her the confidence to keep pushing the boundaries of what she believed she was capable of.

As a mentor, Evaline wants to teach everyone that 90% of what they need is already there. They just have to keep trying!

Rachel Van Harten

Rachel Van Harten

Teacher, daycare provider & mom

Power tools, entrepreneurship, yoga, sewing machines, and how to be in community are things Rachel is currently studenting. Ten years in classrooms taught her that one of the best jobs out there is making space for kids to explore and create - a hole-y, paint-covered tarp in her garage is a testament to many group projects with kids.

Mentoring kids in the design process alongside a badass space engineer with bundles of enthusiasm for the craft - this is a dream group project come true.

Punch passes

Pick your pass

Drop in for a single session or save with a punch pass.

Day pass

Drop in once

$30/session

+ HST = $33.90

3 Punch pass

Three sessions · save $10

$80

+ HST = $90.40

5 Punch pass

Five sessions · best value

$100

+ HST = $113.00

First session free! Come try it out, no strings attached.

Register now

By registering you agree to our participation waiver.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Where do we park and which entrance do we use?

There's a parking lot at Riverwalk Commons (84 Water Street). Please arrive close to 5:30 pm and enter through the accessible door at the back.

Do parents need to stay during sessions?

No - parents are not required to stay during makerspace sessions.

Should my child bring anything?

We don't serve refreshments, so a water bottle is recommended (and maybe a granola bar).

Is there a dress code?

Please have your child wear closed-toed shoes during sessions.

Can our punch pass be shared between siblings?

Yes - punch passes are shared within your immediate family and can be used by any registered child listed on your registration.

How do we pay?

Send an Interac e-Transfer to rockerbogiemakerspace@gmail.com, and include your name and your child(ren)'s names in the message field.

Get in touch

Ready to start building?

Reach out to grab a punch pass or ask us anything about the makerspace.