Jan 8, 2024
DIYcave, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon and High Desert Makers are partnering up to provide kids with a place to meet up with their Bigs where they can create and learn through hands-on, personalized experiences and see themselves as inventors, builders and creators.
Spending time with their Big at DIYcave will give kids an opportunity to use various tools and materials to make things in many different mediums. Kids can learn and experiment in any of the shop areas DIYcave offers including a woodshop, metalshop, tech room with 3D Printers and lasers plus glass and jewelry studios.
Making allows learning new skills through trial and error, experiencing failure of an initial idea, the exploration of possible alternatives and then problem solving to improve on the idea. As they tinker, kids analyze what’s working and what’s not, and they have to try different tactics to solve problems. Through this process, kids learn to experiment, accept failures, make improvements, and develop the resilience they need to try and try again. This develops self-confidence and an appreciation for the learner’s own ability to imagine, develop and build tangible projects.
“Having the opportunity to make things and learn new skills will create confidence and inspire self-expression in our kids, and this partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters is based on our belief that mentorship can set young people on a trajectory to accomplish great things,” said Aaron Leis, Co-Founder of DIycave.
“We are proud to team up with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the DIYcave to make meaningful connections and create access to Maker related activities and tools for kids in our communities that will equip our youth for bright futures.” said Tim "Doc" Burnett of High Desert Makers.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon
Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Bend and Redmond supports one-to-one mentoring relationships across Central Oregon. It takes Little to be Big! We’re always looking for people eager to positively impact a child and improve their community at the same time. Big Brothers especially are in high demand. Nationwide, more than 70% of children waiting for a Big are boys, but only 3 out of every 10 inquiries to volunteer come from men. Research shows that having the positive influence of a mentor makes a real difference in a kid's life.
Want to learn more about becoming a Big? If you are interested in becoming a big brother or sister, or if you know of a child who could benefit from being a little brother or sister, visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters website to get more information. www.bbbsco.org
About High Desert Makers
High Desert Makers is a supportive network of makers and related organizations whose Mission is to spread the benefits of self-efficacy, autonomy, and sustainability amongst Central Oregon residents. Special attention will be given to facilitate youth, underprivileged, and marginalized populations with community resources and practical education to develop equity amongst and between individuals. www.highdesertmakers.org
About DIYcave
DIYcave is Bend's Makerspace. We are artists, makers, hackers, entrepreneurs, educators and craft enthusiasts with various interests and skills. We provide the space, the tools and the community for you to create, collaborate and educate. You provide the ideas and the materials. All of the skills needed to operate any of the equipment at DIYcave can be acquired by participating in one of our many classes, workshops or through private instruction. Our communal shop has the resources and equipment to facilitate wood-working, digital fabrication, metal & wood working and more, providing a gateway for curious minds to learn new skills, share tools, contribute to projects and bring their ideas to life. www.diycave.com