Makering encompasses a range of activities and a blend of creativity, skill, and effort, to achieve a specific purpose or artistic vision. At Alameda Makering we go beyond creating cool projects; we empower young makers to develop essential skills, enhance critical thinking, and cultivate a creative problem-solving mindset. It fosters their ability to embrace new experiences, tackle challenges, express themselves, and persist in the face of adversity. Makering helps children gain confidence, vision, and resilience, preparing them for success.

We operate out of Deneese’s home on the east end of Alameda. We are near Otis Elementary and Lincoln Middle Schools, as well as Krusi, Lincoln, and Towata Parks. The precise address will be provided via email once you’ve registered for a class or camp.

Our program is designed to be inclusive for ages 6 to 14, with thoughtfully scaffolded projects adapted to the age of participants. Our classes are open to all young makers within this age range. Our camps are available for 2nd-8th graders. This approach ensures that we provide age-appropriate challenges and guidance, helping all young makers find success in their creative endeavors.

By keeping class/camp sizes small, with a maximum of 6 young makers, we guarantee individualized attention and a nurturing atmosphere conducive to personal growth.

Deneese, the founder and sole operator of Alameda Makering, takes on the role of a mentor for the young makers. She holds CPR certification, is licensed, and has undergone comprehensive screening. Alameda Makering operates out of her welcoming home.

Yes! Lowla is our beloved basset hound, and her favorite things include sun-soaked naps, slow walks, fresh carrot treats, and belly rubs. Lowla is an indoor dog and a gentle, friendly presence during all classes and camps. She loves people—and we think you’ll love her too!

Lowla may greet you with a loud bark (it’s just her way of saying hello!), but she quiets down quickly and is never aggressive. She’s calm, affectionate, and enjoys lounging nearby while the kids create and play.

If your child has a strong fear of dogs or pet-related allergies, please consider this before enrolling, as we’re not able to offer a pet-free environment.

Your young maker will engage in a wide range of age-appropriate projects and activities that foster creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Our diverse curriculum includes crafts, art, gardening, cooking, design, science, music, life skills, sewing, carpentry, and more, ensuring that every young maker can explore a wide range of interests and gain life skills. On camp days, we’ll venture to one of the nearby parks for a picnic and some physical activity.

We’re dedicated to safety and inclusivity in our cooking activities. Please inform us if your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions so accommodation can be made. We will make sure everyone can enjoy the cooking experience safely.

At Alameda Makering, we aim to foster creative and skillful young makers. Our programs are designed for ages 6-14, and some activities may involve the use of tools such as craft blades, sharp knives, hot surfaces, and glue guns. While these tools (and others) can be considered potentially dangerous if not handled with care, rest assured that Deneese is there to guide and supervise every activity. We prioritize safety and provide training so young makers can explore, learn, and create in a secure and supportive environment.

Each project is demonstrated using best practices, while individual creativity is celebrated. If a project step appears too challenging for your child, there’s no need for concern. Deneese will offer guidance and support to foster inspiration and perseverance in the face of difficulties. Moreover, everyone at the Maker’s Table has a voice to actively share ideas and articulate needs.

Absolutely, we understand that kids may have different attention spans and energy levels. We incorporate short breaks into our classes to keep young makers engaged, active, and refreshed.

We provide all the necessary tools and supplies for our daily activities and creative projects. For class participants, we suggest that young makers bring a snack, a water bottle, and a sweatshirt or jacket for outdoor activities. Camp participants should bring a snack, lunch, and water bottle; and they should wear comfortable walking shoes, and have a sweatshirt or jacket for outside activities.

We certainly hope they will! However, at the start of each class/camp, every young maker will be given an apron to wear for that day, and hopefully, the apron will take the brunt of the mess. Nevertheless, kids should wear clothing that can be laundered.

We are dedicated to promoting creativity and sustainability through upcycling. Our program incorporates discarded and gathered materials, challenging young makers to reimagine and transform them into innovative creations. By emphasizing upcycling, we not only teach valuable skills but also instill a sense of environmental responsibility, encouraging young makers to reduce waste and positively impact the world around them.

A core principle at Alameda Makering is to teach and promote upcycling. However, we do introduce new materials on a limited basis for essential needs and to supplement our creative endeavors.

Recycling and upcycling both play important roles in reducing waste and minimizing our environmental footprint. While recycling involves the transformation of materials into products of potentially lower quality, upcycling stands as the innovative opposite – it breathes new life into old items, elevating their value and quality.

While we aim to create inclusive programs for everyone, we may not always be able to address every individual’s specific needs. We recognize that each person and family is unique and will do our best to consider common needs and potential challenges. We are dedicated to offering transparency and assistance throughout the class/camp selection process and during your time at Alameda Makering.

At Alameda Makering, we are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all participants. Bullying of any form is not tolerated and will be addressed promptly and effectively.

All participants are expected to:

• Treat others with respect and kindness.

• Communicate openly and constructively.

• Respect differences in opinions, backgrounds, and identities.

• Report any incidents of bullying to staff immediately.

• Parents and guardians are encouraged to support our anti-bullying efforts by discussing the importance of respectful behavior with their children and collaborating with us to address any concerns that arise.

At Alameda Makering, the safety and well-being of our young makers are our top priorities. We are dedicated to following local guidance and have implemented several measures to ensure a safe and comfortable environment:

1. Our indoor space is equipped with HEPA air purifiers to improve air quality.

2. We keep windows open to facilitate natural airflow.

3. We have hand sanitizing stations readily available, and we encourage both regular handwashing and hand sanitizing.

4. We maintain rigorous sanitization practices, paying close attention to high-touch areas, supplies, and tools.

5. While mask-wearing is not mandatory, we fully support and respect the individual choices of our young makers. If wearing masks makes them more comfortable, we understand (and have masks on hand).

6. A quick health screening and temperature check is done at the beginning of each class/camp. If a child has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, they will be considered to have a fever and will be sent home.

Our commitment to safety extends to the entire Alameda Makering community. We remain vigilant and adaptable to ensure a safe environment for our young makers and their families. To maintain the safety of our community, we kindly request that if anyone in your household experiences cold or flu-like symptoms (such as fever, sore throat, excessive runny nose, or aches and pains), please keep your child at home. In the event of a COVID exposure within your child’s class/camp, we will notify families to ensure awareness.

We do not offer refunds for missed classes, workshops or camp days. As a small business with specialized services, we appreciate your understanding and support.

However, we recognize that unexpected circumstances can arise, so if your child is unable to attend due to illness or a scheduling conflict, please reach out to us. We will do our best to accommodate make-up sessions based on availability and individual situations.

Note, if your child or a family member contracts COVID or other illnesses, we urge you to prioritize community health by keeping unwell children at home.

To initiate cancellation of your after-school class enrollment, please email deneese@alamedamakering.com at least 14 days before the intended cancellation date.

To initiate cancellation of your camp or workshop enrollment, please email deneese@alamedamakering.com at least 14 days before the intended start date.

A 5% cancellation fee will be applied and deducted (to cover the processing costs).

We currently offer a 10% discount for siblings. We hope to provide scholarships in the future.