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Big ideas in. Real things out.
Hands-on enrichment classes and camps in Mission Viejo where kids in 3rd grade and up sketch an idea, design it in 3D, and watch it come to life on a real 3D printer. Then they take it home, or open their own little shop.
Every project follows the same four steps a real product designer uses. Kids learn the tools by making something they actually care about.
Sketch it on paper. A creature, a gadget, a gift for grandma. If they can dream it, we start there.
Pencil, paper & big ideasTurn the sketch into a 3D model with pro 3D design tools, or describe it to an AI-assisted design tool and refine the result.
Pro 3D design + AI-assisted designPrep the model in slicing software, pick colors, and watch it rise layer by layer on a real 3D printer.
Slicing software + real 3D printersPlay with it, gift it, or learn to photograph, price, and list it in their own little online shop.
Play, gift, or start a shopEvery session ends with something new in their hands. Here are the kinds of projects young makers can design and print.
Dragons, monsters, and pets from their own imagination, sized to fit in a pocket.
Personalized keychains and bag tags. A perfect first lesson in text and shapes.
Multi-part figures with moving joints that snap together after printing.
Phone stands, pencil cups, and desk organizers. Design that solves a real problem.
Board game pieces, marble runs, and dice towers to share with the whole family.
Planters, ornaments, and gifts designed, priced, and photographed for their own little store.
Illustrations shown. [PLACEHOLDER: swap in real photos of student prints once classes begin, with parent permission.]
Tiny hands-on groups of 3 kids max, so every maker gets lots of 1:1 help. Filament and printer time included. Kids bring their own laptop.
A playful first step into 3D design. Kids build confidence with simple shapes, AI-assisted modeling, and their first prints.
Deeper 3D modeling skills with pro design tools, multi-part models, and real design challenges for kids ready to level up.
Holiday and summer camps where makers dive into a themed project over several days and finish with a mini showcase.
For makers who want to sell. Learn pricing, product photos, and how to set up a simple online shop with a parent.
The print is the fun part. The skills are the part that lasts.
Physical objects they designed, to play with, gift, or display.
Pro 3D design tools, AI-assisted design, and slicing software, the same kinds of tools pros use.
Sketch, test, fail, fix, repeat. The heart of how engineers work.
Kids keep their 3D files so they can reprint or keep improving at home.
Costs, pricing, and customers, for makers who join the entrepreneur add-on.
The proud "I made that" feeling, again and again.
Forgeheads is an enrichment class provider built with homeschool families in mind. Classes are secular, hands-on, and designed to complement whatever learning path your family has chosen.
We are working toward approval as a Cabrillo Point Academy enrichment vendor so eligible families can use instructional funds for our classes. Vendor status is not yet approved. Join the waitlist and we will let you know as soon as it is.
Classes are designed for kids in 3rd grade and up (about age 8 and older). Young Makers covers ages 8 to 10 and Maker Studio covers ages 11 to 14. If your child is close to the range, reach out and we can talk about fit.
Tiny on purpose. Each group has 3 kids max, so every maker gets lots of 1:1 help and plenty of time at the printer.
Yes, with the right setup. Classes meet in a well-ventilated studio, we use enclosed 3D printers and PLA filament, and with 3 kids max per group, an adult supervises all printer use up close. Kids design and send prints but do not reach inside a running printer. Instructors complete background checks in accordance with California law, in line with Cabrillo Point Academy's vendor requirements. (Our Cabrillo Point Academy vendor approval is still pending.)
Yes. Kids bring their own laptop and charger. A Windows or Mac laptop is recommended, since Chromebooks and tablets may not run full 3D design software. We help install everything at the first class, and no prior 3D design experience is needed.
Their own laptop (Windows or Mac recommended) and charger, a water bottle, a snack, and their imagination. A sketchbook is a nice bonus. Filament and printer time are included, and we help install everything they need at the first class.
Absolutely. Every finished print goes home with its maker, along with their design files so they can keep tinkering.
Yes, as a creative helper. Kids learn to describe an idea to an AI-assisted design tool, then refine and fix the result themselves with pro 3D design tools. They learn when AI helps and when their own hands do it better.
Weekly classes (Young Makers and Maker Studio) meet once a week on Thursdays, 10am to noon. Each is a 2-hour class and costs $60. Camps are $575 per camp. Camp dates and Maker Entrepreneurs add-on pricing will be announced soon.
Classes meet at the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92692. We serve families across south Orange County.
Not yet. We are working toward vendor approval and will notify waitlist families as soon as it is in place.
First classes are forming now. Tell us a little about your future Forgehead and we will reach out with dates and pricing.
