Is there a 3D Printing Class/Camp for kids who already have some experience?

[AlGoreRhythm]

I’m a 13-year old boy, I make things on Soldiworks. I think I’m pretty good at it for someone my age, I especially like making twisty puzzles (think Rubik’s Cube, but cooler). I have had a few of my designs printed, and am currently lobbying my parents for my own Printer. I really want some hands-on experience with a 3D Printer, and so far I have found a few summer camps in my area that offer 3D Printing courses for kids. However, they focus on the designing aspect entirely, then tend to have an instructor do the printing. Is there some sort of summer-camp type event nearby that is focused towards kids with some knowledge of 3D Design and Printing?

Thanks!

P.S.- Below are my two Thingiverse Pages, for anyone interested. Number one has random stuff, number two has twisty puzzles.

http://www.thingiverse.com/RyanPuzzleTwo/designs

http://www.thingiverse.com/RyanPuzzle/designs/page:1

[AlGoreRhythm]

I live in the San Jose/Santa Clara area, by the way.

[gabriela3d]

This is an awesome idea (and an even better username!), @AlGoreRhythm! Maybe @toymaker2, our Community Manager for US can help with few ideas on this.

Nice makes by the way - we recently kicked off our own Thingiverse group, so if you want you can add them in there: Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects. Cheers

[Nikki]

Hey @AlGoreRhythm, I feel your pain and am super excited that you’ve posted here!
Hey SF super hero Hubs - @bluelotusssp, @coleoptero, @MOIRA, @, @, @sylvain_5, @Runnertech and @ - are you able to point AlGoreRhythm in the right direction to get some hands on 3D printing experience over his summer hols? Would any of you be up for helping him set something like this up in The Bay area?

[boydconnor]

Those puzzles are too cool, nicely done! What type of printer did you have in mind? Any favorites?

[AlGoreRhythm]

Thanks for the compliment! I am definitely liking the Ultimaker and the Printrbot Families, and I think that if I ever do get a printer, it will be one of those.

[hachu]

Have you considered building your own reprap?
You live within driving distance of surplus electronics shops, workshops, and hardware shops which can help source some parts for cheap. I live in south San Jose but have been going to Sunnyvale for that kind of stuff since I was in elementary school. I’m 34 years old now.

As for camps, I haven’t heard of any, but i think one of the TechShop sites nearby had hosted a 3D printers meetup periodically? Or might be persuaded into hosting such a camp?

[AlGoreRhythm]

I’ve definitely considered building a reprap, but my parents don’t think I’m quite ready to take on that challenge. It’s unfortunate that I live so close to all those resources I would need, but can’t take advantage of it.

I have looked into the TechShop before, and they definitely seem like they would host something like that. Thanks for the idea, I’ll see if they’re interested!

[3DPrintingBeast]

I think the dremel is way cheaper.

[AlGoreRhythm]

Cheaper than what?