Our Story
Little Makers Camp was born from a simple belief: that children learn best through play-driven, hands-on experiences that honor their natural curiosity and creativity.
We saw a gap in summer programming, where camps either focused solely on traditional activities or were heavily screen-based. We wanted to create something different: an experience that seamlessly blends technology, outdoor exploration, and creative expression.
Our approach emphasizes play-driven learning over rigid instruction, believing that this method is more effective even for topics traditionally taught through memorization. When children are engaged in meaningful play, they naturally develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and confidence.
Meet the Founders
Jade Hayes
Founder
Jade is a software engineer and former camp director with a unique background that bridges technology and youth development. She holds a degree in Leisure Studies with a focus on the developmental play process and the critical role of play in learning.
Her diverse background includes living seasonally, directing camps in summer, competing as a professional Muay Thai fighter in the off-season, and snowboarding in Tahoe during the winter. This lifestyle has given her deep insights into movement, challenge, and the importance of balanced experiences. She has long envisioned creating a camp that integrates movement, creativity, and engineering.
Casey
Co-Founder
Casey brings a wealth of early childhood education expertise with a degree in Early Childhood Education and experience across multiple learning environments. Most recently, she served as a lead preschool teacher at Google, where she honed her understanding of the intersection between technology, early learning, and play.
Known for her gentle, socio-emotional approach, Casey has an exceptional ability to “speak kid” and create calm, secure environments where young children feel seen and supported. Her expertise ensures that every child’s emotional and developmental needs are met alongside their creative and intellectual growth.
Our Philosophy
Core Beliefs
- •Technology should be a creative tool, not a passive screen experience
- •Play is a serious and powerful mode of learning
- •Balanced days integrate hands-on engineering, outdoor movement, and art
- •Small group settings ensure every child has the opportunity to connect and learn from each other
- •Children thrive when given agency in their learning journey
Growing confident, creative problem-solvers
Photo by Yan Krukau
What We Value
Curiosity
Confidence
Creativity
Connection
Movement
Be the First to Know
Join Our Founding Families
Be among the first families to experience Little Makers Camp. Join our waitlist for early access to enrollment and special founding-family opportunities.