For families
Give her a place to practice becoming capable
Maker Girls gives girls in grades 4–8 a welcoming place to build practical skills, strengthen character, try new things, and grow alongside caring mentors.
A Monday gathering
What she’ll actually do
From 4–6 p.m., every gathering combines connection, honest conversation, hands-on learning, and thoughtful reflection.
Welcome and connect
She arrives, shares a snack, and reconnects with girls and mentors who are glad she came.
Talk about real life
An age-appropriate conversation explores responsibilities, emotions, relationships, money, leadership, or another everyday challenge.
Create and practice
A hands-on project gives her room to make choices, solve problems, work with others, and follow an idea through.
Reflect and grow
Mentors connect the day’s experience to a story or principle through conversation and journaling.
Safety
How we keep girls safe
Families deserve clear expectations about the people, practices, and permissions that support each gathering.
Background checks
Every regular volunteer aged 18 or older completes a criminal background check.
Two references
Every mentor provides at least two references, one from her church, and we contact them.
Photo permissions
Photographs of girls are only taken and shared where a signed media release is on file. You decide.
Sign in, sign out
A greeter manages check-in and check-out every session. We know who is in the room and who she leaves with.
Questions
Common questions
Who can participate?
Maker Girls is for girls in 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. Activities and conversations are designed for this specific stage of growing up.
Where and when do you meet?
We meet at 1330 N. Douglas Ave., Arlington Heights, every Monday from 4–6 p.m., September through May.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Maker Girls is free to participate, and every material is provided — there is nothing to buy or bring. Girls do run a club store during the year, but no money is handled at club and we never ask families to send any.
What will my daughter learn?
She will practice everyday life skills, emotional resilience, healthy communication, business and money basics, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and presentation skills.
Does my daughter need to apply?
Yes. The participant application helps us plan well and collect the contact, health, permission, and release information needed for her participation.
Do we have to be a Christian family?
No. Maker Girls is openly Christian, and Bible stories and principles are part of the program. Girls do not need a church background, but families should be comfortable with that foundation.
What if she does not think of herself as creative?
She still belongs here. Creativity is not about being the best artist in the room. It is a way to practice ideas, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and follow-through.
Participant application
Apply for Maker Girls
Tell us about the girl you’re enrolling and share the information and permissions we need to welcome her well.
Questions first? Email kirstie.gvl@makergirlsbydesign.com.
Made with purpose. Growing with courage.
Give her a place to build useful skills, strong character, and the confidence to keep growing.