After School Program in Abbotsford:

Build a Walking Robot and Other Machines

Build a Walking Robot and Other Machines is a robotics after-school program in Abbotsford where kids ages 6 – 9 will build a different machine each week while exploring how things move (gears, motors, pulleys, stored energy).

Have you ever watched a robot walk and wondered — how does that actually work? Week by week, your young innovator will explore a brand new machine, uncovering the science behind how things move — gears, motors, pulleys, stored energy — the same ideas that inspire builders and inventors like Mark Rober. By the end of the course, they won’t just know how machines work. They’ll have built them.

Throughout the course, participants will:

  • Build a different moving machine each week, from walking robots to gear-powered contraptions
  • Discover how gears, pulleys, motors, and stored energy work together to create real movement
  • Power their creations with motors and batteries and watch them come to life
  • Take on fun engineering challenges — can their machine win a race or complete a silly task?
  • Think like real engineers: experiment, problem-solve, and improve their builds week after week

No previous experience needed! Join us for the ultimate after-school program in Abbotsford!

Dates: Saturday, November 7 - December 5, 2026
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Ages: 6 to 9
Location: Abbotsford Recreation Centre (2499 McMillan Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7S5)
Price: $245 ($49 per week)

Common Q&A's

What are the benefits of the programs?

All of our young innovators have an opportunity to develop analytical and problem-solving skills that will help them excel in middle and high school.

Students have fun making new friends while designing and building their own games, toys, and robots.

Introducing kids to STEM subjects early will equip them with the skills they need to thrive later in life, as STEM occupations are projected to grow by almost 11% by 2031, over twice as fast as the growth for all occupations.

Why is the registration on a recreation centre website?

All our programs are vetted and delivered in collaboration with local recreation centres. When registering for our courses, you will be taken to the recreation centre’s website to complete the registration.

Who teaches the courses, and what are their credentials?

At Young Innovators, we take instructor quality seriously.

Every instructor is certified in First Aid and has passed a criminal background check.

They also bring real-world experience in STEM fields and previous experience working with kids.

What type of curriculum do you use?

Our programs align with the Applied Design, Skills and Technologies Curriculum (ADST) certified by the B.C. government.

This curriculum encourages students to reflect on ‘Why?’ questions when making decisions, while promoting creativity and critical thinking skills.

Our curriculum also caters to multiple learning styles, including auditory, visual, and hands-on approaches. 

What is the instructor-to-child ratio?

At Young Innovators, we run intentionally small class sizes with an instructor-to-child ratio of 1:8, so every child gets real attention and the support they need.

Are there different levels to the programs?

No, the courses do not have to be taken in any particular order. This allows students to sample different topics they’re interested in more deeply.

Does my kid need any previous experience?

No previous experience is necessary.

I still have a question. How can I contact you?

If you have any other questions or concerns, please call us at (778) 834 2186 or email us at info@younginnovators.ca.

Check out one of the previous student's creations!