Let’s build a robotics club at Bloom

The simple version

We don’t need a huge workshop or identical kits for everyone. We can use a classroom at Bloom as open build time: each child brings a project and a goal, then learns with other young makers. Shared tools and materials support can grow as the community grows.

First, let’s make something move. A free demo day would let students try a robot, meet the people involved, and tell us what they want to build.

Led by students, supported by adults

In plain English: students lead the creative side. Parents, teachers, and Bloom take care of the paperwork and make sure everyone is safe.

What the first club could look like

Kids bring projects they care about and build alongside one another. They can choose to bring all their own parts, request a materials pack, or—when a suitable adult mentor becomes available—request specialist guidance.

See how meetings and participation options work →

What we could ask Bloom for

Bloom could help us begin in any of these ways:

• Let the club use a classroom after school.
• A small fee of approximately ฿500–฿1,000 per meeting.
• Receive an agreed share of materials-support or event income instead of charging fixed rent.
• Collect approved materials payments and pay the club’s agreed expenses.

The easiest start would be a free classroom for the Bring Your Own Project option. This keeps the basic club accessible while materials costs stay connected to each project.

Support requested from Bloom

For the club to run safely and smoothly, we would like to discuss access to:

• A classroom with enough space for approximately six builders
• Tables and chairs
• Safe electrical outlets
• Wi-Fi
• Secure storage for labeled project containers and approved shared supplies
• First-aid access and the school’s emergency procedure
• Help communicating with interested families
• Help handling parent permission forms
• Guidance about insurance, visitors, tool use, and school safety rules

Still to confirm with Bloom: the final weekday and time, whether outside students may join, whether the room has a cost, and whether Bloom knows a suitable adult robotics mentor.

Help young makers get the parts they need

The Bring Your Own Project option keeps the club affordable, but some students will still need parts, safe shared tools, storage, or help replacing a broken component. Donations can make Materials Support available to more families.

Start with what we have

• Secure a Bloom classroom before considering outside rent.
• Hold a demo before buying shared tools or keeping a stock of materials.
• Ask builders to bring their own projects, parts, and laptops when possible.
• Ask local technology companies for sponsorship and families for suitable donated equipment.
• Use free software such as Arduino IDE, Scratch, and MicroPython.
• Outsource occasional 3D printing rather than buying a printer immediately.
• Record every payment and expense and keep a repair/refund reserve.
• If family startup money is needed, document it as a small interest-free advance managed by the parents—not a commercial loan in the student’s name.

Fun projects with simple safety rules

• A trusted adult is present at every meeting.
• Students receive safety training before using tools.
• Eye protection, first aid, a suitable fire extinguisher, and solder-fume extraction are available where appropriate.
• Tools, batteries, and components are inspected and stored securely.
• Attendance, maintenance, equipment, and incident records are maintained.
• Parents provide permission and emergency-contact information.
• The club follows Bloom’s safety, insurance, and visitor rules.

A few questions for Bloom

• Can the club use a classroom after school, and is secure storage available?
• Would Bloom provide the room free, charge a fee, or take a percentage?
• Who could be the adult club leader?
• Would Bloom’s insurance cover the activities?
• Could Bloom manage sign-ups, payments, and announcements?
• Which school safety rules should the club follow?
• Could students use school laptops, and could students from outside Bloom join?

An invitation to Bloom

Let’s start an open-build Bloom Robotics Club for a small group of young makers. Each student can bring a safe project and build alongside other kids. Families who need parts can request a materials pack, while the basic bring-your-own option can remain free if the space allows. Could Bloom help with a classroom and family sign-ups? We’d love to begin with one free demo day and see who wants to build with us.

How we could start this month

1. Week 1
   Find our team. Talk with parents and Bloom, then find an adult who enjoys technology and working with young people.
2. Week 2
   Test interest. Ask students what they want to bring or build, plan the open-build meeting format, and write the safety rules.
3. Week 3
   Try it together. Hold one free bring-your-own-project session, then ask families which participation option they would use.
4. Week 4
   Get ready. Confirm the students, room, schedule, permission forms, and safety plan. Then buy only the equipment we need.
5. Next month
   Begin and measure. Record attendance, income, expenses, repairs, and student feedback.

Want to help make it happen?

Are you a student who wants to build a robot? A parent who can lend a hand? A teacher, engineer, designer, or programmer who could share a skill? Maybe your company could donate a kit or sponsor a student. You don’t need to be an expert—you only need to be curious, comfortable joining an English-speaking group, and willing to help.

Let’s start with a small group, build something fun, and see where it takes us.

Useful links and local connections

• Bloom Chiangmai
• Bloom Space
• Thai Office of Justice: minors and contracts
• Makerspace Thailand
• The Brick FABLAB

Important: Financial figures are estimates, not quotations. Parents and Bloom and the parents should confirm current prices and school requirements before collecting money or buying equipment.