Maker Story Labs invites adolescents ages 11–24 into a creative cohort experience where they explore their own maker identity alongside professional creatives from the community. Rather than a traditional class, Labs is built around hands-on making, honest self-expression, and a culminating showcase where teens share their work with family, mentors, and the wider Ionia community. The pathway offers two entry points: the Core Partnership, a foundational cohort designed to welcome new participants into the maker identity framework and creative process, and the Advanced Cohort, for adolescent partners ready to deepen their craft, take on more creative ownership, and mentor newer participants as they move toward a more polished showcase piece.

❋ Core Partnership

Entry-level four-week cohort introducing adolescents to maker identity, creative tools, and collaborative studio culture with professional creative mentors.

❋ Advanced Cohort

Next-step pathway for returning or more experienced adolescents, emphasizing deeper skill-building, creative independence, and leadership within the group.

❋ Community Showcase

Both pathways culminate in a public presentation of participants work, connecting partners with family, donors, and community members.

❋ Apprenticeship Model

Professional creatives work directly alongside adolescent partners with the goal of becoming an apprentice to the professional creative, shaped around identity development and creative expression.

Core Partnership

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Two

Set Intentions & Reflect

Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

Day Three

Look Forward & Wrap Up

We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.

Check-In

9:00 – 9:30am

Group Activity

11:00am

Lunch Break

12:30pm

Creative Workshop

2:00pm

Dinner

6:30pm

  • "What I love most is the flexibility. I can go at my own pace, revisit lessons, and keep learning whenever it works for me."

    Former Customer

  • "Even as a total beginner, I never felt lost. The step-by-step structure and encouragement along the way made all the difference."

    Former Customer

  • "This has been such a worthwhile investment in myself."

    Former Customer

How It Works

  • Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.

  • Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.

  • After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.

  • We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

Book Your Stay

Register