6 minute read
STEAMOJI KERRISDALE
Something special is happening at Steamoji Kerrisdale, a STEM Maker Academy for kids. Here, the next generation of master makers, builders, inventors, problem solvers, and entrepreneurs are busy building, creating, and experimenting while cultivating a growth mindset to face future challenges.
Designed for children ages 5 to 14, the academy trains children in the foundations of STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). The hands-on, structured curriculum introduces children to skills like 3D printing, laser cutting, robotics, coding, engineering and digital arts. Kids also get to practice applied design, a lifelong skill that allows them to bring any idea to life, whether building a robot or building a company.
The academy focuses on a broad, hands-on set of skills well beyond coding. For example, apprentices learn how to fabricate a robot’s body and how it will interact with its environment.
Steamoji students gain essential future-facing skills that most traditional schools overlook.
Steamoji Kerrisdale’s director and owner, Gregg “Gmoji” Sayer, purchased the business in April 2024. His experience as a sports tech entrepreneur, PAC president/chair of his children’s elementary school, and digital marketing strategist makes him a natural fit for his role.
A fascination with inventing runs in his family; Gregg’s great uncle Trevor Wadley designed several world-famous electronic devices. Wadley is best known for inventing the Tellurometer, the first surveying instrument to use radio waves to measure large distances, which replaced the slow and expensive ‘chain and post’ method.
Gregg exudes a genuine passion for the academy. He says, “This work makes a difference. I love to see children creating a video game rather than playing on their computer or building a remote-controlled car rather than buying it at the store. By learning to create and persevere through failure, I think our kids will be better equipped to handle the upheaval being caused by AI, automation and so on.”
Families can count on my commitment to an academy that is welcoming and full of wonder, fun, flow and laughter.
“If I could magically blanket the world with future-facing STEM skills and a growth mindset, I would, but I’m going to start with 1,700 square feet and a community of bright apprentices right in the heart of beautiful Kerrisdale.”
Steamoji’s after-school and weekend STEM program takes apprentices (the name given to members) through its 400-hour Build to Solve curriculum. The academy can accommodate 16 apprentices at one time at individual workstations. Sessions are easily booked through an app, with plenty of flexibility to accommodate your family’s schedule (the academy is open seven days a week). Steamoji’s video tutorials expertly guide apprentices through their projects, and Gregg and his team of inspiring facilitators are there to assist kids on their learning paths.
The 14 part-time staff are typically university students with a wealth of knowledge. Gregg mentions that they range from computer science to Master’s and PhD students.
Glowing reviews reveal that Steamoji addresses a deeper concern: Modern parents want their kids to be the active creators of tomorrow, not just passive consumers of screens.
Parents are thrilled with the learning and growth opportunities their children receive.
Tony Wong remarks, "As parents, we believe it's important for kids not only to learn but also apply what they’re taught—and to fail early and learn from it. Steamoji allows our son to experiment, try new things, and work on fun projects where it's okay to make mistakes. It’s a great way for him to grow and build confidence in his skills."
Kenneth Yuen says, “In my experience, conventional schooling overlooks practical STEAM and critical thinking skills that I strongly believe my son and daughter will need to thrive in future. I want my kids to be prepared for the big changes coming, and I also want them to build creative skills and be inspired by what’s possible. Steamoji helps them discover their potential.”
Gregg prioritizes building community and making people feel welcome.
This past Halloween, Steamoji hosted a highly successful member-only event creatively named MonSTEM Mash. Events like this meld Gregg’s efforts to build community, provide an event where parents can witness their child’s skill development, and encourage teamwork among apprentices.
“For MonSTEM Mash, we created six teams of four kids. They had the challenge of building a remote-controlled robot from scratch, not from a kit, which is much easier. The objective was to push their opponent's monster robot off the table. It was the robotic version of a gladiator movie!”
Gregg adds, “Steamoji helps prepare kids for the future. The world will always need bright humans who can adapt and are resilient. By focussing on broad skills that inspire curiosity, confidence and imagination, our apprentices will be ahead of their peers when they reach high school.”
March break is just around the corner, and Steamoji is hosting spring break camps to keep your kids’ minds active and engaged.
Year-round, Gregg invites parents to book a free session for their child to explore Steamoji’s fun and caring environment and make a cool STEM project when they visit!
Parents can scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/ booktrial_sk to book a free session.
Ultimately, the apprentices’ testimonials speak volumes about how Steamoji impacts their lives.
Nine-year-old Lucy says, “Steamoji is a super fun and unique workspace. I've never been anywhere where I feel so happy and calm. Gregg cares about every kid; he is always very encouraging, and the staff are so kind and helpful. Steamoji has so many different and cool STEM projects. Steamoji has become my new favourite activity!”
Steamoji Kerrisdale
5465 West Boulevard Vancouver, BC V6M 3W5
Phone 604-566-3324
www.steamoji.com/canada-bc-kerrisdale
Story by Sarah Gordon (Feb 2025). Photos by Sandra Steier Photography. @PALLAMEDIA
