A community makerspace in Portland with a wood shop, metal shop, electronics lab and screen-printing area that runs summer maker camps for children ages 9-13. Woodworking and maker programs use tools and materials from LEGO robotics and sewing kits to a drill press, emphasizing hands-on exploration and problem-solving.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Open Bench Project directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Timothy SmithUsed this place a few years ago. Great people, simple to use. Great tools. If you’re on the fence, do it.
★★★★★Ellen Esty SchillingHeard of OBP from a professional team of woodworkers who said Jake was one of the best. Right on! As a DIY-er, I needed a piece of butcher block cut and he was super responsive and respected my novice excitement for my project. Thank you Jake, for your kindness! Sending photos of my finished built in project soon. Supper this project. It’s amazing.
★★★★★Jesse DrummondI took the intro to woodworking course and it was great. I learned a lot of new techniques, used tools I hadn’t used before, and got to experiment with new materials. I really appreciated Jake’s teaching approach - he provided the right amount of support and guidance while also pushing us to problem-solve on our own. Loved every minute of it, looking forward the next one!
★★★★★Kelly CMy kids did the Open Bench escape room day camp with Jake and it was so incredibly amazing it’s hard to put into words! They came home beaming every day, excited to go back. They had so much autonomy that there was true pride and ownership in the things they accomplished. They learned new skills but also got to just get in there and work towards a common goal but in their own way. I have immense respect for the atmosphere of creativity and freedom my children experienced, and I’m so grateful. They absolutely loved being treated like capable human beings with their own valued ideas. If you want your kids to be seen and enabled to contribute something of themselves, this is the place. Jake has made a truly exceptional environment to empower kids to learn and create and I’m glad this exists in the world.
★★★★★Will GarvinI took an Intro to Woodworking 6-week class here in which I made a replacement tabletop. The class was led by the owner, Jake Ryan, who is a fun and enthusiastic teacher. I decided to become a member as well with weekend access to continue on some projects I have in mind. Definitely check this place out if you want to work on some projects but don’t have the space or equipment. Open houses every Saturday 1-3pm.