This post is part of the new Community Spotlight Series—a feature highlighting neighbors who are making a positive impact in their own way. If you’re looking for kids activities in Algoma, you’ll want to meet Kayden, a local mom who just launched Little Makers Collective. To get notified about future spotlights, follow along on Facebook/Instagram or subscribe here for updates.
In every small town, there are people whose quiet ideas grow into something special—something that brings people together. For Algoma, one of those people is Kayden Shaw, the heart behind Little Makers Collective, a new early childhood music program designed to help kids connect, grow, and learn through joyful, developmentally-rich experiences.
Kayden is now a mom to two boys and a little girl, but before that she first moved to Algoma as a high school sophomore—a tough transition for anyone, especially in a small town with deep roots and tight-knit circles. It wasn’t until the Live Algoma movement gained momentum near the end of high school that she started to feel a sense of belonging.
“Once I was involved in the community I felt like part of the community.”
– Kayden Shaw
It was through that involvement, and a leadership class that introduced her to the Plan-Do-Study-Act mindset, that Kayden began to see that trying—and even failing—was part of building something worthwhile. She moved away for college in Idaho, started a family, and continued her education online before returning to Algoma. Since then, she’s worked at the local school and found her footing not just professionally, but personally.
Now, she’s lived in Algoma longer as an adult than she did as a student—and she proudly calls it home.
The Spark Behind Little Makers Collective
After COVID, Kayden was still finishing school and, like many moms, yearning for connection with other families. With two little ones under two, she didn’t have the capacity to start something immediately—but the ideas were there, written down and waiting.
Once she began working in the school system, she gained confidence and credibility working with kids. With her youngest, Hallie, now at the perfect age to begin forming friendships, Kayden was motivated to create something for local families—a new option for kids activities in Algoma that didn’t require a 45-minute drive to Green Bay.
She envisioned something music-based, inspired by how she sang personalized songs to help her own kids learn and remember their names. “Music is so hopeful at this age,” she shared. “There’s so much early development that happens through music—and kids are naturally drawn to it.”
Kayden piloted her idea with a small group, Little Stars, and found that children were fully engaged—affirming her belief that she was on to something. She also saw the value from a parent’s perspective: a space to connect with others in the same season of life.
What Mini Music Makers Is All About
Mini Music Makers by Little Makers Collective is a six-week early childhood music class Kayden is launching in July, with registration opening May 31st. It’s one of the newest kids activities in Algoma designed for caregivers and young children to explore rhythm, movement, and connection in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
And here’s the thing:
You don’t need to be a “good singer” to benefit.
You don’t need special training.
You just need to show up and be willing to shake, stomp, and sing alongside your little ones.
“Music is naturally inclusive,” Kayden explains. “Sometimes story times can be difficult for kids, but music allows more flexibility, movement, and fun.”
How You Can Support or Get Involved
Families have already responded with excitement and encouragement, and Kayden is just getting started. Here’s how you can support the growth of Kayden’s Little Makers Collective:
- Follow & Share: @littlemakerscollective
- Spread the Word: Know someone with little ones in the area looking for kids activities in Algoma? Let them know!
- Donate Supplies: Have drums, egg shakers, or other musical toys collecting dust during garage sale season? These items would be greatly appreciated.
- Attend a Demo: She’s exploring a demo class at the library (pending approval)—a perfect chance to see what it’s all about.
In the future, Kayden hopes to expand with music classes throughout the year, future art classes or possibly a summer camp. She’s also building toward starting an email list for families to receive free resources and music-based activities they can do at home.
Building a More Family-Friendly Community
Kayden’s dream isn’t just about her own children—it’s about helping build a more family-friendly community with more accessible, meaningful kids activities in Algoma. She also hopes to see more young families choosing Algoma and for current families to become more aware of local resources—especially when it comes to early screening and special education services like the free Birth to 3 program, which supports children with speech or developmental delays.
Because connection shouldn’t be hard to find.
Because creativity and learning should start early.
Because community grows one song, one smile, and one small idea at a time.
Why Stories Like Kayden’s Matter
Kayden’s story is a reminder that community doesn’t have to come from long history—it can be built, slowly and intentionally, by showing up with heart. Whether it’s through music, conversation, or simply creating space for others, she’s helping plant seeds of connection for the next generation of Algoma families.
And in the spirit of community, each spotlight will end with a local shout-out from the person featured.
Here’s Kayden’s:
“I’d like to shout out Yardstick and Algoma Utilities who recently collaborated on their ‘Thank a Lineman’ coloring contest. My kids probably wouldn’t have known about linemen if it wasn’t for this contest. My oldest even won second place for his age group! He was able to pick out a couple books that really speak to his interests right now, and I love that for him.”
Kayden Shaw
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Little Makers Collective
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