Design Something New this Summer with Thinnox Design & Technology Camps

Design something new this summer: an animated short movie, a brand new video game; a digital recording of your band's masterpiece; a short video film; a portfolio of graphic images; an illustrated book. Whatever your dreams are - to be a film maker, musician, designer or inventor, remember, everything has a little bit of Design to it.

Thinnox Summer Design Camps are between 2 to 4 weeks duration. The programs offered between June 22 and August 28 are primarily for creative individuals in age categories: 10 to 14 and 15-18. However, we also have some specialized programs for creative 6-9 year olds. Take a look at the calendar and pick the program that's right for you.

The typical camp day starts at 9:00 am and ends at 4:30 pm. During the camp day, besides formal instruction in a chosen area, campers are involved in organized team activities through the day that is sure to test their imagination, creativity, reflexes, team spirit and organizational skills. All programs are well rounded and include elements of graphic design, sound design and visual arts. Some programs also come with an introduction to the world of computers.

Thinnox Summer Design Camps are a unique combo of fun and serious creativity. Our class sizes are restricted to just 6 participants. Friendly and knowledgeable instructors make sure your program goals are achieved; you work and have fun. In short, we guarantee an experience that will last you through the entire year, if not your entire lifetime. And if, after attending the Camp's day one, for some reason, you don't feel the same, we promise full tuition refund. So try it out.

Pay attention to your dreams. Design something new this summer.

When children build and experiment, they live the entire process of creating ideas, solving problems and overcoming obstacles. They have a natural curiosity and creativity that can be strengthened through play and group interaction to learn in new ways.

At HobbyBots, children will develop basic robot building instructions, programming and movement, by building and programming robots using the LEGO NXT Mindstorms robotics kit. They will be working in pairs using communications skills, problem solving, and collaborative teamwork to design a program that the robot must master in projects and mini challenges from past FLL seasons (see www.FirstLegoLeague.org)

* Recommended for ages 9-15
* Minimum age is 9 - born in ‘00 and in grade 4 in Sept.’09
* No previous experience is required
* Students will have a partner for most activities and are expected
to co-operate and share well

In groups of two, participants in the beginner's camp will learn how to set up their computer and their infra-red tower and prepare their control unit (RCX-NXT). They will learn how to build basic autonomous LEGO robots and how to use the Mindstorms ™ programming language for simple applications. They will be able to practice designing, building, and modifying their robotic devices to meet challenges. They will build a robot that will find its way through a maze and follow a black line using touch and light sensors. Every day brings a new fun challenge.
In the intermediate camp, campers will learn about designing advanced gears, building multi-tasking programs, and constructing decision-making robots using various sensors.
They will create real robots that will execute specific programs. The robot will be able to detect obstacles and move around them.

In July 2009, digiKidz will offer 4 technology-based programs for children, ages 8 - 14 years old. You can choose from: Digital Film-making and Digital Music, Stop Motion Animation, Digital Story-telling and LEGO® Robotics. No prior experience is necessary.
Each session runs for half a day for a week, Monday to Friday. Morning sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon, and afternoon sessions are from 1 p.m -4 p.m. Dates of the camp are July 6- July 31st, 2009.

The cost is $160/ session. If you choose to attend for a full day, digiKidz will provide lunchtime supervision between the morning and afternoon sessions (noon - 1 p.m.) at no additional cost. Family discounts are offered: 2 sessions for $260 and 3 sessions for $360.
Full payment must be received by digiKidz to reserve a place for your child.

Class size is limited to 20 students with a ratio of experienced counsellors : students of 1:6. This ensures excellence in quality of instruction and safety.
The camp is held each summer at Sheridan College campus in Oakville, where space is rented to the camp.

In the Film-making session, kids will learn how to handle a camcorder, focusing on the specifics of different camera shots, angles and lighting. The topic of story-boarding will be covered. A computer-editing program will allow kids to import video and edit their movie using different special effects, transitions, audio and titles. A brief introduction will be given to Apple's GarageBand ™.

In the Stop Motion Animation program, kids will design sets and characters, and create storyboards. They will learn to use computer editing and music-making softwares, cameras and voice-overs to complete original animated movies.

In the digital Storytelling program, kids learn about the art of telling their 'story' using multi-media technology. Digital storytelling is like an autobiographical 'mini movie' which kids will create and edit - using computer software, digital camcorders & cameras, and still photographs. Kids will use voice overs, digital film and music editing software to create a digital story that reflects their special and unique life.


In the digiKidz LEGO® Robotics program, kids build and program a robot to execute a number of tasks. They teach their robot to navigate a maze, conquer challenges, and be the first team to complete assigned missions. A series of challenges will hone their collaboration, programming, inventiveness, and strategic skills.

For all programs, while working as a team- member on group projects, children will take on different roles and responsibilities based on their interest, skill level and talents.

At the end of the program, each child receives a DVD of the week's highlights and a certificate of completion. All necessary equipment is supplied by digiKidz®. Students will be asked to bring in small props/toys as part of their projects during the course of the session.