Summer camps give youths a head start
Are you wondering what to do with your elementaryor secondary-school son or daughter this summer? popular solution is to send them to a summer camp where they can learn skills, meet new friends, and possibly ignite a passion that will remain with them for their entire lives. Below, you can read about seven options in a wide range of areas.
VANCOUVER FILM SCHOOL
SUMMER INTENSIVES The filmindustry bible Variety recently included VFS on its annual list of stellar film schools around the world. It was the only Canadian institution to achieve this, thanks to its 13 full-time programs and highly regarded industry-mentorship programs. From July 4 to August 10, it will be possible to enroll in one-week intensive sessions in creative media production in a variety of areas, including acting for film and television, film production, animation and visual effects, game design, and introduction to film, animation, and design. Discounts are available for those who take two or more intensives. They’re open to applicants 16 years or older with intermediate-level English. For more information, visit www.vfs.edu/ summerintensives/.
LANGARA COLLEGE Teenagers can pursue their passions in a wide range of summer camps offered at Langara. There are one- to twoweek programs in photography, digital-music production, filmmaking, theatre and film for First Nations, graphic novels and manga, coding and game design, and journalism. They can also try their hand at sports reporting. It’s a great way for a secondary student to see if they’re suited for full-time programs, which are known for their close interaction with people working in the industry. And it sure beats sitting on the beach doing nothing but getting a sunburn. The camps are offered in July and early August. For more information, visit langara.ca/.
CENTRE FOR DIGITAL MEDIA
Since it was founded a decade ago, the Vancouver-based Centre for Digital Media has been on the forefront of a technological revolution that is transforming many industries, including banking, transportation, construction, energy production, and health care. From July 10 to 21, it’s offering a two-week intensive summer boot camp for teens with a keen interest in art or technology. The Tomorrow’s Master of Digital Media program is open to those entering grades 9 to 12, and it’s ideal for students who want to explore educational and career opportunities in video games and other digital-media industries. They learn how to make a game by the end of the first day with Gamemaker. In the second week, they’re placed on small teams and devise a problem that they hope to solve with digital technology. For more information, visit thecdm.ca/.
DRAGON ZONE PADDLING CLUB
Dragon-boat racing has been taking place in the Pearl River delta in southern China for more than 2,000 years, and it is now a Vancouver tradition. The Dragon Zone Paddling Club has taken more than 20,000 children on the water, and this summer, starting on July 3, it is holding a five-day summer camp for kids between the ages of eight and 12. Parents can drop their children off (at 8:30 a.m. at the Olympic Village and pick them up from 3:30 to 4 p.m.) feeling secure in the knowledge that staff are all first-aid certified and have gone through the national coaching certification program. The kids will learn paddling mechanics with standup paddleboards, dragon boats, sprint canoes, and kayaks. There’s also a nine-week flatwater group training for youths between the ages of 12 and 18, also starting on July 3. For more information, visit www.dragonzone.ca/.
WIRED MUSIC LABS Skrillex and Deadmau5 had to start somewhere. So what’s stopping anyone else from learning how to make electronic music? Wired’s kids summer workshops are open to those 12 and older. Best of all, they’re open to those without experience and without equipment. Who knows? It could transform a youth’s life, particularly if it launches him or her on a path that leads to a lucrative career. But even if there isn’t a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, they’ll still have fun learning the craft. The camps will be held from July 17 to 21 and July 24 to 28. For more information, visit www.wiredmusic.ca/.
JERICHO SAILING CENTRE Kids as young as five can learn about water safety and sailing in one of the many summer camps hosted by the Jericho Sailing Centre in Vancouver. Starting in June, the centre will be offering a variety of camps for all ages. There’s one for children between eight and 10 who are interested in canoeing. There’s another camp to teach kids from nine to 14 about sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For more information, visit www.jsca.bc.ca/.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS The next generation of soccer players will have an opportunity to learn more about the beautiful game this summer. Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club is running several summer youth camps across the country, and there’s a lot to choose from in the Lower Mainland. In Vancouver alone, three types of camps for all ages and skill levels will be running in eight locations between July and August. Boys and girls will have the chance to not only learn the basics from players and training staff but also how to elevate their game and get noticed. Participants take home a shirt and a club poster. For more information, visit camps.whitecapsfcyouth.com/.-
Different ways to get into the two-wheeler game
If you’re looking to get serious about cycling this year but are intimidated by road bikes speeding down bike routes, here are three alternatives to consider.
CITY BIKES With a streamlined shape that looks as good as it functions, citystyle bikes remain popular with urban dwellers interested in more leisurely travels. The design features an upright riding position, making the model ideal for new or novice cyclists. Add a basket or pannier rack for weekly grocery runs.
HYBRID BIKES Part traditional road bike, part mountain bike, a hybrid is a great option for those who may be uncomfortable with the bent-seating position required for road bikes. The hybrid borrows the mountain bike’s flat handlebars while employing the lightweight construction of road models, resulting in an all-purpose vehicle that can tackle all sorts of treks.
ELECTRIC BIKES A relatively new addition to Vancouver’s cycling scene, electric bikes have gained popularity among those needing an ecofriendly transportation option for longer distances. Powered by electric motor or manual pedalling, these two-wheelers handily conquer challenging terrain while ensuring you arrive without breaking a sweat.