On the January 17th teacher PD day Grade 6 and 7 students were welcomed into
their secondary schools for “Camp Day” at no cost to the families. Four secondary schools were involved in
the event, providing technology-related activities and supervised care. Secondary school teams of teachers and
students designed each camp's engaging activities to showcase
opportunities in skilled trades or technology, while also fostering the
development of soft skills like teambuilding and communication.
At Riverside Secondary School, the theme of the camp was DPA, Design and
Dodge with some fun daily
physical activity (DPA) including ping pong and dodge ball. In the media lab, students used computer
technology to design and edit an animated gif.
They learned about setting up proper portrait lighting, as well as Hollywood-standard
health and safety precautions while lighting a film
set. Student attendees were able to tour
a variety of technology classes that are available at Riverside, including
automotive, construction and manufacturing.
Students at the C2 Clipper Camp at Kennedy Collegiate also explored technical
areas – including construction and design tech. They learned about apprenticeship opportunities available through the
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) from the GECDSB OYAP/Co-op
coordinator, Angela Ciarlariello-Bondy and explored how to imprint a logo onto material, imprinting the OYAP logo onto their complimentary touques. They designed their own T-shirt while exploring
the Arts department, and built their own picture frame which they were able to
take home. Students interacted with teachers from the secondary team, and
learned about safety related to working in a shop.
Students from the
Essex District High School leadership class welcomed elementary students as
they arrived for their camp, entitled “Design, Construct, and Drive”.
The task for the Grades 6 and 7s was to design and construct personal
identification tags. They also built self-propelled cars with rubber bands in the
automotive classroom. Participants were also able to see the EDHS e-sports
area and also learn about the different programs available throughout the
GECDSB.
The Herman Academy camp, “Tech Connected”, began with a warm welcome
from the students in the school’s leadership class. After a Minute to Win it Challenge and a
quick game of beachball volleyball, students were able to work with a Herman technology
teacher to design their own logo (by hand and using software) and personalize
their own T-shirt. In the afternoon,
participants were challenged to create a roller coaster given provided
parameters and materials. Using their
ingenuity and creativity students had to land the marble in the designated
area.
Camp Day was made possible through Ministry of Education Experiential learning funding, which promotes hands-on learning opportunities as a way to
shed light on students’ future pathways in technology, apprenticeships and
skilled trades.