The information below is from our 2016 summer camp.

WHAT WE WILL BE DOING AT CAMP!

Our mission at Mindful Makers is to get kids comfortable using real tools. Our instructors will teach proper handling techniques, as safety is always our top priority. In our lessons, we teach how raw materials can be manipulated with these tools to create something new. Building on these fundamental skills will foster critical thinking, problem solving, and in turn will boost self esteem and happiness. 

Our unique lesson plans bring together art and technology to create a joyful making experience. Inspired by MIT's course called How To Make (Almost) Anything, we will teach daily lessons in a variety of techniques. We like to focus on the process of making something, and not just the final outcome. Our students will get a taste of many different disciplines, and are encouraged to spend more time working on those activities they enjoy the most during our "Open Build" period each day.

These daily lessons will play into our camper's final projects to be exhibited at the end of the week during our Show & Tell: Family Game Night (4:00-5:30 pm on the Friday).

For our final project this summer, each camper will build their own one-of-a-kind arcade game from cardboard! Additional elements of their games can be made using processes and materials taught in our daily lessons.

The idea for this was inspired by the short film, Caine's Arcade.

Check out Part 2 of Caine's Arcade: From a Movie to a Movement!

Here's a list of skills and processes we will be getting hands-on with:

  • Book binding notebooks (for sketching out ideas)
  • Sewing (hand and machine)
  • Needle felting with wool
  • 2D computer vector design
  • CNC paper and vinyl cutting on the Silhouette
  • Screen printing camp shirts
  • Hot wire foam cutting
  • Mold making and casting copies of our hands
  • Soldering and electronic circuits
  • 3D modelling and 3D printing
  • Building with cardboard and tape

Meet our team of highly skilled makers who will be working with your children this summer!

Stay tuned for announcements about how Mindful Makers will be involved with the Global Cardboard Challenge 2016.

SESSIONS:

We are offering eight one-week sessions to choose from.

On the Friday of each week, families and friends are invited to join us for our "Show & Tell: Family Game Night" from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Campers will have this opportunity to show off their arcade games and give them a "real live audience" test run. It also gives families a chance to mingle and get to know each other. After the Show & Tell, parents should be prepared to take home their child(ren) as well as their arcade creation (please make sure there is room in the car!).

  • Session 1: July 4 - 8
  • Session 2: July 11 - 15
  • Session 3: July 18 - 22
  • Session 4: Camp will not be running this week! Sorry!
  • Session 5: August 2 - 5 (Camp will be closed on the Civic Holiday, Aug. 1)
  • Session 6: August 8 - 12
  • Session 7: August 15 - 19
  • Session 8: August 22 - 26
  • Session 9: August 29 - Sept. 2 

Our class lessons will repeat weekly, however if your child would like to attend more than one session, our staff will happily modify the activities so they are always creating something new!

We also offer single day camp registrations for children who cannot attend an entire week but still want to join in on the fun!

AGES:

Our programming is intended for ages 7 - 14.

TIME:

Camp runs 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Drop-off starts at 8:45 am, and pick up is until 4:30 pm.

EXTENDED CARE:

If you require additional child care outside of these times, we will offer before and after care for a small additional fee.

LOCATION:

The Cedars Worship Centre (Westminster United Church), 543 Beechwood Drive Waterloo, Ontario.

See our location page for more details and photos.