Maker Camp

Collaborators (past and present): GEERing Up! (UBC Engineering), Cozy Classics, Maker Media, Kim Werker, UBC Engineering Physics, UBC Michael Smith Laboratories

We are now full, but click here to be placed on a waitlist.

Maker Camp 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2022

The University of British Columbia and the Michael Smith Laboratories are pleased to announce our eigth annual Maker Camp. Like previous years, due to funding logistics, this one will be a girls only* camp and will be held during the week of July 4th to 7th, 2023. Like before, it will be hosted at UBC’s Michael Smith Laboratories.

Space is free and available for 16 girls, who are about to enter Grades 7 to 8 in the fall. Program runs daily from 9:30am to 3:00pm, with a 30 minute lunch break in the middle. Transportation to and from UBC, as well as lunch/snacks is not provided. Since this is a free workshop, please ensure that your child can attend the whole camp.

Note that permissions will also be required so that we can provide a blog highlighting the girls’ day.

2023 SCHEDULE

1. Trading Card Game Design:
Girls will be guided through the creation of a trading card game that focuses on biodiversity concepts. Final game will be professionally printed and mailed to each girl at a later date for playing (see this link for more information)

2. Breadboarding and circuit building:
We will have a session dedicated to the girls familiarizing themselves with building circuits. This sets up the ability to make electronic devices which will be powered by code downloaded onto the Arduino motherboard.

3. Arduino Programming:
Girls will receive and learn how to code using the arduino chip, such that they can create code for electronic devices. In our case, this will include coding activities that allow programming of outputs in a sequential manner, coding that reacts to sensory input, and coding that explores the movement of motors or servos.

4. Zine Workshop:
Kim Werker, a crafter extraordinaire and book publisher will showcase the craft of making zine (about making things of course!). The lab will publish a set so that each girl will get all copies, and as well, we’ll provide materials for the girls to showcase their zine and DIY activity on the last day!

5. Metal Workshop:
This activity led by Jon Nakane will get the girls to familiarize themselves with tools, and especially tools that are used to cut metal frameworks. This is often the scenario if one is building a robot for instance! In any event, hopefully girls can apply some of these techniques to even shaping pieces of cardboard which can be combined with their knowledge of the arduino to create new devices!

6. Microscopy and Biodiversity!
The camp will have a microscopy activity that will allow the girls to look for microbes, and discuss the importance of biodiversity in an ever changing climate.

7. Speaker Stories:
We will have a number of short visits from women scientists, engineers, and writer creators who can share what they do, and talk a bit about their careers in general.

Registration is now open! Click here to start.

* If you have a boy that is interested in similar programming, we highly encourage you to explore registration into one of our collaborator’s workshops (http://www.geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/). As well, please be aware that we also have an inclusive view of the word “girl” and we welcome trans, genderqueer, and non-binary folks interested in the workshop.