Maker Lab: Digital Design and Fabrication (July)

From sketchbook scribbles to real-world masterpieces, this hands-on camp transforms imagination into 3D reality! Students will design their own projects using beginner-friendly software like Inkscape and xTool Studio, then bring them to life with real maker tools like laser cutters and Cricut machines.

Wood, acrylic, vinyl, textiles and more — if they can dream it, they can build it. No experience needed — just creativity, curiosity, and a love of making!

When and Where?

Date: Monday July 6 - Friday July 10, 2026 from 9:00am -12:00noon.

(alternate date: Aug 17-21 from 9-12. If you prefer this date, register here)

Location: The Vancouver School for Science and Technology (VISST): 1490 West Broadway, Vancouver.

Who?

This camp is for students in grades 5-9.

Why should you attend?

Learn to use new tools such as the Laser Cutters, Cricuts, and Heat Presses.

Become a digital artist and design your very own graphics and toolpaths using Inkscape.

Exercise your brain and work with your hands: From ideas —> simulations —> fabrication.

Earn a certificate of completion from the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology.

What will you learn?

Zip, Zap, Zerp, Goes the Laser Cutter: Students will get first hand experience on what a C02 laser cutter is used for and learn how to design their own projects for laser cutting and engraving - starting with a simple keychain.

Shredding It Up: Cricuts are a versatile tool for paper crafting, sticker making, vinyl cutting, and much more. Students will start off their Cricut adventures by cutting up vinyls to complement their laser cut keychains.

Textile Art and Printing: Designing and having your own merch is more accessible than ever with the invention of a compact heat press! Creating their own graphics, students will sublimate their very own tote bags.

Digital Design: Using Inkscape, a free and powerful vector illustration tool, students will learn to design their very own toolpaths.

Prototype, Iterate, Fabricate: Sometimes designs don’t turn out the way you initially intended - this is the time to review and revise. With guidance and feedback from instructors, students will learn how to build off of their initial prototypes and improve their designs for future models.

To Be Creative: Machines are not just all robots and calculations. CNC tools are used for creative endeavours and to explore new ways of bringing ideas to life.

Program Requirements

Students must bring their own laptops with the Inkscape, Cricut Design Space and xTool Studio software installed. As Cricut Design Space and xTool Studio requires a user account, students should create a free user account in advance. A mouse is also strongly recommended.

Parents are asked to install programs ahead of time if they have permission settings on their devices, as well as to adjust any screen time limits.

All materials will be provided. Students are welcome to bring in their own materials later on in the camp once they learn the tools’ capabilities.

Camp Instructor

Thanh Nguyen

Thanh is a multimedia artist with over a decade of experience in teaching creative technology and digital fabrication in the Metro Vancouver region.

Since graduating from the Art Institute of Vancouver with a degree in Game Art and Design, she has been teaching game design and programming, 3D modeling and animation. She has been developing specialized curriculums and teaching creative technology courses, workshops and camps with Byte Camp and MakerLabs, and is currently the Design and Technology Specialist with VISST.

Thanh is always looking for ways to provide accessible avenues of learning to students keen on learning about the digital arts.

www.linkedin.com/in/thanh-nguyen-a2775826

Questions: Please email [email protected].