The phrase “go to your room” has historically taken on a negative connotation for generations of youngsters. This will no longer be the case for dozens of Winnipeg tweens and teens, thanks to a new learning opportunity from RRC Polytech, in collaboration with IKEA.

Design Your Dream Room, one of four new day camps the College is offering this summer, teaches campers the basics of interior decorating and room layout under the guidance of an RRC Polytech interior decorating professional. Other youth can learn the art of photography, how to design and launch their own product, or deepen their relationship with their cultural identity.

“Our summer youth camps give young people a taste of what a polytechnic education looks like. They’ll learn new skills in hands-on, experiential environments – guided by experienced RRC Polytech leaders,” says Breanna Sawatzky, Manager of Campus Well-Being at RRC Polytech.

Aspiring shutterbugs will learn about composition, posing, exposure and light control under the direction of a professional photographer in Out and About Photography, while budding entrepreneurs will develop a product from idea to minimal viable product, and go through a design sprint in Entrepreneurship Camp. Indigenous Cultural Exploration Camp, open to all youth ages 9 – 11, will guide campers through experiential learning while incorporating cultural activities.

“We know the importance of introducing kids to technology, art, business, culture and creativity at an early age, as they’re beginning to think about their future careers,” says Sawatzky. “These camps are a fun, low-pressure opportunity for kids to start to explore their passions while familiarizing themselves with our campus.”

RRC Polytech continues to offer its popular Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) camp, now in its 17^th year, as well as online photography camps Camp Canon – Photo Foundations Camp and Camp Canon – Beyond the Basics Camp, where kids can enhance their creativity and build their photography skills.

Summer Youth Camps, for kids aged 8 – 16, run for one week each and take place throughout July. For more information, visit rrc.ca/youth/camps.