This summer, local teens are trading in lazy days for a dynamic learning experience at Durham College’s (DC) Summer Shorts workshops. Hosted by the Faculty of Media, Art & Design, these week-long workshops offer hands-on learning in Animation, Game Development, Broadcast Journalism, Digital Design, and Digital Photo and Video. Students like 13-year-old Bianca Bruni are learning in industry-leading computer labs and using state-of-the-art technology and equipment to build a digital portfolio.

Bruni, who is preparing for Grade 9 in September, said her decision to return to the workshop for an additional week was easy to make and that the skills she learned during Week One were built upon in Week Two. “The teachers are amazing and so friendly – I learned so much in 3D animation and wanted to learn more,” she said. “I have a lot more fun here than just being at home all summer.”

DC’s Summer Shorts provide participants several opportunities to find a workshop that suits their interests. Megan Pickell, Summer Shorts Program Coordinator, says there really is something for everyone.

“There are many different aspects of each workshop that may stand out to participants, such as building their own level for a video game, producing a live on-air podcast at our on-campus radio station, developing their own signature brand using the Adobe Creative Suite, or learning how to capture stunning photos and videos using our photography studio spaces and camera equipment,” she says.

During her time in the animation workshop, Bruni had mastered the intricacies of animation rigging, successfully manipulating the movements of a 3D dinosaur which she controlled through various computer functions.

“When you first look at the program it’s overwhelming,” said Bruni. “But we’re using only 20 per cent of the controls. Right now, we’re just learning the basics, and once you get the hang of it it’s not as difficult as it seems.”

Her journey through the workshop underscores the transformative power of hands-on learning and expert guidance provided at DC, equipping Bruni with an impressive digital portfolio, technical skills, and increased confidence in her animation capabilities.

Thanks to her experience, Bruni plans on enrolling in DC’s Animation – Digital Production program after she graduates high school, with her sights set on an animation career developing her own show or working for Disney. “Doing animation is really cool, but doing animation for a job is even cooler,” she said. “I would be really happy to wake up in the morning and go to my job as a 3D animator.”

Pickell emphasized the skills each Summer Shorts student learns throughout their time at DC. “They really learn to push themselves and explore their creativity in a digital space,” she said.

In addition to DC’s Summer Shorts, the college offers many summer camp opportunities for youth seeking new and fun experiences, including a variety of sports and cheer camps as well as Skills Ontario summer camp at DC’s Whitby campus that introduces young students to the world of skilled trades.

Durham College’s (DC) Barrett Centre of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture will welcome one and all to the Ajax Urban Farm for its first Open House on Thursday, July 25.

The farm officially opened last October, and a lot of hard work has gone into getting it ready for the community. The gardens are green and lush, pathways are in place, and the hoop houses and hydroponic growing space are fully operational.

“It looks fantastic. It’s really something to behold,” said Lasha Laskowsky-Reed, Events and Projects Coordinator, Barrett Centre.

Farm staff will be on hand to greet visitors and there will be a number of activities to enjoy. Durham Farm Connections will have educational booths, including information about farming in Ontario and will offer an opportunity for guests to learn how to milk using an artificial goat. A kitchen demo will teach attendees how to make their own salad dressing using common ingredients and fresh herbs.

Tours will be available every half hour to showcase the work that has gone into the farm and the positive impact of urban agriculture, and there will be freshly harvested vegetables for sale.

There are a number of ways for community members to get involved at the farm throughout the summer. During drop-in hours on Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m., they can work in the gardens. Art activities are also offered, and there are library resources available for children and adults.

The farm is located at 1355 Harwood Ave. N in Ajax, next to Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, and the Open House will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, pick up some fresh produce and learn about the importance of urban agriculture.

Maggianne Heindl, a recent graduate from Durham College’s (DC) Event Planning diploma program, will be gaining hands-on experience planning the prestigious 2024 Canadian Innovation Conference after receiving the new Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Canada East Chapter Student Scholarship last month. Heindl was also awarded complimentary registration, round-trip flights, and hotel accommodations to attend the conference in Saskatoon this November.

Heindl called the student scholarship an amazing opportunity and said she felt honoured and overwhelmed when she found out she was chosen.

“When I got the call, it was a very surreal feeling,” she said. “This will open countless doors for me and will be a major milestone in my professional journey.”

The new scholarship provides an incredible advantage for emerging event planning professionals by awarding them an opportunity to participate actively in the planning process of the conference. This educational experience will not only help grow Heindl’s network, along with her resume, but also give her meaningful real-world experience.

“The exposure Maggianne will have to a large scale, multi-faceted event, the professionals producing the event and the contingent of industry professionals attending the event is invaluable,” said Christine Baily, Professor, Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science at DC. “I am so pleased for her; it is a well-deserved award for a highly engaged graduate, and I am certain it will launch her career.”

Heindl sharpened her event planning and leadership skills during her time at DC both inside and outside the classroom while being the Events Committee Chair for DC’s PCMA Student Chapter, and by also volunteering on the PCMA Canada E-Marketing and Communications Committee, both of which demonstrated the importance of getting involved in the opportunities DC provides.

“My volunteer work really helped me stand out in the application process of this scholarship because I was already putting forth my time and effort into something that I loved,” Heindl says. “It was one thing that helped me excel.”

When asked about what the future has in store, she said she’s looking forward to growing her career in event planning while also completing DC’s Finance- Business Administration program, as it complements her newly acquired skills and connections. “The faculty in both programs are incredible and always available to help,” Heindl says. “They share a common goal of helping students succeed.”

Heindl expressed her gratitude for DC’s supportive community and expert faculty who believed in her and helped her grow both academically and personally.

“Durham College has truly been a game-changer for me,” she says. “It opened so many doors, allowing me to network with incredible people and providing me with opportunities that I never thought possible.”