ST. JOHN’S, NL – There’s great news this summer for those who want to inspire innovation and empower digital skills – the Brilliant Labs summer coding/making camp is back!
Marking its second year, the camp will welcome students aged seven to 12 at College of the North Atlantic (CNA) campuses in St. John’s, Corner Brook and Burin (where the camp is extended to adults with evening sessions July 29-31 from 7-9 p.m.).
Beginning Monday, July 8, Brilliant Labs, in partnership with the federal government’s CanCode and Summer Jobs programs, will launch a series of camps for youth in a fun learning environment using new technologies to solve real world problems. Prince Philip Drive, Corner Brook and Burin campuses are among several partners that will host these youth and provide a venue for “campers” to learn code and create crafts that interact with computers.
“We are excited to see our partnership with Brilliant Labs continue into its second year with expanded offerings throughout the province,” said Jacqueline Reid, CNA’s Program Developer – Information Technology. “Seeing the interest and fascination on the participants’ faces when they develop and code their own applications is inspiring. Brilliant Labs introduces coding/making camp participants to an interactive and fun environment. Many don’t even realize they are mastering some amazing employable skills.”
Brilliant Labs was created in 2014 by a community of entrepreneurs, non-profit agencies, municipalities and economic development agencies with initial support from the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The organization began operation in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) in April of last year, and as part of the overall Atlantic Canada movement, it aims to foster creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit through coding and technology for youth.
John Barron, Brilliant Labs NL provincial program co-ordinator, said this year the camp in Burin is expanding to include adults, which will expose them to the learning these skills so they can be prepared for present-day and future job opportunities.
“Brilliant Labs appreciates the enormous support we have received from CNA, and this year we are excited to conduct a few sessions for adults in Burin,” said Barron. “This initiative is a part of our vision to empower analytical, creative, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and help adults gain knowledge and pursue varied career paths.”
Camps will also be held as part of the summer programs in Mount Pearl, in St. John’s with Rabbittown Community Centre and Buckmaster Circle Community Centre, Gander Public Library and Conception Bay South Public Library.
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For more information about Brilliant Labs, visit: www.brilliantlabs.ca
To register for kids camp, visit: http://tiny.cc/p0jw9y
For more information about CNA, visit: www.cna.nl.ca
Media Contacts:
John Barron
NL Provincial Program Co-ordinator
Brilliant Labs
709-727-4952
john@brilliantlabs.ca
Minal Abhange
PR Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7870
minal.abhange@cna.nl.ca