12 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday May 19, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com DigiKidz Day Camp, providing a popular alternative Several weeks into summer vacation Oakvillian parents will prepare themselves to gaze into the desperate faces of their young ones and hear what is considered by many to be a parent's worst nightmare: "Mom! Dad! I'm really, really bored!" This summer, banish thoughts of boredom from your home by sending your kids to a day camp. DigiKidz Day Camp is providing a popular alternative to the everyday. Nola Soliman, the camp operator, is a certified teacher who works at Abbey Lane Public School. Years of teaching have fared Nola well; she has first-hand knowledge of children and their apparent interest in technology. "Technology is everywhere- children are immersed in it," says Nola. "It's a critical part of their lives and it's important for them to learn how to use it productively." DigiKidz Camp participants will be divided into small groups, and given the responsibility of creating their own multimedia video. Each group will be provided with the technological tools and knowledge to complete their project. Children will learn how to create a storyboard, how to operate a camcorder, and how to make use of valuable computer editing programs The camp accommodates various learning styles, and encourages children to take on new roles within their group. Aside from learning technological skills, camp participants will develop problem solving skills, creative thinking skills, cooperative skills, and communication skills. There are, of course, musical and acting elements to this camp as well. Knowledge of Garage Band will be utilized, as well as a keyboard and electric guitar, provided by Nola. Nola started her camp from scratch, with little more than a passion for teaching and nurturing the minds of tomorrow. "My goal is to provide a service to the community and children who are interested in technology," says Nola. "I also want children to understand technology and be critics of the messages that the media sends them." Nola expresses her love of teaching and says that she has fun with kids, "They constantly challenge me with new ideas," she says. "It's a learning experience for me, really." Nola also expresses an interest in supporting local students. Her informative website, www.digikidz.ca, was designed by a previous student, Brodin Lane. DigiKidz has even caught the attention of reputable local company, Canadian Computers, who has since become a corporate sponsor of the camp. With growing local support and attention Nola is destined for success. DigiKidz Camp runs in four, fiveday sessions throughout July at Sheridan College. Each day begins at 9am and concludes at noon, at a cost of $235 for the week. As an experienced teacher, Nola understands that children thrive in an environment where they are offered one on one support, and consequently maintains a teacher-student ratio of 7:1. All kids from grades 4-8 are invited to sign up for DigiKidz! So, what are you waiting for? Call DigiKidz today- before summer boredom kicks in! For more information contact Nola at 905.815.9929 or by email at digikidz@mac.com, or visit www.digikidz.ca