Our Toronto Summer Camp Goes Beyond the Blueprint to Create a Maker Space Like No Other

No experience necessary to experience the world’s top lab school

Hosted at the University of Toronto’s JICS Summer Lab Camp, this Maker Space turns everyday materials, found objects, and high-tech tools into unique creations.

Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for campers to test ideas, problem-solve, and explore different principles of engineering, design, and technology. Whether they're building functional prototypes, designing artistic installations, or tackling creative challenges, campers take an active role in shaping their projects.

The Difference?

Campers set the direction for their work, with educators providing guidance, tools, and encouragement to help them turn their ideas into reality. Unlike traditional maker spaces with step-by-step projects, the Maker Space Summer Lab is all about exploration, discovery, and collaborative problem-solving.

✔ Creative Freedom – There are no templates to follow. Instead, kids have the tools and support they need to develop original ideas and projects.

✔ Collaboration & Inquiry-Based Learning – Working together, campers build problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills as they brainstorm, experiment, and troubleshoot.

✔ Expert Guidance – Led by experienced educators who encourage curiosity and experimentation.

✔ University of Toronto Experience – Hosted at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, a space dedicated to hands-on learning and inquiry-based education. 

Who is This Camp For?

This Toronto summer camp is designed for kids who love to build, invent, and explore. Whether they’re experimenting with circuits or designing structures, they’ll find endless possibilities at Maker Space Summer Lab. No prior experience is necessary—just a curious mind and a passion for creating.

Key Details:

📍 Location: University of Toronto, Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study

👦🏽 Ages: 5 – 6

📅 Dates: Weekly sessions throughout July

The Big Reveal: A Creative Lab Showcase

At the end of each session, caregivers, friends, and family are invited to The Big Reveal: A Creative Lab Showcase. Campers will present their work, share their creative process, and celebrate a week of innovation and collaboration.

Secure Your Spot Today!

This sought-after program fills up quickly. Give your child a summer of creativity, exploration, and discovery at Maker Space Summer Lab Camp!

🔗 Register today!

JICS Summer Lab Camp welcomes three masterful educators to its leadership team!

We stand out as a premier summer camp in the city of Toronto because we have world class staff! We are thrilled to announce 3 of the expert educators who will be guiding our summer of inquiry, innovation, and impactful learning!

✨ From the JICS JK Classroom to our Summer Lab Camp, Marcia Bumbury brings her deep expertise in inquiry-based learning and child-centered pedagogy to her role as Assistant Director.

Learn more about Marcia!

Marcia Bumbury is a full-time teacher at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Studies with 25 years of experience in education. Throughout her career, she has taught grades 3 through 5, physical education for grades K-5, and for the past 12 years, she has been focused on teaching Kindergarten. This experience has sparked a deep passion for the Early Years, where she strives to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Marcia holds a Master of Science in Education and has earned her Kindergarten Part 1, 2, and Specialist qualifications. She has taught these AQ courses with ETFO and was honored to be part of the Writing Team for the Kindergarten AQ. Her participation in both online and face-to-face AQ courses has given her a comprehensive understanding of the Kindergarten Program, allowing her to continuously reflect and refine her teaching practice.

As a life-long learner who is reflective and passionate about Kindergarten education, Marcia is eager to share her knowledge and continue to grow in this field.

✨ Kenisha Peters joins us with experience from multiple JICS classrooms, as a Principal Program Facilitator, infusing our summer labs with her wealth of knowledge in inquiry-based education and many years working with students at the Lab School.

Learn more about Kenisha!

Kenisha Peters is a registered Early childhood Educator (RECE). She is passionate about providing a nurturing and safe environment for children to grow, learn, and develop. With 16 years of experience in childcare, She has had the privilege of working with children of all ages, from infants to youth; helping them build essential skills through play, inquiry, and positive interactions.

Kenisha's approach to childcare is centered around creating a warm and supportive atmosphere where children feel valued and empowered. She strives to encourage curiosity, creativity, and independence in a fun and structured environment. Whether it’s through hands-on activities, outdoor exploration, or encouraging social skills, Kenisha believes every child is unique and deserves personalized care and attention.

Kenisha is dedicated to fostering strong relationships with children and their families, working together to ensure that each child’s needs are met, and they are given every opportunity to thrive.

✨ Joining us from Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School, Myah Birrell will lead as the Principal Program Facilitator of our Natural Curiosity Lab, bringing her expertise and experience in environmental inquiry and land-based learning.

Learn more about Myah!

Myah Birrell (she/her) is of Algonquin of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and Canadian ancestry. She is an educator (OCT) and a graduate of the Masters of Arts in Child Study and Education program through OISE at University of Toronto. Myah has an undergraduate degree in Critical Gender Studies and is focused on creating classroom spaces that are anti-oppressive and justice focused. Myah teaches grade 6/7 at Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School in the Toronto District School Board, as well as serving as the current Program Coordinator at Natural Curiosity at the University of Toronto. Myah is always thinking about ways that we can decolonize education through weaving Indigenous ways of knowing and being into all curriculum.

JICS Summer Lab is not just a summer camp— it’s an immersive experience in the renowned JICS approach, where curiosity leads the way and children engage deeply in hands-on, meaningful experiences.

We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with Marcia, Kenisha, and Myah, led by their masterful approaches to leadership and inquiry. A monumental welcome to these three incredible educators!

With these three at the helm, we can’t wait for an unforgettable summer of discovery, creativity, and fun!

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements in the coming weeks!! 👀

📍 Learn more & join the adventure: www.jicssummerlab.com

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