Love writing, design, or sharing your ideas, big or small? In this hands-on Zine-Making Camp, campers will design and publish their very own handmade mini-magazine from start to finish.
Zines (short for “magazines”) are small, independently created booklets that combine writing, art, collage, and bold visual design. For decades, zines have been a creative way for people to share their interests and express independent voices. Whether you want to create comics, write reviews, invent fictional worlds, or explore a topic you care about, this camp is all about bringing your ideas to life on paper.
Throughout the week, campers will engage in introductory journalism while learning the basics of graphic design, layout, and visual communication. By the end of the camp, each student will leave with a one-of-a-kind publication that reflects their passions, creativity, and voice.
When and Where?
Monday July 27 - Friday July 31, 2026; 1:00-4:00pm.
Location: The Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology (VISST): 1490 West Broadway, Vancouver.
Who?
This camp is for students going into grades 5-8.
Why should you attend?
Discover the exciting world of independent publishing while creating a magazine that’s entirely your own. This camp blends writing, visual art, and design in a supportive and creative environment where students are encouraged to explore what genuinely interests them.
You’ll learn how independent creators share their stories and passions, experiment with bold visual design, and gain the confidence to express what matters to you. Students will gain hands-on experience with collage, layout design, and digital tools like Canva, while building confidence in expressing their ideas clearly and creatively.
End the week by taking home a unique finished publication you’ll be proud to share.
Earn a certificate of completion from the Vancouver Independent School for Science and Technology.What will you learn?
What will you learn?
Throughout the week, students will explore the creative process of zine-making through guided lessons and studio work. Campers will:
Participate in guided brainstorming to discover topics that interest and inspire them.
Reflect on interests and experiences to develop an authentic written voice.
Explore foundational journalism skills such as identifying your audience, organizing ideas with clarity, and writing with purpose.
Experiment with collage, illustration, typography, and page layout.
Learn foundational graphic design principles such as visual balance, hierarchy, and composition.
Gain insight into the history and practice of independent publishing through real-world zine examples.
Create a Zine! including drafting, revising, and assembling a finished booklet.
Use optional digital tools like Canva to enhance layout and design.
Program Requirements
All materials will be provided.
Camp Instructor
Raashi Koka holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Psychology from the University of British Columbia. She is beginning her career in education at VISST, where she has assisted in Arts, English and Humanities courses and has led writing-focused lessons that support students in developing confidence and clarity in their work.
Raashi has long been passionate about independent publishing and student voice. In high school, she founded and ran a student magazine club, editing and writing in monthly publications. At UBC, she was involved with the Discorder Magazine Club, further deepening her interest in small-scale publishing and creative journalism.
In addition to her classroom work, Raashi has experience working with youth as a behavioural interventionist, where she supports children with diverse learning and developmental needs in their learning and social-emotional growth. She is committed to creating engaging and supportive spaces where students can explore their interests, develop their written voice, and express their creativity.
Make it a Full-Day camp
If you want to make this a full day camp experience, you can register for this camp AND our MatheMagics camp from 9:00 - 12:00noon (July 27-31) concurrently and save $40. Students who take both camps can stay at VISST from 12:00-1:00pm for a supervised lunch. Please bring your own lunch (no nuts or seafood).
Fees and Registration
If the fee is a barrier to your participation, a limited number of bursaries are available for eligible families - please email camps@visst.ca to inquire.
Refunds and Cancellation
Refund policy: Email us at least 1 weeks (7 days) prior to the start of the camp for a full refund.
Cancellation policy: VISST reserves the right to cancel camps and refund camp fees due to low enrolment. In this event, we will provide as much advance notice as possible.