Durham Immersive Arts Camp (DIAC)

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Durham Immersive Arts Camp (DIAC) offers Durham District School Board (DDSB) students a unique opportunity to explore Music, Visual Art, Music Theatre, and Dance. The camp fosters creativity in an outdoor setting, encouraging self-expression, inclusion, and the celebration of diverse talents. Led by DDSB teachers, professional artists, and guest artists, DIAC provides a supportive environment where students from grades 7-12 deepen their understanding of the arts and connect personally across disciplines. 

Highlights for DIAC 2026

The application window for DIAC will be open for four weeks, February 20 to March 23, 2026. Complete an application of interest to attend DIAC.  Once closed, applications will be reviewed and successful applicants will be notified via email. Medical information, waivers and payment can be submitted via provided links. Successful applicants will be notified March 30, 2026. Payment deadline May 29, 2026. If payment is not received, the camper will be transferred to the waitlist.

  • New courses:
    • Crochet
    • Vocal
    • Dance-Jazz and Hip Hop
    • Black Light Drama Major

  • Two Student Leadership Training Days for Prospective Counselors and Counselors in Training (CITs): June 7 and September 13, 2026

  • Updates available on DIAC Google Classroom, Instagram, and email

  • Four daily sessions balancing a major art focus and elective options

  • Camp-wide focus on fostering the DIAC "spirit" and making a positive impact at home schools

  • Evening Campfire Program 

Camp location, Date and Fee

  • Location: Camp White Pine in Haliburton, Ontario

  • Dates: Saturday, September 26 to Friday, October 2, 2026

  • Cost: The cost to attend DIAC is $725.00 per student. Payment must be made via School Cash Online. Payment is made after the application window closes and campers are notified of a spot at DIAC.

We recognize that our camp session coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day) on September 30th. While we are unable to adjust the camp schedule, we are committed to supporting all students and staff in participating fully in both camp activities and their acknowledgment of Truth and Reconciliation Day. Our goal is to ensure that all students and staff feel supported and included during this time. While camp will remain in session, we are committed to observing this day with the respect and gravity it deserves.

We encourage all campers and staff to wear orange on this day to honour the children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. We will be taking time during our programming to hold a Land Acknowledgement to ensure we are learning and reflecting together.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss how we can best support your family’s needs.

General Information

PLEASE READ BEFORE REGISTERING

  • Course Descriptions
  • Camper Information and Life At Camp
  • Scholarship Opportunity:  If you have been accepted into DIAC, and a scholarship opportunity was requested in your application (Section 3 of 15 on Application Form), a link will be emailed to you. To apply for financial assistance, students and families must log in using the DDSB Student ID to access the scholarship application form.
    Financial support may also be available from external sources, such as the Ignite Foundation, Make a Difference Fund. Please speak with your school administrator for further information.
    The Make a Difference Fund offers financial subsidies to students experiencing poverty so that they may participate with their peers in field trips, school extra-curricular activities and school events.
  • Camp Departure: Saturday, September 26, 2026, “Kiss and Ride” at DDSB Education Centre (South Parking Lot).
  • Camp Return: Friday, October 2, 2026. Departure from camp at 2:00 PM, with an expected arrival back at DDSB Education Centre at approximately 4:30 PM.
  • Counselors and CIT Training Dates: June 7 and September 13, 2026 at Sinclair Secondary School in Whitby. For more information on CIT training, contact:  Melissa Rabjohn: melissa.rabjohn@ddsb.ca

How to apply:

Application opens: Tuesday, February 20, 2026, at 7:00 PM

Application closes: Tuesday, March 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM

APPLY HERE

Please Note: Admission is finalized upon receipt of a completed application, including all necessary health forms, waivers, and payment.

The DIAC Camp Program is available to students across the Durham District School Board (DDSB) in Grades 7 through 12. To ensure equitable access and a diverse creative community, our selection process considers the following:

Diverse Representation: We prioritize a balanced enrollment of elementary and secondary students, as well as representation from every region across the DDSB.

Artistic Focus: Placement depends on the number of openings within specific Arts disciplines and current course availability.

Student Passion: A part of the application is the student’s rationale (section 4 of 15 on the application), where they share their interest in immersive arts programming. 

Leadership Potential: A desire to serve as a Camp Counselor or Counselor-in-Training (CIT) is considered an asset. 

Contact

For more information about registration or to get assistance with registration, please email: DIAC@ddsb.ca