GALIANO ISLAND, BC—From August 9 to 14, campers will converge on Galiano Island, B.C., for a unique five-day typography experience in a “relaxed but structured program.” Every year, Type Camp Galiano welcomes 14 typographers and designers to participate in the program, where seasoned pros offer workshops and advice for success in the industry.

This year’s instructors include: international typography instructor Dr. Shelley Gruendler (with a PhD in typography); typographic expert Tiffany Wardle (with an MA in the theory and history of typography and graphic communication); and Stephen Coles, type director at FontShop. Campers can also expect a visit from celebrity illustrator Marian Bantjes, whose recent clients include Saks Fifth Avenue, The Guardian, Wired magazine and New York Times Books.

Testimonials from last year’s campers describe Type Camp Galiano as a “learning vacation” where your perspectives will be “delightfully altered.”

“It was amazing to be around people who were interested in talking type and didn’t glaze over at the mention of kerning and tracking. I really feel like I am on the right path now, and that was 100 per cent because of Type Camp,” said 2008 camper Allison Schneider, in an online testimonial.

The five-day camp costs $2,290, which includes all food, accommodation and local transportation. Participants stay at the scenic Eagles Nest Retreat on the Gulf Islands. If you can’t make it this year, Type Camp has six more camps planned for 2010 and 2011, taking place in six countries on four continents. Contact: www.typecamp.org