Science Explorations Summer Camp (Grade 3-8) - Science Engagement Programs

Thank you for another amazing summer! Information for our Summer 2025 camps will be available in late January. See below information for our Summer 2024 programs.

Unleash the inner scientist in your child! Science Explorations Summer Day Camp immerses young minds in an exciting exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, curriculum-aligned experiments. Designed and led by passionate and qualified instructors, including undergraduate/graduate science and engineering students, Teacher Candidates, and Ontario Certified Teachers, our camps provide a fun and engaging learning environment.

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Grade Level

Grades 3-8

Dates

Weekly from July 2 to August 23, 2024

Time

9:00am to 4:00pm, before- and after-care available.

Pricing

Four-Day Week: $290.00

Five-Day Week: $340.00

Summer 2024 Program Descriptions

We're thrilled to announce that Science Explorations Summer Camps is coming to Markham and registration is now open! Located at Bill Crothers Secondary School in Unionville, these enriching and fun-filled summer experiences offer a diverse range of activities and themes designed to inspire creativity, foster learning, and create lasting memories.

Limited spots are available, so register early to secure your spot today!

Dates marked with an asterisk (*) are 4-day holiday weeks.

Grades 3-5 | CSI: Camp Scene Investigation

Dates: July 22-26, 2024

Embark on an immersive adventure where young minds become junior scientists who explore topics in science, technology, engineering, and Experience the thrill of investigative science as young detectives unlock the secrets of forensic science through captivating crime scene simulations and engaging hands-on investigations. Throughout the week, participants will immerse themselves in analyzing fingerprints, decoding mysteries, and employing various scientific techniques to crack the case of who stole the cookie jar. CSI Camp offers an immersive journey into the fascinating world of investigative science, where participants will sharpen critical thinking skills, hone observation skills, and foster teamwork while unraveling the enigmas that await them.

Grades 3-5 | International Space Science

Dates: July 29-August 2, 2024

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey into the captivating realm of International Space Science! Delve into the intricacies of space exploration, from mastering the art of constructing spacesuits to the art of creating holograms. Don't miss the chance to ignite your curiosity and passion for the mysteries of the universe!

*Please note that as we are not on campus, the in-person Observatory tour for this camp has been suspended. We are working to confirm a virtual tour.

Grade 3-5 | Animals and Veterinary Science

Dates: August 6-9, 2024*

Join us for our Mysterious Mixtures camp where, through hands-on

Welcome to Animals and Veterinary Science camp! Dive into the fascinating realm of zoology as we explore the wonders of the animal kingdom. Campers will uncover the secrets of animal biology and veterinary care through hands-on activities and exciting experiments. From examining animal tracks to learning about animal behavior, every day brings new discoveries and adventures. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of animals and veterinary science!

*Please note that as we are not on campus, dissections have been suspended for this camp.

Grades 6-8 | Extreme Engineering

Dates: July 22-26, 2024

Gear up for a week of adrenaline-pumping challenges and innovative design. Participants will delve into the thrilling world of engineering, tackling hands-on projects that develops their creativity and problem-solving skills. From building sustainable wind turbines to constructing model rockets, our Extreme Engineering camp pushes the boundaries of imagination. Join us for an action-packed week where future engineers explore the principles of design, teamwork, and innovation. It's time to engineer the extraordinary – an exhilarating adventure awaits at Extreme Engineering camp!

Grades 6-8 | Mini-Med School 1.0: Healthcare Foundations

Dates: July 29-August 2, 2024

Experience the thrill of being a health care professional in our immersive medical science camp! Whether your interest lies in patient care, or medical research, this camp is designed to ignite your passion and equip you with foundational knowledge. Throughout the week, we will unravel the complexities of body systems, and delve into essential biological and chemical concepts. Join us for a transformative journey that prepares aspiring young minds for a future in medicine!

*Please note that as we are not on campus, dissections have been suspended for this camp.

Grades 6-8 | ElectriCity

Dates: August 6-9, 2024*

Get ready for a shocking experience as you explore the world of light, sound and electricity! Investigate the difference between series and parallel circuits, study kinetic and potential energy, and examine the importance of renewable energy. Gather your components as we build an LED flashlight, or save the world with solar energy by manufacturing a solar powered car.

STEM Camp: Junior Scientists

Dates: July 2-5, 2024* and August 6-9, 2024*

Embark on an immersive adventure where young minds become junior scientists who explore topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Junior Scientists camp encourages hands-on exploration through the scientific process to guide students through the process of trial, error, and success! From studying the chemistry of non-Newtonian fluids to engineering a circuit board game, these captivating experiments, creative challenges, and collaborative projects will have participants delve into the wonders of STEM.

*Note that this is a four-day camp

The Invisible Force: Exploring Electricity & Magnetism

Dates: July 8-12, 2024 and July 29-August 2, 2024

Prepare for an electrifying adventure as we delve into the captivating world of magnetism and electricity through an array of exhilarating hands-on experiments and interactive activities! From crafting magnetic slime to unraveling the mysteries of magnetic fields, our young scientists will be enchanted by the spellbinding allure of magnets and circuits. Join us for a week brimming with excitement, discovery, and the sheer thrill of unraveling the enigmatic forces behind this magnetic marvel. It's an opportunity to ignite curiosity and witness the mesmerizing magic of electromagnetism come to life!

Mysterious Mixtures

Dates: July 15-19, 2024 and August 12-16, 2024

Join us for our Mysterious Mixtures camp where, through hands-on experiments, participants will uncover the secrets behind chemical reactions, concocting potions, and observing fascinating transformations. From chemical titrations to radical explosions, every day promises new and exciting discoveries. Mysterious Mixtures provides an immersive, fun-filled environment where budding scientists can unleash their creativity and deepen their understanding of the enchanting world of chemistry.

STEM Camp: Awe-STEM Science

Dates: July 22-26, 2024 and August 19-23, 2024

Welcome to the Awe-STEM Science Camp! This STEM-focused adventure promises an awe-inspiring journey into the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Young minds will engage in hands-on experiments, captivating demonstrations, and collaborative projects that spark curiosity and innovation. From constructing and launching rockets, extracting DNA from fruit, and unraveling the mysteries of the natural world, participants will delve into the excitement of STEM disciplines.

Oceanography

Dates: July 2-5, 2024* and August 6-9, 2024*

Young marine enthusiasts will dive into the wonders of ocean science through engaging hands-on activities and immersive experiences. From investigating the impacts of ocean acidification to simulating responses to oil spills, this camp promises an exciting journey into the depths of marine exploration. With an emphasis on fostering environmental awareness and honing scientific inquiry skills, participants will develop a profound appreciation for the oceans and its diverse marine life. Join us for an unforgettable journey where curiosity meets discovery, and together, let's explore the wonders of our planet's aquatic ecosystems.

CSI: Camp Scene Investigation

Dates: July 8-12, 2024 and July 29-August 2, 2024

Experience the thrill of investigative science as young detectives unlock the secrets of forensic science through captivating crime scene simulations and engaging hands-on investigations. Throughout the week, participants will immerse themselves in analyzing fingerprints, decoding mysteries, and employing various scientific techniques to crack the case of who stole the cookie jar. CSI Camp offers an immersive journey into the fascinating world of investigative science, where participants will sharpen critical thinking skills, hone observation skills, and foster teamwork while unraveling the enigmas that await them.

Athletic Adventures: Where Biology Meets Physics

Dates: July 15-19, 2024 and August 12-16, 2024

Dive into the thrilling intersection of biology, kinesiology, and physics within the realm of athletics and sports! Throughout this experience, participants will explore the fundamental principles that govern athletic performance. From the microscopic marvels of cellular respiration to the complex coordination of the nervous system during athletic feats, participants will embark on an exhilarating journey of discovery. Participants will have the opportunity to investigate the biochemistry of nutrition and metabolism through food experiments, and measuring vital signs to apply their new knowledge to athletics and how to measure sport performance, and explore the biology behind how our bodies work. Get ready to unleash your inner scientist while scoring big on the field!

International Space Science

Dates: July 22-26, 2024 and August 19-23, 2024

Embark on an awe-inspiring journey into the captivating realm of International Space Science! Delve into the intricacies of space exploration, from mastering the art of constructing spacesuits to the art of creating holograms. Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we tour York University’s renowned Observatory, boasting the prestigious title of housing the largest telescope on any university campus, measuring an impressive one meter in length. Don't miss the chance to ignite your curiosity and passion for the mysteries of the universe!

Chemical Science

Dates: July 2-5, 2024* and August 6-9, 2024*

Unleash your inner scientist in a week packed with explosive experiments, captivating reactions, and hands-on chemical exploration. Participants will delve into the fascinating world of molecules, reactions, and chemical phenomena. From creating colourful concoctions through acid-base reactions to creating your own soap, our Chemical Science camp promises an exciting journey into the realm of chemistry. Join us for a dynamic week of discovery, where budding chemists can ignite their passion for science. It's time to mix, react, and bond with the wonders of Chemical Science – an unforgettable experience awaits!

Neuroscience 2.0: Navigating the Brain

Dates: July 8-12, 2024 and August 12-16, 2024

Aspiring neuroscientists will unravel the complexities of the brain through innovative experiments, interactive simulations, and hands-on projects. Participants will explore neural pathways, conduct brain dissections to investigate under the microscope, and delve into the mysteries of cognitive functions. Neuroscience 2.0 promises an immersive journey where participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the human mind.

Note: This camp session complements and will have new and different experiences from Neuroscience 1.0 in Summer 2023.

Space Science

Dates: July 15-19, 2024 and July 29-August 2, 2024

Embark on an interstellar adventure at Space Science camp! Dive into the cosmos as we explore planets, stars, and beyond. Participants will engage in telescope observations in partnership with the York University Observatory, hands-on experiments, and thrilling simulations. From designing Martian habitats to decoding the language of the stars, our Space Science camp ignites curiosity about our universe. Join us for an exhilarating week of cosmic exploration, where young astronomers discover the mysteries of space.

Extreme Engineering

Dates: July 22-26, 2024 and August 19-23, 2024

Mini-Med School is a comprehensive science program that immerses participants in the intricacies of human health and medical science. Through hands-on experiments, interactive workshops, and expert-led tours, both camps provide invaluable insights into various facets of healthcare, from understanding the fundamentals of human anatomy to exploring advancements shaping the future of medicine. By delving into topics such as bacteria, DNA, and medical procedures, these programs foster a holistic understanding of healthcare, inspiring curiosity and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals. While Mini-Med 2.0 will build on some of the concepts of Mini-Med 1.0, it is not necessary to attend these camps in order.

Mini-Med School 1.0: Healthcare Foundations

Dates: July 2-5, 2024* | July 15-19, 2024 | July 29-August 2, 2024

Experience the thrill of being a health care professional in our immersive medical science camp! Whether your interest lies in surgery, patient care, or medical research, this camp is designed to ignite your passion and equip you with foundational knowledge. Throughout the week, we will dissect an organ, unravel the complexities of body systems, and delve into essential biological and chemical concepts. Join us for a transformative journey that prepares aspiring young minds for a future in medicine!

Mini-Med School 2.0: Wonders of Medical Science

Dates: July 8-12, 2024 | July 22-26, 2024 | August 6-9, 2024*

Embark on an immersive scientific exploration at our weeklong camp where participants will delve into the intriguing world of human health and medical science. From hands-on experiments to interactive workshops, campers will engage in a variety of activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Through guided exploration, they will unravel the mysteries of bacteria, explore the functionality of essential medical tools, and gain practical skills in medical procedures. Additionally, participants will investigate the complexities of human anatomy and physiology through an animal dissection, uncover the secrets of DNA, and peer into the microscopic realm. Join us for an unforgettable journey of discovery and inspiration as we explore the wonders of the human body and advancements shaping the future of medicine.

What do parents and campers have to say about our camps?

The program was engaging, exciting and thrilling for my son and he is wanting to get back more to the laboratory space. In his words, "Nothing beats the excitement of hands-on experiments and scientific exploration at camp!" - Parent 2024

A thing that made this camp experience the absolute best was how I met so many other people, who also really enjoyed STEAM, and outer space. That is something I have been searching for, for years! Now I can't wait to come back! - Camper 2024

Thank you for this great week, it stimulated my child's interest in science! This one week camp made a big impact on my middle schooler, she liked all the Counselors and making new friends. The most important is that now she found science is actually very interesting, and not as boring as she thought before. She even told me she may study brain science and neurology, amazing! I cannot believe she did not like science before the camp. Thank you! - Parent 2024

I liked this camp because I always wanted to be inside of a university campus, let alone do camp there! I loved this camp because of some of my new friends and the experiments were really fun as well. - Camper 2024

I was given confidence in trying my best at everything as well as being given tips on how I can improve even more. The camp introduced us to many interesting experiments, concepts, and projects, and we learned on how it can be used in the real world. - Camper 2024

Daily Schedule

All of our camps are one week in length. Campus camps runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Markham camps run Monday to Friday from 8:30am-3:30pm.

A typical day consists of two to four experiments and activities. There are two 30-minute breaks and one 1-hour lunch for students to use the washrooms, have a snack, and enable camp staff to implement camp room cleaning procedures.

Lunch is not provided, and will be held outdoors picnic-style, weather permitting. We recommend using ice packs for your child's lunch, as we do not have the facilities to refrigerate lunches.

Allergies are an increasing concern, particularly nut allergies. We do implement a nut-safe lunch policy for the safety of our campers. We ask that you pack nut-free lunches for all campers.

Which grade group should my child be registered in?

Due to the academic nature of our programs, we recommend participants register for programs based on the grade they will be entering in September 2024.

Before- and After-Care

Before- and after-camp care is only available on the Keele campus camps. Extended care is supervised, unscheduled time. Science magazines, books, puzzles, and games are available for use, and electronics are strongly discouraged. A camp phone is available for use should campers need to contact home.

Before-camp care

Time: 8:00am to 9:00am
4-day week cost: $24/week
5-day week cost: $30/week

After-camp care

Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
4-day week cost: $24/week
5-day week cost: $30/week

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our FAQ Page for more information, including location, refund policies and financial assistance.