Camp descriptions
Your camps are numbered 1-4 or 1-2. Can you explain the different numbered camps?
The numbers 1-4 simply represent the different camp weeks that we offer. For example, we offer 4 different weeks of EngSci camp (the format/schedule is the same each week, but the projects are completely different). Therefore, it is possible for a camper to attend the EngSci camp four weeks in a row without ever repeating a project. The weeks are independent and they do not build on one another, so a child could attend EngSci camp 4, then EngSci camp 2 without any issues.
What is the difference between EngSci, GirlSci, MakerGirls and EngTech camps?
EngSci and GirlSci camps cover most of the same projects; however GirlSci camp offers an all-girl environment taught by a female instructor.
EngTech and MakerGirls (girls only) camps focus on hardware and software projects, whereas both EngSci and GirlSci focus on a mixture of science- and technology-based projects.
All camp groups are divided by age. Younger participants will be given simpler age-appropriate tasks, whereas older groups will have more challenging activities. But no matter their age, campers at Adventures will participate in many engaging, educational, and fun activities.
What is the difference between TeenSci and TeenTech camps?
TeenTech camp focuses on hardware and software projects, whereas TeenSci focuses on a mixture of science- and technology-based projects. For instance, both camps do 3D printing and electrical engineering activities but only the TeenSci campers do chemistry experiments and dissections. The TeenTech activities include robotics and programming. Both programs are two weeks long.
For the first week, the teens will be involved in science and engineering experiments and activities whereas the second week is a volunteering week.
Camp Curriculum
Do the kids get to go outside and exercise? Or are they at the labs/on the computer all day long?
The campers get breaks throughout the day and after lunch to go outside and play. We have a variety of equipment available, such as soccer balls and skipping ropes. Additionally, once a week campers who are 8 and older swim at the university pool. Campers who are 5-7 years old have fun outdoors during this time with water games. (We do provide alternative activities for those who prefer not to swim.) Campers will also walk between the different laboratories at the university. Every Friday we also have games outside, including water games.
My children came to the Adventures camp last year and would like to come back this year. Will they redo the same projects?
No, we rotate all our projects over a four-year cycle. In other words, we do our best to avoid repeating the projects that were done in the last three years.
What types of projects are offered at EngSci, GirlSci, and TeenSci camps?
In all three ‘Sci’ camps, campers have the opportunity to take part in chemistry experiments, electrical engineering projects, a dissection, and 3D printing at various university laboratories. The older campers, 11-17 years old, also go to the mechanical engineering lab to complete a sheet metal project.
What types of projects are offered at EngTech, MakerGirls, and TeenTech camps?
In these camps, campers have the opportunity to take part in hardware- and software- based projects. They will complete projects at the electrical engineering lab and 3D printing lab. Additionally, they will work with robotics and programming.
Camp hours, Drop off/pick up, Parking
At what time does camp start/end?
Camp runs from 9 am – 4 pm. However, we offer free before and after care from 8 am– 9 am and 4 pm – 5 pm.
Do you have any availabilities / available spots for the week of _____ ?
Please contact us at our office, for more information.
Email: adventures@uottawa.ca
Phone : 613-562-5491
Where do I drop off my child? Where can I park?
Drop off and pick up occurs at the SITE building on the University of Ottawa campus. It is located at 800 King Edward Ave (at the corner of King Edward Ave and Mann Ave). You may park for free across the street at the Mann garage during pick-up and drop-off hours (8-9 am; 4-5 pm). A campus map can be found here.
Cost, Payment, & Reimbursement
How much do your camps cost
Camps cost $260 for 5-day weeks and $210 for 4-day weeks (due to civic holidays). Please refer to the Summer Programs/Camps (link this to appropriate page) page for further information.
Note: TeenSci , TeenTech camps as well as Enrichment courses cost $260 for two weeks because the second week of camp is a free and optional volunteering week.
How can I pay?
After you register, you will receive an e-mail indicating how payment can be made by cheque or credit card.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
You may cancel your registration up to two weeks before the start date of your registered camp and receive a full refund; however, a $30 administrative fee applies. Unfortunately we cannot offer refund if a cancellation is made with less than two weeks’ notice. Additionally, the university can only reimburse by cheque (even if you paid by credit card) which will be mailed to your home. The processing time for reimbursements is approximately 3 weeks.
I am currently on a waiting list. Should I proceed with the payment?
We would like you to please withhold making the payment until we can guarantee a spot for your child in one of our camps. Should a spot become available to you, we will be certain to contact you with directions on how to proceed with the payment.
Language
Is your camp bilingual or do you have specific French groups and English groups?
The large majority of our camp groups are conducted entirely in English or entirely in French, depending on the needs of the participants (campers are divided by language and age). However, all of our instructors are bilingual. Occasionally, due to low registration, a camp group will be conducted in both French and English (this may occur with the GirlSci camp or the Teen programs).
Age
My child is ___ years old. What camps are available for this age group?
We offer the following camps:
EngSci: 5-13 years old
GirlSci: 8-13 years old
MakerGirls : 10-13 years old
TeenSci: 13-16 years old
EngTech: 10-13 years old
TeenTech: 13-16 years old
Enrichment courses: 14-17 years old
My child is an advanced 4-year-old. Is there any way you can make an exception and allow him/her to attend the camp?
Unfortunately, due to regulations, we cannot accept any child under the age of 5. Hopefully he/she can attend next year!
My child is 13 years old. Which camp should I register him/her for? The EngSci/GirlSci/MakerGirls/EngTech camps or the TeenSci/TeenTech camps?
The teen camps offer similar (but more advanced and age-appropriate) projects as the regular camps. The choice of which camps to register your child for should depend on his/her comfort level when interacting with younger children compared with older children.
Food
Can you give me more information about lunch?
Unfortunately, lunch is not offered by the camp so we ask that all campers bring their own nut-free lunch. Lunches are eaten at the cafeteria, in classrooms or outside, and consequently, microwaves are not always readily available. Campers are asked to not bring any money to camp. On Fridays, a pizza lunch and juice will be provided by the camp to all campers.
Grouping
If my child and her friend both registered for the same camp, will they be grouped together?
There are multiple groups within each camp, so please indicate in the comments section of your registration if you would like your child to be placed with a friend or family member. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee any groupings (especially if the children's languages, ages, or camps are different), but we will do our best to accommodate your request.