Being located at Brock University, we can offer one-of-a-kind educational experiences for your students that is forward-thinking, informative, inspiring, safe, affordable and a whole lot of fun. Our instruction is based on the latest educational research to ensure learning is meaningful and engaging. Our facilities — from our Olympic-sized pool to our laboratories, classrooms, and dining halls — are awe-inspiring to students. And to top it all off, those who stay overnight will appreciate that our location is close to Niagara Falls, the Shaw Festival, and is steeped in the history of Upper Canada and the Underground Railroad. We are here to take care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience with your students. Our team of professional educators will work with you every step of the way from selection and planning to providing instruction. We want to ensure your experience is stress-free.

This trip allows students to experience post-secondary life first-hand, as they stay in a real-life University residence building. Our traditional dormitory rooms provide a safe and manageable space, ensuring that students are housed in one common area. Rooms have twin beds and access to a shared washroom. Bed linens and pillows are provided. Access to each floor is restricted to the occupants and exterior doors are locked each night. Conference Services operates a 24-hour guest services desk and Campus Security Services monitors the campus 24 hours a day. Hotel-style accommodations may also be available at an additional charge. Ask us for more information.

We work with the campus dining hall to provide buffet-style meals throughout your trip. Our all-you-care-to-eat meals are nutritious with a variety of choices available. Our dining hall is vigilant about food allergies and we are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, Halal and lactose- or gluten-free meals. All meals are included in your stay, with the exception of lunch upon arrival on day 1 of your adventure.

Before packing for camp, review the packing list that has been provided. Remember that residence does provide bedding and a pillow but NOT a washcloth and towel. Helpful tip: Packing a water bottle, backpack and running shoes are essentials for the trip.

We strongly recommend schools choose cancellation insurance for the benefit and peace of mind of parents, teachers and schools. Purchasing cancellation insurance ensures that parents are reimbursed their full, unused trip fees, which have been paid to Brock University, if their child becomes sick or is unable to attend the trip for any reason. Unfortunately, refunds will not be issued past May 1 if cancellation insurance is not purchased.

Insurance policy benefits:

• Prior to arrival and including the day of arrival: students receive a full refund (excluding the cost of cancellation insurance).
• During the trip: cancellations are assessed on a case-by-case basis and any unused fees are refunded (excluding the cost of cancellation insurance).

Cancellation insurance, if selected, must be purchased for each student of the entire group. Insurance only applies to fees charged by Brock University. Where cancellation insurance has not been purchased, the standard cancellation policy applies. Brock University will issue refunds to the school only.

What can I hope my STUDENTS take away from this trip?

We provide an exciting, safe, and fun learning experience for your child. Students further realize their capabilities both inside and outside the classroom in our supportive environment. Our content modules introduce students to intriguing topics and activate their curiosity to learn more. Our programs help students develop transferable skills such as collaboration, problem solving, teamwork, and leadership. Finally, our University student mentors engage your child in discussion about their aspirations for their future, encouraging them to pursue their passions.

Will my STUDENTS be safe during the program?

Our University campus is a safe place for your child’s class trip. Our staff members are trained to manage both physical risks (e.g. science lab procedures) and social emotional risks (e.g. feeling excluded from an activity). All staff members are First Aid & CPR “C” certified and have demonstrated an acceptable background check with vulnerable sector screening. Overnight accommodations are locked from the public after 10:00p.m. and the campus is monitored 24/7. School chaperones are directly responsible for students overnight. Overall, our program follows standards by the Ontario Camps Association, the Association for Challenge Course Technology, and the Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines.

What about my STUDENTS’ dietary, medical, or behavioural needs?

Our professional staff members look forward to connecting with you prior to your child’s trip. After receiving information about your child, we may contact you to learn more, or you may contact us anytime. Food at our program is provided by the University’s year-round provider; we are ready to accommodate many dietary needs including nut, wheat, gluten, dairy or other allergies, and vegetarian or halal requests.

What if A STUDENT doesn’t want to participate in an activity?

We believe unfamiliar or challenging experiences are great learning opportunities. Students are encouraged to participate to the greatest extent they feel safe to do so – “challenge by choice”. If your school will be at the climbing course, this “challenge” may range from simply helping with the belay team, to climbing to the very top. See our video for more vimeo.com/44688942.

What is the cancellation policy?

Trip fees are due by April 30th. If the school has opted-in to the cancellation insurance program, students may receive a full refund of the University’s trip fees up to their travel date, less $20 for the trip. Cancellation of other fees charged by the school may vary.

Is technology allowed?

To be fully immersed in the experience, electronics are strongly discouraged. Organizing teachers may make the final decision. Our staff members take pictures throughout the program and can provide to the school if requested.

DO STUDENTS NEED spending money?

A camp tuck shop and campus bookstore are optional places for students to purchase light snacks or commemorative items. Students attending an excursion to Niagara Falls may choose to bring additional spending money. Your child may also need: warm clothing, a lunch for the first day, closed-toe shoes, and swimming attire. Please contact the organizing teacher directly for more packing notes.