Every week at Brock Summer Camp includes exciting discovery sessions, adventurous recreation, and full camp activities. Our camps are for kids finishing grades 1 to 11. At Brock University camps kids will participate in daily recreation and campus wide activities lead by university student mentors.
Camps include: Youth University, Sports & Aquatics & Fitness, and Badgers Sport Camps.
2023 Summer Camp Schedule
Youth University
Technology | Robotics and Engineering | The Arts | YU Adventures | Science | Teens | |
July 4 to 7 (Short Week) | Film Making | Robotics: Simple Machines and Jr. Robotics | Creative Stage | Outdoor Pursuits | Eco Warriors | |
July 10 to July 14 | Game Design | Robotics: Battle Bots and Jr. Robotics | Life Hack Art | Jurassic Amazing Race | Mini Med | |
July 17 to July 21 | Coding | Engineering and Circuitry | Canvas & Clay | Adventure Climbing | Spy Science | Leaders in Training |
July 24 to July 28 | Film Making | Robotics: Simple Machines and Jr. Robotics | Creative Stage | Outdoor Pursuits | Eco Warriors | Leaders in Training |
July 31 to August 4 | Game Design | Robotics: Battle Bots and Jr. Robotics | Life Hack Art | Jurassic Amazing Race | Mini Med | |
August 8 to 11 (Short Week) | Game Design | Engineering and Circuitry | Canvas and Clay | Outdoor Pursuits | Spy Science | |
August 14 to 18 | Coding | Robotics: Simple Machines and Jr. Robotics | Creative Stage | Adventure Climbing | Eco Warriors | |
August 21 to 25 | Film Making | Robotics: Battle Bots and Jr. Robotics | Life Hack Art | Jurassic Amazing Race | Mini Med | Leaders in Training |
August 28 to September 1 | Game Design | Engineering and Circuitry | Canvas and Clay | Outdoor Pursuits | Spy Science | Leaders inTraining |
Battle Bots
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
A YU favourite returns! Use virtual LEGO software to create a robot and then take initiative in building it. Push your design to its limits in the week’s ultimate battle of the bots. Compete to have the fastest, most agile or perhaps the most clever bot!
Robotics: Simple Machines
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
Design a robot with moving parts that can perform tasks such as lifting, grabbing, or launching. Campers predict outcomes, run trials, record results, and explore the basic mechanical principles of gears, levers, pulleys, wheels, and axles.
Junior Robotics
For youth finished grades 2 & 3
Here it is folks! Your budding engineer or software architect is invited to work with us to build cool robots and simple machines. Using Lego WeDo 2.0 kits, campers will learn how gears, belts, motors, and computers bring robots to life.
Engineering Circuitry (new)
For youth finished grades 2 to 8
Design and build your own structures! Using snap circuits, you will also get to build and code circuits to make the light shine, the fan spin or buzzer make noise. Students will use their creativity as they experience hands-on learning with our modular electronic bit engineering sets.
Coding
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
Dive into the world of coding. You will be surprised at how much we depend on code every day. We invite you to learn basic coding skills with devices and programs such as Tynker, Scratch and OzoBots. As your skills develop, we will move on to creating full programming with specialized software such as Tynker.
Game Design
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
Game designers are the storytellers of our time! We offer an introduction for new game designers and advanced skills for pros. Explore and learn the principles of game design through hands-on learning exercises and instructor-led workshops using the game software Construct. Please bring your own USB/flash drive to save your game for home.
Film Making
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
Combine storytelling, technology, and artistic expression in this creative week of film production. Exciting daily challenges will help you learn about a variety of film and video editing techniques. Explore how to capture movement, and the impact of lighting. Experience a variety of film techniques such as animation, stop motion, Claymation and special effects. Expect to work collaboratively with a small group.
Eco Warriors
For youth finished grades 2 to 8
Calling all Ecologist! Come connect with nature while you build the skills and confidence required to make a real difference. Develop your leadership skills and become a true steward of the global environment. Explore various energy sources while building a working wind turbine and discover how clothes and electronics are made. Experience the importance of conservation and how our choices can have both immediate and long-term impacts.
Spy Science
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
Learn the science behind being a secret spy. Explore techniques behind fingerprinting, make your own invisible ink, learn how to decode text using your own decoders, and engineer your own tools to help you retrieve objects. Put your spy skills to use in the end-of-week secret mission!
Mini-Med
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
Experience the fascinating world of health and medical science, while exploring the wonders of the human body and modern science. Identify symptoms, read x-rays, observe vital signs, discuss nutrition, evaluate sport performance, and look at a virus through a microscope. Create a brochure and develop an awareness campaign for diseases of interest and participate in team building, communication and leadership.
Life Hack Art (NEW)
For youth finished Grades 2 to 8
Do you like to take ordinary things and make it into something creative? Create your favourite items using everyday materials from simple to advanced projects. Make soap, buttons, glitter jars, tote bags, wallets and more.
Canvas & Clay
For youth finished Grades 2 to 8
Explore your artistic side! Through sketching, painting, sculpting and pottery, you will be able to find your artistic calling and see how your muse speaks to you as you make one-of-a-kind creations. You could be the next Picasso or Georgia O’Keeffe. This camp will help you find out where you shine in the world of art.
Creative Stage
For youth finished Grades 2 to 8
Get behind the scenes and join us for a variety of backstage activities that bring theatrical productions to life. You will work on acting, movement, stage craft and voice techniques as you take part in theatre and improv activities. Create your own show, inspired by story books, fairy tales, games or your own imagination.
Outdoor Pursuits
For youth finished Grades 2 to 8
Looking for a great outdoor adventure? Learn skills such as communication, team building, problem solving, and eco-awareness while exploring Brock’s unique eco-system along the Niagara Escarpment. Build shelters and learn about geocaching and environmental stewardship principles such as “leave no trace”.
Adventure Climbing
For youth finished Grades 4 to 8
Immerse yourself in all things climbing! Youth University is home to a 10-route outdoor rock-climbing wall. We invite you to conquer it. Whether you’ve never climbed before and want to learn some basic techniques, or you want to push yourself to get further into the sport, Adventure Climbing is right for you. You will learn sport climbing techniques, how to tie climbing knots, warm up, and prevent injuries. You will also spend time slack lining and developing teamwork skills on our low ropes course and 30-ft high rope challenge course.
Youth U Amazing Race
For youth finished grades 2 to 8
This Jurassic themed amazing race will take you across campus to complete various tasks, solve clues and work as a team. The fun plot twist will involve activities of learning of the Jurassic period including digging for clues, making your own fossils, excavating a virtual dig site.
Leaders in Training
For youth finished Grades 8 to 11
Everyone has the skills to serve as a role model, take this opportunity to start your journey to leadership success. Discover the principles of program design as well as individual and group development, while exploring your own personal leadership style and values.
As a Leader in Training you will:
• tap into your personal leadership skills
• develop effective interpersonal communication skills
• gain the confidence to overcome obstacles and accomplish goals
• work alongside a YU mentor in creating exciting adventures for youth
• receive a certificate for 30 hours of volunteer service.
Aquatics Camps & Sports School
Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Aquatics | Fitness | |
July 4 to 7 (Short Week) | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Sport FUNdamentals | |
July 10 to July 14 | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Aqua Sport | |
July 17 to July 21 | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Sport FUNdamentals | |
July 24 to July 28 | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Aqua Sport | Fitness and Music |
July 31 - August 4 | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Sport FUNdamentals | |
August 8 to 11 (Short Week) | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Aqua Sport | Fitness and Magical Worlds |
August 14 to 18 | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Sport FUNdamentals | Fitness and Gym Class Games |
August 21 to 25 | Sports School | Pool Closure | Pool Closure | |
August 28 to September 1 | Sports School | Pool Closure | Pool Closure |
SPORTS SCHOOL
For youth finished Grades 1 to 8
Sports school aims to expose youth to a variety of new and familiar sports to build lifelong sport participation skills. From traditional sports such as baseball and volleyball to new activities such as tchoukball and kinball, we will develop skills and have fun in a safe environment. Utilizing our unique facilities here at Brock U campers will also have opportunities for indoor rowing and fencing! Sports School is a week packed with active, fair play and new experiences.
Junior Lifeguard
For youth finished Grades 3 to 8
An introduction to the world of lifesaving and lifeguard competitions. This camp was designed for a serious purpose, but the process is pure fun. The club stresses skill development based on personal best achievements. This program includes swimming, cooperative games, competitive games, diving, shadow guarding, lifesaving skills, rescues, first aid, and crafts!
Pre-requisite: Canadian Swim to Survive Standard
AquaSport
For youth finished Grades 1 to 8
AquaSport provides an opportunity for campers to try out various water sports in a fair and safe aquatic environment. Activities include water polo, synchronized swimming, springboard diving, lifeguard skills and more. Aquasport emphasizes fitness, skill development, fair play and cooperation.
Aquatic Sport FUNdamentals
For youth finished Grades 1 to 8
Improve your strokes with 25 m swims of front crawl, back crawl and whip kick. With 100 m workouts and 25 m sprints, fitness levels should increase. Touch and go turns will also be introduced. Hitting a target with a rope, movement with flippers, swimming underneath an obstacle, securing a rescue tube to a manikin and treading water while supporting an object, are some of the sport skills to be enjoyed.
Pre-requisite: Participants should be comfortable in the deep end, able to swim 25 meters and tread water for 45 seconds. Swimmer 3.
Badgers Sport Camps
Basketball | Volleyball | Fencing | Soccer | Cheerleading | Golf | Rugby | |
July 4 to 7 (Short Week) | Basketball Shooting Camp 6-9yrs | Volleyball 10-12 yrs | Fencing Half-day | Soccer 6-12yrs | Golf 7-13yrs | Rugby 6-9yrs | |
July 10 to July 14 | Basketball Shooting Camp 10-13yrs | Volleyball 13-15 yrs | Fencing Half-day | Soccer 6-12yrs | Rugby 10-13yrs | ||
July 17 to July 21 | Basketball Skill Development 6-9yrs | Fencing Half-day | Golf 7-13yrs | ||||
July 24 to July 28 | Basketball Skill Development 10-13yrs | Fencing Half-day | |||||
July 31 to August 4 | Basketball 3 on 3 Camp 6-9yrs | Soccer 6-12yrs | |||||
August 8 to 12 (Short Week) | Basketball 3 on 3 Camp 10-13yrs | ||||||
August 14 to 18 | Basketball Guard Camp 6-9yrs | Cheer sk-gr. 8 | Golf 7-13yrs | ||||
August 21 to 25 | Golf 7-13yrs | ||||||
August 28 to September 1 |
Basketball Shooting Camp
July 4-7 (Short week): 6-9 yrs old
July 10-14: 10-13 yrs old
A fun-filled week introducing and reinforcing shooting fundamentals and mechanics. From stationary shooting, shooting on the move and off the dribble, to team shooting competitions this camp will be action packed. This camp welcomes players from all levels to come improve their shooting ability in a friendly environment. Alongside our knowledgeable professional staff and our student athletes come take your shooting to the next level.
Basketball Skill Development Camp
July 17-21: 6-9 yrs old
July 24-28: 10-13 yrs old
This action-packed experience will provide fundamental instruction with basketball specific drills, daily competition, and 5on5 full court games. This camp teaches the game we love in a team environment that builds friendship and basketball abilities such as dribbling, passing and shooting. You will also be inspired by the Brock coaches and your favourite Badgers.
Basketball 3on3 Camp
July 31-August 4: 6-9 yrs old
August 8-11 (Short week): 10-13 yrs old
Join our Brock Badger athletes and coaches for a week of 3on3 action packed action. For players of all skill and levels come develop basketball knowledge and skill through 3on3 basketball concepts. From shooting, passing, spacing and dribbling, 3on3 is a fun way to learn and develop fundamental basketball skill that will help elevate your game.
Basketball Guard Camp
August 14-18: 6-9yrs old
August 21-25: 10-13 yrs old (will start with waitlist and open if enough registered)
Guard camp is built and designed around improving the guard skills in all basketball players. Through emphasis of dribbling, shooting, passing, guard footwork and defensive principles, this camp helps players of all position the skills needed to enhance their game. Our great staff of our Badger coaches and players will share all their knowledge in a great learning environment.
Volleyball
July 4 – 7, 2023 (Short week): 10-12 yrs old
July 10 – 14: 13-15 yrs old
The Brock Badgers volleyball camp focuses on all aspects of the game, including serving, attacking, setting, and defense! Included with variations of games and activities, the camp is geared towards those who have minimal to limited volleyball experience (school volleyball would fall in this category). Campers who participate in this camp will finish the week with a basic understanding of all essential skills as well as the flow of the game overall. This is a perfect opportunity to work on skills preparing for the school season and those interested in playing travel down the road. Staff for the camp includes coaches and athletes from the Brock Varsity Women’s and Men’s volleyball teams. For those who compete at the club level, please see additional information for our High-Performance Weekend Camp. Additionally, this camp is a helpful pre-event for our fall and winter house league programming starting in September 2023.
Fencing (half-days)
Juniors finished grades 2 to 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Seniors finished grades 6 to 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
As a combat sport, fencing calls on agility, reflexes, tactical smarts, discipline, and hand-eye coordination. This graceful sport combines strength, patience, peace of mind, and speed as it improves coordination and posture while providing aerobic exercise and strength training.
Cheerleading
For youth finished SK to grade 8.
Cheerleading includes stunts, pyramids, dance, tumbling, jumps, and of course cheer! Come join our popular Cheerleading camp at Brock University lead by the World Champion Brock Cheer team. No previous experience is necessary. Our cheerleading camp is designed to build confidence, learn teamwork, build trust, develop skills, and celebrate success. Campers will also have the chance to swim at Brock’s pool!
Soccer
6-12 yrs old
The Brock Badgers soccer camp focuses on all aspects of the game, dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense! Included with variations of games and activities, the camp is geared towards those who have minimal to limited soccer experience (school soccer would fall in this category). Campers who participate in this camp will finish the week with a basic understanding of all essential skills as well as the flow of the game overall. Staff for the camp includes coaches and athletes from the Women’s and Men’s soccer teams.
Golf Half-Day
7 to 13 years old
Please note that Golf camp takes place off campus at the Brock Golf Course located at 2745 Merrittville Highway. The half-day camp runs 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Before and after care is not available for this camp.
Whether you are a dedicated golfer looking to take your game to the next level, or just beginning to develop your game, this camp is for you. It is designed to teach the fundamental skills of golf, building confidence, lowering scores, and celebrating success. Campers will take part in both team and individual contests throughout the week. All campers will spend time on the practice grounds and the golf course, giving them a chance to lower their scores.
Campers will need to bring their own golf clubs.
Rugby
July 4-7: 6-9 yrs old
July 10-14: 10-13 yrs old
This week-long summer camp will introduce young athletes to rugby and develop core skills that are applicable across other sports and activities. Each day will key in on a new rugby skill: catching, passing, kicking, defense, and general play. Although this camp will focus on rugby there will be other fun activities to engage in as well.
It's all in the details...
Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For your convenience drop off begins at 8:30 a.m. and you may pick up by 4:30.
Extended Care runs from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Extended Care Fee: $50 /week
$255 per week, $295/week for Brock Sport camps
$204 for short week that falls during a holiday
We will not be offering a hot lunch program for 2023. Please pack a lunch and appropriate nut-free snacks for a full active day!
A camp T-shirt is included with registration for all on campus camps and must be worn each day to help us and everyone on campus identify your child as a camper.
Brock summer camps 2023 are approved for subsidies by the Niagara Region.
Some campers will swim at the Brock University pool 2 or 3 days each week. Certified lifeguards are on duty and monitor our swim time. Our instructors will be in the water as well. All campers who are 9 years old and under who wish to swim in the middle or deep end of the pool must complete a swim test administered by the lifeguards. Campers who are 10 and older and those who complete the swim test will be permitted to swim in all areas – this includes the 1 m, 3 m & 5 m diving boards and the Tarzan rope. If you have questions, please contact us. All campers who swim will be provided a clean towel.
Youth University Camps on main campus swim at least twice. Sports School Campers swim at least three times. We do provide alternative programming for non-swimmers in these camps.
Aquatic campers are in the pool often and should come with two suits.
All other camps will confirm swimming closer to camp starting.
Youth University and Sports School campers will have the opportunity to climb at our Outdoor Rock Climbing Tower and Challenge Course once during their camp week. Although our trained ropes course facilitators will encourage campers to question their perceptions of what they believe they can accomplish, we would never push them too far where learning is replaced by fear. We encourage everyone to find a challenge that is right for them. (not applicable to camps downtown, aquatic camps or Brock Badgers camps)
We recognize that life is full of surprises, but we also have obligations to our staff and suppliers. Camps fees can be refunded less a $20 administration fee up until June 1. Between June 1 and 2 weeks prior to your child’s camp the administration fee will rise to $50. Camp fees become non-refundable 2 weeks prior to the camp start date.
Refunds will not be issued for day(s) missed during registered camp weeks.
Pick up and Drop off Location
ALL CAMPS at Main Campus will meet in IAN BEDDIS GYMNASIUM
Sports School/Aquatics/Badger Camps & Youth University Camps
When entering campus from Sir Isaac Brock Way please follow the signs for Camps to Parking Lot P. This lot is directly across from the Walker Complex and Ian Beddis Gymnasiums where our camps will meet each morning and afternoon. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1uPgr5KJCpWh2tjKqkhq5Rj62ASgZowsa&usp=sharing
Off Campus Camps
Hockey campers meet at Canada Games Park (on Brock campus – corner of Merrittville Hwy, across from Niagara Region building)
Rowing campers meet at Henley Rowing Course in St. Catharines
Golf campers meet at Brock Golf Course on Merrittville Hwy in Fonthill.
Camper Conduct
Brock is committed to creating a sense of belonging and providing an enriching experience for all campers. Therefore, our campers are expected to demonstrate respect for the dignity and rights of all others. Inappropriate behaviour such as bullying, teasing, harassment, swearing, acts of aggression, pranks, or disrespect for other people or the environment are not tolerated. Camp management reserves the right to recommend the use of a 1:1 instructor or to remove campers from the program if their behaviour requires supervision beyond a reasonable level.
Camp is busy, active and full of sounds. We recognize that some children need extra support in these types of environments. As in the past, we continue to offer the option for families to make arrangements for an Independent Support Worker to attend camp with a child at their own expense.
For more information please call Youth University
905 688 5550 x3120 or email youthuniversity@brocku.ca
Brock campers enjoy their days in our air-conditioned gymnasiums, auditoriums, classrooms and laboratories as well as spending plenty of time outdoors. Our 500-acre site is surrounded by a hardwood forest, hiking trails, a campfire area, a high ropes and challenge course, and open field space for activities and recreation.
Sign in and out
You must sign your camper in and out of camp every morning and afternoon. We cannot take responsibility for your child until they have been signed in with their group leader. At the end of the day, your camper will only be released to individuals who have been authorized during registration and photo identification will be required. Please inform the camp staff if you need to add someone to your list.
Late Arrival or Early Pick-up
Please be aware that due to camper to instructor ratios, we cannot permit group leaders to meet campers who arrive late or are being picked up early. We encourage parents to avoid scheduling appointments during camp hours. If this does happen, we will advise you on their group location (e.g., challenge course, alumni field, pool, classroom, or science lab). Parents or authorized adults may sign in or out from that location, which can be up to a 15-minute walk from parking.
About our camp team
Camps are led by Brock University students who are selected for their contagious enthusiasm, their desire to make a difference and of course, their expertise in their respective fields. Camp staff undergo reference and police checks, have first aid certification and extensive pre-program training, on-going education, and evaluation. They are supervised by full time education, youth development, recreation, and coaching professionals.