Robotics
For youth finished grades 4 to 8

*All robotics programs use Lego EV3 Mindstorms kits. Campers will have their own desktop or tablet workstation and work collaboratively in small groups on their robotics project. All sessions include instruction on building and computer programming concepts, while offering appropriate challenge for both beginners and those with advanced robotics experience.

Battle Bots
A YU favourite!  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! July 3-6 or July 30-Aug 3

Simple Machines
Design a robot with moving parts that can perform tasks such as lifting, grabbing, or launching. Campers will be predicting outcomes, running trials, recording results, and exploring the basic mechanical principles of gears, levers, pulleys, wheels, and axles. July 9-13 or Aug 7-10

Vehicles
Ever wonder how to design an autonomous car that is safe for the road? Explore how to build and program vehicles with line detection, cruise control, object detection, or how to cross an intersection safely. Then consider how you can unlock or start your car from the living room! July 16-20 or Aug 13-17

Animals
Investigate the diverse ways animals communicate, and adapt to their environments by exploring the use of sensors.  Program a robotic animal, insect, or reptile to show off how it relates with the world including how some light up in the dark or how they respond to colour or touch.  July 23-27 or Aug 20-24

Technology
For youth finished grades 4 to 8

Coding
Dive into the world of coding. You will be surprised how much we depend on code everyday. We invite you to learn basic coding skills with devices such as BB8, Sphero, Ollie, Dash and Dot. As you get more comfortable with the technology you may advance to designing, building, and creating your own video game using programs such as Scratch and Tynker. July 3-6, July 23-27 or Aug 13-17

Videography
Combine storytelling, technology, and artistic expression in this creative program. Exciting daily challenges will help campers learn about a variety of film and video editing techniques. We will explore how to capture movement, and the impact of lighting. Campers will be exposed to a variety of film techniques that may include animation, stop motion, Claymation or special effects and extend to the art of video games with 3D models and landscapes. You can expect to work collaboratively with a small group. July 9-13 or July 30-Aug 3

Game Design
There is a lot that goes into the videogames you love. Using specialized software, campers fast-track the exciting video game design process and get straight to creating. As you create your own game and storyline, you will learn how to control characters, objects, and outcomes. Increase the difficulty level and add more features. Game on! July 16-20, Aug 7-10 or Aug 20-24

Science
For youth finished grades 4 to 8

Engineering (gr. 2 – 8)
Engineers solve problems with creativity! Join us as we design, create blueprints, build, test, and rebuild to solve everyday challenges with the next great idea. Explore and learn the fundamentals of construction design or create your own city in our 3D software to bring your creation to life.  Campers will enjoy creating and building during a variety of fun hands on experiences. July 16-20 or July 30-Aug 3

Earth and Environmental Sciences
Brock is a natural laboratory to study the Earth. Activities will include explorations of minerals and how they are used in our daily lives, how fossils and footprints are made, and what they can tell us. We will explore the processes behind volcanoes, earthquakes, other natural hazards, and the earth processes that shape our landscape. You may even explore ways to reduce our carbon footprint.  July 3-6, or Aug 7-10

Mini-Med
Campers will have the chance to discover the fascinating world of health and medical science, as they explore the wonders of the human body and modern science. We will investigate different systems and performance through sport and daily activities. Mini-med campers will have the chance to identify symptoms, read x-rays, make a cast, observe vital signs, evaluate sport performance, and look at a virus through a microscope.  July 9-13 or Aug 13-17

Food Science
Ever heard the saying you are what you eat?  Explore reactions and various experiments with everyday ingredients you see in the kitchen! Through hands-on activities, you will use different scientific methods to understand chemical reactions and how food science is shaping how and what we eat. While most of this this camp will be spent in the lab, you will spend one day in the kitchen to discover important principles of culinary science and enjoy some tasty creations. (please discuss any dietary restrictions prior to camp) July 23-27 or Aug 20-24

The Arts
For youth finished grades 2 to 8

DIY Studio
Great for campers that like to make things. Combining simple materials, techniques, and more advanced technology, campers will make projects such as soaps, candles, molds, stamps, and work with fabric on projects such as totes or upcycled fashion.  July 3-6 or July 30-Aug 3

Performing Arts
Get behind the scenes and join us for variety of backstage activities that bring theatrical productions to life. We will work on acting and voice techniques as we take part in theatre and improv activities. Through creative projects such as costume making, performance make-up, light shows, or acting out a video game scene we share tips and tricks for your next production. July 9-13 or Aug 7-10

Canvas & Clay
Designed to stimulate and enhance creativity. During canvas and clay you will enjoy the many creative opportunities to explore your artistic side. Specific activities will vary by group and week but will include some combination of sketching, painting, sculpting, and pottery. July 16-20 or Aug 13-17

Character Design
Create a character portfolio featuring your own unique designs. Explore a variety of design styles such as manga, anime, character sculpting or cartooning and learn specific techniques that will make your characters one of a kind!  July 23-27 or Aug 20-24

YU Adventures
For youth finished Grades 2 to 6

Outdoor Survivors
Are you looking for adventure? Join our Outdoor Survivors to work in a team to complete challenges and learn more about your natural world. You will spend most of the time exploring Brock’s unique eco-system along the Niagara escarpment. You will build shelters, campfires and learn about principles such as “leave no trace”.  July 3-6, July 16-20, July 30-Aug 3 or Aug 13-17

Amazing Race: Pirates, Jurassic Park or Ancient Times
Compete in the youth university amazing race where you will travel through time and around the world to experience interesting cultures and time periods. Through crafts, games and activities you will learn about medieval or Jurassic eras, the mysteries of Egyptology or even the pirates of the Caribbean! July 9-13, July 23-27, Aug 7-10 or Aug 20-24

Leaders in Training (2 weeks)
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. July 9-20, July 23-Aug 3, or Aug 7-17

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

Performance Props and Effects
Finished Gr. 4 to 8

Get behind the scenes and join us for backstage activities that bring theatrical productions to life. Through creative projects such as costume making, performance make-up, light shows, prop, and set design, we share tips and tricks for your next production. Using a variety of materials, you will design and make props inspired by your favourite storybook, video game, or heroic characters. July 9 – 13 & August 7 -10

Performing Arts

Finished Gr. 4 to 8 

Do you like being dramatic? Do you have a big imagination? Work on acting and voice techniques, what it means to be “on stage”, and how to leave a lasting impression with your audience. Take part in theatre and improv activities like acting out a video game or choreographing a chase, and work toward a final production by the end of the week. July 16-20 & July 30 – August 3

Arts Media
Finished Gr. 4 to 8

This is the camp for young artists interested in developing their visual art practice. Campers will create a variety of works using mediums that may include charcoal, splatter painting, clay, mixed media and paper making. Campers should come to camp prepared to get messy and work with their hands each day. July 23-27