Every week at Youth University includes exciting discovery sessions, adventurous recreation, and full camp activities. Our camps are for kids finishing grades 2-8.
2020 Summer Camp Schedule
| Robotics | Technology | Science | Arts | Adventure | French | Teens | |
| Finished Gr. 4 to 8 | Finished Gr. 4 to 8 | Finished Gr. 4 to 8 | Finished Gr. 2 to 6 | Finished Gr. 2 to 6 | |||
| July 6 - 10 | Robotics: Battle Bots | Film Making | Jr. Science (gr. 2-3) | Creative Stage | Adventure Climbing | Sr. Tours | |
| July 13 - 17 | Robotics: Toy Hacker | Coding | Mini-Med | Canvas & Clay | Outdoor Pursuits | LIT 1 | |
| July 20 - 24 | Jr. Robo (gr. 2-3) | Game Design | Eco Leaders | Yogis & Wellness | Pokemon YU | LIT 1 | |
| July 27- 31 | Robotics: Simple Machines | Film Making | Design & Tech | YU Makerfaire | Journey to the 90’s | LIT 2 | |
| August 4 - 7 (short week) | Robotics: Battle Bots | Coding | Jr. Science (gr. 2-3) | Yogis & Wellness | Outdoor Pursuits | LIT 2 | |
| August 10-14 | Robotics: Toy Hacker | Game Design | Mini-Med | Creative Stage | Adventure Climbing | LIT 3 | |
| August 17-21 | Jr. Robotics (gr. 2-3) | Coding | Eco Leaders | Canvas & Clay | Pokemon YU | French Canvas & Clay | LIT 3 |
| August 24-28 | Robotics: Simple Machines | __ | Design & Tech | YU MakerFaire | Journey to the 90’s | French Sports School | Sr. Tours |
Robotics
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
*Campers work collaboratively in small groups on their robotics projects. All sessions include instruction on building and computer programming concepts, while offering appropriate challenges for both beginners and those with advanced robotics experience.
Robotics: Battle Bots
July 6 – 10 ($210), Aug. 4 – 7 ($176)
Using virtual LEGO software and your creativity, you will create a robot that mimics the battles from all your favourite arenas! From BeyBlades to WWE Wrestling, you will take initiative by building and pushing your design to its limit in the week’s ultimate Battle of the Bots.
Toy Hacker
July 13 – 17, Aug. 10-14 ($210)
Get ready for a week of taking apart toys, investigating what is inside, and adding your own new components to create a completely new toy! Campers will work with robotics, circuit boards, plush toys and more. We ask each camper to bring in a few toys at the beginning of the week to add to the workshop parts inventory. They won’t be recognizable when the hackers are done and ready to bring their inventions home.
Robotics: Simple Machines
July 27 – 31, Aug. 24 – 28 ($210)
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.
NEW! Junior Robotics
Finished grades 2 & 3
July 20 – 24, Aug 17 – 21 ($210)
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.
Technology
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
Coding
July 13 –17 ($210), Aug. 4 – 7 ($176), Aug. 17-21 ($210)
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 such as Sphero and OzoBots. As your skills develop, we will move on to creating full programming with specialized software such as Tynker.
Film Making
July 6 – 10, July 27 – 31 ($210)
Combine storytelling, technology, and artistic expression in this creative week of film production. Through exciting daily challenges, you will 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. You can expect to work collaboratively with a small group.
Game Design
July 20 – 24, Aug. 10 – 14 ($210)
Game designers are the storytellers of our time! We offer an introduction for new game designers and advanced skills for pros. Campers will 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.
Science
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
Jr. Scientists
(Grades 2-3)
July 6 – 10 ($210), August 4 –7 ($176)
Jr. Scientists are invited to explore the weird, wonderful and unbelievable scientific concepts that impact their lives. Experiments will engage campers in observation, measurement, and identification of properties. They will discover unique science each day as they investigate volcanoes, wetland critters, energy, bubbles, crystals, insects, fossils, chemistry or space!
Eco Leader’s
July 20 –24, Aug. 17-21 ($210)
Calling all young climate activists! 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.
Mini-Med
July 13 – 17, Aug. 10 – 14 ($210)
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.
Design & Tech
July 27-31, Aug. 24 – 28 ($210)
Do you like math and science? Are you interested in how things work, enjoy problem solving and like working with a team of people? If so, you might be a future engineer! From infrastructure to telecommunications and consumer electronics, engineers solve problems with innovation. Design & Tech activities may include 3D design and carving, building and understanding circuits, drones, and the design and launch of a model CO2 car.
The Arts
For youth finished grades 2 to 8
Yogis & Wellness
July 20-24 ($210), Aug. 4-7 ($176)
Young yogis will experience this week of mindfulness through storytelling and collaborative activities. They will be learning poses inspired by animals, plants, and constellations (for example, the history of Tortoise Pose). These little yogis will be aligning the chakras and using their Zen energy to create items that will help them apply this mindfulness lifestyle at home! Projects may include bath bombs infused with their favorite oil and environmentally friendly bookmarks, bags or other textiles.
Canvas & Clay
July 13-17, Aug. 17-21 ($210)
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
July 6–10, Aug. 10-14 ($210)
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.
YU MakerFaire
July 27-31, Aug. 24-28 ($210)
Imagine and make! This camp is designed to get you into the creative maker movement. Use camp tools, like our Carvey in the Brock University Makerspace, to design and build your own toys, games, or artistic designs. Experiment with a variety of tools and materials throughout the week to prepare for the end of week MakerFaire.
YU Adventures
For youth finished Grades 2 to 6
Outdoor Pursuits
July 13-17 ($210), Aug. 4-7 ($176)
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”.
Pokémon YU
July 20-24, Aug. 17-21 ($210)
While chasing clues through the streets of Youth U City, you will discover a devious plot that poses a threat to the Pokémon universe. You’ll visit trading posts, prepare for battles and visit our very own Pokémon Professor. You will make Poke balls, design Pokémon characters, learn about metamorphosis, and make Pikachu masks. If you’ve got to catch ‘em all, then you’ve got to come to this week’s camp!
Adventure Climbing
(Grades 2 to 8)
July 6-10, Aug. 10-14 ($210)
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 specific sport climbing techniques, how to tie climbing knots, how to warmup, and, of course, how to prevent injuries. You will also spend time slack lining and develop teamwork skills on our low ropes course and 30-ft high rope challenge course.
Journey to the 90’s
July 27-31, Aug. 24-28 ($210)
Have you ever wondered what kids did before they had WiFi? Travel back in time with us to when hip hop, and Tiny Toy trends like Polly Pockets and Tamagotchi’s spread quickly aided by then-new technology known as cable television and the World Wide Web! You will get out the DJ turn tables, Lisa Frank colouring books, make silly putty and slap bracelets and create something new with all those VHS tapes and Floppy Disks!
Leaders in Training (2 weeks)
For youth finished grades 8 to 11
July 13 – 24, July 27 –Aug 4 or Aug. 10 to 21 ($375)
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.
Senior Tours
Finished Grades 7 & 8 ($300/week)
Explore Niagara in our brand-new Senior Tours camps! Each week is full of new adventures, as campers visit exciting local attractions. When not on trip, campers will participate in a variety of leadership and recreational activities from swimming to climbing our Outdoor Rock Wall right here on the Brock University campus. Trips will take place on 3 of the 5 days.
While we try our best to adhere to the scheduled trips, from time to time we may have to substitute a day trip due to situations beyond our control like weather. We do not offer refunds for changes.
July 6-10: Clifton Hill, Fort George, Bubble Soccer
August 24-28: Shaw Festival, Waterpark, Bowling
French Camps at Brock U!
Youth Finished Grades 2 to 6
Join us at the end of August for two weeks of camp taught in French! Camp is a wonderful opportunity to ease back into speaking French before school starts. Campers will follow along with the typical camp schedule and activities with their French speaking instructor and peers. Instructors provide French directions throughout the day; however, at certain times of the day, instruction will be primarily in English (rock climbing, swimming, and lunch).
Prerequisite: Campers must be able to understand and communicate throughout the day in French.
French Canvas & Clay ($210) – Aug 17 –21
French Sports School ($210) – Aug. 24 –28
TECH & ART Camps at Downtown Marilyn I Walker Campus
| ART | TECH | |
| July 13 -17 | Acting 101 | Game Design |
| July 20-24 | Advanced Arts Media | Film Making |
| July 27 - 31 | Acting 101 | Game Design |
| Aug 4 -7 | Advance Arts Media | Film Making |
Downtown acting 101
July 13-17, July 27-31 ($210)
Do you like drama? 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.
Advanced Arts Media
July 20-24 ($210), Aug. 4-7 ($176)
Young artists will love this camp! Create a variety of works using mediums that may include charcoal, splatter painting, clay, mixed media and paper making. Arrive at camp prepared to get messy and work with your hands each day.
Downtown Game Design
July 13-17, July 27-31 ($210)
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.
Downtown Film Making
July 20-24 ($210), Aug. 4-7 ($176)
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.
Kids will:
- Have a university student mentor lead exciting hands on experiences
- Experience life on a university campus
- Swim in the Brock University Pool (note the pool is closed for week 8)
- Climb at our outdoor Rock Climbing and High Ropes Challenge Course
- Participate in daily recreation and camp wide activities
It's all in the details...
Click here for the 2019 Camper Handbook
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 for no additional fee.
Available from: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
To give campers the opportunity to stay active and for the convenience of families with siblings attending different camps, all extended care will take place in the Ian Beddis Gymnasium.
Cost: $40/week
$210 per week
$10 per week discount when registering multiple weeks or multiple campers or for Brock staff, students & alumni. Use code MULTI
Brock University will have new food service provider on campus for Summer 2020. As soon as we have information to share about summer camp meals we will update here and share with registered families.
Each camper will receive one YU camp shirt to be worn each day of camp.
Available to qualifying families through the Niagara Region Children’s Services. To apply online, visit niagararegion.ca/childcare or call 905-984-3750. You may register for camp anytime.
Youth University 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. **please note that there is no swimming at off campus locations and the pool will be closed for annual maintenance in week 8.
Youth University 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)
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. Camps fee, including meal plan and extended care become non-refundable 2 weeks prior to the camp start date.
Pick up and Drop off Location
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
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.
8 Weeks – $210 per week or $176 on short weeks
Camp is busy, active and full of sounds. We recognize
that some children need extra support in these types of environments. Having a Brock partner allows campers to step out of regular programming according to their needs.
If your child receives support at school or in other educational settings, we recommend 1:1 support at camp. While we would be able to support a wide variety of complexities, the staff consists of university students, not EAs, or child & youth workers, therefore we do have limitations. For example, we are not able to support toileting.
A limited number of spaces will be available each week for campers requiring 1:1 support, so please register early.
Campers registered for a Brock partner will then also select the camp of their choice (Youth U, Sports School, Aquatics) and participate fully in the camp activities. Please note that our 1:1 staff are in place for the regular camp day but are not always the same staff assigned to supervise extended care.
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
