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 |
Robotics
*Campers work collaboratively in small groups on robotics projects. All sessions include instruction on building their robot and computer programming concepts, while offering appropriate challenges for both beginners and those with advanced robotics experience.
Toy Hacker
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
July 18 to 22, August 22 to August 26
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
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
July 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.
NEW! Junior Robotics
For youth finished grades 2 & 3
July 11 to 15, July 25 to 29 and August 29 to September 2
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
Coding
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
July 18 to 22
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.
Game Design
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
July 11 to 15, August 22 to 26
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 Leader’s
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
July 18 to 22, August 29 to September 2
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.
YU MakerFaire
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
July 4 to 8, August 22 to 26
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.
Mini-Med
For youth finished grades 4 to 8
July 11 to 15, July 25 to 29
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.
THE ARTS
Yogis & Wellness
For youth finished Grades 2 to 8
July 11 to 15, August 29 to September 2
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 favourite oil and environmentally friendly bookmarks, bags or other textiles.
Canvas & Clay
For youth finished Grades 2 to 8
July 18 to 22, August 22 to 26, August 29 to September 2
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
July 4 to 8, July 25 to 29
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.
Cartooning Around For youth finished Grades 2 to 8
July 11 to 15
Get your fun ideas down on paper and cartoon around! Tell stories with emotion and personality as you showcase your drawing skills and create your very own portfolio.
YU ADVENTURES
Outdoor Pursuits
For youth finished Grades 2 to 8
July 4 to 8, July 25 to 29 and August 22 to 26
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
July 11 to 15, July 18 to 22 and August 29 to September 2
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.
LEADERS IN TRAINING
July 18 to July 29 – 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.
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 | |
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 |
July 31 - August 4 | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Sport FUNdamentals |
August 8 to 11 (Short Week) | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Aqua Sport |
August 14 to 18 | Sports School | Junior Lifeguard | Sport FUNdamentals |
August 21 to 25 | Sports School | Pool Closure | Pool Closure |
August 28 to September 1 | Sports School | Pool Closure | Pool Closure |
SPORTS SCHOOL
Finished Grades 1 to 8
July 4 to 8, July 11 to 15, July 18 to 22, July 25 to 29, August 22 to 26, August 29 to September 2
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
Finished Grades 3 to 8
July 4 to 8, July 11 to 15, July 18 to 22, July 25 to 29, August 22 to 26, August 29 to September 2
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
Synchronized Swimming
Finished Grades 1 to 8
July 11 to 15, August 22 to 26
Synchronized swimmers have the strength of a gymnast, the endurance of a swimmer, and the grace of a dancer. Campers will build their flexibility, endurance and overall comfort in the water. Campers should be comfortable in deep water, able to submerge while holding their breath and tread water for 20 seconds.
AquaSport
Finished Grades 1 to 8
July 18 to 22, August 29 to September 2
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.
Lifesaving Sport FUNdamentals
Finished Grades 1 to 8
July 4 to 8, July 25 to 29
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
July 4 to 7 (Short Week) | Basketball U9 | Basketball U13 | Fencing Half-day |
July 10 to July 14 | Basketball U9 | Basketball U13 | Fencing Half-day |
July 17 to July 21 | Volleyball U10 | Volleyball U14 | Fencing Half-day |
July 24 to July 28 | Volleyball U10 | Volleyball U14 | |
July 31 to August 4 | |||
August 8 to 12 (Short Week) | |||
August 14 to 18 | |||
August 21 to 25 | Girls Basketball U14 | ||
August 28 to September 1 |
Basketball U9 & U13
July 4 to 8 and July 11 to 15
Girls Basketball U14
August 22 to 26
This action-packed hoop experience will provide fundamental instruction with basketball specific drills, daily competitions, and 5-on-5 full court officiated games. This camp teaches the game we love in a team environment that builds friendship and basketball abilities. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, improve your skills or just want to try a new sport, Brock Basketball camp is the place to do it. You will also be inspired by the Brock coaches & your favourite Badgers.
Volleyball
Grades 2 to 4 and Grades 5 to 10
July 18 to 22, 2022
$245
Join our Varsity volleyball players for a week of skill development in serving, volleying, passing, blocking and spiking. Our Volleyball Camp is designed to teach fundamental skills and to build confidence, learn about teamwork and celebrate success. Activities, drills and modified games will be used throughout the week, and athletes will also take part in individual skills contests and tournaments.
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.
$122/week
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.
For youth finished grades 1 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 exceptional Cheer team. No previous experience is necessary as campers will be evaluated on Monday and placed into groups accordingly. 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!
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
$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.
Awaiting confirmation for summer 2023
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.
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 Seymour-Hannah Sports Centre in St. Catharines
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 Camps will follow all Ontario ministry of health guidelines for camp operations, along with the Ontario Camp Association standards that are part of our normal operations. Key strategies for safe camp operations include:
- Daily pre-screening and denied entry to campers with symptoms or risk exposure.
- Drop off and pick up to take place outdoors to limit individuals entering campus buildings.
- Following sign-in, campers remain in stable, small cohorts.
- Cohorts will have a home zone and will not move to other indoor locations or mix with other cohorts.
- Physical distancing, hand hygiene, masks.
- Cleaning protocols and greater outdoor programming.
- Brock University currently has a vaccine and mask mandate in place. All those over the age of 12 must show proof of vaccination to attend camps and masks must be worn indoors at all times.
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.