Program Descriptions

2024 Camp Registration is now Open!!!

The following camps are offered at Science Quest during the Summer:

Kinder Creators | Junior Thinkers
Science & Engineering | Girls Quest
Tech & Computing | Robotics | InnovateHERs

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Kinder Creators
(SK – Grade 1)

In Kinder Creators, we use engaging experiments to spark exploration and interest in important scientific topics. Topics are age-appropriate and based off of the Grade 1 Ontario Science Curriculum, so campers can learn while having fun! We focus on connecting science to the real world by learning about living things, energy, seasons, planets, the environment, materials, and structures. We strive to teach the WHY behind the WHAT. With hands-on activities, these young, creative minds will thrive. Our instructors develop an A, B, and C week of Kinder Creations so your camper can enjoy three weeks of camp without repeating any activities!

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Junior Thinkers
(Grades 2-3)

In Junior Thinkers, we expand our thinking to connect science to real world implications. Topics are age-appropriate and based on the Grades 2 and 3 Ontario Science Curriculum, so campers can learn while having fun! Through various activities, we investigate the characteristics of animals and plants, life cycles, types of movement and simple machines, properties of solids and liquids, the water cycle, photosynthesis, strong and stable structures, balance (centre of mass vs. centre of gravity), and types of forces. We discuss how humans use and affect these different systems. Our instructors develop an A, B, and C week of Junior Thinkers so your camper can enjoy three weeks of camp without repeating any activities!

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Science & Engineering Camp
(Grades 4-8)

In Science & Engineering Camp, we use the engineering design cycle and hypothesis testing to deeply understand scientific topics. Topics are age-appropriate and based off of the Grades 4 – 8 Ontario Science Curriculum so campers can learn while having fun! We cover the main branches of science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering. Your camper could learn about anything from habitats, biodiversity, human organ systems, cells — to — light and sound, atoms, changes in matter, flight, and electricity. Our instructors develop an A and B week of Science & Engineering Camp so your camper can enjoy two weeks of camp without repeating any activities!

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Girls Quest Camp
(Grades 4-8)

Calling all aspiring female scientists in grades 4-8! Dive into the wonders of science with our revamped summer camp designed exclusively for girls. Explore a new realm of science every week as we embark on an exciting journey of discovery! From biology to chemistry to physics and more, each session promises captivating experiments and hands-on learning experiences. Engage with inspiring female mentors from Queen’s University throughout the week! Our activities are crafted and led by talented female students, offering you a unique opportunity to learn from the best. Don’t miss our special ‘Women in STEM Wednesdays’! Immerse yourself in thought-provoking talks and workshops led by female researchers, design teams, and science clubs at Queen’s University. Get ready to be inspired by their stories and insights. Join us this summer for an empowering adventure of exploration, learning, and fun at Girls’ Quest!

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Tech & Computing Camp
(Grades 4-8)

Currently, both beginner and intermediate camps are pooled together for each week upon registration. We will be sending out a survey regarding student skill level closer to the start of camp, and plan to design course material based on camper needs for each week. We plan to make all activities scalable so that campers who need extra help, or want to learn more are able to do so. For more information, please email [email protected].

Tech camp will offer camps based on skill level, rather than age. Any camper going into grades 4 – 8 can participate in Beginner Tech Camp or Intermediate Tech Camp. Please read the descriptions below to make sure that your camper is placed in the camp that will best suit them!

Beginner Tech Camp: for campers with an interest in things like computers, video games, music production, or graphic design! No prior coding or software experience is required! Lessons will be taught from the most basic level to ensure that everyone can build their technological knowledge on a sturdy foundation!

Intermediate Tech Camp: for campers with some coding experience using coding languages like Scratch, Python, HTML, Java, C, C++, or RobotC. Campers in this camp should know how to use a “for loop” or an “if/else-statement” and how to “run” a chunk of code.

All campers are welcome to try either skill level of tech camp, but it is important to choose the one that best matches your camper’s abilities. This way your camper can move at a comfortable pace and have fun learning with peers at the same stages of learning as they are!

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Robotics Camp
(Grades 4-8)

 Novice: Grades 4-5
Senior: Grades 6-8

Robotics Camp allows kids to learn everything they would ever want to know about the world of robots! Campers will learn all about the coding, building, and energy required for a robot to work. Working with Science Quest’s variety of robots such as Jade robots, Lego Mindstorms, Spheros, Ozobots, MicroBits, and our brand new EV3s, campers have the chance to explore how robots work. Our instructors develop an A and B week of Robotics Camp so your camper can enjoy more than one week without repeating any activities!

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InnovateHers (Grades 4-8)

Introducing InnovateHERs! Calling all young female engineers in grades 4-8! Join Science Quest’s groundbreaking summer camp designed exclusively for girls passionate about engineering. Dive into the world of innovation and creativity as we explore different engineering disciplines every week! From electrical circuits to structural design, each session brings a new adventure in engineering discovery. Embark on exciting field trips every ‘Exploration Wednesday’, immersing yourselves in the real-world applications of the week’s engineering theme. Get ready to be inspired as we visit our university campus and engage with industry professionals. Showcase your brilliance every ‘Innovation Friday’! Present your ingenious designs to parents, enthusiastic instructors, and special guests from Queen’s University. It’s your chance to shine and inspire others with your engineering prowess. Join us this summer for an unforgettable journey of creativity, collaboration, and innovation at InnovatHERs!