Sparking curiosity

The Faculty of Science has wrapped up another successful season of unforgettable summer camps filled with discovery, hands-on learning and scientific curiosity.

While individual departments had run camps for several years, 2015 marked the first time they were brought together under the faculty framework. Since then, the summer programs have continued to grow in scope and impact, and this year alone welcomed over 1,100 young scientists from grade 1 through 11 to campus to explore the wonders and possibilities of STEM in over 60 camps.

Learners explored everything from computer programming to robotics and 3D printing, designed their own video games, crafted custom casts and molds and tackled interactive math fair challenges. They experienced real scientific inquiry firsthand by observing dramatic laboratory experiments, studying optics in physics, analyzing pond water and conducting biology dissections.

There were also opportunities to venture across campus for behind-the-scenes tours of the Earth Sciences Museum, the Rowan Lab, the E.H. Strickland Entomology Museum, the Ice Core Lab, the campus dairy farm, the Physics Observatory and other locations. Adding to the excitement, instructors, graduate students and faculty researchers shared their expertise and passion on a wide array of subjects — from honeybees to the mathematics of juggling.

“The summer camps were excellent this summer,” says Cody Steinke, community engagement coordinator, who oversees the entire program. “There were a few more clouds than usual, but the showers didn't dampen the excitement for science too much as science camp leaders and staff, researchers and graduate students across the faculty made for a memorable summer.”

Popularity for the programs continues to surge, drawing lengthy waitlists each season. To ensure science is accessible to everyone, full-cost bursaries generously funded by Scotiabank and Gilead Sciences removed financial barriers for aspiring young scientists from communities typically underrepresented in STEM.

“Sponsorships and partnerships that allow us to offer camps at no cost to families can make a big impact on a child's view towards the field of science,” says Steinke. “It also opens up the world of post-secondary and gets them interacting with other excited learners.”

Making Summer 2026 a success required an extraordinary team effort across campus, adds Steinke, pointing to the inspiring contributions of camp coordinators, graduate students, instructors, guest speakers and researchers, the hosts who opened their labs and museums, and the essential technical and supply support from Chemstore and IST.

The summer camps create such core memories for young learners that many return later as camp leaders.

Get Involved for Summer 2027! As we look ahead, we are always eager to expand our programming and offer campers fresh insights into the extraordinary work happening across our faculty. Contact our outreach team if you are interested in hosting a tour, sharing lab space, delivering a fun, interactive presentation or any other innovative ideas you’d like to suggest!

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Science Community

An enterprise of this scale is only possible through the dedication, generosity and enthusiasm of our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making Summer 2026 a resounding success:

Our Summer Camp Staff: Thank you to our energetic instructors and coordinators for their tireless enthusiasm, leadership and dedication to inspiring our campers every single day.

Departmental Partners: Special thanks to the Department of Physics, Department of Computing Science and Department of Biological Sciences for generously providing vital lab and classroom spaces.

Researchers, Instructors and Guest Speakers: Thank you to the many graduate students, faculty members and researchers who volunteered their time and expertise to present to our campers.

Facility and Tour Hosts: Our appreciation goes out to all the research labs, museums and facility managers who opened their doors for campus tours.

Campus Support Units: Thank you to Chemstore and IST for providing essential supplies, technical support and logistical assistance throughout the summer.

Get Involved for Summer 2027!

As we look ahead, we are always eager to expand our programming and offer campers fresh insights into the groundbreaking work happening across our faculty. If your department, lab or research group would like to get involved in future summer camps — whether by hosting a tour, offering lab space or delivering a fun interactive presentation — we would love to collaborate with you! Please reach out to our outreach team to explore how you can help inspire the next generation of researchers and innovators.