Summer Camps
2027 Summer Camps
The Fred Otto DiscoverE program has delivered fun and engaging summer camps to youth in Edmonton since 1993. Campers learn concepts of engineering, science and technology through exciting hands-on projects and demonstrations. Our instructors are post-secondary students who act as mentors in higher education. Some of our instructors were originally DiscoverE campers themselves!
Registration for 2027 summer camps will open on February 3, 2027, at 8:00 AM. Stay tuned for more information on upcoming camps soon!
Camps are held at University of Alberta's North Campus. Camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Drop-off takes place from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., and pick-up is from 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information about camp details please visit our Summer Camp FAQ page.
Pricing for summer camps is as follows:
- 5-day camp: $350
- 4-day camp: $280
- GEM+ camp: $375
2027 Camp Schedule and Registration
Camp Themes
We have six main camp themes that align with the University of Alberta's engineering departments. We offer general engineering-themed camps for Grade 1 and for GEM+, in which participants can explore all that engineering has to offer.
Each camp consists of fun, engaging, hands-on projects that are designed at an appropriate grade level, and are related to the camp's specific engineering discipline. Each year we introduce several new projects in each camp. If your camper took part in the same camp theme last year for the same grade range, they will explore similar projects to last year. If your camper has moved to a new grade range, then they will be looking at a whole new set of projects this summer!
Biomedical Engineering
Engineers help build the world around us, but did you know that they can build technologies for the human body too? From prosthetic limbs to nanoparticles, biomedical engineers create devices and technologies that advance the medical field. Discover how biomedical engineering improves human health!
Explore biomedical engineering camps »
Chemical & Materials Engineering
Fire! Water! Air! Soil! Chemicals and materials exist all around us. Chemical engineers operate and design chemical plants that produce things like oil, medicines and clothes. Materials engineers process and test things like metals, ceramics and plastics to create many products including toys, airplanes and power plants. Discover how chemical and materials engineering helps us live a better life!
Explore chemical & materials engineering camps »
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Did you know that Edmonton is home to both the tallest building in Western Canada and the largest urban park in North America? And it’s all thanks to civil and environmental engineers! Civil and environmental engineers are involved in the development of infrastructure that shapes our cities and the communities we call home, and are key to creating systems that promote a sustainable future. Discover how civil and environmental engineering enhances where we live, learn and play!
Explore civil & environmental engineering camps »
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Have you ever wondered how your computer, mobile phone or speakers work? Electrical and computer engineers use their knowledge to help us do many things, from playing games to using artificial intelligence to solve complex problems. Discover how electrical and computer engineering can be used to improve our world!
Explore electrical & computer engineering camps »
Mechanical Engineering
Marvelous, moving machines, oh my! Mechanical engineers study and design anything that moves. From simple machines to space travel, mechanical engineering can be found all around us. Discover the many ways mechanical engineering influences our lives!
Explore mechanical engineering camps »
Robotics
Robotics can help us do amazing things! Robots can travel to distant planets, build cars and even have conversations with people. Learn about new discoveries and the principles of robotics by building your very own robot using LEGO Education SPIKE kits and more!
Grade 1: Biomedical & Mechanical Engineering
Calling all future engineers! Does your camper love to invent, create, and learn through play? Then this camp is the program for them! Campers will develop their motor and problem solving skills as they build and brainstorm like real engineers. They will learn all about movement, forces and how engineers help keep humans healthy. Best of all, every day your camper will create at least one take-home project!
Grade 1: Civil, Environmental, Chemical & Materials Engineering
Do you have a curious camper who loves to experiment and explore? Then this camp is the program for them! Engineers learn by making mistakes, and we aren't afraid of making a mess in our quest for knowledge! Participants will learn about the properties of different materials, how chemicals can be combined and how civil engineers use this information to build cities and structures. Best of all, every day your camper will create at least one take-home project!
Grade 1: Electrical & Computer Engineering & Robotics
Is your camper a mini mastermind who loves tinkering, technology and learning through doing? Then this camp is the program for them! Participants will learn all about circuits, different types of robots, and how electricity powers this exciting field. This camp has enough to keep the busiest brains engaged! Best of all, every day your camper will create at least one take-home project!
GEM+
GEM+ is a camp for girls and gender-diverse campers to explore all the possibilities in engineering. Campers will engage in fun, hands-on engineering projects covering a range of disciplines, while encouraging positive and diverse perspectives of what engineering is.
Campers attending GEM+ camps can expect a smaller class size than our other camps; this offering is capped at twelve participants per session.