Summer Camps
2025 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 campers themselves!
Camps are held at University of Alberta's North Campus. Camp hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Drop-off occurs from 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., pick-up occurs from 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. For more information about camp details, visit our camp logistics page.
Most camps cost $325. On weeks with a statutory holiday, camps cost $275. Our smaller cohort GEM+ camps are $375. Partial and full bursaries are available!
2025 Camps Schedule and Registration
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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. We are also running two combined camps in summer 2025, in partnership with the Faculty of Science and Green & Gold Sports Camps!
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!
This camp will consist of fun, engaging, hands-on biomedical engineering projects that are designed at an appropriate grade level. If your camper attended our biomedical engineering camp 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 explore a whole new set of projects this summer!
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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 help us live a better life!
This camp will consist of fun, engaging, hands-on chemical and materials engineering projects that are designed at an appropriate grade level. If your camper attended our chemical & materials engineering camp 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 explore a whole new set of projects this summer!
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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!
This camp will consist of fun, engaging, hands-on civil and environmental engineering projects that are designed at an appropriate grade level. This is a brand new camp theme for summer 2025!
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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!
This camp will consist of fun, engaging, hands-on electrical and computer engineering projects that are designed at an appropriate grade level. If your camper attended our electrical & computer engineering camp 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, they will explore a whole new set of projects this summer!
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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!
This camp will consist of fun, engaging, hands-on mechanical engineering projects that are designed at an appropriate grade level. If your camper attended our mechanical engineering camp last year for the same grade level, they will explore similar projects to last year. If you camper has moved to a new grade range, then they will explore a whole new set of projects this summer!
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Robotics
Grades 4 and up
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!
This camp will consist of fun, engaging, hands-on robotics projects that are designed at an appropriate grade level. If your camper attended our robotics camp 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, they will explore a whole new set of projects this summer!
Grade 1 Camps
Builders
Calling all future engineers! Does your camper love to invent, create, and learn through play? Then this hands-on program is for them! Campers will develop their motor and problem solving skills as they build and brainstorm like real engineers. With project themes including biomedical, chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering, this camp is anything but boring. Best of all, every day your camper will create at least one take-home project!
Creators is designed to complement our other Grade 1 general engineering camps; if your camper attends Creators or Innovators they will not repeat projects. Grade 1 camps are interchangeable and do not need to be attended in a specific order.
Creators
Come and discover engineering! Is your camper a mini mastermind who loves hands-on learning and exploration? Then this exciting program is for them! Campers will take on the role of future engineers as they build, create, and learn through play. With project themes ranging from biomedical to chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, 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!
Creators is designed to compliment our other Grade 1 general engineering camps; if your camper attends Builders or Innovators they will not repeat projects. Grade 1 camps are interchangeable and do not need to be attended in a specific order.
Innovators
Adventure awaits! Do you have a curious camper who loves to experiment and explore? Then this is the interactive program for them! Campers will embark on a week of inquiry-based learning and collaborative creation. Engineers learn by making mistakes, and we aren't afraid of campers making a mess in their quest for knowledge! With project themes ranging from biomedical to chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, this camp has something for everyone. Best of all, every day your camper will create at least one take-home project!
Innovators is designed to compliment our other Grade 1 general engineering camps; if your camper attends Builders or Creators they will not repeat projects. Grade 1 camps are interchangeable and do not need to be attended in a specific order.
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 (including biomedical engineering, chemical & materials engineering, electrical & computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and robotics), 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.
Combination Engineering/SCIENCE Camps
Engineering & Science Combo
Science and Engineering make the world go round! Explore both exciting subjects through hands-on projects and experiments in this celebration of STEM. Over the week you will learn how the world works through scientific investigation then apply your new knowledge in engaging engineering challenges. Discover how science and engineering make our world a better place!
This unique program is offered in conjunction with Faculty of Science Summer Camps. Campers will spend half the day exploring engineering, and half the day making scientific discoveries!
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Combination Engineering/Sport Camps
Engineering & Sport Skills Combo
On your mark, get set, go!! Is your camper ready to flex their brain as well as their muscles? If so, this dynamic day camp is the one for them! In conjunction with Green & Gold Sports Camps, this program offers a positive approach towards learning new skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. It's a thrilling week of experimentation, recreation and collaboration!
Campers will spend half their day exploring engineering innovations with fun, hands-on projects. The other half of the day will be spent playing sports and exploring athletic fundamentals!