ESQ Summer Camps

Gr. 2-3: Curiosity

Gr. 4-5: Discovery 

Gr. 6-7: Voyager

Gr. 8-9: Odyssey

Please note: There will be no camp during the week of July 1-4.

Week 6: August 11 - 15

Grade 2 - 5: Camp Discovery 

Price: $345

Location: The University of Waterloo Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business

Week 7: August 18 - 22

Grade 2 - 5: Camp Discovery 

Price: $345

Location: The University of Waterloo Cambridge School of Architecture

Please note: there will be no extended AM or PM care available for both Satellite locations. 

Programming: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 

• Drop off: 8:30 - 9:00 am
• Pick up: 4:00 - 4:30 pm

Every year, our University-level staff create new content every year, ensuring every camp is packed with original and exciting activities!

There are no specific “camp themes” offered through ESQ; all camps are based on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and work to incorporate fun hands-on learning experiences!  

For age groups with more than one section offered, the camp content differs between these offerings. For example, Curiosity A, B and C all have different content, allowing the same camper to attend each section once in the summer (subject to availability). 

We strive to make our programming as accessible to parents/guardians as possible, thus we will be updating this page with announcements on camp content on a rolling basis including activity sneak peeks for Junior camps (Gr. 2-3 & 4-5) and Senior Camps (Gr. 6-7 & 8-9). 

Once registered and closer to the start date of your child's camp week, you will receive camp-specific information, including a letter introducing the university camp leader, a weekly schedule of the activities/tours and learning consolidation questions to engage in your child's learning from each day. 

With generous support from our supporters, Engineering Outreach is able to offer bursaries and awards for our programming. Recipients are determined from a completed application form submitted through our registration system.

You can access information about our Engineering Outreach Bursaries here!

Important Dates: 

Applications open December 20, 2024 @ 12:00 pm 

Apply by January 13, 2025 @ 12:00 pm EST.

Evaluations will be sent out by January 24, 2025.

Engineering Outreach Summer Camps strive to make camp accessible for all Campers through an inclusion philosophy. We practice inclusion in many ways, including:  

• Specialized low-ratio staff (1 staff with up to 3 campers) - Program Assistants (Please note we have three Program Assistants per week) 

• University Leaders plan accommodations and extensions for each activity 

  • E.g., pre-cut templates for campers who struggle with fine motor skills 

  • E.g., Drawing pictures instead of writing  

  • E.g., Tinkercad circuits (virtual circuitry) 

• Dedicated break rooms in camp spaces or opportunities to walk outside with Program Assistants  

• Access to adaptive writing devices  

• Access to sensory tools  

  • E.g., fidget toys, weighted stuffed animals, noise-cancelling headphones, language flash cards, if-then visuals, use of timers for transitions 

We are unable, however, to offer one-on-one support for your child. If your child does require this level of support, we ask that you please contact us to discuss bringing a parent/guardian or equivalent to Camp alongside your child. All personal support attendees are required to send a Vulnerable Sector Check in advance of participation.    

It is important to note that the Engineering Outreach Program Policy does not allow campers to display any acts of violence or for the leaders or program assistants to physically restrain a camper. If your child requires this kind of support on a regular basis, the program may not be suitable for them. 

When registering your child for camp, please indicate their access and inclusion needs within the Participant Information Form, and include details you are comfortable sharing to best support your child’s involvement at camp. Our team will initiate additional communication prior to your child’s week at camp. 

Camp Ready  

To support the success, safety and inclusion of all campers, all children need to be “Camp Ready” when participating in Engineering Outreach Camps (ESQ and STEMpowered), either independently or with additional support.  

• Able to take direction and instruction from a staff person  

• Comfortable and able to interact in a group  

• Able to participate in the programming, participation in programs is based on the camper’s individual needs; however, it asked that participants can demonstrate an ability to participate in at least 50% of the program 

• Able to interact and participate in camp programming in a way that is safe for themselves and others (campers and staff)