ESQ Winter 2025 Programs

Get ready for a STEM-packed Winter and Spring – we’ve got exciting hands-on activities and fun learning ahead!

Engineering Outreach's Engineering Science Quest (ESQ) programs combine hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities, design challenges, and mentorship opportunities. All ESQ clubs and camps are taught by passionate university students studying in STEM disciplines. We are pleased to announce ESQ’s Winter line-up of Tech Quest 2.0 Clubs, Winter Break Day Camps, PD Day Camps, and March Break Camps.  

Waterloo Engineering Outreach is a proud network member of Actua. Actua is a leading Canadian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization. Each year, the Actua network engages over 375,000 youth in 600 communities across Canada in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence. Please visit www.actua.ca

Registration for Winter 2025 programming will open December 2nd at 12pm EST. 

To register for the programs below you will have to create an account in our registration system. If you have not created an account with us yet, you can do so by following our registration guidelines, see below.  

ESQ winter day camps

ESQ Winter Break Day Camps

Description: Ring in the new year before schools re-open with ESQ’s Winter Break Day Camps for youth in grades 2-4. Let’s dive into engineering and science with fun-hands-on activities over your holiday break! With unique programming both days, children will work together and use the engineering design process to create STEM based projects and explore exciting topics. Both offerings keep the topics accessible for beginners, ensuring a fun experience for everyone! 

Registration for ESQ Winter Break Day Camps is for single days only, however, youth are welcome to register for both offerings as the programming will be different between the two days 

We are excited to offer free cheese and halal pepperoni pizza for the program. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate gluten free dietary needs. 

Grades: 2-4 

Dates:  

  • Thursday, January 2 

  • Friday, January 3 

Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo Campus (Please note: the specific location will be emailed closer to the programming date) 

Program Pricing: $80/participant, bursary applications available 

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 

  • Drop-off: 8:30 - 9:00 am 

  • Pick-up: 4:00 - 4:30 pm 

Themes:  

January 2: Future Builders 

Celebrate the start of a new year with STEM innovation! Campers will explore how STEM helps shape the future, from designing inventions (with lego!) to imagining the technology of tomorrow. This theme encourages young minds to reflect on the possibilities ahead, inspiring them to think big and take the first steps toward building a brighter future. 

January 3: Arctic Adventures 

Journey to the Arctic without leaving camp! Participants will explore the unique science of extreme cold environments, from icy ecosystems to the engineering marvels needed to survive in such climates. The day full of programming will be a blast! 

ESQ pd day camps

ESQ PD Day Camps

Description: ESQ is offering full-day PD Day camps for youth in grades 2-4 and 5-7. Our camp participants will explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through participation in exciting hands-on challenges and collaboration projects. Put your thinking caps on, and let’s explore all things STEM in these three days of FUN!  All offerings keep the topics accessible for beginners, ensuring a fun experience for everyone! 

Registration for PD Day Camps is for single days only, however, youth are welcome to register for all three offerings as the programming will be different between the three days.  

We are excited to offer free cheese and halal pepperoni pizza for the program. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate gluten free dietary needs. 

Grades and Dates:  

  • Grade 2-4 & 5-7: Friday, January 17 

  • Grade 2-4 & 5-7: Monday, March 31 

  • Grade 2-4 & 5-7: Monday, April 21 

Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo Campus (Please note: the specific location will be emailed closer to the programming date) 

Program Pricing: $80/participant per PD Day, bursary applications available 

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 

  • Drop-off: 8:30 - 9:00 am 

  • Pick-up: 4:00 - 4:30 pm 

Themes: 

January 17: Space Explorers 

Embark on an exhilarating journey beyond Earth! Campers will uncover fascinating insights about planets, stars, and the cutting-edge technology that powers space exploration. With teamwork and creative problem-solving at the heart of their mission, they’ll discover how STEM drives our quest to understand the wonders of the universe and our place within it. 

March 31: Eco-Inventors 

This camp inspires young minds to think like inventors while caring for the planet. Campers will explore the connections between science, technology, and environmental sustainability. They’ll be encouraged to think critically about the challenges facing our world and how they can design innovative solutions to help build a brighter, greener future. 

April 21: Cyber Detectives 

Step into the exciting world of cybersecurity! Campers will explore how technology keeps us safe online and learn the fundamentals of protecting digital information. Through interactive challenges, they’ll develop problem-solving skills, understand the basics of encryption, and uncover how teamwork is essential to defending against cyber threats. This camp inspires curiosity and responsibility in our increasingly digital world. 

ESQ tech quest

ESQ Tech Quest 2.0 Clubs

Description: Ready to level up your tech skills? Tech Quest 2.0 is an exciting new chapter in our after-school club series, designed for students in grades 4-6 and 7-9 who want to dive deeper into the world of coding, robotics, and cutting-edge technology. This winter, participants will explore fresh new content and interactive programming challenges! 

No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm! Whether you're continuing your journey from Tech Quest this past fall or starting fresh, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself and grow your passion for technology. Let’s make tech magic happen in Tech Quest 2.0! 

We are excited to offer free cheese and halal pepperoni pizza for the program. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate gluten free dietary needs.  

Grades and Dates:  

  • Grades 4-6: February 5 – February 26 

  • Grades 7-9: March 26 – April 16  

Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo Campus (Please note: the specific location will be emailed closer to the programming date) 

Program Pricing: $125/participant, bursary applications available 

Time: 5:00 - 7:30 PM 

  • Drop-off: 4:45 - 5:00 pm 

  • Pick-up: 7:30 -7:45 pm 

ESQ march break camps

ESQ March Break Camps

Description: Get ready for an action-packed March Break full of curiosity and discovery! Campers in grades 2-4 (Camp Curiosity) and grades 5-7 (Camp Discovery) will dive into hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities! From building structures to exploring technology, they’ll work together to tackle exciting challenges and unleash their inner innovators. Perfect for young minds eager to learn, explore, and have fun! 

Both camps keep the topics accessible for beginners, ensuring a fun experience for everyone! Registration is for a 5-day camp experience. 

Grades: 2-4, 5-7 

Dates: 

  • March 10 - 14 

Location: University of Waterloo, Waterloo Campus (Please note: the specific location will be emailed closer to the programming date) 

Camp price: $330/participant, bursaries applications available. 

Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm 

  • Drop-off: 8:30 - 9:00 am 

  • Pick-up: 4:00 - 4:30 pm 

Additional Options: 

Pizza Lunch on Friday - handed out to campers on the Friday of camp 

Options: 1-3 slices 

Price 

Cheese 

$2.50/slice + HST 

Pepperoni (Halal) 

$2.50/slice + HST 

Please note: If your child requires a specific pizza considering additional dietary restrictions, please email engoutreach@uwaterloo.ca to discuss options. 

Wait, There's More!

Seeking STEM programs off-campus? ESQ also offers free STEM clubs within the Waterloo-region! This Winter/Spring, we are offering three programs at the following locations:  

  • Kitchener Library (Central Branch) 

  • Waterloo Public Library (Branch TBD) 

  • Idea Exchange | Old Post Office (Galt, Cambridge) 

Interested in hosting us at your library or community centre? Engineering Outreach is eager to expand our community partnerships and connect with as many youth as possible!

We offer FREE, hands-on STEM activities in a variety of delivery formats, such as:

  • Workshops
  • Booth Activities @ Events
  • Recurring Clubs

Email engoutreach@uwaterloo.ca for partnership inquiries!