Day 1 Summer Camp

 

What to Expect on Day 1 of Camp

Camp hours mimic the Waterloo Regional School Board. There are two nutrition breaks. If you drop of your child for extended day. Please pack a snack for the extended day period.

Arrival & Check‑In (8:00–9:00 AM)

When you arrive, head downstairs, we are in the basement.

A quick check‑in confirms your child’s name, week, and any important notes (allergies, pick‑up permissions, etc.).

Campers meet their instructor and peers, and explore toys and games.

Settling In 

Campers meet their instructor, volunteers, and group members.

We do a short welcome circle, icebreakers, and a tour of the spaces they’ll use (washrooms, maker area, outdoor zone, etc.).

Staff review expectations in a friendly, kid‑centered way: kindness, safety, teamwork, and curiosity.

Morning STEAM Block 

This is the first big “wow” moment of the week. Campers jump into hands‑on activities such as:

• robotics 
• Curiousity inspired LEGO build
• Maker challenges
• Engineering builds
• Art‑tech or creative problem‑solving tasks
• Activities are designed to be accessible for all skill levels. There is no experience needed.

Lunch & Outdoor Break 

• Campers eat their nut‑free and fish-free lunches together.
• Weather permitting, we head outside for movement, games, and fresh air.
• Staff supervise all transitions and ensures water breaks as needed.

Afternoon Workshops 

The afternoon focuses on deeper project work or themed activities for the week. Examples include:

• Building circuits
• Designing and testing prototypes
• Coding mini‑games
• Team STEAM challenges
• Creative maker projects

Lunch & Outdoor Break 

Wrap‑Up & Reflection 

Pick‑Up 

Staff release campers only to approved adults listed at registration.

Please bring ID

Communication With Families

Feel free to engage the staff in discussion about how the day went. We will send out end of the week recaps.

Give us your feedback whenever possible. Feedback is how we improve.

What Your Child Should Bring on Day 1

• Nut‑free, fish-free food + snacks
• Water bottle
• Comfortable indoor/outdoor clothing
• Sunscreen + hat
• Any medications with clear instructions
• A positive, curious attitude
• Change of clothes

First Day Checklist for Parents

 First Day Checklist for Parents

✔ Before You Leave Home

Pack a nut‑free lunch and two snacks

Fill a water bottle

Apply sunscreen (child must reapply on their own)

Label any personal items your child brings

Ensure your child is wearing comfortable indoor/outdoor clothing

Enter the camp location into your GPS not our office location: Camp is held at Trinity Church, we use the side door at the corner of the driveway loop. 330 Conservation Dr, Waterloo.

✔ What to Pack

Nut‑free lunch + snacks

Water bottle

Sunscreen + hat

Any required medications in a labelled bag with written instructions

Weather‑appropriate clothing (light jacket, running shoes)

Optional: a spare clothing if your child tends to get messy during projects, or if your child has an amazing ability to focuse on projects but forgets the washroom...

✔ What Not to Bring

Personal electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices)

Toys from home

Anything valuable or fragile

Food containing nuts

✔ Arrival & Check‑In

Drop‑off is 8:00am–9:00 AM

Staff will greet you when you enter the building. We are hiding in the basement

Confirm pick‑up permissions if anything has changed

Give any essential medications directly to staff such as epi-pens. Do not leave them in backpacks

✔ Pick‑Up

Pick‑up is 4:00–5:00PM

Bring ID if someone new is picking up

✔ Communication

Share your thoughts, whether it is new ideas we should try, methods that can increase our level of care.

Summer Camp FAQs

 What is the minimum age for a child to be able to attend summer camp?

Our STEAM camps are designed for children ages 5–12. Children must be turning 5 by the end of the calendar year.

 

Where is the camp located?

330 Conservation Drive

We are nice and cool in the church basement.

 

What are the camp hours?
Camp runs 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
no-fee extended day is (8:00 AM–9:00 AM) and (4:00 PM–5:00 PM) 

 

What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes:

• Hands‑on STEAM workshops (coding, robotics, engineering, maker projects, art‑tech)
• Outdoor breaks and movement time
• Team challenges and creative build sessions
• Reflection/calming activities

 

How do I register?
Registration is completed through our secure Uplifter portal. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email and a pre‑camp information package.

 

Do you offer refunds or transfers?
Refunds and transfers depend on availability and timing. Please contact us as early as possible if your plans change.

 

Are there discounts for multiple weeks or siblings?
Discounts may be available depending on the season. We are also Pay-What-You-Can provider. Just set up your payments in Uplifter and stop them when you want. We complete adjustments at the end of each season. You cam call in to us for early adjustment and to ensure only what you want is being charged.

 

Who supervises the campers?

Campers are supported by:

• Certified instructors and STEAM educators
• Trained camp staff
• High‑school and post‑secondary volunteers who assist with activities and supervision
• All staff and volunteers follow strict safety, privacy, and conduct guidelines.

 

How do you handle photos and videos?
We take non‑identifiable photos and short videos to document learning and share daily highlights with families. We never capture faces or identifying details of campers.

 

What is your camper‑to‑staff ratio?
We maintain small group sizes to ensure personalized support, typically 1 adult per 8 campers, plus volunteers.

 

What should my child bring?

Nut‑free and fish-free lunch and snacks

Water bottle

Comfortable clothing for indoor and outdoor activities

Sunscreen and hat for outdoor time

Any required medications (with instructions provided to staff)

 

Do you provide lunch or snacks?
No. Families must send nut‑free and fish free food and drinks.

 

What should my child NOT bring?

• Personal electronics
• Toys from home
• Anything valuable or fragile

 

What kinds of STEAM activities will my child do?
Depending on the week, campers may explore:

• Coding (block‑based or Python, depending on age)
• Robotics and circuits
• Engineering challenges
• Maker projects 
• Art‑integrated STEAM activities
• Team problem‑solving challenges

 

Do campers need prior experience?
No experience required. Activities are designed to be accessible, hands‑on, and adaptable for all skill levels.

 

What if my child has allergies or medical needs?
Please list all medical information during registration. Our staff will review it and follow up if clarification is needed.

 

Is the camp accessible?
We aim to accommodate diverse learning needs and physical accessibility requirements. Contact us to discuss specific needs so we can plan appropriate supports.

 

Will I receive information on how the week went?
Families receive:

Important reminders or schedule changes

End‑of‑week highlights. We aim to exclude faces. 

 

Who do I contact if my child will be absent?

Please let the office know via email admin@waterloosteamacademy.ca or phone call 548-390-4719