IDEAS Camp Overview

Est. 2019 at Queen's University

The next IDEAS Camp will be July 29^th to August 2^nd, 2024!

IDEAS (Innovation, Diversity, Exploration & Advancement in STEM) Camp is a 5 day camp concentrating on hands-on activities related to astronomy and physics! Meant for youths age 11-13 to explore the cosmos and carry out real science experiments with the close guidance of a diverse group of leading scientists in the field!

The IDEAS Camp program emphasizes community and values-based education. We aim to foster a love of the sciences, and encourage individual growth, while developing skills in leadership and team-based problem solving.

Located in Kingston, Ontario, IDEAS Camp will take place at Queen's University - the home of Nobel Laureate Arthur B. McDonald. Training for our counselors is held at SNOLAB with the support of Science North - Sudbury Division. See below for pictures of our team during the training!

IDEAS Camp is supported primarily by the Queen's University Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy, the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, and SNOLAB.

Program Details

IDEAS Camp is a 5 day camp that is meant to foster a love for science, leadership, and creativity in youths from ages 11-13 through hands-on activities. All activities are carefully crafted and led by a diverse group of leading scientists and role models.

Each day is split into three components:

Lab Experiments: Campers will perform a number of thrilling laboratory experiments, ranging from building a spectroscope to learning how to harness solar energy.
Workshops: A number of science and leadership groups will provide activities for our campers ranging from robotics to creative expression.
Design Projects: Campers will put in groups of 4, and will mentored by one our counsellors to explore a topic of their interest across various physics disciplines throughout the week. Campers can specify their preference of topic during registration.

Registration Details

Registration is open now until June 3rd!

There is no registration fee. As this is a day camp, no overnight accommodations will be provided. The camp is open to members of all backgrounds, nationalities, religions and genders.

To receive updates on camp registration dates and other activities, email us at physcamp@queensu.ca!

FAQ

Registration

Q: What is the cost of the camp?

A: The camp is free for all participants! However, each parent will be issued an invoice of $100 per student, which will only be charged if their child does not attend the camp at all without sufficient cancellation notice. We will require one weeks notice before the start of camp if the child decides not to attend. Absences due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances during the camp will not incur a fee.

Q: How many students will be accepted?

A: We have a capacity of 16 students. This to ensure a small camper to counsellor ratio to provide better and more consistent mentorship to each individual student.

Day at Camp

Q: When should I have my child(ren) at camp?

A: Please arrive at the camp between 8:30-8:45 am to sign in your child each day. Camp activities will start at 9 am.

Q: When should I pick up my child(ren)?

A: Camp activities will end at 4:30 pm. Parents will be allowed to pick up their child(ren) at that time.

Q: Can my child(ren) be picked up by a different person from the one who dropped them off?

A: Yes. Parents must provide a list of persons allowed to drop-off/pick-up their child(ren) during the camp. Valid government ID will be required at drop-off/pick-up.

Q: What does a usual day look like at the camp?

A: Campers will participate in various laboratory experiments and workshops throughout the week. They will also work on a design project in groups mentored by one of our counsellors. Please refer to Program Details above for more details.

Q: Where will the camp programming take place?

A: All Camp activities will take place on/close to Queen's campus, with the main programming in Stirling Hall. Other possible locations include: Agnes Etherington Art Centre, The Queen's Observatory, Nixon Field, Tindall Field, and Breakwater Park. Parents will receive a full itinerary with locations prior to the start of Camp.

Staff

Q: What is the camper to staff ratio?

A: There will be 1 counsellor for every 4 campers.

Q: Who runs the camp?

A: All the volunteers for the camp are undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy at Queen's University. We have an executive team with strong women Masters & PhD students in the same department. The camp is run with assistance from the Department of Physics, Engineering Physics, and Astronomy, The Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, and the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory Lab (SNOLAB).