Camp Descriptions: SUMMER 2024

Description: Junior Camp is a recreation-based program centered around creative crafts and activities designed for our youngest campers. There are two cohorts of Junior and staff will typically be assigned to one cohort for the summer. During a typical day, the campers alternate between the classroom, recreational spaces, and outdoors. Each week typically has a different theme, e.g. Insects and Bugs, Under the Sea, Fairytale, etc. and staff are encouraged to adapt activities and lessons to fit the themes and the interests of the campers.  

Time: Camp in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM 

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities: 

• Creative and ready to adapt to each group's interests and abilities
• Comfortable working with Kindergarten age group 

Description: Rec Reality started as camp based on reality TV (hence the name) but has expanded over the recent years to include other elements of pop culture. This can include activities around different video games, general television/streaming shows, and whatever other pop culture the staff is familiar with and able to create fun activities out of.  Campers are usually placed in teams during the week and a camp day usually includes active games, crafts, team-building tasks, and individual challenges. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities:

• General knowledge or awareness of current pop culture 
• Adaptable and ready to work with variety of ages and interest levels

Description: Girls* Rock is designed to facilitate learning and conversations about wellness, self-compassion, and empowerment. The goal is to help participants feel more confident and excited about leading fulfilling and balanced lifestyles. Campers will explore topics in a variety of ways, such as artistic activities, active games, team challenges, and reflection. Instructors should be prepared to create and uphold a safe and inclusive environment where campers can build their self-confidence and self-worth. 

*This camp was created for young girl campers but does welcome any young camper who is passionate about these topics.

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities

• Passionate about self-compassion and building confidence in young people
• Prepared to facilitate age-appropriate discussions about self-confidence and healthy living

Description: Outdoor Sports includes a variety of traditional and non-traditional sports. There are two age groups for this camp so staff applying for this camp should be prepared to state their preferred age group to work with out of the two options. Activities and weekly lessons can include soccer, ultimate frisbee, and flag football. The camp’s primary goal is to expose campers to a range of sports and activities and foster an appreciation for physical activity, sportsmanship, and teamwork. A typical day includes warm-up exercises, sport and skill development, and various recreation games, such as Capture the Flag or Everybody’s It Tag (a Camps favourite).  

Times: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities:

• Prepared to adapt activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' skills and abilities
• Able to teach (or willing to learn and teach) the foundations to variety of sports
• Passionate about sports, movement, and active living

Description: Tennis camp aims to introduce elements of Tennis and physical literacy to children and youth and includes a variety of recreation-based activities and games. This camp is a half-day program and has an AM and PM block. The primary sport is intended to be Tennis, however there is the possibility to include more racquet-sports, depending on Instructor and camper skill level. A typical day will include warm up activities, skill development, skill practice, and recreational games. This camp is not intended to act as complete tennis lessons for campers. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 11:30AM, 12:30PM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM 

Dates: July 2nd - August 30th, Monday-Friday  (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities

• Prepared to adapt lessons to be more or less challenging in response to campers' skills and abilities
• Comfortable working with whole range of ages 
• Foundational understanding of Tennis and be able to participate in teaching and playing (coaching certification is an asset but not required)

Description: Mountain Madness is an introduction to outdoor and survival skills and is intended to help campers develop an appreciation for the environment. There are two age groups for this camp so staff applying should be prepared to state their preferred age group to lead. In the past, staff have incorporated topics they were passionate about, such as local wildlife and plant identification, basic orienteering, shelter building etc. This camp is outdoors in all-weather so staff should come prepared with appropriate weather gear. This camp frequently does short hikes over to Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area and staff are encouraged to use that area to plan activities and games as well. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities: 

• Passionate about outdoor activities and the environment
• Basic knowledge about outdoor skills
• Comfortable leading group (easy) hikes with up to 30 campers (with additional staff and volunteer support)

Description: Leadership is one of our camps for older participants. Campers will focus on developing leadership fundamentals using a combination of discussion-based activities, games, and presentations. Campers will practice skills they may use in school and everyday experiences such as public speaking, communication, and teamwork. The Head Instructor may choose to structure lessons on leadership theory, communication, collaboration, public speaking, and sympathy/empathy. Leadership camps do have sectioned levels from week to week, so Instructors may have to alter their lesson plans accordingly. Advanced-level leadership camps learn higher complexity lessons while also getting practical experience in teaching and leading recreational games and activities to other camp cohorts on campus.  Leadership Training Camp is popular with teenagers interested in becoming a future SFU Camps Volunteer or Instructor.

Time: Camps in session 9:00AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities

• Experience with Leadership theory and team building activities
• Comfortable working with and motivating campers 12 years old and up
• Familiar with the SFU Camps Volunteer Program 

A new camp this 2024 season! Created for young campers interested in scientific phenomenon. Junior scientists will learn components from our four science camps and have the chance to conduct experiments and challenges to apply and further learning. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities: 

• Foundational knowledge about at least two of the science topics (Engineering, Chemistry, Planet Earth)
• Creative and able to adapt activities to match interest and capabilities of campers
• Experience working with kindergarten age group is a benefit

Description: Chemistry Camp will provide a dynamic learning experience for any young scientist. This camp is broken down into smaller age groups that rotate throughout the summer so you can expect to have a variety of group ages throughout the summer. Campers will be introduced to various chemical concepts such as forensic science, states of matter, chemical kinetics and enzymatic activity. Lessons are taught through dynamic lessons, guided experiments, and hands-on demonstrations.  Activities have included making slime, holding fire, custom-made lava lamps and crime scene investigations. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities: 

• Prepared to adapt lessons and activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' knowledge and abilities
• Comfortable working with range of ages (7-12 years old)
• Foundational chemistry knowledge

Description: Engineering Camp will provide the building blocks for mini engineers. This camp is broken down into smaller age groups that will rotate throughout the summer. Therefore, Instructors should anticipate to scale-up and down their lessons according to their perspective age range. Campers will be introduced to various facets of engineering through a fun and interactive activities, lessons, and challenges. Last year, popular activities included egg drops, bridge-building, and seismic lessons. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift is 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities: 

• Prepared to adapt lessons and activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' knowledge and abilities
• Comfortable working with range of ages (7-12 years old)
• Foundational engineering knowledge

Description: Planet Earth will provide a dynamic learning experience for mini Earth Scientists. This camp is broken down into smaller age groups that will rotate throughout the summer. Therefore, Instructors should anticipate to scale-up and down their lessons according to their perspective age range. Camper will be introduced to various topics such as Weather and Atmosphere, Natural Hazards, Oceans, Climate Change and Biomes. Lessons will be guided through hands-on demonstrations, arts and crafts, and creative challenges.

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities

• Prepared to adapt lessons and activites to be more or less challenging in repsonse to campers' knowledge and abilities
• Comfortable working with range of ages (7-12 years old)
• Foundational Earth or Environment related knowledge

Description: STEM camp is a multi-disciplinary camp intended to introduce campers to the wonderful expansive world of STEM! Lessons can cover components of Engineering but will also focus on Technology, Math, and Sciences. This camp offers flexibility to the Instructors to teach what they are passionate about, e.g. coding, biology, equations, etc. Campers will explore concepts and lessons in the classroom and then have time to apply the knowledge in activities and challenges around campus. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities: 

• Prepared to adapt lessons and activities to be more or less challenging in response to campers' knowledge and abilities
• Comfortable working with range of ages (7-12 years old)
• Foundational knowledge in at least one STEM topic
• Strong communication skills to work with other science staff to reduce overlap in activities 

Pre-University Camp is an unique camp intended to introduce campers to the dynamic life of a SFU student through educational and hands-on lessons and experiences. Staff have flexibility to teach about subjects they have experience in, and are passionate about, as well as facilitate camp visits to on-campus facilities and services. Past subjects have included Medicine, Entrepreneurship, Law, and Engineering. Some examples of campus visits include the Fitness Centre, Trottier Observatory, and a Chemistry lab but we encourage staff to be creative and make use of the campus as much as possible. 

Time: Camps in session 8:30AM - 3:30PM, typical staff shift 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities:

• Passionate about an educational topic (e.g. Medicine) and able to teach the foundations of it
• Comfortable working with older campers and facilitating team environments
• Familiar with the SFU Burnaby campus 

Description: Post Care is a service we offer to parents & caregivers who require a later pick-up time. Post Care is typically held in a gymnasium and the staff and volunteers facilitate recreational games, crafts, and other activities for the campers. Post Care staff assist other camps or the programming team to start their shift and then move to Post Care after general camps sign-out.  

Time: Camps in session 3:30-5:30PM, typical staff shift 10:00AM - 6:00PM

Dates: July 2nd - August 23rd, Monday-Friday (excluding BC Day on August 5th)

Staff Qualities: 

• Able to commit to later start and end time
• Flexible and comfortable moving between different age groups, camps, and staff
• Demostrates initiative and is able to ask for tasks and/or help when needed