Waterloo STEAM Academy – Summer Camp FAQ

 

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 or phone call