Science North cancels many day camps, offering virtual summer programming

Responding to the Ontario government’s recent announcement about summer camps, Science North has made some adjustments to its programming for children this summer.

The government’s guidelines have shaped Science North’s decision to cancel Summer Science Camps for the weeks of June 29, July 6, and July 13 in all communities. 

Additionally, at this time, camps will be cancelled for all weeks in the following communities:

Atikokan, Barrie, Blind River, Bracebridge, Cochrane, Elliot Lake, Espanola, Fort Frances, Hearst, Huntsville, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Kirkland Lake, Little Current, Marathon, Midland, Nipigon, Orillia, Parry Sound, Pembroke, Petawawa, Red Lake, Temiskaming Shores, Timmins and Wawa.

There are still some decisions to be made about camps in Sudbury, Thunder Bay, North Bay, Kenora, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Sault Ste. Marie for the weeks of July 20 through Aug. 31, said a press release from the science centre.

An update regarding the remainder of the summer will be announced once further provincial and health recommendations and requirements are in place.

For those who have already registered for this summer, Science North will be contacting families directly to receive full refunds. 

Beginning the week of June 1, Science North will contact individuals on a weekly basis based on the week they were registered for camps to discuss refund options.

Science North appreciates the understanding and patience of those who have registered, said the press release.

As a result of the cancellation of Summer Science Camps, Science North will offer Summer Science at Home, a new online science program for children this summer. The facilitated activity-based hour held on Zoom takes summer camp in a whole new direction. From building hovercrafts and catapults to creating secret codes with invisible ink, children will get a chance to experiment, build and tinker with stuff found around the house.

After the live session is over, Science North will provide families with extra activities and media so children can continue to engage with science in the world around them. 

Summer Science at Home will be available for children ages 7-12 and delivered in English and French. The live sessions will be held for a one-hour time slot from Monday to Friday and will begin the week of July 6.

Pricing ranges from $80 to $104 depending on family size, length of week and if you are a member or not.

Registration for Summer Science at Home begins Monday, June 1 at 12 p.m.

Visit www.sciencenorth.ca/summer-science-home for full details, FAQs and to register.