WWEST/iSTAND STEM Summer Camps 2023

Welcome to the WWEST/iSTAND STEM Summer Camp registration site!

Our Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), summer camps for children aged 5-12, offer learning activities ranging from neuroscience to coding, each day, over six weeks. Participants will engage in hands on learning, physical activity, and full days built around fun, and science exploration. Some examples of day themes include: space, technology, color, chemistry, plant life, human systems, sound, environment, engineering, and so on. Participants can sign up for one day, one or two weeks, or all six weeks of camps based on individual interest and schedules.

Each day camp runs from 9am-3pm at a cost of $55/day, with an option of extended care from 8am-9am and/or 3pm-4pm, at a rate of $10/extension (as outlined on the registration form).

All seven weeks of WWEST/iSTAND STEM summer camps will be held at the University of British Columbia - Okanagan, starting June 26 and concluding, August 11. Please refer to the registration tab for more information. We are also offering camp in Vernon this summer, so please visit our registration pages for Vernon, if that is most convenient.

Our new team of instructors has been busy in schools and hosting events throughout the year, and are enthusiastic about meeting new and past participants at camps this summer!

*NEW DATES ADDED*

Themes and Topics:

June 26-30: Plant and Animal Kingdoms

Participants will learn how plant and animal kingdoms are related to human life. Hands-on activities co-created with UBCO professors, and walking trips around campus will incorporate plant and animal identification, classification, and uses, based on what is observed, and through creative daily projects to illustrate learning.

July 3-7: Chemists in the Making

Chemistry is all around us! This week, participants will explore activities that include kitchen chemistry, chemical reactions to power objects, and activities created by guest visitors from UBCO's Chemistry department.

July 10-14: Aerospace Adventures

Participants will discover space travel and related atmospheric activities as they engage in lessons that include engineering things that fly and fall, and learning more about constellations, galaxies and the universe through design and play.

July 17-21: Human Biology and Neuroscience

Based on ideas and activities from experts in the field, this week will focus on learning about how our brain and human systems function. Using technology such as Ozobots, Circuits, and Backyard Brains, along with daily activities to solve puzzles and challenges, participants will explore how messaging and circulation work to keep them healthy and happy.

July 24-28: Tinkering and Technology

Youth will explore how simple coding and design can lead to creating animation, storytelling, messaging and more, thanks to our partnership with UBCO professors in Computing Sciences and Creative Arts and Social Sciences! Through tinkering, participants will solve various challenges and create unique solutions using diverse computational thinking and peer support, through collaboration with Makerspace and Engineering colleagues.

July 31-August 4: World of STEM

This week, participants will be able to engage in a variety of hands-on STEM activities, highlighting how Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are important and participated in, throughout the world.

August 7-11: STEM Mash Up

We have added this week by popular demand and it will be engaging for all. This week will focus on all things STEM. Campers will have the opportunity to dive deep into some of the most popular topics this summer. A large focus will be spent on technology, such as, coding and robotics. Other topics include: chemistry, aerospace and biology.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the location of the camp?

Camps will be held in the ART Building on the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus. (We also have camp in Vernon this year, but that is a different form - please visit https://istand.ok.ubc.ca/upcoming-events/ to find the correct link).

Where can I park to drop off my child?

There is free 15-minute parking on Discovery Way in front of parking lot G (you need to register your vehicle with the HONK app to apply the 15 minute free parking, and look for the correct parking lot location, listed on the HONK signs), or short term parking in the Recreation Center Gymnasium parking lot M (there is a machine to take payments, or use of the HONK app is also possible in this lot). If there are two people dropping off, one can remain in the vehicle, and stop in front of the ARTS building to let the other and child(ren) out to go into the ARTS building. This is not a parking space, and if left unattended, vehicles could be ticketed or towed.

What time/where is drop off/pick up?

Drop off: Regular drop off is at 8:50am-9:00am. WWEST/iSTAND staff members will be set up in the main lobby of the ARTS building to check campers in and escort them to the correct camp space.

Pick up: Regular pick up is at 2:50pm-3:00pm. Participants can be picked up from the same classroom they are directed to in the morning. Depending on the weather, participants may be outside enjoying the fresh air in front of the ARTS Building as well. Signs will be posted in the ARTS building lobby indicating specific locations.

If you arrive later than our posted start time, or need to arrange early pick up, please email our team at wwest.ok@ubc.ca.

Individuals who are consistently early/late, and are not registered for extended childcare, will incur a fee of $10 for every 30 minutes (or portion of) that they are early/late, as we coordinate staff according to registrations.

Are there extended care options available?

Early drop-off (8-9am) and late pick-up (3-4pm) is available at a cost of $20/day (both am AND pm), or $10/extension (am OR pm). You can add this option on the registration. If plans change and you need to add extended care at a later date. please contact wwest.ok@ubc.ca. Alternately, you can speak with the camp leader at the beginning of each week.

What do participants need to bring to camp?

Participants are required to bring personal NUT FREE snacks and lunch items as well as a water bottle.

Weather permitting, we will spend daily time outdoors so please bring appropriate clothing according to the temperature and conditions of the day. Sunscreen and a hat would are good optional items to pack along as well.

It is preferable that personal electronics are not brought to camp. Should participants arrive with personal electronics, please note that WWEST, iSTAND, and UBC will not be responsible for any loss or damage to them.

What COVID or other sickness policy is in place?

Current COVID 19 provincial and local regulations will be in place for the duration of camp. Please note that participants may be sent home if they display symptoms of illness or non-compliance with safety measures. WWEST/iSTAND will have masks and sanitizer available for those who do not bring their own, and wish to use them.

Who can I contact if I need to connect with my child during camp?

For camp-specific emergencies (eg. notification of absence, alternate adult picking up) please contact our team at wwest.ok@ubc.ca or the Neuromuscular Physiology Lab (250) 807-9190.

Are refunds available?

We know unforeseen circumstances arise and wish to note that although refunds are not available, as supplies and staffing are determined based on registrations, transfer of funds to another WWEST/iSTAND event will be possible if notice is received at least one week prior to the first day of camp.

If a child is sick, and there is space in another camp, we will do our best to accommodate a transfer within the same camp session (for example, a Spring camp day for another Spring camp day, NOT a Summer camp day).

Thank you for your understanding.

Who can I contact for more information about WWEST/iSTAND camps and events?

For general questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at wwest.ok@ubc.ca.

Looking forward to a STEM-tastic time!
The WWEST/iSTAND Team