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2026 Ontario Tech University Child & Youth Programming Policies

Planning continues for 2026 child and youth programming. The below policies are in draft form and are subject to change.

For the purposes of the below policies the term “camper” or “participant” may be used interchangeably and is applicable to all registrants.

General

  • Health and Safety

    Parents/guardians are responsible for reading, understanding, and agreeing* to the detailed information on the 2026 Ontario Tech University Child & Youth Programming Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability and Code of Conduct. The notes below do not contain all the information on the forms. 

    *If parents/guardians have a question or concern about the Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability and/or the Code of Conduct, parents/guardians are asked to seek clarification from summercamps@ontariotechu.ca before agreeing.

    All campers/participants and staff have the right to a positive and safe experience.  For this reason, campers/participants are asked to follow the Code of Conduct when attending child and youth programming (whether virtual or in-person). 

    In general, we ask that campers/participants:

    1. Be safe
    2. Be kind to yourself and others
    3. Respect yourself and others
    4. Listen to others and follow directions
    5. Have fun!

    Virtual camps can be attended from a variety of locations. During virtual camps, camp staff will reference the Camper Location, Parent/guardian 1 and Parent/guardian 2 information provided at the time of registration for the purposes of addressing any on-screen Code of Conduct violations, issues and/or emergencies, or by police or other law enforcement agents in the event of an incident. We ask that registrants provide accurate information at the time of registration.

    The Code of Conduct applies to all campers/participants.

  • Parent/guardian respect & kindness

    Our university is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for all campers, staff, and attendees. 

    We ask parents/guardians to please be respectful and understanding toward our child & youth programming team. They’re working hard to serve you and provide the best possible experience for your camper/participant. 

    Unkind, disrespectful or aggressive interactions are unwelcome, and are not permitted. We reserve the right to pause service at any time, if we feel our interactions are unproductive or inappropriate.

  • Registration and payment

    Due to the nature of the information collected, and the permissions/waivers requested during registration, registration forms must be completed by the legal parent(s) and/or legal guardian(s) of the individual named in the form, who is a minor at the time of registration.

    Registration must be completed through the applicable online registration form. Payment must be made at the time of registration. All listed prices are in Canadian dollars. Mastercard, VISA and VISA debit are accepted.

    If you cannot pay by credit card, please contact us.

    You will need to agree* to the Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability, the Code of Conduct, the listed policies/regulations, and provide camper/participant information as part of registration. 

    *If parents/guardians have a question or concern about the Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability and/or the Code of Conduct, parents/guardians are asked to seek clarification from summercamps@ontariotechu.ca before agreeing.

  • Cancellations and refunds
    Cancellations

    Cancellations made in writing to summercamps@ontariotechu.ca at least twelve (12) days prior to the start date of the related camp/course are entitled to a partial refund. Requests for cancellations must be accompanied by a confirmation number. A cancellation fee will apply. Refunds will not be given for cancellations made after this date.

    A list of cancellation fees organized by the type of camp or course.
    Type Cancellation Fees
    In-person summer camp $40 (per camper, per camp)
    Virtual $20 (per camper, per camp)

    Campers/participants who do not attend their registered camp/course without a notice of cancellation are considered a No Show. In this case, a refund will not be given.

    A camp/course may be cancelled if the minimum number of participants required is not met. Early registration is recommended to avoid cancellation due to low registration. Note: Where cancellation of a camp/course occurs due to low registration, registrants of the affected camp/course will be given a full refund.

    2026 Cancellation Deadlines
    A list of cancellation deadlines organized by week.
    Week Deadline
    Week 1: June 29 to July 3 (4-day week; July 1 STAT) Wednesday, June 17 at 11:59 p.m.
    Week 2: July 6 to 10 Wednesday, June 24 at 11:59 p.m.
    Week 3: July 13 to 17 Tuesday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m.
    Week 4: July 20 to 24 Wednesday, July 8 at 11:59 p.m.
    Week 5: July 27 to 31 Wednesday, July 15 at 11:59 p.m.
    Week 6: August 4 to 7 (4-day week; August 3 STAT) Thursday, July 23 at 11:59 p.m.
    Week 7: August 10 to 14 Wednesday, July 29 at 11:59 p.m.
    Week 8: August 17 to 21 Wednesday, Aug 5 at 11:59 p.m.
    Week 9: August 24 to 28 Wednesday, August 12 at 11:59 p.m.
    Free/Scholarship Camp Cancellations

    To ensure camps remain available to interested campers, we request that cancellations for a free camp or scholarship funded camp registration be submitted to summercamps@ontariotechu.ca at least twelve (12) days prior to the start date of the related camp. Because of limited availability, please only register if your camper plans to attend all sessions. Cancellation fees do not apply to a free camp or scholarship funded camp registration.

  • External support workers

    Participants may provide their own external support workers to assist them. Families that use an external support worker must cover any extra costs the support worker incurs related to a program. We may request personal information from the support worker for emergencies.

    Prior to the start of a camp/course, external support workers must:

    Please email summercamps@ontariotechu.ca in advance, to make arrangements to have an external support worker accompany your camper/participant and to submit the documents listed above.

  • Self sign-in/out

    During registration, a parent(s) /guardian(s) may authorize their camper/participant, aged 13 years and older at the time of participation to sign themselves in and out of the registered camp.

    Campers/participants are not authorized to sign out a sibling(s).

    Campers/participants must be at least 13 years of age to qualify for self sign-in/out.

    Minimum age exceptions will not be granted.

  • Lost and found items

    Please note that valuables (example: money, cameras, phones, tablets, etc.) should not be brought to the camp/course. 

    Staff will do their best to make sure campers/participants leave with what they brought, but this is not always possible. Ontario Tech University is not responsible for lost or stolen items for this reason.

    Staff will maintain a Lost and Found July through August.

    All items remaining in the Lost and Found after September 30, 2026 will be donated locally.

  • Waitlists

    If a camp/course is full, you can ask to be added to a waitlist by emailing summercamps@ontariotechu.ca.  Please provide up to date contact information, including a daytime and evening phone number.

    You will be contacted with registration instructions if a spot becomes available. A deadline for registration may apply.
  • Contacting you

    The Child & Youth Programming Team will contact registrants primarily by email using the parent/guardian email address(es) provided at the time of registration. 

    Emails from summercamps@ontariotechu.ca may be redirected into your spam and/or junk email folders. 

    Parents/guardians are asked to check their email inbox, including spam and/or junk email folders on a computer or laptop, as some devices (and Apps) apply additional spam and junk filters.

    Please add summercamps@ontariotechu.ca to your email address book.

  • Scholarships

    Limited scholarship funding may be available to campers who would benefit from financial assistance.

    Scholarship funding has not yet been confirmed. Continuous Learning will update this webpage as/if funding is made available.


In-person camps/courses

  • Health & wellness

    2026 Ontario Tech University Child and Youth Programming is subject to Ontario Tech University policies, directives, and health and safety protocols.

    • Campers/participants who become unwell while attending camp may be sent home.
    • Campers/participants who are feeling unwell are asked to stay home.
    Concerned about air quality? 

    Continuous Learning monitors the Oshawa - Air Quality Health Index for outdoor activity recommendations.

    We encourage campers/participants to bring a labelled refillable water bottle to camp to ensure adequate hydration. Refillable water stations are available upon request.

  • Ontario Tech University/Durham College discount

    Discounted pricing is available to parents/guardians if they are:

    • a current Ontario Tech University student, staff member, faculty member and/or alumni
    • a current Durham College student, staff member and/or faculty member
    In-person camps discount:
      • 4-day camps: $30 discount 
      • 5-day camps: $40 discount

    Virtual camps: no discount is available

  • Photo/Video release

    Ontario Tech staff members will be taking photos and videos during in-person camps/courses that may be used in future marketing materials. For this reason, parents/guardians of campers can opt-in on the Photo/Video Release during registration to give Ontario Tech University permission to take and use these photos and videos.

    *Parents/guardians are responsible for reading and understanding the detailed information on the Photo/Video Release form before providing consent. Consent will be requested at the time of registration.

    Note: A camper/participant photo will be requested at the time of registration. This photo will be on file for identification purposes only. This photo will not be used or shared as outlined in the above Photo/Video Release.

    *Due to the nature of the Animation Station camp activities, opting in to the Ontario Tech University’s Summer Camp Photo/Video Release: Animation Station (coming soon) is mandatory. Campers will make videos individually or as a group, and it may not be possible for the camper to participate in the camp and not be filmed. Parents or guardians who do not wish their camper to be filmed may choose from our large selection of other camp options. Questions about the Ontario Tech University’s Summer Camp Photo/Video Release: Animation Station can be directed to summercamps@ontariotechu.ca.

  • Camper/participant photo ID

    Ontario Tech University is committed to providing a safe environment for all registrants attending child and youth programming at Ontario Tech. 

    A camper/participant photo will be requested at the time of registration for in-person camps/courses only.

    This photo will be on file for identification purposes and will be used as necessary by:
    • University staff to verify photo/video consent where given;
    • University staff, campus security, police or other law enforcement and/or emergency services agents in the event of an incident. 

    Retention of this photo is temporary. This photo will be deleted after the 2026 Ontario Tech University Child and Youth Programming season has concluded.

    Please note: It is the responsibility of the camper's/participant's legal parent/guardian to upload a suitable photo, as per the photo requirements listed below. University staff will not review photos for quality assurance. Photos sent by email will not be accepted.

    Photo requirements include:
    • Colour photo with clear facial features
    • .jpg/JPEG or .png file types only
    • Maximum file size: 10MB
    • Minimum recommended resolution: 400px x 600px
    How to reduce image size if your file is greater than 10MB:
  • Medication(s), epi-pens & inhalers
    Medication(s)*

    Over the counter medication(s) will not be administered by staff and should not be brought to the camp/course. Staff will confiscate any over-the-counter medication(s) from campers/participants, which will be held until check-out for the parent/guardian to retrieve.

    If a camper/participant requires prescribed medication(s) during the course of their registered camp or course, parents/guardians will be required to contact the Campus Health and Wellness Centre to make arrangements for a health care professional to administer the prescribed medication(s). An appointment prior to the camp/course may be required.

    Inhaler and/or epi-pen*

    IMPORTANT! We recognize that campers/participants may carry an inhaler and/or epi-pen. If this is the case, please contact summercamps@ontariotechu.ca to complete the necessary forms, share pertinent information, and/or address any further questions.

    Epi-pens required for life threatening allergies must remain in close proximity to the camper/participant. We suggest these items be carried in a labelled belt pack. Campers/participants must show their camp counsellor or instructor where the epi-pen and/or inhaler is located.

    Campers/participants are responsible for carrying their epi-pens and/or inhaler at all times.

  • Camper drop-off/pick-up

    Unless a parent/guardian has arranged for their camper/participant to sign-in or sign-out independently during camp registration, individual(s) authorized to drop-off/pick-up a camper/participant will be asked to show photo ID, be at least 18 years of age, and must sign an attendance sheet with a staff member during drop-off/pick-up.

    Photo ID must be valid (not expired). A physical piece of photo ID will be required. A digital photo/photocopy of this ID will not be accepted.

    Individuals authorized for pick-up include the below (as listed during registration):
    • Parent guardian 1 & 2
    • Emergency Contact
    • Individuals listed under the Pick-up Authorization section during registration

    If someone attempts to pick up or visit a camper/participant who is not listed as a parent/guardian, emergency contact, or other authorized individual, we will not allow access to the camper/participant until it has been verified by a listed parent/guardian.

  • Packed lunches
    Any packed lunches, snacks, and/or beverages* must:
    • be nut free
    • be banana free
    • be non-perishable (a fridge will not be available for food storage)
    • be individually labeled and not shared

    Reduced litter lunches are highly encouraged.

    Campers/participants will not have access to microwaves or other multi-use appliances (e.g., toasters, kettles, serving utensils).

    Nutrition and hydration breaks are taken outside (weather permitting) for traditional week-long, in-person summer camps.

    *Refillable beverage containers must be individually labelled. Refillable water stations are available to campers/participants upon request.

  • Before and after care

    Before and after care are supervised by camp counsellors. Camp counsellors will escort campers going to and from before and after care. 

    You can sign up for before and after care when completing your child(ren)’s camp registration.

    Times

    Before care is available from 8 to 9 a.m.
    After care is available from 4 to 5 p.m.

    Pricing

    Before care

    $30 for 5-day camps
    $25 for 4-day camps

    After care

    $30 for 5-day camps
    $25 for 4-day camps

    Location: 

    Ontario Tech University
    2000 Simcoe Street North
    Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5

    Further information regarding drop-off and pick-up locations will be shared with registrants prior to the start of camp.

  • Bring your own device (optional)

    Bring your own device (BYOD) is not a requirement. Participants will be provided with a laptop/computer for use during their registered camp/course as applicable.

    Attendees of select programs may bring a personal laptop for use during the registered program. This option is applicable to the following programs only:

    A list of programs for which attendees may bring their own device.
    Camp Ages Dates
    Connected Engineering: Innovate and Accelerate Ages 14 to 17 Week 1: June 29 to July 3 (4-days)
    Automate Your World Ages 14 to 17 Week 2: July 6 to July 10 (5-days)
    VEX Robotics: Battlebots Ages 14 to 17 Week 4: July 20 to July 24 (5-days)
    Design with Python (Intermediate) Ages 14 to 17 Week 8: August 17 to August 21 (5-days)

    Participants who bring their own device must abide by the 2026 Ontario Tech University Child & Youth Programming Code of Conduct and Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability. 

    Please note that Ontario Tech is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal items. IT Services does not provide repair or software support services on personally owned devices.

    Minimum laptop standards apply. See below for details:

    A list of minimum laptop standards.
    Operating System Windows Mac
    OS Version Windows 10 or 11* Mac OS version 10.15 or higher*
    CPU

    Intel: Core i5/i7/i9, >1.5 GHz

    AMD: Ryzen 5/7/8, >1.5 GHz

    Intel: Core i5/i7/i9, >1.5 GHz

    M Series: M1/M2, >1.5 GHz
    RAM 16 GB recommended
    Storage 250 GB minimum, Recommended 50 GB open space
    Graphics Integrated graphics or better
    Network Wireless Network (WiFi) capabilities
    Antivirus Recommended; Windows Defender is available at no extra cost Not required

    *Please ensure the latest software updates have been installed prior to the start of camp.


Virtual camps

  • Online discussion rules

    All campers and staff have the right to a positive and safe camp experience.  For this reason, campers need to follow the below online discussion rules as well as the 2026 Ontario Tech University Child & Youth Programming Code of Conduct.

    1. Be safe
      • Examples:
        • Do not share personal information
        • Do not click links unless they are posted by the discussion facilitator or moderator
    2. Be kind
      • Examples:
        • No bullying, discrimination, or harassment
        • No harmful "jokes"
    3. Be respectful
      • Examples:
        • No explicit speech
        • Respect other people, their feelings, and ideas
    4. Be a good listener
      • Examples:
        • Listen to discussion, facilitators, and moderators
        • No spamming or all caps in the chat
    5. Be inclusive
      • Examples:
        • Give everyone a chance to speak
        • Create a safe environment for everyone
    6. Be relevant
      • Examples:
        • Keep conversation relevant to discussion topics
        • No advertising and/or promotion
        • No argumentative speech

    *Examples are not an exhaustive list. 

  • Technology requirements & specifications

    Technology requirements for virtual camps vary and are specified in each camp description. Participants are responsible for reading this information and ensuring they meet the minimum technology requirements as well as they can prior to the start of camp. Please note that loaned school board equipment cannot be modified.

    A stable internet or data connection, webcam, and microphone are required for all virtual camps.

    Minimum computer standards apply to our virtual camps. See below for details:

    A list of minimum computer standards for virtual camps participation.
    Operating System Windows Mac
    OS Version Windows 10 or 11* Mac OS version 10.15 or higher*
    CPU

    Intel: Core i5/i7/i9, >1.5 GHz

    AMD: Ryzen 5/7/8, >1.5 GHz

    Intel: Core i5/i7/i9, >1.5 GHz

    M Series: M1/M2, >1.5 GHz
    RAM 16 GB recommended
    Storage 250 GB minimum, Recommended 50 GB open space
    Graphics Integrated graphics or better
    Network Wireless Network (WiFi) capabilities
    Antivirus Recommended; Windows Defender is available at no extra cost Not required

    *Please ensure the latest software updates have been installed prior to the start of camp.

  • Physical material requirements
    Where relevant, physical materials may be required for virtual camps. If applicable, a materials list will be provided to registrants prior to the start of a virtual camp.
  • Supervision and support

    During a virtual camp session, parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their child(ren).

    Some adult support (or support from an older sibling) may be needed to start the daily session for younger campers. Counsellors will then provide the support during the camp activities. Depending on the camper age and ability, additional support may be required by an adult and/or older sibling. 

    Virtual camps can be attended from a variety of locations. During virtual camps, camp staff will reference the Camper Location, Parent/guardian 1, Parent/guardian 2, and Emergency Contact information provided at the time of registration for the purposes of addressing any on-screen Code of Conduct violations, issues and/or emergencies, or by police or other law enforcement agents in the event of an incident. We ask that registrants provide accurate Camper Location information at the time of registration. 


If you have any questions or want more information about our policies, please contact us.

Staff are available Monday to Friday during regular business hours. Our office is closed evenings, weekends and holidays. Administrative staff are currently working a hybrid schedule.

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