Starting July 5, ASUS Camps, a student-run summer camp under Queen’s University’s Arts & Science Undergraduate Society, will be welcoming campers ages four to eight with a virtual version of its traditional camp programming.
The summer camp will span eight weeks and host an unique theme each week, including “Under the Sea” and “Masterchef Jr.”
When registrations initially opened on June 14, ASUS Camps set the price at $75 per child per week. In an effort to improve financial accessibility and reach as many children as possible, prices have since been reduced to $15 per child per week.
This price includes a camp kit containing supplies for over 10 crafts and activities, 10 hours of virtual group programming (including songs, crafts, science experiments, movement activities, and a special guest), and two one-on-one academic support sessions that may optionally be used for additional recreational activities.
In an interview with YGK News, Camps Business Director Julia Andersen and Camps Programming Director Georgia Petrina shared their enthusiasm for the summer to come.
“One of the things I’m most excited for is the special guests we’re bringing in each week,” Andersen said. “[With virtual camp programming] we can bring in people with cool jobs and broad ranges of experiences from all across Ontario, not just in and around the Kingston area.”
“We spent days building craft kits and we’re excited to bring that to families and add guided creativity to their homes,” Petrina added.
Petrina also highlighted the flexibility offered by virtual camp programming.
“There are hands-on activities that families are able to complete at their own pace, on their own time,” she said. “[Families can] slot our programming into their already existing schedule.”
“While it’s not the full, typical summer camp experience that people might be used to, I think this program is really great because it allows children and families more structure throughout their days,” Andersen said. “It also gives [children] a chance to connect with others and get academic support after an unconventional school year.”
Andersen and Petrina noted that ASUS Camps 2021 is open to families across Ontario, though families who require shipping for camp kits must register at least 10 days before the start of camp to ensure the kits will arrive on time. Local participants who do not require shipping may register until the Thursday before the start of camp.
