• Gr. 1-3 Camps Week 1
• Gr. 1-3 Camps Week 2
• Gr. 4-6 Camps Week 1
• Gr. 4-6 Camps Week 2
• Gr. 6-9 Camps Week 2
• Gr. 7-9 Camps Week 1
• Gr. 7-9 Camps Week 2

Grades 1-3: Week One (July 8 – 12)

Body Blast! – Amy Speck-Miles (half day, afternoon)  CAMP IS FULL                                       

Did you know that food will get to your stomach even if you’re standing on your head?  You and a giraffe have the same number of bones in your necks – I didn’t know that!  Can you guess the speed of a sneeze?  Experiments, optical illusions, physical challenges, and interactive multi-media activities are all part of the fun.  Learn how the body functions, from cool to gross!  Explore this incredible machine as you learn about its systems.  This camp is sure to be a blast!   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented inprevious Body Blast! LEAP camps.

Computer Capers–Trish Morgan (half day, morning) CAMP IS FULL

Do you love using computers?  Would you like to learn all kinds of cool new things you can do on your computer?  Then this camp is for you!  We'll use easy new software and online tools to create comics and animations, make beautiful pictures and designs, invent superheroes and talking avatars, play some great new games, and much more.  Everything we do will be shared on our Computer Capers website that we'll create together!  Come and join us for an exciting week of computer challenges and fun .    ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous Computer Capers! LEAP camps.

Funky Fairy Tales – Katey Stott (half day, morning)

Enjoy a new twist on well-known fairy tales!  We’ll explore popular stories and take them to the next level.  Go from very tiny (Princess and the Pea) to very large (Jack and the Beanstalk).  What would it look like inside a giant’s home?  Problem – you have a giant turnip.  Now, how do you move it?  You’ll need to use a bit of science magic to make it happen.  And just what does this have to do with fairy tales?  Peter and the Wolf will give you a look into the world of music.  Build “The Gingerbread Man” a new home and enjoy some yummy treats at the same time.  Welcome to the adventure!

Lego Robotics – Kevin Watt (half day, afternoon)  CAMP IS FULL                            

Two of our favourite things - Lego and robots - can be found in this camp! Get ready to combine both of these things to make Lego come alive! We will have the opportunity to build animals, sports players, and vehicles. Through simple programming and Lego WeDo kits, we will teach our Legos how to bust a move!  Campers will share a building kit with another camper.  Note: All Lego creations will stay at camp!   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous LEGO Robotics LEAP camps.

Grades 1-3: Week Two (July 15 – 19)

Computer Capers –Trish Morgan (half day, morning)                      

Do you love using computers?  Would you like to learn all kinds of cool new things you can do on your computer?  Then this camp is for you!  We'll use easy new software and online tools to create comics and animations, make beautiful pictures and designs, invent superheroes and talking avatars, play some great new games, and much more.  Everything we do will be shared on our Computer Capers website that we'll create together!  Come and join us for an exciting week of computer challenges and fun.   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous Computer Capers! LEAP camps.

Globetrotting Around the World – Amanda Vine (half day, afternoon)       

Would you like to travel the world in 5 days? Then join us at the Globetrotting camp!  We will travel to different continents and learn about their countries.  Explore different traditions and customs through activities,crafts, games, and food. Campers will learn about passports, rainforests, the Eiffel Tower and Chinese dragons.  Hop onboard as we trot around the world!   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous Globetrotting Around the World LEAP camps.

Lego Robotics – Heather Harland (half day, morning)  CAMP IS FULL                          

Two of our favourite things - Lego and robots - can be found in this camp! Get ready to combine both of these things to make Lego come alive! We will have the opportunity to build animals, sports players, and vehicles. Through simple programming and Lego WeDo kits, we will teach our Legos how to bust a move! Campers will share a building kit with another camper.  Note: All Lego creations will stay at camp!   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous LEGO Robotics LEAP camps.

Vous pouvez le faire! Camp de theater français– Colleen Braganca (half day, afternoon)

Drame, jeux, français - tous ensemble dans un camp! Les campeurs auront la chance de faire l'expérience française en profondeur car ils agissent, chanter, danser et créer leur propre pièce de théâtre français. Le dernier jour du camp, la classe sera transformée en un cadre Paris campeurs effectue leur jeu avec leurs familles dans le public. Voulez-vous utiliser votre imagination et de prendre confiance en vos capacités en français? Dire oui, parce que nous savons que vous pouvez le faire!

Drama, games, French – all together in one camp!   Campers will have the chance to experience French in depth as they act, sing, dance and create their own French play.  On the final day of camp, the classroom will be transformed into a Paris setting as campers perform their play with their families in the audience.  Would you like to use your imagination and gain confidence in your French language abilities?  Say yes because we know that you can do it!

Grades 4-6: Week One (July 8 – 12)

Ancient Egyptian Adventures – Heather Kring and Heather Pecore (full day)

Take a trip back in time and go on an adventure to Ancient Egypt!  Decode hieroglyphics, test your skill in the Ancient Egyptian Games, and save your community from the flooding of the Nile.  In just five days, you can uncover long hidden secrets through excavation, build a machine to protect your treasure, create gifts to please even the pickiest of Pharaohs and solve puzzles to unlock the mysteries hidden within the pyramids.  Your week of discovery will be wrapped up with a traditional Egyptian celebration.  If you are an adventure seeker who is fearless and loves to learn about times gone by, this is the camp for you!

Circus Science – Leah Payerl (full day)

Calling all ringleaders, acrobats, clowns and circus animals! Have you ever wondered how tightrope walkers manage to keep their balance? Or how “round-up” rides at the circus keep the participants from falling out? Well, step right up and enter the big top tent of science! We will have a jam-packed week full of discovery, role play, creativity, and engineering design that will provide you with a place to explore the answers to some of your circus questions! We will learn about elasticity, energy, forces, gravity, simple machines, chemistry experiments and centrifugal forces as we explore the “behind the scenes” world of the circus!   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous Circus Science LEAP camps.

Computers and Beyond – Trish Morgan (half day, afternoon) CAMP IS FULL

Do you love using computers?  Then we hope you'll join us at this challenging and exciting technology-focused camp!  We'll explore a wide variety of new software and online tools to do computer animations, photo and video editing, 'green-screening', create amazing designs and art projects, make avatars and comics, play some cool new games, and much more.  The best part is  –  you'll make your own website on the first day,  then learn how to save and link all of your great projects on your own site!  Come and join us for an enriching, fun-filled camp.  Your new found skills will take you to the world of Computers and Beyond!   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous Computers and Beyond LEAP camps.

Covered in Chocolate – Margo Delaine (full day)                               

Do you think chocolate should be a food group? Can you imagine a life without chocolate? In this camp we will explore the history of chocolate and where it comes from. You will learn about your tongue’s taste receptors and why chocolate tastes so good, and put on your taste-tester’s hat to compare varieties of chocolate. We will discuss the social justice issues of cocoa harvesting and fair trade. Bring your creativity as you design and market an original chocolate product. Throw in some logic and sequencing puzzles, thinking games, and creative problem solving challenges, and this is one sweet camp   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous Covered in Chocolate LEAP camps.

Deep Sea Explorers – Celia Anand (full day)

A wonderful world of nature and adventure awaits you as you explore the treasures of the oceans.  Learn about the amazing creatures in the waters and on the shores.  How can we make sure that these treasures are not damaged by our actions?   Come along for a visit to a local lake and learn how it is being cared for and improved.  And speaking of treasure, explore the world of pirates from past and present day.  Use their tools of maps and compasses to chart the landscape around you.  A whole new world awaits you on the high seas!

Let’s Make Some Music – Tyler Siroky (half day, morning)

Beat, clap, sing!  Do this and more as you create your own music with your own personal style.  Research projects, composition, performance and building your own instrument will be some of the activities you’ll be part of.  Create a camp rap, design art inspired by music and pound out the beat and melody on buckets and boomwhackers.  Use physics to answer musical questions about pitch and how we hear sounds.  Explore the world around you as you create original soundscapes.  No prior musical training is required – just bring along a desire to learn, share and make some music!

Grades 4-6: Week Two (July 15 – 19)

Crack the Case! – Kerri Vandervoort (full day) CAMP IS FULL

Always dreamed of being a clever detective, nabbing criminals and solving seemingly impossible mysteries?  If you chose to accept this assignment, then this is your chance!  As special agents, campers will investigate crime scenes, gather evidence, analyze the clues….and crack the case!  By examining suspects, dusting for fingerprints, and examining their findings, campers will solve mysteries using math, science and good old detective logic.  Put your talents to use as you create your own cases through comic strips and movie scenes.  Super sleuths, LEAP Agency needs your help!

Genes to Germs – Deanna Reinhart (full day)

What makes me unique?  Why does food taste the way it does and how do I digest it?  What can a tennis ball tell me about my heart? Explore the human body from genes to germs and get to know yourself better!  Conduct fun experiments (extract DNA from split peas!), create edible (yes) models of DNA, find out what “the knee bone is connected to”!   You are what you eat so campers will learn about the nutritional value of their daily diet.  Use slime (yuck) to learn how the body defends against the invasion of germs.  All aboard for a scientific journey from Genes to Germs!

Pharaohs, Pi and Gladiators  – Megan Garcia (full day)

Are you intrigued by mythology? Do Egyptian mummies fascinate you? Did you know that there were over 20 different types of gladiators? If you like exploring the ancient world through archaeology, then this is our camp.  Together we will explore the cultures of Egypt, Greece and Rome through research, artifacts and games. And don’t miss the chance to find out what CSI has to do with King Tut….***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous Pharaohs, Pi and Gladiators LEAP camps.

Wild Water Week – Leah Payerl (full day)

Turn on the tap for a drink, go for a swim and wash the dog.  Water is always available, right?  But did you know that close to one billion people have no safe water to drink?  Why is there not enough for everyone?  This is a BIG problem and we need you to help us find some answers.  We’ll use skills in science, engineering technology and model building to learn about big developments such as solar distillation, super-absorbent polymers (where you least expect them) and how they relate to  some of the world’s biggest water challenges.  In the news, we hear about the problem of oil spills.  At this camp, you can be part of the solution.  Pack your hardhats and beakers – you are in for a wild week of water experiments, exploration and engineering.

Grades 6-9: Week Two (July 15 – 19)

Calling All Webslingers! – Boys’ Edition – Kevin Watt (full day)                   

If you have ever thought of making your own website, tinkering with programming or consider yourself a hot shot coder, then do we have a camp for you!  You will learn how to make your own facebook-like interactive website using web languages and data bases.  If you’re new to programming, you’ll learn about the basics of HTML, if statements, for/while loops and making database tables.  More advanced users will learn how to make photo galleries and upload video.  You’ll learn how to use CSS to make your website looks its best and how to make a relational database.  Come “sling” your way through the code behind the internet!

From Page to Stage – Steve Sherry (half day, morning)

Find your inner playwright and tap your performing powers as you make the jump from Page to Stage!  Campers will explore mime, tableau, improvisation and other theatrical approaches as they work in a combination of group sizes.   Build your own sets in miniature to get a feel for different types of performance space.  The next step will be to develop roles, create scenes, write dialogue and design choreography in preparation for a final performance on the last day of camp.  To LEAP or not to LEAP – there is no question!  Come and join us.

Scream Machine – K’Nex Amusement Parks and Roller Coasters – Jason Flis (half day, afternoon)

What do half pipes, ball ramps, inclined planes and clothoid loops have to do with roller coasters? How are roller coasters designed to be both safe and exhilarating? Have you ever been at an amusement park and thought, “I could have designed a better ride!”?  These questions and more will be answered in this hands-on camp where you will learn about the science behind amusement parks and roller coasters.  Energy, gravity, inertia, mathematics, Newton’s First law of Motion, adrenalin and vertigo all play a part.   Learn about the history of roller coasters starting back in the 1600’s and find out how today’s builders are stretching the limits.  Keep your feet on the ground but let your imagination soar!  Campers will share K’Nex Amusement Park and Roller Coaster kits.  All creations stay at LEAP camp.   ***NOTE*** The material in this camp is very similar to that presented in previous  K’Nex Roller Coaster Physics LEAP camps. 

Grades 7-9: Week One (July 8 – 12)

Cloud Nine Computing – Susan Watt (full day)

Welcome to Cloud Nine Computing! During this exciting week, we will do all kinds of computer projects using a wide variety of technology applications.  You name it, we’ll try it - building our own websites, authoring blogs, doing photo and
video-editing, creating characters and animations, working on soundtracks, exploring the newest in Google apps and more!  Why ‘Cloud Nine’?  Because everything we do will be created, saved and shared ‘in the cloud’!  If you love exploring new ideas in technology and feel like you’ve always wanted to do this with others who share your passion for all things tech, then come and join us on Cloud Nine!

G.E.N.I.U.S: Girls Exploring New Ideas Using Science - In conjunction with Laurier’s Centre for Women in Science – featuring Faculty members from Laurier's Faculty of Science, Conestoga College and the Perimeter Institute, co-ordinated by a LEAP leader - (full day)

Chemistry, physics, biology and more! G.E.N.I.U.S is an exciting new program designed for future female scientists. Campers will participate in hands-on science demonstrations and activities using lasers and optical devices. Shed light on the universe with telescopes. Be an engineer for a day.   A trip to Waterloo's world famous Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics will provide campers with the rare opportunity to chat with scientists and learn how they gather clues and decode the laws of the universe!  Start thinking about your future and aim for the stars!

 

Grades 7-9: Week Two  (July 15-19)

In Focus – Ken Whytock (full day)

Digital photography has opened new doors to being creative and stretched the limits of visual images.  Since we can see our images right after we take them, LEAP photographers will refine their skills until they shoot like the pros.  But these are not just images – they can tell stories as well.  Through framing, lighting, and photo manipulation, we’ll explore portraits, nature shots, tilt-shifting and using light to your advantage.   Campers will have the chance to participate in discussions, field trips and computer time to edit photos.  Shutters bugs of LEAP, unite!  In order to personalize what you are learning, campers are encouraged to provide their own camera (minimum 3x optical zoom) and computer cables.  Expensive, challenging to operate cameras should be avoided.  If preferred, LEAP can provide a digital camera for use at the camp.  Please indicate this on the registration form.