LEAP at Home

April 24, 2020

Since 2009, the Faculty of Education has been offering LEAP and LAUNCH summer camps for highly able/gifted youth in the KW community. They are usually held in the first two weeks in July, as well as a program camp called Sensational Saturdays is offered in the Winter. LEAP started in the summer of 2009 with 28 campers, and LAUNCH began in the fall of 2013 with 10 campers. Our programs have grown tremendously since our humble beginnings as summer 2019 LEAP and LAUNCH camps reached 403 campers with an additional 90 in our winter 2020 Sensational Saturday program.

With the current COVID-19 situation and protective measures/extended periods of uncertainty, it is sad to imagine the possibility that LEAP and LAUNCH campers may not be on campus with us this summer. Amidst the uncertainty, we have seen great dedication, flexibility and innovative ideas from educators, parents, families and the community to keep our children engaged and supported during this time. The Faculty of Education has compiled a list of learning resources for educators and parents and the Laurier Community Hub is being kept up to date with information about activities offered by Laurier for the community, including fitness classes and virtual music performances.

Laurier Faculty of Education is working with other outreach and camp programs in the area, closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation, and the recommendations being made by Laurier, Ontario Public Health, and government officials. At this time, we are continuing to plan to run our LEAP and LAUNCH camps in-person this July. In the event of a COVID-19 related closure or cancellation of events for July 2020, parents will be able to receive a full refund.

If we are unable to run our LEAP and LAUNCH camps in person, we are exploring the opportunity to provide LEAP Camps in an online environment, currently known as “LEAP at Home”. Laurier Faculty of Education is striving to create engaging programs that suit the needs of children and families during these uncertain times. To help us with our planning, we are gathering feedback about the methods of delivery and content that would suit your needs and the interests of your children.

We have created a LEAP and LAUNCH Family Community Engagement Survey to gather feedback. If you could fill it out, we would greatly appreciate your time.

If you have any ideas, questions or thoughts about LEAP, LAUNCH, or LEAP at Home, contact us at leap@wlu.ca.