Family Programs
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Friday, November 3 – “Micro:Bits & Bots” (SD68) @ Country Club Centre
Dates:
November 3, 2023 9:00 AM - 3:00 pm
Location:

Nanaimo Science Studio @ Country Club Centre

Age Range:
6-12
Description:

Let’s learn the basics of coding with this fun one-day Pro-D camp!  Kids will use our Micro:Bit computers and learn how to use drag and drop codes to make simple games, display messages, and more!

This camp is best suited for children who can read independently. 

Lunch/recess will be held outdoors when weather permits, which will include a walk to Long Lake (approximately 15 minutes each way, on side roads).  While this is a primarily indoor camp, students must bring appropriate outerwear for recess/lunch.

Runs from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Families must provide their own snacks and lunches.

Prices:

$70.00 taxes waived

Friday, October 20 – “Creepy Science Camp” (Province-wide Pro-D) @ Country Club Centre
Dates:
October 20, 2023 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location:

Nanaimo Science Studio @ Country Club Centre

Age Range:
6-12
Description:

With Halloween nearing, what better time to explore the science of creepy crawly creatures, the science behind darkness and fluorescence, and brewing up fun science chemical reactions!

Lunch/recess will be held outdoors when weather permits, which will include a walk to Long Lake (approximately 15 minutes each way, on side roads).  While this is a primarily indoor camp, students must bring appropriate outerwear for recess/lunch.

Runs from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Families must provide their own snacks and lunches.

Prices:

$70.00 taxes waived

Friday, October 20 – “Outstanding Oceans!” (Province-wide Pro-D) @ Beban Park Social Centre
Dates:
October 20, 2023 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location:

Beban Park Social Centre

Age Range:
6-12
Description:

Let’s dive in to the wonder water-filled world!  Children will learn about our oceans, their zones, creatures found in our marine waters with a special focus on whales!

Games, crafts, and other activities will provide hands-on learning opportunities during this fun Pro-D camp.

Lunch/recess will be held outdoors when weather permits, which will include time at the Beban Park Playground.

Prices:

$70.00 taxes waived

September 12 – “Surprising Shores & Radical Reefs” K-3
Dates:
September 12, 2023 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location:

Sebastion Beach, Lantzville

Age Range:
Kindergarten - Grade 3 or Grades 4-7
Description:

In this program, learners will investigate the incredible creatures and features of our shores and ocean reefs.

Prices:

$18 per workshop

September 19 – “Boundless Botany” (Trees pt. 1) K-3
Dates:
September 19, 2023 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location:

Bowen Park Duck Pond

Age Range:
Kindergarten - Grade 3
Description:

In Part 1 of this two-part program, learners will be introduced to botany, the study of plants, and review the amazing features of trees including their role in carbon capture through photosynthesis, preventing erosion, and their other valuable features to animals and people.

Prices:

$18 per workshop

September 26 – The Great Garry Oak (Trees pt. 2)
Dates:
September 26, 2023 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location:

Location TBC (likely Harewood Plains)

Age Range:
Kindergarten - Grade 3
Description:

In Part 2 of this two-part program, learners will focus their knowledge about trees and explore the Garry Oak, a native and endangered species found in a small range in the Pacific Northwest.  We will learn about First People’s use and cultivation of Garry Oak ecosystems

Prices:

$18 per workshop

October 24 & 31 – “Rocking Raptors!” (K-3; 2-week program)
Dates:
October 24, 2023 9:00 - 10:00 AM & October 31, 2023 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Location:

Pipers’ Lagoon Park (October 24)

The Raptors Centre, Duncan (October 31)

Age Range:
Kindergarten - Grade 3
Description:

In week 1, children will become familiar with the various species of raptors that live in the Vancouver Island region, and their physical adaptations making them excellent hunters.

In week 2, all our homeschooling families will be gathering to visit The Raptors in Duncan, BC for a private tour of the facility followed by a flight demonstration of several birds.

Please note the time (afternoon) for our visit to The Raptors.  The registered student’s admission to The Raptors is included in this program fee.

Parents wishing to accompany their children will need to purchase tickets separately, as will any preschool siblings (children under 4 are free).

The Raptors visit is a joint program with our Intermediate students (Grade 4-7).

As usual, transportation is not provided for these programs.

Prices:

$40 for both weeks; parent admission to The Raptors is an additional cost.

October 3 – “Embracing Ecosystems & Caring for Conservation” K-3
Dates:
October 3, 2023 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location:

Location TBA (likely Linley Valley Park)

Age Range:
Kindergarten - Grade 3
Description:

In this program, learners will develop their understanding of ecosystems, the importance of preserving natural areas, and the roles that people can play in caring for the environment.

Prices:

$18 per workshop

October 17 – “Wild Wetlands & Bustling Bogs” K-3
Dates:
October 17, 2023 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location:

Buttertubs Marsh (entrance by Bowen Road)

Age Range:
Kindergarten - Grade 3
Description:

In this program, learners will explore wetlands and bogs as unique ecosystems rich with biodiversity.  We will observe the local and introduced species and discuss the invasive plants and animals that can put these biomes at risk.

Prices:

$18 per workshop

VMAC presents Saturday Morning Science (June 2022)
Dates:
June 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2022 10:30 AM -12:00 PM
Location:

Nanaimo Science Studio @ Country Club Centre

Age Range:
6-12
Description:

VMAC Air Innovated has generously sponsored this 4-week series for children to design, build and get very creative!  With the help of our Outreach Educators, children will take part in activities associated with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

This is a drop-off program!

Prices:

$20 total for all 4 weeks – thank you VMAC for sponsoring this program!

Typical Daily Schedule
9:00am
Drop-off and free play
9:30am
Introduction
9:45am
Activity
10:00am
Snack (outdoor time dependent on location)
10:30am
Activity
12:00pm
Lunch (outdoor time)
12:45pm
Activity
2:45pm
Clean-up and pack-up
3:00pm
Pick-up time
Safety Policies

Ratios are no more than 10 campers to 1 Camp Leader. Camp Leaders work in pairs, additional Leaders and volunteer teenagers do not count towards our ratios.

Camp Leaders have had criminal records checks, and must be fully vaccinated. At least one of each pair of leaders will have active first aid certification.

All participants must be in good health to take part in programs. Please contact us if your child is sick.

Questions may be directed to info@nanaimoscience.org

Prices

5-Day camps are priced at $328 per week (taxes waived).
4-Day camps are priced at $263 per week (taxes waived).
Individual Day Camps (when offered) are $70 per day (taxes waived).

Stay & Play

For certain programs, “Stay & Play Time” time will be available.  This optional time will be from 3-5pm. at an additional cost of $20 per day per child.  Pre-registration is required online. Registration is available by the day, you do not need to register for the whole week.

Please note:

  • Stay & Play is only open to children registered in the program offered that day.
  • Limited spaces are available.
  • Stay & Play will be cancelled if there are no registrants one week prior to the start of camp.
Program Policies

Participation: At Nanaimo Science, we offer a variety of activities to support learning and exploration for all children. If you have questions about whether a program is right for your child, please contact us. We are committed to working with families to reduce barriers to participation wherever possible.

Nanaimo Science reserves the right to expel any participant, without refund of fees, who behaves inappropriately, is disruptive to other participants, volunteers or staff, or becomes a danger to themselves or others.

Cancellation, Withdrawal and Refunds:

Customer cancellations or changes must be requested in writing.  Any change will be subject to a $25 administrative fee for each child/registration.
Cancellations/withdrawals requests submitted 14 days or more prior to the program start will be eligible for a full refund, less the administrative fee.
Cancellations/withdrawals requests submitted 7-13 days prior to the program start will be eligible for a 50% refund, less the administrative fee.
Cancellations/withdrawals requests with less than 7 days notice will not be eligible for any refund.
There are no pro-rated program fees for days absent from a registered program.
Nanaimo Science reserves the right to cancel a program one week prior to the start date, and will refund all fees for a cancelled program.

Punctuality: Nanaimo Science will not assume responsibility for children before or after camp or after “Stay & Play” if a child has been pre-registered for “Stay & Play” (when available).  “Stay & Play” is only available for week-long camps during the Summer.  A $25 late pick-up fee may be charged. Repeated late pick-ups can result in cancelled participation without refund.

Images/Media: Photos and videos taken during summer camps are used for Nanaimo Science promotional materials, publications and advertisements. Please note, we never publish children’s names. Parents/guardians may request no photos or videos be taken of their children.
Please also be aware that because we will use Google Drive and Google Photo to store photos, and because Google stores data outside of Canada, the photos would be subject to Google’s data management and privacy policies, not protected by Canadian privacy legislation,  and may be accessed by the foreign government/s in accordance with its/their laws (see this site for more information).

Hey Parents!

Nanaimo Science offers a wide range of activities aimed at children from infancy to Grade 7.  Check out our school break camps, Pro-D day camps and workshops, and Homeschool supports!