Registering for Camp

 

How do I register for Bright Lights in the Lab? 

 

Please visit our online registration portal via our website, www.camps.utschools.ca/bright-lights

 

Do you accept campers with special needs?

 

The Bright Lights in the Lab program does accept campers with special needs. We encourage parents to be in touch with us prior to registration in order to discuss the details of each child’s needs. We want to ensure we can accommodate individual needs before families make the commitment.  Please contact our camp administrator mdaley@utschools.ca for more information.

 

What if I have to cancel my child’s registration?

 

Cancellation is possible until April 1, 2017.  Regardless of your date of registration, no refunds will be given following April 1, 2017.

 

Who is the audience?

 

Bright Lights in the Lab has been developed over the last 5 years for students who have a keen curiosity about science, particularly neuroscience.  Since the program began, over 200  students from across the GTA have participated. We have also hosted international students from the US and China.

 

The completion of this program does not result in a credit.  Our camp provides an enriched experience for students who already excel in this subject.

 

Applying for Scholarship and/or Financial Assistance

 

What if I can’t afford the camp fees?

 

Bright Lights in the Lab is a collaboration between UTS and the Firefly Foundation.  Since 2013 we have offered full scholarships and/or financial assistance to students who have demonstrated an interest in science but lack the financial resources to attend our camp.  This program is available in 2017 to students who qualify.  Please find out more and view our application here. (http://www.camps.utschools.ca/bright-lights)

 

How do I apply for financial assistance?

 

Please visit our website for full details. http://www.camps.utschools.ca/bright-lights

 

Preparing for Camp

 

What should my child bring to Bright Lights?

 

We recommend students dress appropriately for the weather.  The majority of time will be spent indoors, but hats and sunscreen should be a consideration for lunchtime, breaks, and field trips to the University of Toronto.  Please do not bring valuables to camp as we are not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

 

Is there a lunch option at camp?

 

Yes.  Students have to option of purchasing a lunch plan at registration.  They will be escorted across the street to Master’s Buffeteria, which is a cafeteria style restaurant associated with the University of Toronto resident, TARTU. Students may choose from five home style meals, which change every day, or they may choose something from the a la carte menu.  Lunch includes a small pop or juice.

 

There are several take out and/or restaurant locations within 2 blocks of the school if students prefer to buy their own lunch daily.  Otherwise they should pack a lunch (which should be nut-free to ensure the safety of all campers).

 

Breaks & Snacks

 

We provide a break each morning and afternoon and supply, at no additional charge, a choice of fresh fruit or cereal bars/treats.

 

Students may bring their own snacks to supplement this, but we ask that they be nut-free to ensure the safety of all campers.

 

Field Trips

 

Field trips take place during the course of camp and you will receive full details of these activities in the Pre-Camp Communications.  This will include a permission slip to grant us permission to include your child on the trip and your decision regarding end of day dismissal (which can be made onsite at the location of the field trip or from UTS).

Parent Communication

 

Bright Lights in the Lab will send email communications to confirm registration, alert you to payment schedules (if payment plan is selected) and will also provide a pre-camp email in the week prior to camp that will provide you with a full schedule of activities.

 

We hope you will also visit our social media (https://www.facebook.com/firefly.staybright) to view photos and articles published throughout camp.

 

Can I visit my child’s program?

 

Yes.  We hope that you will join us on the afternoon of July 14th to tour the camp and see what your child has accomplished at Bright Lights in the Lab.

What if my child loses something?

 

We are not responsible for lost or stolen articles, however, please contact us and we will do our best to search for anything misplaced in our labs/classrooms. Please do not permit your child to bring valuables to camp.

 

How big are your camper groups?

 

Advanced: Maximum 21

Intermediate: Maximum 42

Junior: Maximum 18

 

What training does your camp staff have?

 

Our camp is directed by Anand Mahadevan, a teacher at UTS and our staff includes:

• science teachers

• recent graduate teachers from OISE

• researchers from U of T/Department of Physiology

 

These teachers are assisted by:

• undergraduates from U of T/Department of Physiology

• UTS Lab assistants

 

The teacher/student ratio in the lab/classrooms are approx. 1:5

What is your camper code of conduct?

 

University of Toronto Schools (“UTS”) is an environment where staff and students can enjoy learning and law abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.growing in an atmosphere where people care, have a sense of pride and strive for excellence. UTS is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in the school community. With this right comes the responsibility to be

 

The Code of Conduct sets out clear standards of behaviour. All members of the school community are expected to be courteous and considerate, to use appropriate language and behaviour, and to show respect for the rights and property of others. The standards of behaviour apply not only to UTS students, but also to all individuals involved in the school community – parents or guardians, volunteers, teachers and other staff members – whether they are on school property or at school authorized events or activities.

 

The entire Code of Conduct is listed during the registration process for families to agree to as a condition of registration.

Drop off and Pick up

 

When do I drop off my child?

 

Camp runs from 9:30 – 3:30 and the school is open at 8:30 daily.  Should you wish to arrange for extended care from 8:30 – 9:30 or 3:30 – 5:00 this is an option during registration.  

 

If you child is travelling to camp via TTC they should exist the Spadina Subway station.  The school is located at the south-east corner of Bloor Street West & Spadina.

 

What if I need to pick up my child during the day?

 

Please contact our main office staff at 416-978-3212.

 

What if I’m late to pick up my child?

 

If you will be unavoidably late picking up your camper, please contact the office at 416-978-3212. Participants who have not been picked up by 5:00 p.m. will be brought to the office to wait. Late fees will apply.

 

Can my child travel to and from camp on their own?

 

Yes.  

 

If you child is travelling to camp via TTC they should exist the Spadina Subway station.  The school is located at the south-east corner of Bloor Street West & Spadina.

 

You will receive a full schedule of activities in the pre-camp email with specific information about field trips.  This communication will also included a permission slip if you wish your child to be dismissed from the location of the field trip.  If you do not grant your permission they will return with a teacher to UTS and be dismissed from the school.

 

Camper Absences or Illness

 

What if my child is going to be absent from camp?

 

Please advise the camp office by calling 416-978-3212 or by email to camps@utschools.ca

 

What if my child becomes ill at camp?

 

We require contact information from all parents/guardians prior to the commencement of our camp.  In the event your child becomes ill,  we will contact you using the information you have provided.

 

What if my child needs medication at camp?

 

We do not offer medications at UTS. If a child has a pre-existing condition that requires them to take medication prescribed by a physician, they may do so during the scheduled time in the main office. Students who have prescribed medicine should leave the daily doses in the main office for ease of access and to avoid loss, theft or accidental ingestion by another child.

 

Have a question that is not answered here? Please email camps@utschools.ca