Unique Summer Learning Experiences in Montreal
Since our beginning over 40 years ago as the McGill Summer School for the Gifted, we have stood at the forefront of immersive, experiential summer learning in Montreal.
We strive to connect, inspire and empower learners and educators in a physically and emotionally safe environment where learning is fun.
Our camps focus on educational Activities, which provide young learners access to high-level equipment and knowledge. An expert educator leads each Activity and creates an environment where children and teens can discover new ideas, skills and interests, all while building lifelong friendships.
Popular Activities
Activities vary from year to year. Popular activities from recent years include:
Main Camp: July Learning Extravaganza!
In our Main Camp in July, Juniors and Explorers engage in a set of exciting workshops that introduce them to arts, science, and more. Working with a variety of specialists, they are challenged to learn new things and discover the Activities that inflame their passions for creation and knowledge.
Intermediate and Senior participants create their own learning schedule using the Activity Catalogue, which becomes available once our instructors are all confirmed (usually after spring break). These older campers select Activities that inspire them, and participate in three Activities throughout the session.
Each session of our Main Camp lasts for two weeks.
August Encore! Specialty Camp Sessions
Starting this year, we are offering smaller sessions of summer activities at the Learning Lab. These new offerings will run for one week each, and focus on specific topics. Learners still have a variety of activities throughout each week and take breaks for exercise outdoors, but the work they do is all focused on each week’s theme, so they can dive deep into learning a particular subject and produce epic projects.
This year’s themes are:
Video Game Design
Fashion & Theatre
Animation, Music & Video Production
Robotics & 3D Printing
Panorama Program
We offer a unique science program for highschool students. These learners meet at McGill campus and their group is led to different sites for exciting educational opportunities. More information below.
Sustainable Gardening Camp
This August, Explorations is partnering with the Depot Community Food Centre to offer a new type of mini-camp that let’s learners explore local urban gardens.
Campers who attend the Sustainable Gardening Camp will experience three different gardens on three different days of the week. This lets them see that not all gardens are the same; that gardens have different layouts and plant species; that the same species of plant varieties grow differently under different conditions; etc. Moving from one garden to the next also provides campers with ample room for applying what they learn in one garden context to another, and seeing first hand how that skill or learning might be applied differently in a new garden landscape.
Learners may enroll for multiple weeks or for just one week (three afternoons). There is a discount for registering for multiple weeks, to encourage learners to return and see the growth of the plants in each garden, witnessing the development from week to week.
Week 1: July 30 – August 1
Week 2: August 06-08
Week 3: August 13-15
Week 4: August 20-22
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Learners meet at the Learning Lab (6591 Somerled) and travel to local garden.
Junior Program
Junior Program
Explorer Program
Explorer Program
Intermediate/Senior Program
Intermediate/Senior Program
Creator Program
Hosted at the Learning Lab
Creator Program
Panorama Program
Panorama Program
Young Leader Program
Young Leader Program
Key Information
Daily Camp Schedule
- 8:00-8:30 – Drop-off
- 8:30-3:30: Camp Day
- 3:30-4:00 – Pick-up
- 4:00-6:00 – Extended Care (supplementry fee)
The Main Camp Programs in July take place at Kells Academy, 2290 av. Cavendish.
The Specialty Camp Programs in August take place at the Learning Lab, 6591 Somerled.
The Panorama Program is located on the McGill Campus.
The following pricing is applicable to the 2024 Summer Camp only.
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Specialty Camps in August $375/session
One-week session, activities focused on a specific theme, two age groups (Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-6)
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Main Camp in July $750/session
Two-week session, diverse activities, all ages
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Panorama Program $925/session
Two-week session, activities around the city focused on arts, science, or business, for high-school students ***Registration coming soon***
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Garden Camp $95/session
Three afternoons per week, grades 4-7
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2+ Sessions of Any Camp Offering 10% off
Is there an early drop-off option (before 8:00 AM)?
No, the earliest drop-off time available is 8:00 AM. If you do arrive prior to that time, we will not be able to sign your child in, and we ask that you stay with them until they have been signed in by one of our staff members at 8:00 AM.
What is the late arrival/early dismissal policy?
Late arrival sign-in (after 8:30 AM) will take place at the front office, accessible via the front door at 2290 Cavendish (Kells Campus) or the main door of the Learning Lab campus.
For early dismissals, please send us an e-mail at info@explorationslearning.com stating the name of the camper and dismissal time at least two hours in advance to ensure that your pick-up will be as smooth as possible. If we do not receive advance notice, we cannot guarantee that your child will be ready for pick-up upon your arrival. Since many groups leave the campus for activities during the camp day, it might take time for your child to be brought to you by a staff member. Early dismissals will be at the front office (2290 Cavendish at the Kells campus) or the main door of the Learning Lab campus.
Does Explorations provide a shadowing service?
We do not offer a shadowing service, but we are more than happy to accommodate your child’s shadow if they have one. To ensure a smooth experience for your child, please send us an e-mail in advance letting us know that your child will have a shadow.
If you have any other questions regarding accessibility and accommodation, please send us an e-mail and we will be happy to help. We are committed to making Explorations a happy, safe and inclusive camp experience for all.
What level of English does my child need to participate?
Our teachers are trained to cater to many different levels of English, but some Activities are advanced and require at least basic conversational English to follow and participate in. If you are unsure of an activities requirements, please contact us at info@explorationslearning.com and we’ll be happy to advise you.
Is Explorations a nut-free camp?
Yes, Explorations is a nut-free camp, as part of our commitment to make camp a safe experience for all. We require that all campers and staff bring in nut-free lunches. In the case of that policy being broken, we will confiscate the nut-containing product and provide a nut-free alternative.
If your child’s lunch has any non-labelled nut-free alternatives (Wowbutter, etc.), please include a small note in the lunch stating that to remove the risk of their lunch being replaced.