Science Rocks! Where summer sparks curiosity

For kids in grades 4–7, UFV’s Science Rocks! summer day camp is more than just a week out of the house; it’s a hands-on adventure in discovery. Campers create explosive (but still safe!) reactions in real science labs, explore wildlife and rocks, and measure the world around them like true scientists.

Each week-long camp features a unique theme, including: Energy, Engines and Explosions;

Dimensions, Degrees, and Doodads; and Climate, Critters, and Crystals. Campers build, test, and explore while learning in university labs and outdoor spaces. Whether they’re studying critters and crystals or experimenting with energy and forces, the camp shows kids just how much fun science can be. One week, campers even whipped up foamy “elephant toothpaste” — complete with custom-designed bottles — for the camp coordinator’s imaginary pet elephant, Flevin.

Along the way, kids don’t just learn about science — they experience it. Wearing lab coats and goggles, they step into real UFV labs, work with microscopes and measuring tools, and get their hands messy mixing colourful reactions. Outside the lab, they identify local wildlife, hunt for interesting rocks and minerals, and even learn how to measure the height of a tree using angles and shadows. Each activity connects the science to something tangible, sparking curiosity about the world around them.

The camp also fosters friendships and teamwork. Campers work together on experiments, help each other through tricky challenges, and share laughs when things go hilariously wrong (like an overflow of elephant toothpaste). Whether it’s how to make slime, launch a rocket, or build a bridge strong enough to hold weights, they leave each day excited to tell their families what they discovered.

Behind the scenes, the camp is guided by a team of enthusiastic UFV students and instructors who make learning approachable and fun. With patience and creativity, they encourage campers to ask questions, take risks, and think like real scientists.

The best part? The kids love it. One camper summed it up perfectly: “Blowing things up is fun!” A parent added that child will “forever be telling people he went to university at age 9.”

By the end of the week, campers leave feeling smarter, prouder, and already excited for next summer. They gain new friends, unforgettable memories, and a newfound curiosity about the world around them — all in an environment that’s as engaging as it is educational.

At Science Rocks! learning isn’t just cool; it rocks.