Summer Camp

What is BrainWorx? What will my child be doing?

Brainworx, run in partnership with Laurier’s Psychology and Kinesiology Departments, gives children the chance to participate in our research and training studies. A summer camp with a brainy twist, Brainworx campers will engage in memory, language, emotion, and auditory studies, and experience the exciting world of Virtual Reality and EEG. Campers will enjoy summer sports, craft activities, and special guests.

Can you tell me more about the research component of BrainWorx?

For the research component, we will ask you to read and fill out an informed consent form, which will provide you with additional details about any potential studies your child may be asked to participate in. We will also ask you to fill out some questionnaires about your child. While the research component is not required, the research studies are structured as games, and are quite fun for the children. If at any point your child is not having fun completing the research component, they will be returned to the main camp room.

In addition to your consent, we will also ask for your child's assent to participate in the research activities. Participation is always voluntary. If at any point your child no longer wishes to take part or is not enjoying the research activities, they will be returned to the main camp group. While not participating in the research component, campers will continue to enjoy the regular BrainWorx camp programming with their fellow campers!

What are the week(s) that BrainWorx is running?

Week one: July 5-9, 2027
Week two: July 12–16, 2027
Week three: July 19–23, 2027

What are the age groups at BrainWorx?

BrainWorx welcomes campers aged 4*-12! Campers are split into two different camp rooms based on age. Typically the groups are split into:

Group 1: 4-7 year olds
Group 2: 8-12 year olds

*must be able to fully use the bathroom independently.

How do I register?

To begin registration, complete the survey (link will be posted in early 2027)
Once you have completed the registration survey, a member of our BrainWorx organization team will reach out to you with the payment link to secure your BrainWorx registration.

Can I register my child for multiple weeks?

Yes. We have the option to register your child for 2 weeks of BrainWorx at a discounted rate. Maximum enrollment is set to 2 weeks.

Do you provide before- and after-camp care?

Yes. We provide before-camp care from 8-9am, and after-camp care from 4-5pm. The before-camp care is $15/week, and the after-camp care is $15/week. If you require both before- and after-camp care, this is $30 total per week in addition to regular registration fees.

Will meals be provided?

Meals will not be provided by BrainWorx. We will have designated lunch and snack times where kids can eat food that is brought from home. Any food brought from home must be nut-free, as BrainWorx is a nut-free camp. Please note that while we are a nut free camp, the buildings we use are not.

Does BrainWorx provide inclusion support? / Does BrainWorx accept inclusion support?

Please note that, due to staffing, we are unable to provide dedicated 1:1 support for individual campers. However, we warmly welcome any inclusion support that accompanies a child to BrainWorx. During registration, you will be asked whether your child will be attending with an inclusion support worker, along with some additional information about that individual.

While we cannot provide individual support staff, we do offer a variety of accommodations to help campers succeed. These include small group sizes (approximately one camp leader for every 5–7 campers, in addition to members of our leadership team), accessibility supports such as noise-reducing headphones, quiet spaces, and sensory items, as well as a consistent and predictable daily schedule. Our staff receive training in supporting neurodiverse campers, with a focus on transitions, visual schedules, and adapting activities to create an inclusive and positive camp experience.

When registering, please share any additional information that will help us best support your child. This may include areas of camp that could be challenging, strategies that work well at home or school, sensory or communication needs, or any other accommodations that help your child feel comfortable and successful in our programming.

Our team may contact you if we require additional information or clarification. We value collaborating with families to understand each camper's unique needs and prepare the best possible experience before camp begins. Requests related to inclusion support are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to help ensure each child receives the appropriate supports for a safe, positive, and successful camp experience.

What should my child bring to BrainWorx?

Here is a list of items that we recommend bringing to a day at BrainWorx:
- A packed lunch as well as snacks to be enjoyed throughout the day. There will be one lunch break and two snack breaks each day. All lunches and snacks must be nut free.
- Bring a water bottle, please make sure your child’s water bottle and lunch are labelled!
- Running shoes, for our active activities.
- Sunscreen for outdoor activities.
- A change of clothes if your child is prone to bathroom incidents.
- A sweater (the building can be heavily air conditioned).
- Any medication that your child may need to take during the day.
- On Tuesdays & Thursdays - A swimsuit and towel for the pool, and any swimming accessories such as goggles, ear plugs, flip flops, etc. Lifejackets are provided by the pool.

We ask that your child does not bring their personal electronic devices (e.g., iPad, nintendo switch, etc.). If you would prefer your child to have a cell phone if you need to reach them, we ask that the phone be kept within your child’s bag through the duration of the camp unless needed.

How does Swimming work at BrainWorx?

Swimming takes place at Laurier's Athletic Complex (AC) and is supervised by certified Laurier lifeguards, with BrainWorx staff in the pool providing additional supervision and support. Campers under the age of 7 are required to wear a lifejacket, which will be provided by the AC. Campers aged 7 and older may complete the facility's swim test to determine whether a lifejacket is required.

As swimming typically takes place first thing on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, please send your child to camp already wearing their swimsuit underneath their clothes. This helps us get to the pool and begin our swim time as quickly as possible.

Please also send your child with:
- A change of clothes for after swimming
- A towel
- Any personal swim accessories they may need, such as goggles, ear plugs, flip-flops, or a swim cap