One Day Camps

What is BrainWorx? What will my child be doing?

Science Discovery Days are a full-day PD Day experience which takes place in the Wilfrid Laurier University Science Building. On this day, young scientists will have the opportunity to participate in research experiences while learning about the brain and body. Children will get to explore psychology labs, participate in science-related activities, play games, make crafts, engage in special workshops, and engage with their peers.

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 is the age range for PD days at BrainWorx?

5-12 years old.

How do I register?

To begin registration, complete this survey: https://wlu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9LiFxn1I6RFogYK
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 Science Discovery Day registration.

Do you provide before- and after-camp care?

We do not provide before or after care for our one-day camps at this time, however we do offer some flexibility in drop-off and pick-up. Please email us about flexible pick-up/drop off brainworxlaurier@gmail.com.

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. 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.

What should my child bring to BrainWorx Science Discovery Day?

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.

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.