The below information may be subject to change. Please contact us directly at office@thesteamproject.ca if you have questions.
Frequently Asked
The below information may be subject to change. Please contact us
directly at office@thesteamproject.ca if you have questions.
Common Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policies vary depending on the different types of programs we offer. Please use the above tabs to navigate to the cancellation policy for the program you are looking for.
Will my child enjoy this program?
Our programs allow kids to explore a wide range of interests and become comfortable with expressing their creative thinking. Unlike traditional teaching methods, we put fun and engaging experiences with a focus on real-life connections at the heart of our programs.
My child is new to STEM, will the program be too hard for them?
Our programs are designed to enhance kids’ creativity through hands-on learning while adapting lessons so they are age-appropriate. No prior experience with tools is necessary.
In the first class of every session, students start with an orientation on how to use and handle tools/ equipment safely. We ensure our staff are also equipped with proper training. There is also signage placed around the space reminding students of safety precautions.
What is the staff to camper ratio?
For our summer camps, there is a 1 to 4 staff-to-camper ratio
For our in-person Makerpace programs, there is a 1 to 5 staff-to-student ratio.
What are your policies regarding COVID-19?
The STEAM Project will be following the latest guidelines and public health measures provided by the government as they become available.
● Small group cohort sizes
● Hand sanitizer stations placed at every entrance
● At summer camp, we have nursing and wellness staff on-site to provide medical attention, as needed
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
With the Provincial government announcing that COVID-19 vaccines will not be mandatory for children to attend school, it is not a requirement for campers to be vaccinated to attend camp. We will update our families if anything changes.
Masking Policy
Families and staff will make individual decisions on whether to wear masks when they are at camp.
Will my child need to be vaccinated in order to attend programs?
With the Provincial government announcing that COVID-19 vaccines will not be mandatory for children to attend school, we will not require our students/campers to be vaccinated. We will update our families if anything changes.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
We offer sibling discounts for summer camp registrations.
However, sibling discounts are not offered for our in-person courses and school break camps.
Do you still offer virtual programs?
We currently are not offering our weekly virtual courses.
Virtual programs are still available Canada-Wide through programs at schools. Please contact us at office@thesteamproject.ca or visit our School Programs page to learn more.
Do you offer any programs for students with special needs?
We currently do not offer any specialized assistance for students/campers with special needs.
Summer Camps
What is your cancellation policy?
The STEAM Project
Summer Camp 2024 Cancellation Policy
Cancellations and Session Reductions
- There will be no refund for days missed during camp for any reason, unless The STEAM Project decides to close camp or is forced to cease operations;
- Meal Plans and Extended Care fees are non-refundable (and no credit can be provided) after June 20, 2024;
- Please refer to our Cancellation Fee Guide provided below.
Refund exceptions:
- We are unable to confirm a camper’s application – a full refund will be issued;
- Camper illness or injury prior to or during a session that prevents a camper from participating in camp and results in more than 5 consecutive days of absence;
- A 50% credit of camp fees (not including the first 5 days) will be issued at the discretion of the Camp Director.
- Any credit will be valid for summer camp in the same or following year only;
- A written request must be submitted by email to the camp office, accompanied by a doctor’s note.
- Meal plans and extended care fees are fully refundable until June 20, 2024.
Adding Sessions or Changing Session Dates
Adding Sessions: Adding camp sessions within the same season is subject to availability and will be charged at the rate in effect at the time of the addition.
Changing Sessions: Sessions may be swapped within the same season at no extra cost, but are subject to availability. Note: If you had only signed up for session 3 and are making a change to a different single session, the “Session 3-only” discount will be removed and vice-versa.
The STEAM Project reserves the right to change or update our policies and/or programs at any time.
FEE GUIDE – Cancellations and Reduction of Sessions/Weeks
Time of Year | Full Cancellation Fee | Reduction in # of Sessions or Weeks |
Before November 15, 2023 | No Charge | No Charge |
November 15, 2023 – February 29, 2024 | $100 | No Charge |
March 1 – April 30, 2024 | $250/child | $100/session per child |
May 1 – May 31, 2024 | $500/child | $150/session per child |
June 1 – June 30, 2024 | 50% of registration fee | No refund, however, a credit will be given for Summer 2025 less an administration charge of $200.00/session per child. Credit will be calculated based on relevant multisession discount if applicable. |
July/August 2024 | No Refund or Credit | No Refund or Credit |
Do you offer extended care before or after camp hours?
Yes. You have the option to add before and aftercare for an additional cost when you register on CampBrain.
Do you offer meal plans or should we pack a lunch?
We partner with Kid’s Kitchen to offer meal plans to make lunchtime easy. Meal plan options will be available as an add-on (for an additional cost) on CampBrain.
If you decide not to add a meal plan, you should pack a nut-free lunch for your child. This includes:
– Lunch meal
– Two snacks
– Refillable water bottle
Can I add or make changes to my registration after I have already registered?
- Changing or adding session dates: Sessions may be moved within Summer 2024 at no extra cost as long as there is space available. Extending your child(ren)’s number of weeks at camp (example: extending from 2 to 4 weeks) will be subject to availability and will incur the fees that are in effect at the time of change.
- Shortening sessions: Shortening your child(ren)’s enrolment dates (example: shortening your sessions from 3 sessions to 2 sessions) after payment has been made in full will result in a credit for the unattended sessions that can be used for the following camp season. Credits do NOT apply to full cancellations.
- Adding meal plans: Kid’s Kitchen meal plans can be added up to a week before the camp session begins.
- Adding before and after care: Services can be added up to a week before the camp session begins.
Do the facilities have air conditioning?
Yes! Each of our camp locations have air-conditioning in the indoor areas.
Can I enroll all of my children in the same location?
Each of our locations offers programs for students completing specific grades:
Richland Academy (Age 4 – Grade 2)
Richmond Hill Curling Club (Grade 3 to Grade 9)
Fletcher’s Fields (SK to Grade 6)
Century Private School (JK – Grade 4)
Holy Trinity School (JK – Grade 4)
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Will my children be indoors all day?
Not at all! What makes our camp unique is the balance between indoor and outdoor activities. Campers will be provided opportunities to participate in outdoor physical activity and games, in addition to regularly scheduled indoor programming.
How are the age groups at camp split up?
Campers will be split up into “cabins” of 8-12 campers that are in the same age group:
FreshKids – JK & SK
Sprockets – Grade 1 & 2
Sophomores – Grade 3 & 4
Juniors – Grade 5 & 6
Seniors – Grade 7 & 8
What is the staff to camper ratio?
There is a 1 to 4 staff to camper ratio at our summer camps. There are typically 8-12 campers per cabin.
Who are the counsellors?
Counsellors are selected based on their dedication to working with children and their skills with technology, arts, and science. They are at least 16 years of age, and several directors and teachers are always on site. All our staff have CPR/First Aid training and have all passed a police background check.
What kinds of physical activity will kids do?
We encourage our campers to participate in the various team sports at camp, like road hockey, soccer, and volleyball. We also have individual as well as more leisurely activities that campers can participate in, like catch, frisbee, and a number of other activities that will get them moving!
Do you run any special events at camp?
For our summer camps, we have weekly spirit days where campers and staff all dress up to show their spirit!
Another special activity at camp are water days, where campers get to play outdoors will participate in water play. On those days, please ensure your camper comes prepared with a swimsuit, towel, shoes that can get wet, and a change of clothes.
Parents will be notified of the spirit days and water days by email during the camp season.
At the end of each session, every site hosts a closing ceremony, where staff and campers come together to celebrate their accomplishments and view a session-end slideshow that highlights the memories made from that session. Depending on the camp location, parents may or may not be invited to the closing ceremonies. However, all of the session-end videos will be available to watch on Youtube.
In-Person Courses
What is the Makerspace?
Our Makerspace provides youth with opportunities to learn, tinker and create projects! We provide them with access to tools and technology such as 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, and more through our classes and workshops.
Can I come for a tour of the Makerspace?
Yes, tours are available by appointment only. Please give us a call at (289) 819-0178 or send us an email at office@thesteamproject.ca to schedule a time to visit our Makerspace.
Do you offer a trial class?
Unfortunately we do not offer free trial classes. However, we do offer No-Risk Registration for first-time families!
To participate in a No-Risk Registration class:
- Reach out to us at office@thesteamproject.ca to inquire about the availability of a No-Risk Registration class;
- If there is a spot open for a No-Risk Registration, please fully register and pay for the desired course prior to its start to reserve your spot.
- Bring your child to attend the first class;
- Following their first class, we will follow-up before the start of the second class to ask about your child’s enjoyment and satisfaction;
- If your child enjoyed the class and would like to continue, there will be no changes to their registration and they may continue attending. If your child did not enjoy the class and will not be continuing with the course, we will provide a full refund.
Please let us know if you have any other questions or if you would be interested in a tour of our Makerspace to get a better understanding of what we can offer. Your satisfaction is our priority!
How many kids are in a class?
For our in-class programs, we typically have a maximum of 10 students in one class.
What is the instructor to student ratio?
We maintain a 1:5 instructor to student ratio to ensure students receive adequate supervision and ample one on one time with instructors.
Can I join partway through a semester?
For INVENTOR series, Coding & Robotics, and Art Tech courses, students are able to join partway through the season, as there will be new skills and projects featured throughout the course. Partial enrollments will have pro-rated course fees.
For other courses (Tiny Homes, Woodworking, Battle Bots), students will not be able to join partway through a season due to the progression of the skills learned. We recommend joining our mailing list to be kept up to date on when our new season begins.
If you have questions or clarification, please feel free to contact us directly at office@thesteamproject.ca
What is your cancellation policy?
In-person Classes Cancellation Policies
Full Refund | Non-Refundable | |
---|---|---|
Cancellation due to low enrolment | X | |
Cancellation two weeks before the first day of class | X | |
Cancellation with less than two weeks notice | *see below | X |
No shows or missed classes | **see below | X |
*First-time families are eligible for a trial class, which extends their full refund period up until the start of the second class.
**Make-up classes will not be accommodated for any classes that are missed.
School Break Camps
Where are your school break camps located?
Our school break camps take place at our Richmond Hill Makerspace (561 Edward Ave. Unit 1, Richmond Hill, ON).
How many kids are in a class?
For our school break camps, similarly to summer camp, we separate our campers based on age group into cabins of 8-12 campers.
What is the instructor-to-student ratio?
We maintain a 1:4 staff to camper ratio at our school break camps.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
For all school break camps (Winter Camp, March Break Camp, PA Day Camp), cancellations made at least two-weeks before the start date of the camp are eligible for a full refund. Any cancellations with less than two-weeks notice are non-refundable.
Missed days of camp (including if given notice in advance) will not be refunded or credited.
Special Events
Do you offer your STEAM programs in school?
We do offer our STEAM programs in schools! Examples of programs range from afterschool programs at schools, virtual programs offered Canada-wide, and one-time class workshops. Please visit https://www.thesteamproject.ca/steam-activities-richmond-hill/ to learn more.
Do you host birthday parties?
Yes! We do host birthday parties at our Richmond Hill Makerspace. Please contact us at office@thesteamproject.ca for availability, or visit https://www.thesteamproject.ca/steam-birthday-parties/ to learn more.
What is the cancellation policy for special events?
For birthday parties, full payment in advance is required to confirm the event reservation.
Cancellations are eligible for a full refund up until 2 weeks prior to the day of the event.
Employment & Volunteering
How can I apply to work at The STEAM Project?
Please visit our work with us page to learn about current job opportunities available at The STEAM Project.
Can I do my volunteer hours at The STEAM Project?
We are happy to provide volunteer hours to any of our student volunteers. However, since The STEAM Project is not a non-profit organization, schools may not accept the volunteer hours you complete with us. We would recommend checking with your school administration beforehand.
To read more about what volunteers do at The STEAM Project, please check out our volunteer page.
Still have questions?
Call or email us using the information below and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible.
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