Peel Summer Academy
UTM Experience: FAQ
What is a "typical" day at PSA?
- 8:00 am - Breakfast
- 9:00 am - Course #1
- 10:30 am – Course #2
- 12:00 pm – Lunch
- 1:00 pm – Course #3
- 2:30 pm – Course #4
- 4:00 pm – Structured activities (e.g., quiet games, sports, arts & crafts)
- 6:00 pm – Dinner
- 7:00 pm – Evening Program (e.g., water nights, camp-wide games, special guests/events)
- 9:00 pm – Cabin time
- 10:00 pm – “Lights Out”
I am enrolled in the 'day' program…what does that look like?
- 8:30 am - Drop-off at UTM
- 9:00am – 4pm (same as above)
- 4:00pm – Pick-up
- 6:00pm – Pick up for extended care students
What is the Annual Open House?
Our Annual Open House is a great opportunity for all campers and parents (new and returning) to view and experience hands-on the courses offered for the up-coming summer as well as meet with the instructors. A formal presentation will be delivered with an overview of all PSA programs. This year we will host the Open House on Sunday, March 4th from 1 to 4pm at UTM campus.
What types of courses does PSA offer?
We are very proud that every year we offer a large variety of courses. The main subject areas include arts, sports, team building, chemistry, physics, biology, genetics, outdoor survival, poker, math, cooking/sewing, etc. The list is far too long to include here, but keep your eyes peeled for all our course offerings coming in March 2012!
How do I choose my courses?
Course offerings are revealed at our Annual Open House. Due to the many courses we offer in the first round, we recommended that you attend the Open House so you can meet the instructors and get a better understanding of what you will be doing in the course. Not to worry if you are not able to attend the Open House as you will be able to download the booklet from our website after this date. It is up to you what courses you would like to take and you will select your top choices in round #1. Final selections (round #2) are made in early May. You will receive your final course timetable in early June.
Why are there 2 rounds of course selection?
We want to offer our campers the best experience possible and believe in order to so, there should be choice in what they would like to take part in. We receive many course proposals from a variety of instructional backgrounds and choose a varied selection to offer at the Open House (approximately 50 different courses). The initial round of course selection will allow us to determine the most popular courses to include in the final selection, which usually consists of 25 to 30 courses. The final timetable is distributed and once again, you will choose your top choices in each period. We do our best to place you in your top four course selections and functions on a first-submitted, first-served basis.
What else do we do at UTM?
Everyday from 4 to 6pm, we offer a number of activities for the campers. Typically, they encompass quiet games, arts and crafts, sports and some other activity (e.g. tie-dye, human chess, play-writing, book club, etc.). Every night from 7 to 9pm the counseling staff facilitates a camp-wide game or event that is fun, engaging the campers' physical and mental capacities in a friendly challenge!
What is SHOWCASE?
On the last Friday of camp, the campers have an opportunity to display (showcase) what they have been doing in their courses over their time at camp. From 4 to 5pm, family and friends have an opportunity to "meet & greet" the instructors as well peruse the displays. Those courses that lend themselves to a performance will do so from 5 to 6pm. This is usually followed with a slideshow presentation encompassing various aspects of the PSA experience. Campers will receive a CD copy of this slideshow.
What is EXTRAVAGANZA BONANZA?
This event is a favourite for campers and staff alike and changes from year to year. We take a day off from classes in the last week (session 1 only) of camp and do something fun with the whole camp! In the past, we have opted to stay on campus as well as venture off, from going bowling, visiting the Science Centre, Zoo, and Royal Ontario Museum. No matter what activity we decide to do, it's a fun-filled day for all!
Can I call home?
Yes, you can call home. Usually the counselor assigns an evening each week to call home that they will inform you of when you arrive to camp. You can bring your quarters and call home via the pay phone located on campus. Cell phones are permitted, but the terms of use must be discussed with your counsellor.
Where do I sleep?
You will live in residence on campus at the university. You will share a unit with 2-3 other campers and your counsellor.
Can I room with a friend?
Yes, you can. You, and the person you would like to room with, must indicate your preference on your application. Both parties must write each other's name or your request will not be processed. Every effort is made to accommodate all such requests however there are no guarantees.
What should I bring to camp?
A Final Program Package will be sent to you shortly before camp starts. This package will include the necessary final details of your program including a recommended packing list.
**Please feel free to send any questions our way so we may add to the list!
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