SCHOOL TRIPS forELEMENTARY CLASSES Leadership Innovation Science Technology Engineering Arts Math

5 Stay overnight7 Customize a trip11 Leadership Specialty Program13 Niagara Add-on Adventures

15 Experience a day17 Leadership day19 Drone & creative coding day21 Stop motion production day23 3D printing & design thinking25 Robotics technology day27 Science discovery day

Get to know us 28 What sets us apart30 The university campus31 Booking details

Imagine giving your students an experience they will always remember. At Youth University, students have the opportunity to try, to touch, to experiment, and to peak into the future. Taking care of your custom program and guiding your students every step of the way, our outstanding staff members will make sure that this class trip will be one like no other.

• 2 nights accommodation • 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches on campus • 6 subject workshops • Post-secondary & career awareness building • 2 evening recreation events • Full instruction • Add-on adventures available

• 1 night accommodation • 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, 1 lunch • 4 subject workshops • Post-secondary & career awareness building • 1 evening recreation event • Full instruction • Add-on adventures available

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Bridges to Success Immersion Program 2 or 3 day package during May and June in leadership or customizable STEAM workshops

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We take care of the details

You are busy enough as it is, so we are here to take care of the details. That way you can focus on enjoying the experience with your students—watching them challenge themselves, strengthen their bonds, develop transferable skills, learn about the many pathways to and forms of post-secondary education, and shine in a new environment.

When you select Bridges to Success you will enjoy:

• Program delivery staff from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the Brock University campus• Professionally designed educational curriculum• A variety of recreation options• University accommodations• Full meals• Youth University T-shirts• Detailed pre-departure and packing information• Planning support in the months leading up to your trip• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance

Full program

3 days/2 nights (May and June)

Mini program

2 days/1 night (May only)

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Customize your overnight trip for a big experience.How it works:

After registering you will have the opportunity to select and prioritize 8 classes, we will schedule you into 6 based on your preferences and availability for the dates you will be visiting.

Science (S)

Social science (SS)

Humanities (H)

Business (B)

Mix & Match

Breaking the DNA code (S)Explore the foundation of life: DNA. Perform an experiment that reveals a clue to your unique life code.

Dissecting life cycles (S)Is a bear more important than an ant? What’s the difference between a food chain and web? In this program you will dive into an owl’s lunch to find out.

Zombie biology (S,SS)Can zombies ever be real? In this lab, test common myths from the world of zombies and visualize how infections go “viral”.

Chemistry is everywhere (S)Get slimy in this lab tutorial. Find out how molecules bond together to create everyday materials and make some slime of your own.

The power of power (S)We are always powered up. Find out more about how electrons flow from one person to the next, and from the clouds to the earth. Feel the power with the famous Van de Graaff generator.

Structural forces and engineering (S,B)Every building has a unique story. Complete engineering challenges as you discover what techniques make a structure strong—or not—when put to the test.

Space-time and physics beyond Earth (S)Gravity is everywhere … or is it? In this class you will experiment with the theory of space-time as you learn about how scientists have tried to explain gravity.

Real world robotics (S,B)Put your math skills to the test as you complete exciting challenges using LEGO’s newest robot: EV3. Bring math to life as you experience how useful everyday numbers can be.

Mathematics in music (S,B,H)Step into our music-science studio as we explore “the T-Pain effect.” Learn how professionals use math to turn any voice into a pop sensation, and use special software to auto-tune your own voice.

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Civics in Canada (SS) How are laws decided? Who gets to be Prime Minister? Participate in a mock election as you learn about the democratic process in Canada.

Economics 101 (SS,B)Have you ever wondered why we don’t just print more money when it’s needed? In this class learn about what makes money work.

Fair share of the banana (SS,B)In this class uncover what fair trade is all about. From bananas to coffee beans, clothing to cocoa, is paying the lowest price always better?

Your body on sports (SS,S) The body is an incredible set of systems. Put your systems to the test to explore how exercise impacts heart rate, reaction, and memory.

Big questions debate (SS) Post-secondary is all about critical thinking. Consider questions such as “should we have zoos?” or “are uniforms a good idea?” as you participate in a debate with your classmates.

Criminology (SS,S)Consider the person behind the crime and investigate a scene of our own. See how criminology connects many different fields of study.

Graffiti voice (SS,H)Let your voice be heard through graffiti. Discover how art can be used to make a positive change and techniques for making your own Graffiti style art.

Art animated (H) Bring a digital sketch to life as you use cool software to create your very own web animation.

Special effects for YouTube (H) Earn more Likes for your next video project as you experiment with professional tips and techniques from the special effects industry.

Improv and fun with drama (H)Drama is so much more than performing a play. Have fun with these dramatic games while you see what a theatrical life is like.

Creative writing (H)Ever get writers block? Learn new techniques and how to use technology to get the words flowing again.

Story telling video game design (H)Experience the world of game design as you design your own role-playing game and interactive story.

Creative colours (H)How many possible colours are there? Learn more about colour theory in this hands-on workshop and how it is applied to design. Complete a creative colour wheel as you learn.

Global languages (H) Learn key phrases, numbers, and salutations, in new languages that will benefit you in our ever shrinking globalized world.

3D printing & design (S,B,H)Use 3D modeling software to experience how innovators virtualize their ideas and see how 3D printing will change the world as you 3D print.

The perfect pitch (B,H)Using LittleBits™, create a new product and practice making a perfect pitch to a team of YU “investors.”

Animation for the web (B,H)Learn the behind-the-scenes techniques for creating animations for the internet using the latest Flash software.

Green energies (B,S)Build your own solar powered device as you investigate the growing clean-energy field and your impact on the environment.

Design challenges (B,S)Work in small groups to solve hands-on building challenges and learn how design theory can channel your creativity into smart design.

What’s in an ad (B,SS)Deconstruct the messages embedded in advertising before creating your own. Uncover how advertisers use images, messages and symbols to persuade you.

Delivering powerful presentations (B,SS,H)Move beyond PowerPoint to discover new apps that will create outstanding presentations. Practice three tips to wow your audience.

10 tips for succeeding in school (B,SS)You will spend years being a student! Learn how to take the skills you’re already practicing and apply them to your success in high-school and post-secondary in this dynamic workshop.

Even more options

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Leadership (L)

Adventure challenge course and rock climbing (L)Students will experience our 30 foot high ropes challenge course and our outdoor rock climbing tower. These challenge by choice events are a great way to strengthen communication skills while pushing personal boundaries in a safe and controlled environment. Specialty staff coach and encourage students along the way.

Specialty Leadership Camp

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Exploring the Niagara Escarpment (L)Take a hike to discover the beauty of the Bruce Trail, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Niagara Escarpment, a local naturalization site, and learn more about the ecology of the Niagara Region.

Team problem solving and decision making (L)Explore what goes on when people start working together, and how balancing the needs of the individual with the needs of the group may cause conflict but ultimately leads to a more effective team.

The art of communication (L)Unique to humans is our ability to communicate in hundreds of ways. In this challenge take the time to understand the message you are sending to the world—and see if you are truly listening.

Orienteering to the I in team (L)A successful team uses the uniqueness of all of its members. Solve an orienteering challenge while learning about the importance of an individual contribution to a team.

Focus on leadership and building teamwork in this specialty program: Leadership Camp. When you select this option students will experience each of the classes listed below. Great for celebrating the end of the year with an intermediate class.

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Shaw Festival Theatre and tour Here’s your chance to peek behind the curtain. An hour-long tour of the Festival Theatre reveals the secrets that bring a work to the stage. Explore the costume workshop, dressing rooms, rehearsal halls and trap room. Following your tour enjoy a show in their world class facility.

• Transportation • Show ticket • Behind the scene tour

Niagara Region historical tourAllow our guides dressed in period costumes to take you back in time and experience the Niagara of 1812 and beyond.

• Transportation and tour guide • Brock Monument at Queenston Heights• Welland Canal Locks• Salem Chapel• First Parliament of Upper Canada• Optional stop at Avondale Dairy Bar (not peanut free and extra money required)

Niagara Falls IMAX tour package This popular package is the ideal choice for groups seeking a simple excursion to the Falls. Take in the “Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic” movie, browse around the Daredevil Gallery, and then head down to take your class photo in front of the Falls!

• IMAX movie• Daredevil Gallery• Time to view the Falls• Transportation

Discover Clifton Hill and dinner 1Go all out! This line up of fun and excitement will leave lasting memories. Start your evening off with dinner, followed by a short walk to experience Niagara Falls up close. The Niagara Sky Wheel will take you on an unforgettable experience as you soar 175 feet above the falls for a spectacular view. Finish your evening by learning record-breaking facts about sports, animals, and structures, while exploring great human achievements at the Guinness Museum.

• Pizza dinner • Niagara Sky Wheel• Guinness World Record Museum• Time to view the Falls and Clifton Hill • Transportation

Discover Clifton Hill and dinner 2 (most popular)Take advantage of this thrilling opportunity to spend an entire evening in Niagara Falls! Head to Clifton Hill for supper, followed by a visit to the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum. When you’re finished, takes some time to explore the rest of the hill and venture down to see the Falls!

• Pizza dinner• Ripley’s Believe it or Not• Time to view the Falls and Clifton Hill • Transportation

Indoor water park excursionTake your students on a ride of a lifetime, as they swim and splash at one of Niagara’s famous indoor water parks.

• An evening at Fallsview Indoor Waterpark• Transportation

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Add-on adventuresWhile you are here take the opportunity to experience what Niagara has to offer. Add-on adventures take place during the evening. Additional costs apply.

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Your trip will include:

• Specialized equipment • An agenda tailored to your needs • Orientation and group goal setting • Reflection and transferable skill discussion

The difference a day can make...

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1 day packages year-round

We take care of the details

If you don’t have time for an overnight program we’ve got you covered with our one-day trips. Your students focus on one theme for an experience of greater depth. As always, we take care of the details for you and provide full instruction so you can concentrate on having fun with your students and watching them shine in a new environment. Whether you are coming from Niagara or the Greater Toronto area, these one-day trips give you an action-packed day while still leaving time for transportation.

Day programs are also available on-site at your school. Ask us about this option.

When you select our Discovery Programs you will enjoy:

• Full instruction • Professionally designed educational curriculum • A variety of options from which to tailor your trip • All necessary equipment • Planning support in the months leading up to your trip • A generous cancellation policy• Options to purchase lunch in a residence dining hall, add a trip to Niagara Falls to extend your day and add YU camp shirts for every student

Full program

1 day (September - August)

In-school program

Full or half day (September - April)

High ropes course or rock climbing wall (afternoon only) (additional fee for both) Students will experience our 30 foot high ropes challenge course and/or our outdoor rock climbing tower. These challenge by choice events are a great way to strengthen communication skills while pushing personal boundaries in a safe and controlled environment. You’ll be amazed how much your students will encourage each other to succeed.

Teambuilding initiatives and low ropes Students take part in unique group tasks that require problem solving, collaboration, and decision making skills to work through the various land-based activities. As the day progresses, so do the challenges. To be successful your students will utilize one another’s strengths and support one another’s limitations as they progress to the low ropes challenge course. Witness the bonds and sense of community strengthen as your class overcome challenges and celebrate successes as a team.

Hiking the Niagara Escarpment Take a hike and discover the beauty of the Bruce Trail, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Niagara Escarpment, a local naturalization site. Students will be surprised at the diverse array of species that live on the Brock Campus and in the Niagara Region. Lace up your shoes for a fun adventure.

Campus Tour Explore a post-secondary campus and all it has to offer. Guided by a university student to highlight post-secondary education programs and campus life. Students are encouraged to ask questions and explore future pathways. Sit in a lecture hall, see residences, explore our 12-floor library, experience all the facilities that Brock has to offer.

Teambuilding challenge: bridge building The challenge: Engineer a bridge stable enough to support an increasing amount of weight. Your students will work collaboratively to design, engineer and construct a spanning bridge structure that will be tested under various amounts of weight. Students will be challenged to devise a plan to connect portions of the bridge with limited resources. Communication and teamwork will be crucial to the success.

Teambuilding challenge: escape room Can you escape? Students work together in our custom themed escape room. Using their skills to decipher clues while working against the clock, groups will focus on communication, collaboration, and creative problem solving as they find the key to “escape”.

Contact us to customze your leadership experience.

Leadership Day

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Spend a transformative day working as a team on problem solving, communication, and cooperative activities. Program build awareness around personal strengths and transferable skills to realize the leadership potential in everyone.

Discovery day class trips, grades 4 through 8

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Drone obstacle courseAfter mastering basic skills on-screen, students take to the air and apply their techniques to this real world challenge. Students work in small groups to design and program their own flight course.

Sphero SPRK+® designStudents practice their skills by developing an interactive game. Sensing information from the environment, this project extends students’ creative possibilities. Students remix their game by combining their project with everyday materials to create something unique.

21st century skill developmentThis program emphasizes creative problem solving. After learning basic skills, students have time to experiment with their resources as a team to test, iterate their design, and retest their solutions.

Friendly coding environmentDrag & drop, snap-together, and colour-coded modules invite students to begin learning quickly. Coding concepts covered include: loops, sequence, parallelism, events, conditionals, operators, and variables. Students can take their new skills back to school or to home projects.

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Drone & Creative CodingLearning to code empowers young creators. Students use hands-on activities to learn about computational thinking through collaborative problem solving, experimentation, and structured play.

Discovery day class trip, grades 4 through 8

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Stop motion animationMixing creative media such as play dough, drawing, LEGO, and acting, students use this single frame animation technique to bring a story to life.

iMovie video editingThe stop motion technique adds extra creative potential to media production. Students learn how to use this software to edit and improve their raw material.

21st century skill developmentThis program emphasizes collaborative creativity and planning. After learning basic skills, students have time to experiment with their ideas in small groups and improve them throughout the day.

Creative story writing Together, groups of students use a storyboarding organizer to brainstorm and plan their project. A short story cycle helps guide their project.

Stop Motion ProductionCombine story telling, technology, and artistic expression in this creative day program. Students experience stop motion movie development and conclude the day with a showcase of video creations.

Discovery day class trip, grades 4 through 8

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3D design and spatial senseAfter an interactive introduction to the design process, students generate ideas and get hands-on with building materials. They learn to use 3D modeling software while using spatial reasoning including: translation, transformation, scale, rotation and coordinates.

Introduction to prototypingStudents learn about testing and iterating ideas using creative tools including LittleBits and 3D printing.

21st century skill developmentCreativity is one of the most critical skills of the 21st century. With all the innovations in technology, the changing economic world, the reshaping of social and business structures - we will all need Creative Thinking as a fundamental skill.

Design thinking processTo design the best inventions possible, students use something called Design Thinking. This six-step process helps students understand a challenge, think of solutions, and work toward a product that addresses a human problem. This is the same process used by real designers, inventors, and engineers.

3D Printing & Design Thinking

Guided by a creative process, students learn to identify real world problems and use 3D modeling and printing to design solutions. Throughout the day, students learn problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, 3D technology and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skill sets.

Discovery day class trip, grades 4 through 8

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Engineering design challenge Groups of students are tasked with building a robot that can navigate a maze, sense its environment, act autonomously, and perform physical tasks.

21st century skill developmentThis program emphasize teamwork and problem solving. After learning basic skills, students have time to experiment with their ideas, share solutions, and work together in small groups throughout the day.

Robotics Technology DayThis hands-on program will include a flurry of building, programming, testing and problem solving using LEGO Mindstorms technology. The action packed day will conclude with a full group robot challenge.

Discovery day class trip, grades 4 through 8

Friendly coding environmentDrag & drop, snap-together, and colour-coded modules invite students to begin learning quickly. Coding concepts covered include: loops, sequence, parallelism, events, conditionals, operators, and variables. Students can take their new skills back to school or to home projects.

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Science Discovery DayStudents experience real University science labs and learning spaces through this customizable hands-on science day. Combine two to four modules to maximize students’ exposure to intruiging topics.

Discovery day class trip, grades 4 through 8

Breaking the DNA codeExplore the foundation of life: DNA. Perform an experiment that reveals a clue to your unique life code.

Dissecting life cycles Is a bear more important than an ant? What’s the difference between a food chain and web? In this program you will dive into an owl’s lunch to find out.

Zombie biologyCan zombies ever be real? In this lab, test common myths from the world of zombies and visualize how infections go “viral”.

Chemistry is everywhereGet slimy in this lab tutorial. Find out how molecules bond together to create everyday materials and make some slime of your own.

The power of powerWe are always powered up. Find out more about how electrons flow from one person to the next, and from the clouds to the earth. Feel the power with the famous Van de Graaff generator.

Structural forces and engineeringEvery building has a unique story. Complete engineering challenges as you discover what techniques make a structure strong—or not—when put to the test.

Space-time and physics beyond EarthGravity is everywhere … or is it? In this class you will experiment with the theory of space-time as you learn about how scientists have tried to explain gravity.

Mathematics in musicStep into our music-science studio as we explore “the T-Pain effect.” Learn how professionals use math to turn any voice into a pop sensation, and use special software to auto-tune your own voice.

Your body on sports The body is an incredible set of systems. Put your systems to the test to explore how exercise impacts heart rate, reaction, and memory.

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What sets us apartOur curriculum

Our Director ensures that our approach is in keeping with the latest educational research and theory while our professional staff design curriculum and activities that keep students engaged. We love designing each of our classes because they involve piecing together the best of each area to ensure this will truly be a trip like none other. We always ask ourselves ‘what is the most fun, engaging, and enriching way to experience each of our subject areas?’

Instructors

When you arrive on campus, you will be greeted by our outstanding Brock University student instructors who will lead your students through their entire YU experience. Along with their ability to build community, our staff are selected for their contagious enthusiasm, their sense of humour, their desire to make a difference, and of course their expertise. Our staff will make sure your class is having a great time, they will also bring subjects to life in ways you’d never expect … and will never forget. All of our instructors undergo reference and police checks, first aid certification, a full week of pre-program instruction and ongoing training and evaluation. Our Brock student instructors are mentored and monitored by a team of professional educators.

The highest standards of safety and care

We are considered to be leaders in safety management for youth and always design our programs to meet the highest standards. Our commitment to safety begins with our staff hiring and we constantly review our practices throughout the year. We are guided by, and exceed, standards set out by OPHEA, the Association for Challenge Course Technology, and the Ontario Camp Association.

Developing leaders for the 21st century

In a world of increasing interdependence fast-paced change we believe that two things will hold true: the need for highly developed transferable skills and the importance of lifelong education.

Transferable skills are known by a variety of terms—21st century skills, soft skills, essential skills and more. Some examples include communication, problem solving, creative thinking and goal setting. These are the kinds of skills which help people succeed in their career but also in school and life in general. We will use a variety of skill-building activities during your trip to help students see how they can transfer what they learn here into their home and school life.

Choosing post-secondary education is often based on familiarity. Throughout your trip students will have the opportunity to see some of the university campus. They will also be paired in small groups with a university instructor and mentor who can answer questions, share how and why they decided to pursue post-secondary, and inspire your students to begin thinking and dreaming about their future.

“Wow” moments

We hear it again and again during our programs: “I never thought I could do this” “I really feel like I belong here” “I didn’t know you could learn this in post-secondary.” We empower people to grow and realize their full potential. Empowered people have freedom of choice and action. This in turn enables individuals to better influence the course of their lives, and the decisions that affect them and their communities. Whether swimming in the pool, sitting in a lecture hall for 300 people, seeing the magnificence of Niagara Falls, learning about DNA in science or climbing our challenge course; our trips are about trying new things and beginning to dream about a future built on passions and lifelong learning.

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Our facilities

Our 500-acre site gives a feeling of nature and seclusion as we are surrounded by a hardwood forest, hiking trails, a campfire area, a high ropes and challenge course, and lots of open field space for big group games and recreation. Brock is located in a park-like setting atop the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario’s Niagara peninsula and is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Rooms

You will be provided with comfortable accommodations in our residence buildings nestled in the heart of the campus. The traditional style dormitory rooms provide a safe and manageable space, ensuring that students are housed in one common area. Rooms have twin beds and access to a shared washroom.

Classrooms and resources

University resources, facilities, and classrooms allow us to expose your students to the world of post-secondary while they engage with our innovative and hands-on learning adventures. Brock University’s infrastructure is comprised of hundreds of auditoriums and classrooms as well as a wide variety of performing arts facilities, multipurpose locations, and campus green spaces.

Meals

Well balanced, nutritious meals with a variety of choice are available during our all you care to eat meals. Our dining hall is vigilant about food allergies and we are happy to accommodate vegetarian, lactose or gluten free meals.

The University campus

My mentor helped me think about what I will do for my post-secondary education

— Grade 8 student Upper Grand District School Board

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Register now Deposit holds your spot 2 weeks

Cancel by Dec. 18

1st payment due Jan. 31

Final payment due Apr. 30

make updates

date confirmed Sept. 25

make updates

final details

Booking overnight tripsThe farther in advance you book, the better selection of dates you’ll have. Registration can be completed online at trips.youthuniversity.ca at any time. We will confirm trip dates starting September 25. A deposit is due within 2 weeks. For the convenience of your families, trip interruption and cancellation insurance is also available.

Booking day tripsRegistration for day programs is available year-round. You’ll want to book at least a month in advance. Registration can be completed online at trips.youthuniversity.ca. A 10% deposit is due within 2 weeks and final payment is due after your group arrives.

Registration Year-round

Deposit holds your spot 2 weeks

Cancel by 1 week prior

Arrive Your date

Final payment due Within 30 days

make updates

make updates

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SCHOOL TRIPSBrock University 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1

905 688 5550 x3120 brocku.ca/youth-university youthuniversity@brocku.ca