Specialized Youth Programming
Promoting Awareness of Girls in Engineering and Science (P.A.G.E.S.)
As part of Actua—Canada’s largest STEM outreach network—Creative Encounters is committed to creating barrier-free opportunities for underrepresented youth in STEM. Through Actua’s National Girls Program, we empower girls to explore fields like engineering and computer science, where women are still underrepresented.
P.A.G.E.S. Camp Takeovers (Gr. 2–8)
Back by popular demand, our P.A.G.E.S. program is taking over select camps this summer:
- Mini-Makers Lab (Gr. 2-3) – July 20-24
- Tech Quest (Gr. 4-5) – July 13-17
- Chem Quest (Gr. 6-8) – August 10-14
- Future Engineers (Gr. 6-8) – July 27-31
- Game Design (Gr. 6-8) – August 17-21
Join us for a summer of discovery, creativity, and STEM-powered fun!
As part of the Thursday programming, Grades 2–3 participants enjoy a special late-day pizza party at 4 p.m., offering a fun and social way to wrap up the day. Older participants in Grades 4-5 and 6–8 are invited to stay for an evening pizza “dinner” and extended activities, with programming running until 8 p.m.
2025 Actua Experience Award — National Girls Program
Creative Encounters at the University of Guelph has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Actua Experience Award – National Girls Program, recognizing its sustained commitment to engaging girls and gender-diverse youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The national award highlights excellence among Actua network members whose programs support underrepresented youth and foster inclusive, skills-based learning environments.
Read the full story here!
Anishnabeg Outreach Day Camps
Creative Encounters partners with Anishnabeg Outreach (AO) to deliver engaging, inclusive, and hands-on STEM day camps for Indigenous youth. These camps are designed to blend curiosity-driven learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) with Indigenous knowledge, culture, and community connections.
Campers participate in a wide range of fun and accessible STEM activities while also learning from Indigenous community members who share traditional knowledge, teachings, and cultural practices. Each camp day is filled with creativity, discovery, outdoor games, and meaningful learning experiences — all in a safe and welcoming environment.
AO Camps are offered to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis youth, typically ages 5–13, and are held throughout the year in partnership with the Anishnabeg Outreach Centre. Our goal is to provide a space where Indigenous youth can see themselves in STEM, connect with their culture, and have a great time doing it.