Does your child love experimenting in the kitchen or wonders why bread rises and chocolate melts just right, a new summer camp at the University of Guelph may be the perfect fit.

The University of Guelph's Department of Food Science, ranked #1 in Canada for food science, is hosting a hands-on Food Science Summer Camp from July 27 to 31, 2026 [1], giving high school students a chance to explore the science behind the foods they love.

Designed for students entering Grades 9 to 12 (ages 13 to 16), the five-day camp combines STEM learning with fun food experiments, taste testing and real laboratory experiences on campus.

Participants will conduct sensory experiments to understand flavour perception, temper and mold chocolate, experiment with candy-making chemistry, and explore the science behind dough, gluten and baking. Students will also learn about fermentation and microbiology and how microbes play a role in producing foods we eat every day.

“This camp is perfect for students who love science and enjoy getting creative with food,” said Lisa Duizer, chair of the Department of Food Science. “Food science blends chemistry, biology and creativity, and this camp gives students a fun, hands-on way to see how science shapes the foods we eat.”

Because the camp is highly interactive and lab-based, registration is limited to fewer than 30 students. All materials, supplies, lunch and snacks are included.

For parents searching for a summer camp that mixes curiosity, creativity and science, the Food Science Summer Camp offers a unique opportunity for teens to discover the science behind their favourite foods.

Learn more on the Department of Food Science website. [1]

Contact:

Food Science Department
fsevents@uoguelph.ca [2]