Frequently Asked Questions

Registering for Programs:

Note: Within the child registration portion, we recognize that not all families may have access to family doctors. If this is a case, please feel free to write "N/A" in the Doctor Name portion, and "000-000-0000" for the phone number. We thank you for understanding. 

How do I register?

Go to the Discovery Western Registration Portal to create an account, or use a previous account to register your child.

What age group should I register for?
During the summer months, students and campers are grouped based on the grade that they will be entering in the fall succeeding that summer. For example: if a camper is in Grade 2 at the time of registration, then they will be entering Grade 3 in the fall and therefore should register for the Grade 3-5 group for summer camp.

I am having trouble using the online registration portal, what should I do?

Please make sure there are no extra spaces in the sections you fill out. Unfortunately, our website is space sensitive, meaning extra spaces before or after phone numbers, names, and dates will stop you from registering. You must register using a computer as well, as mobile devices will not work. 

Why can't I see any available programs on the website?

In order to see the programs available to your child, you must complete camper registration first. Afterward, you will see their name appear in a box to the left of your screen. Once you have clicked that box, a list of age-appropriate camps will appear for you to sign up for. 

I created a profile, but now I do not see any camps available on the dashboard? 
If you have not registered your child yet, click on "add a camper" to add your child's information. Once that is complete, you will see their name appear in a box to the left of your screen. Once you have clicked that box, a list of age-appropriate camps will appear for you to sign up for. 

I have selected my camps, but where do I go to pay? 
Click on the shopping cart in the top right corner to continue to the payment screen. 

The web page is not loading or freezing, what do I do? 
Depending on the amount of people trying to register at once, our website may be slow. If problems continue, try changing your browsers. Please make sure you are using a laptop or desktop computer, as registration is not possible on mobile devices.

I have tried all these suggestions, but it is still not working.
Call our office at 519-661-2111 x88826 or email us at discover@uwo.ca for further assistance.  

Camp Policy on Registration Deposit, Cancellations and Changes:

A 20% non-refundable administration fee is applied to all cancellations made up to 10 business days prior to the camper's start date. Within 48 hours of purchase if a refund or change in camp is needed, and receipt provided, the non-refundable administration fee will be waived. 

All cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 10 business days prior to the camper's start date. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 10 business days prior to the camper's start date, save for extenuating circumstances approved by the Manager of Outreach for the Faculty of Engineering. No refunds will be made in the event of university closure. 

If you choose to change camps (either week, location or age group) this must be submitted in writing a least 10 business days prior to the camper's start date and a $15 administration fee will be charged. Changes can only be made if there is availability. Campers are not permitted to switch camps less than 10 business days prior to their start date unless there are extenuating circumstances as approved by the Manager of Outreach for the Faculty of Engineering. 

Camp:

When and where is camp being held?

Check out camp locations here: Summer camp overview

Drop-off and pick-up for all camp programs take place in the Amit Chakma Engineering Building.

Elementary camps happen in the Amit Chakma Engineering Building.

Western Engineering Summer Academy (WESA, for high school students) happens in the Spencer Engineering Building (please note: the pick-up and drop-off for WESA is still in the Amit Chakma Engineering Building).

How much does camp cost?

Discovery Western Camp (for elementary-aged children) costs between $220 and $275 per week. Please pay online using a credit card during registration.

Does my camper get a t-shirt?

Yes! Your camper will receive a t-shirt for each week of camp they attend. T-shirts will be handed out on Friday. Please remember to update the shirt size each year in the registration portal. 

What age group should I register for?

During the summer months, students and campers are grouped based on the grade they’re going into in the Fall. For example: A camper may be in Grade 2 at the time of registration, but by the time camp starts in the summer, they will have finished Grade 2 and will be going into Grade 3. Therefore, they should register for the Grade 3-5 summer camp. 

Is lunch provided?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a lunch program.  We do, however, offer a Pizza Day once per week where lunch can be purchased for both elementary and high school camps.  Parents are asked to send lunch with their camper on the other four days a week. Out of respect for those with nut allergies, as with most camps, we ask that no peanut products be brought to camp.

Is there swimming?

Swimming is included as a weekly activity in our elementary camps. Campers will have access to Western University's Student Recreation Centre pool once a week. Campers in the SK-2 camps are required to wear a life jacket regardless of swimming ability. Campers in grades 3 and older will be required to complete and pass a swim test, or wear a life jacket (life jackets are provided by the pool). In the interest of safety, there are strict policies set by the pool regarding instructor to camper ratios, and campers may be required to wear a life jacket regardless of swimming skill.

What if my child doesn't want to swim/doesn't know how to? 

There will always be instructors on deck with a variety of activites for campers who don't want to swim, or don't know how. For older campers who do not wish to swim, they are more than welcome to bring a book from home for the swimming period as well. 

What content will my child learn at camp? Does the camp content repeat throughout the summer?

Information about our camp content can be found in our camp themes. We offer a variety of themed content options throughout the summer so that your child can attend multiple weeks of camp. However, the content repeats for camps that are listed with the same theme for the same age group (ex. two weeks of Grade 3-5 camp with the theme of “Engineering” will have the same content, even if they run on different dates). Camp themes that are designated "A" and "B" have unique curriculum from each other (ex. Grade 3-5 “STEAM A” will have different content than Grade 3-5 “STEAM B”).

Do you offer bursaries?

Discovery Western has a very limited number of bursaries available this year. Information about our bursaries can be found here.

What is your staff training like? 

Western Engineering Outreach has a staff team of 30+ individuals who are all required to attend training sessions, submit a police check, and have an updated First Aid & CPR Level C certificate. We often have returning staff who are able to bring a wealth of knowledge from previous years as well they serve as mentors to our new staff. 

Do you have a waitlist for camp?

We are not currently able to offer a waitlist for our camps. Check back often to see if a spot has opened for your desired camp week. There is usually some movement, but it is wise to register early in order to ensure your spot at Discovery Western camps.