FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Outdoor STEAM Camp?
Outdoor STEAM Camp is a summer day camp that blends outdoor exploration with indoor STEM activities. Campers engage in hands-on learning across science, technology, engineering, art, and math through age-appropriate projects, challenges, and play.
What does STEAM mean?
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
At Outdoor STEAM Camp, STEAM means:
Exploring scientific ideas through hands-on discovery
Using technology as a tool for learning and creation
Designing, building, testing, and improving ideas
Using creativity and art to support problem solving
Applying math through real-world challenges
STEAM is not taught as separate subjects. These areas work together through meaningful, hands-on experiences that help children think, create, and collaborate.
What ages can attend?
Outdoor STEAM Camp is designed for ages 5–7 and 8–14.
Campers are grouped by age to ensure activities are developmentally appropriate.
What are the camp hours?
Camp Day runs from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Before and after care is available for families who need extended hours.
Details and pricing for extended care are provided during registration.
Is this an outdoor-only camp?
No. Outdoor STEAM Camp intentionally balances outdoor learning and exploration with indoor STEM activities.
Outdoor time may include nature exploration, building, testing ideas, and group challenges. Indoor time allows for focused STEM activities such as coding, robotics, engineering builds, and design work.
Are you partnered with any STEAM organizations?
Yes. Outdoor STEAM Camp partners with Code Ninjas Pickering for select indoor STEM activities.
Through this partnership, campers participate in guided STEM sessions each day, which may include coding, robotics, or introductory 3D printing, depending on the age group and weekly theme.
These sessions are supported by experienced STEAM educators and Code Ninjas Pickering staff and are intentionally integrated with outdoor learning to create a balanced camp experience.
Will children use screens?
Yes, in a purposeful and limited way.
Technology is used during structured STEM sessions throughout the day. Activities may include coding, robotics, or design-based projects such as 3D printing.
All technology use is guided by experienced STEM educators and Code Ninjas Pickering staff and is balanced with outdoor exploration, hands-on building, movement, and collaboration.
What does a typical day look like?
Each day includes:
Outdoor exploration and challenges
Indoor STEM activities
Snack and movement breaks
Group collaboration and reflection
Activities rotate throughout the week so no two days feel the same.
Do campers need prior STEM or coding experience?
No prior experience is required.
Activities are designed so beginners feel supported while more experienced campers are appropriately challenged.
What should my child bring each day?
Families will receive a Camp Welcome Guide before camp begins. In general, campers should bring:
A packed lunch and snacks
A refillable water bottle
Weather-appropriate clothing
Closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor play
Are snacks or lunch provided?
Lunch is not provided. Campers should bring a nut-aware packed lunch each day.
Optional snack and lunch options are available as an add-on during registration.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Sibling discounts are now available.
To receive the discount, siblings must be registered together in the same checkout.
Enter code SIBLING10 at checkout to receive 10% off.
The code must be applied at the time of purchase and cannot be added after checkout.
How do you support safety and supervision?
Campers are supervised by trained staff.
Activities follow clear safety guidelines.
Campers are grouped by age.
Floating staff and lead educators provide additional support.
Camper safety and wellbeing are priorities throughout the day.
What is your staff phone policy?
Staff and volunteers do not use personal phones during camp activities. Two-way walkie talkies are provided for communication, and an on-site office team is available for emergencies.
Can my child attend more than one week?
Yes. Each week has a unique theme, and many families choose to register for multiple weeks.
What happens if a week is full?
If a week is sold out, families may join the waitlist. If spots become available, waitlisted families will be contacted in order.
How do I register?
Registration is completed online through our website.
You will receive an automated email within 2 to 4 hours after purchase. Using your receipt confirmation number, you must complete, sign, and submit the waiver and your child’s camp details within 24 hours of receipt.
Registration is not considered complete until all required forms are submitted.
Where is Outdoor STEAM Camp located?
Outdoor STEAM Camp is hosted at Outdoor STEAM School Incorporated, located at:
3315 Sideline 4
Pickering, ON
L1X 2W6
The property is right off Salem Road, beside Deer Creek Golf Course. Our camp is set on a private and quiet 20-acre property minutes from the city, located off Salem Road, south of Highway 7, and north of Taunton Road in Pickering, Ontario.
Who can I contact with questions?
If you have any questions about registration, location, or busing, please contact us at: