Simon Fraser University Summer Camp, Summer Camp at Simon Fraser University

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• Year of foundation/opening: 1995,
• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,
• Number of students: ~400,
• Type of education: blended,
• Type of institution: children's language summer camp,
• Language of instruction: English.

A summer camp on the Simon Fraser University campus in Vancouver — is an international summer program for children and teenagers lasting from one to several weeks, held at a prestigious Canadian university. It is aimed at schoolchildren from different countries and combines English language learning with the rich cultural environment of Vancouver. Participants live and study on a real university campus, which allows them to experience the atmosphere of student life and independence.

The program is designed for schoolchildren aged 7—17 and is ideal for those who want to combine English language learning with a trip to Canada.

Classes are held on weekdays, from Monday to Friday: 20 English lessons per week — each lasting 45 minutes. There is a lot of speaking practice in the classes: dialogues, pair work, discussions, mini-projects, students practice everyday communication situations, expand their vocabulary, and train listening comprehension. Teachers make sure that everyone is involved in the work, not just present in class.

Homework is given in a reasonable amount. There are no grades in the usual school form, but teachers note progress, and at the end of the shift participants receive a certificate indicating their level and duration of study.

The Simon Fraser University campus on Burnaby Mountain was designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson. Its recognizable concrete architecture has repeatedly served as a filming location for movies and TV series — the campus is used as a "universal" futuristic backdrop: episodes of the series "The X-Files", "Battlestar Galactica", "The Flash", "Supernatural", and scenes for Netflix projects were filmed here.

The campus is located at an altitude of approximately 365 meters above sea level. On a clear day, it offers a panorama of Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains. Visibility in good weather reaches about 40-60 km, with clear views of mountain peaks and the ocean coastline.

Participants with accommodation are placed in the Simon Fraser University residence on campus grounds. The format is single rooms: a child has their own bed, desk, storage space and mini-fridge. Showers and toilets are located on the floor. The campus is compact: everything - classrooms, dining hall, sports areas - is within walking distance.

Children are supervised around the clock by camp staff, adults are on duty on the floors, and the university security service operates. At night, buildings are closed, and exits are controlled.

Meals are served in the university dining hall: three times a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet-style, with an additional evening snack provided. Allergies and dietary restrictions can be reported upon registration - they will be taken into account when compiling the menu. On excursion days, participants receive lunch boxes or meals are organized in the city (for daytime camp participants, meals during full-day excursions are organized by the camp and included in the cost).

Life in the camp is not limited to lessons — participants with accommodation are waiting for two full excursions every week, daily activities after lunch and in the evening. The program includes — the city center, Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, English Bay embankments and beaches, observation decks overlooking the bay. Groups visit Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, Richmond Night Market, and trips to Victoria on Vancouver Island or to the Whistler mountain resort are possible on separate weeks. Among the museums — Museum of Anthropology UBC (here is one of the most famous collections of art of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific coast in Canada, including monumental totem poles; the exhibition gives a vivid representation of the culture and history of the region) and Science World (a large interactive science center under a glass dome, where most areas are designed for practical experiments and visitor participation).

Sports games, tournaments, quests, themed evenings, talent shows, discos, movie screenings are held on campus every day. There are STEAM format classes and team projects where students prepare and present their ideas.

On Sundays you can choose to spend the day on campus in peace and quiet or go on an additional excursion. The schedule is busy, but with breaks for rest and communication.

• Accommodation on the Simon Fraser University campus: students can expect single rooms and 24/7 supervision by staff and security services.
• Two full-day excursions per week plus a rich evening program — the schedule is indeed busy, but balanced.
• Groups usually consist of up to 16 people, children are assigned based on their level upon arrival at the camp.
• You can choose accommodation in a residence or a day camp format on the same university campus.
• Specialized intensives (including artificial intelligence) with a final defense of your own project.

The camp is held on the main campus of Simon Fraser University in Burnaby. It's a hilltop university town overlooking Vancouver and the ocean. The area is secure and convenient: academic buildings, dormitories, a dining hall, and sports facilities are located nearby, and it takes only a few minutes to get around. Participants have access to sports grounds, team game halls, spaces for creative workshops, and areas for camp-wide events. There are cafeterias, recreation areas, laundry rooms, 24/7 security, and on-call medical support available on campus.

The center of Vancouver is accessible by public transport — the journey takes about an hour, so city tours and trips to major attractions don't turn into exhausting commutes.

Arrivals are available weekly: a child can come for one week or stay for up to five weeks in a row.

Additional expenses:

• Registration fee,
• Airport transfer,
• Escort of a minor and meeting/seeing off,
• Specialized intensives (e.g., AI), laptop rental or use,
• Notarial documents for the trip,
• Medical insurance,
• Visa expenses,
• Personal expenses.

First you need to choose a format — with accommodation or without — and decide how many weeks the child will go for. Then, book a place for the desired dates and confirm participation by payment.

On the day of arrival, the child is met and registered on campus, placed in a room or marked on the lists of the day group, given a short briefing, familiarized with the territory and rules. In the first few days, children are assessed for their English level, then they study and participate in the program according to the established schedule.

The main requirement is compliance with the age of the chosen program: 7-10, 11-14 and 15-17 years old. There are no special exams or academic competitions: before starting training, students undergo placement based on their English level to get into a suitable group. For specialized intensives, such as the AI program, an intermediate English level is required.

To participate, you need to fill out a registration form, provide health information and possible allergies, and confirm parental consent to the camp rules. Foreign students require a valid foreign passport and documents for entry into Canada (visa or electronic travel authorization - depending on citizenship).

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision