Day-long and overnight programs for children in Grades 4-8
| Explore | A unique end-of-year class experience for students in Grades 5 to 8 with an overnight stay on campus. |
| Mini-Explore | A one-day program for students in Grades 4 to 8. |
Explore
Explore is a unique end-of-year class experience available during weekdays of June.
Designed to motivate students in Grades 5 through 8, Explore combines a series of educational courses with interaction and adventure. Many of the activities take place outside of the classroom. It's a 24-hour experience that will stimulate young minds and leave them wanting more.
This early introduction to university takes away the mystery and provides early exposure to the possibilities for post-secondary education in their future.
The best part is... Explore makes learning fun!
Sample schedule
| Day one | |
|---|---|
| 11 a.m. | Arrival, registration, and room assignments |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Welcome and lunch at Jennings Hall |
| 12:45 p.m.-2:15 p.m. | Activity #1 |
| 2:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m. | Free time |
| 2:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m. | Activity #2 |
| 4:15 p.m.-4:45 p.m. | Free time |
| 4:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. | Supper at Jennings |
| 5:45 p.m.-7:15 p.m. | Activity #3 |
| 7:15 p.m.-8:45 p.m. | Evening activity |
| 8:45 p.m. | Return to residence and snack |
| 9 p.m.-10 p.m. | Quiet time |
| 10 p.m. | Lights out |
| Day Two | |
|---|---|
| 8 a.m.-8:30 a.m. | Rise and Shine |
| 8:30 a.m.-9:15 a.m. | Breakfast at Jennings |
| 9:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m. | Activity #4 |
| 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Closing Ceremony |
| 12 p.m. | Departure |
"This program was excellent. It held children’s attention all the way through each activity. It was extremely well organized and staff was friendly and helpful."
— Teacher
Accommodations
Explore participants, teachers, and chaperones all stay in one of our residence facilities, conveniently located on our beautiful campus.
All participants are required to bring a sleeping bag, pillow case (pillow is provided), and towel.
Additional information detailing what to bring is provided in a registration package that will be sent to you upon registration.
"My favourite part was being able to hang around in the dorms." — Student
Program choices
We have designed a 1.5 hour course for each of the subjects below to incorporate into your customized Explore program. Choose four of the options to best suit the interests of your class.
Special note: Due to the unpredictable nature of faculty and staff schedules, certain activities may not be available on the dates chosen. Mount Allison University reserves the right to substitute an activity upon short notice, if required.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior in humans and non-humans. Psychology includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena of feelings and thoughts. Campers will get the opportunity to look at various ways to study psychology, and maybe learn a few things about themselves.
Biology
Campers will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge about living things. Emphasis will be placed on human body systems, with interactive activities that range from microscopes to muscle movements! These activities will help you discover just how interesting the human body really is.
Chemistry
Explore the wonders of the world of chemistry. The students will have the chance to participate in several exciting chemistry experiments in a real chemistry lab.
By then end, students will concoct a gooey substance to take home as proof of their chemistry expertise! Please make sure your students wear closed-toed shoes and long pants if the chemistry activity is chosen.
Drama
Students interested in the world of theatre will have the opportunity to discover the acting world on stage in Mount Allison's own theatres! Students will learn group improv, familiarize themselves with theatre lingo, and play theatre games to further their acting skills. Ever wanted to become as famous as your favourite movie star? Here's the place to start!
Fine Arts
This program will begin with a slideshow of several famous works of modern art.
We will be looking at different artistic movements including Pop Art, Abstract Impressionism, and Cubism. Students will then have a chance to make art of their own, based on the styles of art they have just seen. Get creative and unleash your inner Picasso!
Physics
Students will discover the different forces of nature through exciting hands-on physics experiments. Some topics include electricity, magnetism, heat, light, and waves. The students will come away with a greater understanding of what is happening in nature and the forces that we have to live with, and how we are directly affected as humans. Explore this mysterious and evoking side of science!
"For me as a teacher I couldn’t get over how the sessions we attended fit with our curriculum — so many reinforcements or extensions of what we covered in class this year. And the kids loved it, because much of the time they wouldn’t even realize that it was 'academic.'" — Teacher
"I learned a lot, like what liquid nitrogen does, how to use a GPS and lots of other things." — Student
Registration
Explore is offered at an all-inclusive fee of $125 per student. For every 10 students, one classroom teacher/chaperon is free.
Registration includes:
- Four educational courses
- Mount Allison ambassador for each course
- Three nutritious meals and one snack
- Tours and scheduled activities
- Accommodation
- Explore souvenir
- Memories to last a lifetime
The minimum group size we can accommodate is 15; the maximum group size is 90. (Please contact us for groups larger than 90). There must be at least one adult chaperone present for each 10 students.
A 10 per cent per student discount will be applied to schools registering four or more classes for the same program.
To register, please send us an e-mail at summer@mta.ca.
Make cheques payable to:
Mount Allison University, Attn: Explore
155 Main St.
Sackville, NB E4L 1B5
"I hope to make this a regular part of the Grade 8 year. It is a wonderful experience as they leave our small school and begin to set personal goals at the much larger high school."
— Teacher
Mini-Explore
Mini-Explore is a one day, all-inclusive programs for students in Grades 4 through 8.
Bring your class to Mount Allison for a full day of learning, fun, and exploration. Upon arrival in Sackville, your students will enjoy a healthy meal in Jennings Dining Hall. Then, it's off to participate in a program filled with interactive and educational activities.
The possibilities are endless! Your students will enjoy exploring the beautiful Mount Allison campus and will get many opportunities to become a 'university student' for a day.
Mini-Explore follows the same programming as Explore, but with the choice of three options from the list of available programs.
Mini-Explore takes place on weekdays during the months of May and June.
"The students felt it was fabulous. One student told his mom it was the best thing he had ever done. Many students raved to their parents. Many want to come again."
— Teacher
Registration and fees
The cost of the program is $45 per student, which includes a warm, healthy meal in Jennings Dining Hall, a certificate, and a Mount Allison souvenir to take home.
To register or to get more information, contact us at summer@mta.ca.