An immersive summer camp combining science with creativity is back at The Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre located just 35 minutes north of Kingston.

Eco Adventure Camp is run by the Queens University Biological Station.

“We’re hoping to blend together science experiential learning with arts and crafts, so kids have the opportunity to learn and explore the creative side of things,” Counsellor for Eco Adventure Camp Hilary Fotheringham says.

Each week covers a different theme related to nature and biology.

“If they’re not sure what they’re interested in…They can use this as a way to figure out what excites them,” says Fotheringham.

Fotheringham is a Health Sciences student at Queens' University. She says many of the counsellors she works with are studying biology or co-current education.

"They have a lot of experience with biology first-hand and with teaching. My program’s a little bit different,  I don’t have those experiences but I’m hoping to do something with kids in the future even if it’s in the medical field. This helps me get those skills in dealing with children and helping them out with different problems," says Fotheringham.

Outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking are also part of the camp experience.

"It’s very science related, but it’s also very adventure related..we want to make sure kids have a great time outside,” Camp Director Mel Kehoe says.

The camp has been running since 2011, but it ran virtually in 2020 and 2021.

"With the last two years running virtual, it hasn’t been super popular, but I think all the families we have registered right now are very excited for the camp to be in-person," says Kehoe.

The first week of camp begins July 11.

Listen to the full CFRC interview with Hilary Fotheringham and Mel Kehoe below: