UCC introduces its Summer Life program

The program is divided into three age groups for students ranging in age from 10 to 15 whose families paid $4,995 for a three-week, co-ed English enrichment experience.

Junior and intermediate participants choose to take part in up to three different one-week day camps with almost 20 areas of focus, including robotics, visual arts, film, theatre, golf, tennis, basketball, baseball and soccer. UCC Summer Day Camps is celebrating its 40th year of activities for children aged four to 16 this year, and Summer Life participants will integrate with those kids.

Senior Summer Life campers will participate in UCC’s leadership-in-training program that incorporates a team-centred approach to initiative, volunteerism and mentorship.

UCC summer programs manager Emma Kanga says campers signed up for Summer Life to “explore Toronto, meet local campers, explore their independence and develop their English.”

Summer Life participants will have the run of UCC’s campus, including sleeping in Seaton’s and Wedd’s House at night and having three meals a day in the Upper School dining hall. They’ll attend a one-hour English enrichment session per day and take part in afternoon and evening experiences, including swimming, tennis, creative writing, public speaking and debate seminars.

Summer Life participants will also have a chance to visit Toronto attractions including the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum and Centre Island, while also getting out of the city to go to Niagara Falls and UCC’s 430-acre Norval Outdoor School.

The first session runs until Aug. 4 and a second session will run from Aug. 5 to 25.

When they’re done, Kanga hopes Summer Life participants will leave with a greater sense of independence, an appreciation of Toronto, enhanced English skills and new friends.