Creative Encounters

Creative Encounters (A.K.A. "Creative Encounters with Science") is a non-profit outreach organization based at the University of Guelph that promotes interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) among youth. Their mission is to inspire, support, and spark curiosity in youth with fun and engaging hands-on STEM activities at their summer camps, workshops, clubs, events, and more. Some of their big initiatives include Indigenous Outreach (InSTEM), Promoting Awareness of Girls in Engineering and Science (P.A.G.E.S.), fostering digital literacy and computer science skills, and reaching underprivileged youth.

Creative Encounters runs through the university’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and is a proud network member of Actua: Canada’s largest STEM outreach organization with over 40 other university and college-based network members nationwide.

Throughout the school year, Creative Encounters runs and supports various outreach events, initiatives, and programs with the goal of giving all youth the opportunity to engage in collaborative STEM learning and opportunities. They offer after-school coding clubs in the fall and winter and run workshops in the spring months which cover a range of curriculum found in elementary schools, including space, nutrition, engineering, and biology. However, Creative Encounters with Science is probably best known for its summer camp programming which runs in July and August, where the University of Guelph’s main campus becomes overrun with campers excited about science, engineering, and technology. Programs include a variety of science camp themes for three age groups that each cover a broad range of topics, as well as specialty programs like LEGO Robotics, Game Design, PAGES all-girls camps, and more.

Creative Encounters with Science is an incredible program not only for children, teachers, and parents, but to the University of Guelph! It is an amazing experience for students to be involved with, either as instructors, mentors, or volunteers, as well as for University of Guelph faculty who donate their time as mentors.

Are you interested in getting involved with Creative Encounters with Science? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us using the information below: