Frequently Asked Questions
What are the age requirements
of the camp?
Campers are eligible for Junior Lab Kids or Senior Lab Kids based on their school grade, meaning they must turn the required age by December 31 of the calendar year. Our online system determines eligibility by birth year to keep campers with their grade-level peers. It will display options based on the age they will turn by the end of the year. If your child has a late birthday (after the summer) and you prefer them to be grouped with their age peers rather than their grade peers, please contact our camp office for registration options. Important: Campers must meet the minimum age requirement for their group by December 31. We do not allow younger campers to register for older groups.
How many campers will be in my child's camp? What is the staff-to-camper ratio?
Note: the table above reflects the intended plan but may be adjusted as needed.
What are the standard camp hours for JICS summer lab?
Camp hours are weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with complimentary Before Care beginning at 8:30 a.m. Campers can be dropped off any time between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. (excluding statutory holidays and University of Toronto closures - see camp dates for details). Kiss and Ride is available for camper drop-off between 8:45 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Please see the JICS Summer Lab Parent Hand-book for more information. After Care is available for all camp programs for $100/week or $80 for Week 4. After Care hours are between 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Please note: A late charge of $25 per camper will be charged if you arrive for pick-up after 3:30 pm, unless your camper is registered for After Care. A late charge of $25 per camper will be charged if you arrive after 6:00 pm for a camper in After Care. Aftercare begins at 3:30 p.m.
What are the camp's cancellation policies?
Cancellations up to and including May 31: Cancellations will receive a full refund, minus an administration fee of $100.00 per week, per camper. Cancellations on or after June 1: No refund is available for cancellations on or after June 1. JICS Summer Lab Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy JICS Summer Lab reserves the right to reschedule or cancel any program if necessary. We are committed to providing timely communication and will inform registrants as far in advance as possible should any changes occur. In the event that a program does not meet the required minimum enrollment, JICS Summer Lab may adjust group arrangements or, if needed, cancel the session. If a program is canceled, registrants will be notified with as much advance notice as possible, and will be offered either an alternative program or a full refund.
Are meals and snacks available?
Check out our meal options provided by Kids Cuisine Santé
Hot Lunch & Snacks: For an additional fee, campers can purchase a hot lunch and snack package provided by Kids Cuisine Santé.* Meal Pricing: $70/week, or $56 for Week 4. Meal Selection & Dietary Accommodations: All meals are halal. Vegetarian options are available and can be selected through the registration portal. Parents can specify allergies and/or dietary restrictions using the Medical/Allergy form in the registration portal (URL ending in CampBrain). Vegan meals are not available at this time. Packaging & Additional Information: Meals are served in individual boxes and kept warm in isothermal bags. Water is not provided—campers must bring a clean, reusable water bottle daily. Disposable cutlery is available upon request. *All lunches are nut and peanut free.
Do you have to be a current JICS student to register?
No, JICS Summer Lab Camp welcome applications from all students, regardless of their current school affiliation.
Are all of the labs the same each week?
No, each lab will be unique! Since we follow an inquiry-based approach, programming is shaped in part by the children's interests. While there may be some natural overlap due to shared spaces—such as our beautiful courtyard, which serves as the home base for Natural Curiosity—each week will offer new opportunities for exploration and discovery.