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Our FUN Program is a traveling summer camp designed for Indigenous children and youth under the age of 16. The program brings fun, learning, cultural connection, and new experiences directly to Indigenous communities while also creating opportunities for participants to visit and stay on university campuses.​

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The camp is hosted within the community using local spaces such as community centres, schools, cultural grounds, recreation facilities, and outdoor land-based learning areas. This allows children and youth to participate in a familiar environment while remaining close to their families, culture, and community supports.

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The program combines land-based learning, cultural activities, mental wellness, recreation, and hands-on education. Activities may include traditional storytelling, drumming, medicine walks, arts and crafts, sports, outdoor activities, team-building games, science and technology workshops, campus tours, and career mentorship.

 

Through these activities, children and youth can:

  • Build confidence, independence, and leadership skills

  • Strengthen their connection to culture, community, and identity

  • Learn healthy ways to communicate and manage emotions

  • Develop teamwork, problem-solving, and social skills

  • Explore different careers and educational pathways

  • Meet Indigenous university students and positive role models

  • Become more comfortable with university and campus life

  • Build friendships and create lasting memories

 

The camp is led and supported by Indigenous volunteers and Elders.

FUN Program

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Who the Program Is For

The FUN Program is designed for Indigenous children and youth under the age of 16. It welcomes participants from Indigenous communities across Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.  Who want to explore culture, education, leadership, and new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

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Community-Based Experience

The program is delivered directly within the participating Indigenous community. Activities are hosted in partnership with local leaders, organizations, families, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.

Keeping the camp within the community allows participants to learn in a familiar, culturally supportive environment without needing to stay overnight on a college or university campus.

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Activities and Learning

The program includes traditional storytelling, drumming, medicine walks, sports, arts and crafts, team-building games, mental wellness activities, campus tours, and career mentorship. Participants will learn about Indigenous culture, identity, leadership, teamwork, healthy living, education, and different career pathways.

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Indigenous Leadership and Mentorship

The camp is led and supported by Indigenous university students, volunteers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and trained facilitators. Indigenous students and volunteers serve as mentors and positive role models, helping participants build confidence and see new possibilities for their education and future.

Student Requirements

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To participate in the FUN Program, students must:

  1. Be under 16 years old at the time of the program.

  2. Identify as Indigenous, including First Nations, Inuit, or Métis youth.

  3. Complete a registration form with accurate personal, emergency contact, health, and dietary information.

  4. Provide permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the camp, travel, activities, and overnight university-campus stays.

  5. Be able to participate safely in group activities, including outdoor learning, sports, workshops, cultural activities, and campus tours.

  6. Follow the program’s safety and behaviour expectations, including treating other participants, staff, volunteers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers with respect.

  7. Respect cultural teachings and activities shared during the program.

  8. Stay with the assigned group and follow staff instructions during travel, campus activities, meals, and overnight stays.

  9. Inform program staff of any medical conditions, allergies, medications, accessibility needs, or other required accommodations before the program begins.

  10. Bring the required clothing and personal items, including comfortable clothing, outdoor footwear, toiletries, medication, and any items listed by the program organizers.

  11. Attend the full program whenever possible, including scheduled activities, meals, workshops, and group sessions.

  12. Avoid bringing prohibited items, including alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, weapons, vaping products, or other unsafe materials.

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