Spark Summer Camp FAQs

• • I’ve booked a camp—when will I get the details?

    Sit tight! A welcome package with all the need-to-knows (like what to pack, when to show up, and how to make the most of camp) lands in your inbox the Friday before your camp starts. If Friday comes and goes and you don’t see it, check your junk folder—or give us a shout!

  • What are Spark Camps all about?

    Spark’s week-long camps focus on themed hands-on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities, exploring exhibits, Infinity Dome Theatre shows, live science demonstrations and outdoor adventures. The days are all about the process; things may get a little messy, but new skills are learned and exciting risks are taken along the way to build confidence. Play is essential for healthy growth, so organized games and free play time are mixed into every day at camp.

  • How do I know if Camp programs at Telus Spark are a good fit for my child?

    At Telus Spark we theme our camps around Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math topics and design fun and hands on experiences that your child can learn through. An affinity for these topics is a good start but Spark makes sure that the programs appeal to a wide variety of interest and learning needs.

    2-3 hours every day is also spent in the galleries and outdoor spaces. Please note that these spaces are considered busy public spaces and as such will require more of your child than other camps that operate in private spaces away from the public. Therefore, there are two main guidelines all children, regardless of age, need to be able to follow in order to remain safe and have fun in our camps. Those guidelines are:

    1. They need to be able to follow the verbal instructions provided to them by their camp leader. This includes following the behaviour expectations set for them at the beginning of the day and throughout the day at camp.

    2. They need to be able to stay with their group at all times.

    Repeated incidents that show that a child is not able to follow one or both of these guidelines will lead to a conversation with their guardian about their ability to remain at camp. These conversations are focused primarily around safety. If it is clear that remaining at camp is not a safe choice for a camper or those around them, that camper may be asked to leave or go home early.

  • Can I send someone else to pick up my child?

    Parents/guardians are required to have documented the name, phone number and relationship of who will be picking up their camper on the sign in/out sheet. You can add an alternate pick-up for your child by calling or emailing us from a number/email address that we have on your Camper’s file, or by adding someone to your camper’s file in the morning when you are dropping them off. Camp staff will not allow an adult that's not listed on your camper’s file to take the camper home. Picture ID is required for all adults picking up campers at the end of every single day.

  • Do I have to pay for parking when picking up and dropping off my child?

    The first 45 minutes of parking is free for parents and caregivers dropping off and picking up campers. Simply activate the free 45 minute parking session during pick-up and drop-off hours at the ParkPlus terminals near the front doors. If you plan to stay at the Centre beyond pick up and drop off hours, parking is a $10 flat fee for the day. Spark Members receive free parking.

  • Can I pick up my child early?

    Sure! If a parent/guardian requires taking their camper out early for any reason, please let the camp leaders know in the morning at drop-off. When you arrive for early pick-up, please check in with the front desk staff who can help you locate your child’s camp.

  • Do we need to arrange transportation for camps at other locations around the City?

    No. Should a camp include an off-site location, Spark will arrange all off-site transportation for the campers, and the cost of that is included in your registration fee.

  • What is your policy on aggressive behaviours?

    Spark works hard to ensure that camps are an amazing experience for all campers. Part of that commitment requires that we ensure no child disrupts the enjoyment or safety of the other campers through ongoing aggressive behaviour, bullying, the use of inappropriate language or other disruptive actions. We actively monitor these behaviours and, after appropriate steps are taken with the parent, Spark may request a camper cease coming to camp. At TELUS Spark, we embrace a no-bullying policy for the benefit of staff and visitors.

  • Where should we drop campers off upon arrival?

    A camp staff or volunteer will greet parents and campers on the first day of camp and help you locate a camper’s room. For the rest of the week, parents and campers can follow signs to the Spark Learning Centre or other instructional spaces.

  • What should my child bring/wear?

    Please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather forecast. We often run programs outdoors if the weather permits and we always include an outdoor recess in the Brainasium. Please dress for a bit of mess as well; we suggest you bring an extra set of clothes for younger campers in case your child gets their clothing wet while experiencing activities at water tables. You won't need to send any supplies with the campers, other than two snacks (for morning and afternoon breaks) and a lunch. When packing a lunch and snacks for your child, please ensure that they are peanut-free.

  • What time do camps start and end?

    Summer camp hours are 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. with complimentary before (8:00 - 9:00 a.m.) and after (4:00 - 5:00 p.m.) care.

  • What if my child is under the recommended age for the program?

    Spark works to ensure that all campers get the most out of their experience. Spark camps are designed and tested to be challenging enough only for the specified age range. Spark is happy to allow campers to attend any camp, provided they turn the minimum age required by the first day of camp. Campers under 5 years old tend to find Spark's full day camps too challenging, so it is encouraged for parents of kids under 5 to check out the half day camp options at some of the other camps in the city.

  • When should we arrive to Summer camps?

    Spark suggests an 8:50 a.m. arrival to check in and find your room. Camp staff will be able to assist you with sign-in promptly at 9:00 a.m.

    Between 8:45 and 8:55 a.m., campers will be moving to their camp rooms and your sign-in may be delayed. TELUS Spark offers complimentary care from 8AM - 9AM. Campers can be dropped off any time in that window.

    Please allow a bit of extra time for drop-off on the first morning as collecting forms and confirming information can slow things down – we thank you in advance for your patience.

  • What happens on the first day?

    Bring your completed form(s) with you and know which camp your camper is in. Spark have many camps that run concurrently and more than one camp theme for the same age groups, so knowing where you are headed helps speed up the morning sign-in process. When you arrive, there will be signs and staff to help you find your Campers camp room. There you will meet your child’s camp leaders and they will assist you in signing in your camper.

  • What if I'm late picking up my child?

    Please be prompt and contact us should there be any circumstance that causes you to be delayed. TELUS Spark offers complimentary after care between 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. If a camper is not picked up by 5:15 p.m., and we are unable to contact a guardian, child services will be contacted.

  • Are electronic devices permitted at the camps?

    Spark kindly requests that all electronic devices, including mobile phones, iPods, tablets, cameras, and gaming consoles, be left at home to avoid loss or damage.

  • Can I modify the lunch menu or skip a day's lunch option?

    Spark's prepaid lunch options are offered as a package with no modifications or substitutions.

    When sending lunches, please be aware that fridge and microwave facilities are not available and that many of our campers have nut allergies, mainly to peanuts. Spark cannot guarantee a peanut-free facility due to the public nature of the centre. For the safety of campers, Spark asks that you avoid sending lunches that contain peanuts.

  • What is the refund/cancellation policy?

    If a cancellation occurs less than two weeks before the scheduled camp, a refund may not be applicable. However, in specific cases, such as illness or unforeseen situations, please reach out to Spark directly to discuss potential solutions. All refunds will be issued in the form of a Spark Gift Card unless the Management team decides otherwise.

  • When is payment required?

    Payment in full is required at the time of booking. Refunds are available for cancellations up to two weeks prior to the camp start date, but a $25 administrative fee will apply.