(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Government of Canada has allocated $88,000 to Science North to support the hiring of Summer Science Camp staff for 2024. This funding, sourced from the Canada Summer Jobs Program, Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations, and Young Canada Works in Both Official Languages program, enables Science North to employ young Canadians to assist with their summer camp programs across Northern Ontario, including Thunder Bay. This initiative not only bolsters the camps but also provides youth with valuable work experience and workforce skills.
To commemorate this investment, the Hon. Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North and Minister of Indigenous Services and FedNor, participated in a science camp activity at Vance Chapman Public School in Thunder Bay. These camps aim to spark an interest in science through a combination of hands-on and engaging activities.
Since 1987, Science North has reached 40,000 Northern Ontario children aged 4-13 through week-long summer science camp programs. Last summer, they achieved record numbers of children and communities served, and this summer anticipates welcoming 4,400 campers across 35 communities in Ontario.
Science North is committed to serving the North, acting as Northern Ontario’s science centre. Their initiatives include summer science camps, outreach programs to teachers, students, and the public, as well as expanding engagement with Indigenous audiences and community partnerships. With a vision to be a leader in providing inspirational, educational, and entertaining science experiences, Science North’s outreach programs ensure the organization meets its ambitious goals.
“Science North continues to be a leader in science education and inspires engagement through both their interactive exhibits and programming, and by providing opportunities for youth employment. With this federal government support, Science North is able to offer bilingual visitor experiences, train a new generation of science educators, and provide experience to youth who have an interest in science and are looking for meaningful work throughout the summer. These youth employment programs provide critical support to organizations and encourage the development of important skills for youth to carry on throughout their careers. Congratulations to Science North and all the youth who will share in this incredible experience.” – Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament Thunder Bay-Superior North and Minister of Indigenous Services and FedNor
“This funding from the Government of Canada enables Science North to expand our summer camp programs and provide more young Canadians with the opportunity to develop essential workforce skills. We are grateful for this generous support, which allows us to continue our mission of providing fun and engaging science experiences to youth across Northern Ontario.” – Ashley Larose, MSc, CEO, Science North
About Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario’s premier tourist attraction and educational resource for children and adults. It operates the second- and eighth-largest science centres in Canada, offering a science centre, IMAX® theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth: Home of the Big Nickel. In partnership with Laurentian University, Science North offers North America’s first and only comprehensive Science Communication program, featuring a joint Master’s and Graduate Diploma program. Through its mandate, Science North provides science experiences across Northern Ontario, including school outreach, summer science camps, and more, with a permanent base in Thunder Bay. Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario. For more information, visit sciencenorth.ca.
