Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about BioTroopers camps, after-school programs, and PA Day camps. If you have a question not answered here, email info@biotroopers.com.
About our programs
What STEM camps are available in Burlington?
BioTroopers offers five STEM camp themes in Burlington: Journey Into the Cell, Incredible Human Body, Life in Outer Space, Fossil Stories, and Amazing Animal Kingdom.
What STEM camps are available in Oakville?
BioTroopers offers two STEM camp themes in Oakville: Life in Outer Space and Incredible Human Body.
What is the difference between a STEM camp and a STEAM camp?
STEM focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, while STEAM includes Art. At BioTroopers, art and engineering are woven into every science theme to create creative STEAM projects.
What age are BioTroopers science camps for?
BioTroopers science camps are designed for kids ages 5 to 12. Small group sizes ensure every child gets personalized attention.
How much does a week of camp cost?
Full-day summer camps are $415 per week in Burlington and Oakville, and $399 per week in Scarborough and Etobicoke. Half-day camps are $199 or $200 per week. A short 4-day week is $340.
Where are BioTroopers camps located?
BioTroopers runs camps across the Greater Toronto Area with locations in Burlington, Oakville, Etobicoke, and Scarborough.
What does a typical day at camp look like?
Camp days run 9 AM to 4 PM. Mornings start with a science warm-up, then move into a hands-on experiment block. After a creative STEAM project, kids break for lunch and outdoor time at 12. Afternoons cover an exploration activity, a group science challenge, and a wrap-up sharing session. See the full daily schedule on our camps page.
What age range are BioTroopers programs for?
Most programs are for kids ages 5 to 12. Summer camps and PA Day camps welcome kids 5 to 12. After-school programs are designed for kids 6 to 12. If you have a child outside this range and aren't sure if a program fits, email us at info@biotroopers.com.
What's the difference between summer camp, PA Day camp, and after-school?
Summer camp runs Monday to Friday for a full week, 9 AM to 4 PM, July and August. PA Day camps run on Halton District, Toronto District, and other regional school PA days as full-day camps from 9 AM to 4 PM. After-school programs run weekly during the school year, 1.5 hours per session, in 10-week terms ending with a Science Fair.
Are camps screen-free?
Yes. BioTroopers camps are designed around hands-on experiments, physical materials, and group activities. Screens stay off so kids can focus on real-world discovery.
Logistics and what to bring
What should my child bring to camp?
Each child should bring a labelled water bottle, a healthy peanut-free lunch, a small snack, sun hat and sunscreen for outdoor breaks, and closed-toe shoes. We provide all science materials, lab notebooks, and project supplies.
What's the drop-off and pick-up process?
Drop-off is between 8:50 and 9:00 AM, pick-up between 4:00 and 4:15 PM. Both happen at the venue's main entrance. We sign children in and out and only release them to a parent or guardian on the approved pick-up list.
Are before-and-after care options available?
Yes, for Burlington summer camp weeks. You can add before-and-after care to any Burlington week. View the add-on options on our camps page. Before-and-after care for Oakville, Etobicoke, and Scarborough is not currently offered. Before-and-after care is available as a $50/week add-on ($40 for the short August 4-7 week) for July and August summer camps at Ashwood Glen School (Burlington). Before-care runs 8:30-9 AM and after-care runs 4-4:30 PM.
Are camps indoor or outdoor?
Both. Each day mixes indoor experiment blocks with outdoor breaks. In bad weather, all activities move indoors. Camps run rain or shine.
Safety, supervision and accommodations
What's the camper-to-instructor ratio?
Our small group sizes mean a maximum of 4 students per instructor (1:4 ratio). This ensures individualized attention so every child gets the questions, support, and discoveries they need.
Are your instructors trained in first aid?
Yes. All BioTroopers staff are police-checked and trained in basic first aid and CPR. Students are fully supervised at all times.
Do you accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions?
Yes. BioTroopers maintains a strict nut-free policy across all camps and venues. For other allergies (dairy, gluten, tree nuts, etc.), email info@biotroopers.com after booking so we can plan accordingly.
What safety measures do you have in place?
We follow provincial and federal safety guidelines. Specifically: police-checked staff, full student supervision at all times, daily sanitization of materials and surfaces, strict nut-free policy across all camps and venues, lab coats / gloves / safety goggles provided for hands-on experiments, and pre-screened allergy + medical info on every camper.
Can my child attend if they have a learning difference, ADHD, or autism?
We welcome neurodiverse kids. Our small group sizes and structured but flexible day works well for many kids with learning differences, ADHD, or autism. Before booking, email info@biotroopers.com to talk through your child's needs so we can plan support together.
Booking, payments and policies
How do I book?
Click any Reserve a Spot button on our camps, theme, or location pages. You'll be taken to our secure booking system to enter your child's details and complete payment.
What's your refund and cancellation policy?
Cancellations 14 days or more before camp start receive a full refund minus a $30 administrative fee, sent via e-transfer. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to info@biotroopers.com. Cancellations within 14 days of camp start cannot be refunded since materials and staffing are already confirmed, but we are happy to offer a credit toward a future camp or workshop, subject to availability.
How do I get in touch?
Email info@biotroopers.com or DM us on Instagram @biotroopers. We respond to most messages within 1 business day.
