Summer Club 2024

Learn more about Summer Club with our staff and camper made orientation video

Camp Sessions

How to Register

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We accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
Full payment is required at the time of registration.

Quickest way to secure a spot is to register online.
Note: Registrations are not accepted by phone. 

By Mail

To request a copy of the registration form, please send an email to summerclub@rom.on.ca

Mail the registration form together with payment and consent form to:

Royal Ontario Museum
ATTN: Programs Department
100 Queen’s Park
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2C6

Drop Off

Drop off the registration form at the ROM’s Admissions Desk.  Note: One form per child. 

Important: Registrations paid by cheque should be made payable to the Royal Ontario Museum. Post-dated cheques will not be accepted.  Please ensure you have calculated the correct payment on your cheque otherwise your registration will not be processed and it will be returned to you by mail.

Registration

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to the space capacity. Full payment is required at the time of registration.  During the Members' exclusive sign-up period and open general public registration period, spots will be offered on a first-come, first-basis. 

To pair your child with a friend, please indicate the other child’s name on the registration form. 

Note: To enroll in an age group, the child must be the appropriate age by the end of the calendar year. For example, if your child turns 5 by December 31, 2024, they can join a 5-year old group this summer as a 4-year old.

Registrations will not be processed if they are incomplete.

Session Dates

Fees

Transfers

A fee of $30 will automatically be charged to children transferring from one course to another, in addition to any adjustments if transferring between differently priced sessions  Transfers will be permitted up to 5 business days before the course start date, pending availability.

Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations must be received in writing no less than two weeks prior to the course date for a refund of 80%. Please email your cancellation notice to summerclub@rom.on.ca

Any requests for cancellations received after the two-week period will be processed only if accompanied by a medical certificate and received prior to the end of the first week of the camp period.

In the case of insufficient registrations for any course, we reserve the right to cancel the program, and a full refund will be forthcoming with the option to transfer to another available course.

No refunds will be issued for days when a camper is absent, and missed days cannot be made up.

Accessibility

ROMKids is dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive experience for all children. If you have questions about accessibility at Summer Club or are interested in extra support for your child, please contact Kiron Mukherjee, ROMKids Manager & Camp Director at 416.586.5636 or kironm@rom.on.ca (email is preferred at this time). 

Confirmation

Confirmations will be sent by e-mail only. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted by telephone immediately upon receipt of registration.

T-shirts! Order a ROM Summer Club T-shirt

It’s the perfect attire for summer fun and makes a great souvenir!

Child size shirts $20; Adult size shirts $20 (tax included).  We can’t exchange sizes so please check your child’s size before ordering.

ROM reserves the right to make changes to programs and policies at any time.
All programs are HST exempt under Registration # R105248256.

Class Size & Instructors

Classes are limited to 20 children. Staff ratios: 6:1 for 5 year olds, 8:1 for 6 to 7 year olds and 10:1 for children 8 and older.

Instructors hold a degree from a post-secondary institution and have professional experience, including teaching experience. Assistants are senior high school or university students who have extensive experience in educational programs. Each group also has two or more volunteers to provide additional support.

To request a volunteer application, please e-mail studio@rom.on.ca or call 416.586.8043. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old.

Getting Here

Entrance: Use the President's Choice School Entrance at the south side of the museum. Go down the small set of stairs between the Museum and the Planetarium and through the first set of glass doors on the right. We will greet you inside the doors.

Drop-Off and Pick Up: Parking is not available at the Museum. You may drop off and pick up your children briefly at the school bus loading zone on Queen's Park on the east side of ROM. Parking in this area and/or blocking the bus stop are considered parking violations and may be ticketed. The Museum assumes no responsibility for such violations nor can we assist you with parking tickets.

The TTC bus and subway routes also stop at our door. Call  416.393.INFO for details.

Supervised Morning Drop-Off: Summer Club Staff are available from 8:30 am to 9 am at the school bus drop-off zone and at the gates in the Museum subway stop to escort campers to their morning groups. Staff can be identified by staff shirts and badges.

Early Bird Films: Children arriving between 8:10 am and 9 am will enjoy free early bird films until official programming begins. Films consist of National Film Board of Canada short films, educational documentaries, or previous camper video creations. 

Supervised Snack and Lunch: Participants will picnic in Philosopher's Walk (weather permitting) behind the Museum from 12 pm to 1 pm. Children must bring their own bag lunches, drinks and snacks to camp. NO NUTS OR FOODS CONTAINING NUTS ie. Peanut butter, Nutella, granola, trail mix etc. are permitted at camp.  If you are sending an alternate butter (ie. Wow Butter, Sun Butter), we kindly ask that your child be aware/include a note in the box/lunch bag informing of the alternate.

Extended Care: Extended care, consisting of relaxed, supervised activities, will be available for a limited number of children from 4 pm to 6 pm. It is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Your Child's Safety and Pick Up

Children MUST be picked up promptly after programs or extended care ends. Late fees of $1 per minute apply.

We do not permit children to leave unattended. Children ages 11 to 16 years of age can leave on their own if they have a signed note from home summarizing permission for relevant dates.

Please provide a note if you know in advance if your child is going to be absent. Please telephone 416.586.8043 if your child is ill and will not be attending.

Photo ID must be provided at pickup every day.  Children are released only to people whose photo ID matches the name(s) submitted as authorized pick-up people. Names can be added to this list throughout the session.  Camper sign-out will be at the cubbies through the President's Choice School Entrance doors each day.

Daily Schedule

Check out our orientation video and learn more about how Summer Club works!

8:10am - 9:00am: Drop off and sign in at our lockers. 

9:00am - 10:15am: First half of the morning session. Lesson time with the instructor as well as gallery exploration.

10:15am - 10:45am: Break time in the ROMKids Lunch Room or, weather permitting, outside in Philosopher's Walk.

10:45am - 12:00pm: Second half of morning session. Work on art projects or science experiments in our learning labs.

12:00pm - 1:00pm: Time to fuel up for the afternoon. We'll have a supervised lunch in our classrooms and relax to a few short films.

1:00pm - 2:15pm: First half of the afternoon session. We'll continue to explore the galleries with our instructor and work through our art.

2:15pm - 2:45pm: Afternoon Break

2:45pm - 4:00pm: Second half of afternoon session. Time to wrap up all our work and prepare to go home.

4:00pm: Sign out at the lockers.

4:00pm - 6:00pm: Extended Care. 

Further Information

• Programs are 2-weeks long (one week during session 5) and are offered daily Monday to Friday. 2-week sessions cannot be reduced to a single-week registration. 
• Programs are for children ages 5 - 16.  
• ALL PROGRAMS are FULL-DAY PROGRAMS offered from 9 am to 4 pm.
• Supervised mid-morning and mid-afternoon BREAKS take place outdoors in the park (Philosopher's Walk) behind the Museum, weather permitting.
• Children bring their own lunch and snacks. No nuts please.
• Typical daily programs begin with a visit to a Museum gallery that sets the context for a creative project or experiment in the Museum’s classrooms or labs.
• Busing is not available.
• Leadership in training programs available for ages 14-16 

Holidays

Programs do not run on July 1^st and August 5^th, 2024.

ROM Membership

You must hold a valid ROM Family Membership at the time of registration to take advantage of the Members' exclusive sign-up period. Exclusive Members’ sign-up period runs until February 19, 2024.

Register Now

NOTE: To enroll in an age group, child(ren) must be the appropriate age by the end of the calendar year. For example, if your child turns 5 by December 31, 2024, they can join a 5-year old group this summer as a 4-year old.

• Programs are for children ages 5 - 16.  
• ALL PROGRAMS are FULL-DAY PROGRAMS offered from 9 am to 4 pm.
• Full-day programs include a supervised 1-hour lunch break from 12 pm - 1 pm. 
• Extended Care is offered from 4 pm - 6 pm. 
• All sessions are 2 weeks except Session 5: August 26 - August 30, 2024, which is one week. 2-week sessions cannot be reduced to a single-week registration.
• No classes will be held on August 5^th, 2024. 
• Leadership in training programs available for ages 14-16 

The ROM reserves the right to make changes to programs and policies at any time. 

Age 5 – FULL DAY OPTIONS
 

Science Safari (Age 5)

Go wild as you investigate the puzzling properties of water, the gravity-defying fancies of flight, or the many special ways animals sense their surroundings. Try experiments, create your own gallery-inspired art, and go on a Science Safari of the Museum!

Earth Worms (Age 5)

Welcome little worms! Did you know earthworms are nature’s doctors? They help the planet stay healthy and so can you! Learn all about why our planet and animal friends need our help and find out all of the awesome ways you can keep our earth happy. Then, march with the penguins through icy Antarctica and slither with the snakes through the scorching Sahara! Discover Earth’s extraordinary climates and beautiful biodiversity with trips to our animal gallery. Travel back in time and visit the Dawn of Life and Dinosaur gallery to learn all about the animals of the past. Join us as we wiggle and worm our way around the world! 

I Spy (Age 5)

At the ROM there is no shortage of wonderful treasures to feast your eyes on. On your adventures you’ll meet brown bats in a dark cave, bustling bees in a busy hive, and animals in art from our Indigenous gallery, Egyptian gallery, and beyond. What you see on your museum travels will unleash your imagination and inspire stories, art and more.
 

Call of the Wild (Age 5)

Do you hear that? It's the call of the wild! From the fierce lions of the Serengeti to the blue whales of eastern Canada, there are countless curious creatures to meet. Through art, stories, and interactive play, you will learn about the vast diversity of creatures ROM has to offer.

Treasure Chest (Age 5)

ROM is full of timeless treasures just waiting to be discovered. What amazing artifacts or surprising specimens will you find in the magical museum chest each day? It could be anything from tools for a dinosaur digging expedition to materials for braving the bat cave. Your incredible adventures will stretch your imagination and inspire stories, crafts, and artwork.

Age 6-7 FULL DAY OPTIONS

Museum Marvels (Ages 6-7)

Tour our world-famous museum and discover the most amazing artifacts and spectacular specimens ROM has to offer. Explore ancient Egypt and hear the history of Hatshepsut, take cover under our Chinese temple and learn about how the zodiac was created, and visit our Dinosaur gallery to say a quick hello to the mighty T. rex. Aspire to become a future ROM curator as we investigate the marvels this museum holds!

Climate Capers (Ages 6-7)

Suit up, superheroes! Assemble your team of Earth’s champions and take on the dangers of the climate crisis. Learn all about the devastating effects of deforestation and why the sea levels are rising, and the ice is melting. Fly to our Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity and hear the tale of “Bull,” our southern white rhino. Feel the freezing of the Arctic and the heat of the Sahara as we teleport across ecosystems. Then, equip your feline-like reflexes as we dodge and dart our way through the special exhibit to learn about the dangers facing big cats. With great power comes great responsibility, and it is our job to make sure we do everything to keep our planet safe! So, don your cape, grab your mask, and get ready to learn how you can become Mother Nature’s guardians!

Day in the Life (Ages 6-7)

The ROM is the largest museum in Canada, with some of the most diverse exhibitions in the world, and researchers studying everything from archaeology to zoology. Travel  back in time and discover what it was like to live as ancient peoples! Become a pharaoh and rule over ancient Egypt, put on your knight’s armour and prepare for battle, and  discover the hierarchies of civilizations past! Fast forward to the future and sample the best ROM has to offer as we focus on the historians and scientists who discovered these times gone by. Look at the world of archaeology, palaeontology, anthropology and more. Spend a day in the life of people past and present!

Big Bang (Ages 6-7)

Get ready for an exciting and eye-opening session as we uncover the greatest unknowns of our universe. Dive into the deep sea and soar into space as we investigate two of nature’s biggest mysteries. Start the summer off with a bang as we theorize how our universe came to be in our Rocks and Minerals gallery. Journey to our Dawn of Life gallery and consider the puzzling way life was first created. Trek to the Biodiversity gallery and find out just how many animals remain undiscovered. From the bottommost parts of our oceans to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, we’ll talk about the conundrums that still stump scientists today and the groundbreaking research being done to understand them.

Earthlings (Ages 6-7)

Learn about the wonderful and weird marvels of planet Earth! Swim with our aquarium fish, spelunk in our famous Bat Cave, and rocket to the moon. Discover how ancient cultures interacted with the natural world. Explore what earth has to offer and uncover the mysteries of space on this interplanetary adventure!

Building Blocks (Ages 6-7)

Travel around the world as we learn about the building blocks of great cities, ancient inventions, and the world of animal architecture. Discover what it takes to build an Egyptian pyramid, a Viking ship, or some of nature's greatest structures. Spend every day building the foundations of your very own world!

Big Ideas (Ages 6-7)

Hey! What’s the big idea? We’ll answer our own questions and conduct experiments as we become junior scientists. How do people travel to space? What can we learn from digging up fossils? Why did Archemides yell “Eureka!”? We’ll explore the land and the sky as we recreate some of history’s most famous experiments. Put on your lab coats and safety goggles because there’s about to be an explosion of science!

Mischief Makers (Ages 6-7)

What a rascal! Meet the many troublemakers, tricksters and mischief makers across various world cultures on this exploration of the witty and devious! Learn the story of Anansi the sly spider, discover the tales of the famed Greek goddess of chaos Eris and her pranks, and say hello to the Polynesian trickster god Māui to find out about his awesome antics!

Artventures (Ages 6-7)

Grab your crayons, paintbrushes, and pencils and get ready to open your ears, eyes and minds for an around-the-world artistic adventure! Journey through the Museum’s many amazing exhibitions and galleries like ancient Egypt, Rocks and Minerals, and mediaeval Europe, and gain inspiration for your brilliant masterpieces. No corner of the ROM will be left unturned as you let your creativity soar!

Age 8-10 FULL DAY OPTIONS

Against the Odds (Ages 8-10)

Go with nature’s flow as we encounter evolution’s greatest feats. Why does a camel have humps and what does it have to do with the desert? How do polar bears stay warm in the freezing arctic temperatures? What can we learn from a whale’s thick skin? Investigate the fascinating ways flora and fauna adapt to the most extreme environments. Then, look towards the transformations unfolding before our very eyes and discover how humanity may have caused them. From radiation-eating fungi to tusk-less elephants, we will take a moment to understand the impact humans have on nature. Join us on this exploration of how life always finds its way.

Myths and Monsters (Ages 8-10)

Prepare for an adventure of mythical proportions! From fire-breathing dragons and fickle fairies, to heroic adventurers and sneaky tricksters, you’ll discover the ancient origins of your favourite myths, monsters, and more. Match wits with a Minotaur, make a protective amulet, and reveal the secrets of the ancient Egyptian underworld. Astounding tales, amazing feats and inspiration abound for your own legendary stories, artwork, and games on this fantastical adventure.

Journey’s End (Ages 8-10)

Oh the places you’ll go….all over the Museum! Since our evolution to Homo sapiens, humans haven’t stopped moving. Find out how early humans navigated the world and found their way to North America. Then, shift gears and look at some of the most famous voyages throughout history. From the “mystery” of the Franklin Expedition, to the esteemed Micronesian navigator Mau Pialiug’s journey through Oceania, to Apollo 11’s first mission to the moon, this session will be filled with fascinating tales of impressive quests. Journeys might end, but adventure is always out there, and we are going to find it!

Hodgepodge (Ages 8-10)

Art, culture, nature; why choose just one? We’ll explore the Museum from all angles as we combine all the greatest things the Museum has to offer. From making great masterpieces of art to dabbling in backyard science experiments, we’ll do it all. Make your way through every gallery as we become masters of all things museum. Get ready for a little bit of this and a little bit of that as we create a hodgepodge of adventures!

ROM RPG (Ages 8-10)

Paladins, pixies, and pegasus galore! Create your character, carefully strategize, and choose your own ROM-venture on this journey through the Museum’s magical exhibits. Explore the Biodiversity gallery and meet the real-life animals that inspired the many monsters of mythology. Trek through the ROM’s cultural galleries and listen to the stories of heroes past for some tips and tricks in your own campaign. Will you best Medusa’s stoney gaze or will it be a hard rock life for your character? Can you spot the Jinn before they sneak up on you or will its trickster nature make you the fool? Grab your D20 and roll for initiative on this journey of epic proportions!

• An extension of ROMKid’s popular Dungeons and Dragons group.

Naturequest (Ages 8-10)

Answer nature’s call and head outdoors for a full day of scientific investigation on shores and in forests around the city. Study everything from rocks and fossils to birds and mammals. See scientists in action with a trip to our curatorial department. Get up close and personal with pond creatures and urban wildlife. Develop an appreciation for the balance of nature and uncover hidden wonders right in your own backyard!

New Frontiers (Ages 8-10)

Be on the cutting edge of science and technology as we explore new frontiers. Learn how scientists are planning to travel to Mars, and gain insider knowledge on ROM’s participation in the exploratory mission to the asteroid Bennu. Discover the research being conducted at the bottom of the ocean, and how scientists are combating climate change by creating alternative energy solutions. Find out how researchers everywhere are pushing the envelope of science and finding new frontiers.

Going for Gold (Ages 8-10)

Ready, Set, GO Team Canada! Join us on an expedition of international proportions and sample the games, challenges, pastimes, and contests of skill from years long past. Learn all about the Indigenous beginnings of Canada’s national sport—lacrosse! Gallop through the European gallery and don a suit of armour for a riveting jousting challenge. Discover how a mythological weaving competition led to some creepy crawly consequences. Then, in celebration of the 2024 Olympics, spend your time getting to know the fascinating origins of the original games, the customs that are contemporary creations, and discover what prizes victors used to win. Work with your team, test your skills, and have fun as you participate in your very own competitions and crafts!

• This group will be playing games outdoors. Please ensure campers bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and hat each day of camp.

Art Moves (Ages 8-10)

These boots are made for walking, so put on your snazziest pair as we move around Toronto’s exciting cultural sites! Galleries in and beyond ROM will inspire you to expand your portfolio and develop artistic skills through studies in sketching, painting, collage, and sculpture. Get moving as you travel through the Museum and to some of the city’s hidden artistic treasures while developing your skills in the visual arts.

Twist of Fate (Ages 8-10)

From random occurrences to unpredictable experiences, prepare to explore the world of chance, happenstance, and fate. Meet the Moirai, the three sisters of fate from ancient Greece and hear the tale of Meleager, the hero who escaped his destiny. Fly to France and find out how a fun day in a forest ended up revealing one of the most archaeologically significant discoveries of art to date. Get the insider scoop on how ROM’s famous barosaurus was found by fluke. Then, travel back to the beginning of our universe and learn how the big bang theory came about through lucky coincidence. Join us for a session filled with the stories, inventions, and discoveries that we blame on a simple twist of fate.

Outside the Lines (Ages 8-10)

Put on your smock and get ready for an art-filled session! Be inspired by the decorative amphorae of Greece, the stunning textiles of India, and the eye-catching butterflies in our Biodiversity gallery, as we paint like Pollock and colour like Kahlo. Free your creativity and colour outside the lines on this journey through the Museum!

Clay Cultures (Ages 8-10)

Past meets present as you explore how people have expressed themselves in clay throughout history. Can you tell what culture made a bowl just by looking at it? Using everything from simple coils to sophisticated decorating methods, you’ll have the chance to put your creativity to work as you let the ROM's galleries inspire your own clay creations.

Age 11-14 FULL DAY OPTIONS

Toronto Underfoot (Ages 11-14)

Did you know that people have inhabited Toronto for several thousands of years? Join us as we delve into the history of our great city. From Fort York to the Toronto Islands, we’ll uncover the rich history underneath our own feet. We’ll travel to iconic Toronto landmarks, and find out how Hogtown got its name. Haunted walks, epic battles and amalgamations await as we traverse the 4-1-6. Prepare to take a historical journey and discover the hidden past of your own home.

Dungeons and Dragons (Ages 11-14)

Delve into a legendary world where YOU create the story. Tour the Museum and discover the real-life inspirations behind popular table-top role playing games as we study biodiversity, ancient cultures, artifacts, weapons, and more! Then, join a ROM-inspired campaign full of magical beasts, mystical arts, and unsolved mysteries. Create characters, strategize, and try to stay on the Dungeon Master’s good side on this exploration into imagination!

Close Encounters (Ages 11-14)

Have you ever wondered what’s really out there? Join us on our quest to explain the unexplained mysteries of the world. Did you know that what was once thought to be dragon bones were actually the fossils of dinosaurs? What about life on other planets? Why did whales suddenly die off the east coast of Canada? We will explore the facts behind the fiction as we hone our critical thinking skills and sift through the enigmatic world of skepticism.

ROM Reporters (Ages 11-14)

Take in ROM’s galleries and collections as you get the inside scoop as an official ROM Reporter! In an action-packed two weeks, we’ll craft new tales for ancient artifacts, create fun and informative vlogs, and interview specialists in topics ranging from art to science. Whatever story you want to tell about the Museum and the fantastic things inside it, we’ll find the best way to tell it.

• Media consent is mandatory for this group. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ROMKids Office at 416.586.8043 or studio@rom.on.ca.

About Time (Ages 11-14)

Leave no stone unturned as we dig into the wonderous world of archaeology! Learn the ropes as we excavate our very own site and piece together the mystery that lies beneath. Try your hand at reconstructing pottery, forming flint tools, and faunal analysis. Learn from a real archaeologist, meet ROM experts, and discover if you have what it takes to survive on a real dig. We talk all about time on this exploration of what is left behind!

All the ROM’s A Stage (Ages 11-14)

Places, everyone! Prepare yourself for a journey of the imagination and bring the ROM’s exhibits to life. Our special theatre school will draw on the Museum’s rich cultural and dramatic backdrop to enhance your acting abilities through training in voice, movement, expression and dialogue. All you learn will culminate in a final performance worthy of a Shakespearean stage.

Generation Why? (Ages 11-14)

Journey across the Museum as we explore how major historical movements and eras shaped generations of people to come. Explore how oral stories and histories transcend generations with a trips to our First Peoples, Greece, and China galleries. Travel through time and check out the fads and fashions of the trendiest eras. Find out how the race to the moon influence Atomic Age design and the meaning behind the many colours of ancient Egypt. Discover just how loud the “silent generation” was as we learn about second wave feminism and the rise of the civil rights movement. At the end of our session, we look towards the future. What do we wish for the newest generation, Generation Alpha?

Museum Mysteries (Ages 11-14)

Get ready to unlock some of the Museum’s greatest mysteries as we learn the secrets behind Canada’s largest museum. Find out how one of the Museum’s most famous dinosaurs went missing for decades, and how the largest animal ever found made its way through the doors. Explore the ROM’s hidden collections and learn the stories behind some of the most mysterious artifacts and specimens. Become a museum insider as we discover the ins and outs of the Museum’s history.

Age 14-16 FULL DAY OPTIONS

Leadership (Ages 14-16)

Join our Leadership program and improve your confidence, communication skills and ability to work with a team. Real hands-on experience working with children, assistants, and instructors in our Summer Club programs will reinforce exercises in problem solving, motivation and conflict resolution. You’ll also get a chance to meet with museum professionals and learn about museum careers. Graduates of this program will be considered for volunteer assistant positions in next year’s Summer Club, and other ROMKids programs.