Learning Opportunities

Annual Learning Opportunities For Students

ACADIA SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMIES: Each summer, students pursue their passion for music at Acadia, by participating in the Concert Band program and the Strings Festival. These are musicians of all ages and skill levels. For more information, please visit: summermusic.acadiau.ca/home.html.


CAMP BRIGADOON: Did you know that a camp exists in Nova Scotia for children and youth who have chronic illness, condition or special need? Brigadoon Village is a new $8.5 million facility located on Aylesford Lake in the Annapolis Valley and serves children and families from across Atlantic Canada. They offer year-round programming for children, families and user groups such as schools and businesses that includes recreational and arts programming and leadership development. Brigadoon Village offers nine (9) weeks of summer programming for campers who have:

Visual Impairments (in cooperation with APSEA)
Congenital Heart Defect
Juvenile Arthritis (in cooperation with the Arthritis Society)
Lost a loved one (Bereavement Camp)
Asthma (in cooperation with the Lung Association)
Kidney Disease (in cooperation with the Kidney Foundation)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Cancer (in cooperation with the Canadian Cancer Society –Nova Scotia Division)
Celiac Disease
Epilepsy

Many of these programs are unique, not only in the Maritimes but in in all of Canada and provide needed respite to families. If you know of a child who is affected by any of the above, please feel free to direct them to learn more about Brigadoon’s programs at www.brigadoonvillage.org. Camp Fees are structured on a voluntary tiered payment system so that families contribute only what they feel they can afford toward the camp stay, with some of our programs having full sponsorship through our partner organizations. No child is turned away from Brigadoon because of family financial limitations.


'EXPLORE' FIVE-WEEK FRENCH-LANGUAGE BURSARY PROGRAM: Discover another region of Canada while learning French. Enjoy five (5) weeks of learning, adventure, friendship, and discovery during this intensive language-immersion course, adapted to your level. Spring or summer courses available. Most expenses are covered. Live the Canadian Experience! Visit http://www.myexplore.ca for more information.


FORUM FOR YOUNG CANADIANS: Canada's premier civics education program for students aged 15-19 years old. Forum brings students to Ottawa for a week of intensive academic adventure immersing them in the exciting world of national politics and public affairs. For information and applications, please visit www.forum.ca.


HOUSE OF COMMONS PAGE PROGRAM: To be considered, the online application ourcommons.ca/page must be duly completed and accompanied by the following supporting documents:

  • transcript of your final marks from last year (Grade 11 or secondary IV or first year of CEGEP (Québec)), as well as your current year’s marks as they become available;
  •  an essay (500 words maximum, double-spaced);
  •  a one-page curriculum vitae outlining your activities and interests; and
  •  The names and contact information for two references. (The references may be any teacher, school principal, guidance counsellor, administrator of an academic institution or non-family member who has supervised you in a paid or voluntary activity. It is your responsibility to inform references about the selection criteria and duties of a House of Commons Page so that they can comment on your personal qualities and achievements as they relate to your suitability for this position.)

KATIMAVIK: Ready to make a difference?  Are you between 17 and 21?

  • Not sure what your next step is?
  • Can't decide where to go to college or university or what you should major in?
  • You want to take a "useful" break from the usual routine: discover yourself, your path, your country.
  • Looking for that competitive edge - something that will stand out on your resumé and application forms?
  • Want to get off the beaten path, do something different and take the road less travelled?
  • Want to make a difference and do something for the environment?
  • Would like a chance to see the Atlantic, the Rocky Mountains or to live in a French-speaking community?
  • Want to meet new people from across the country and make new friends?
  • Need a change, need a challenge?

If you can relate to any of these questions, then start thinking about it now! While you're doing homework, studying for finals, filling out college and university application forms, keep in mind there's more out there. Katimavik can help you get a head start and set you off on a new path.

Katimavik is Canada’s leading volunteer service organization for youth 17-21 years old. By taking part in one of their intensive volunteer service and learning programs, you will help change Canadian communities and be the difference. For six months, you will live with 10 other youth in one or two communities across Canada. Explore the country, build your future, and make a real difference! For further information, please visit: katimavik.org/en/.


KEDOOOPSE SUMMER BEREAVEMENT CAMP: Kedooopse a summer camp held at Brigadoon Village. The camp is for youth 8-17 years old who have experienced the death of a loved one (family member or friend). Campers get to participate in a wide variety of games, art and theater projects, outdoor recreation, swimming, music, stargazing, campfires and much more! What makes the camp unique is the peer support groups built into the schedule. These groups are facilitated by a certified child life specialists, bereavement coordinators, or psychologists. If you are interested in this therapeutic opportunity, please visit: http://brigadoonvillage.org/camp-kedooopse/.


NEXTGEN UP & COMER'S: This Cape Breton Partnership believes that the youth of our region are truly one of our most valuable resources. That is why the Partnership is pleased to introduce the NextGen Up & Comer’s initiative, which profiles high school students in the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education, the Strait Regional Centre for Education, the Eskasoni First Nations School Board, and the Potlotek School Board who are making a difference in their community. The goal of this initiative is to showcase young leaders and talent in the community, combat negative attitude towards Cape Breton, and retain and attract people to the region. The areas in which the students excel can be academics, athletics, volunteerism, student leadership, and young entrepreneurship, etc. The youth who are profiled will be featured in the Partnership’s NextGen Newsletter; a bi-weekly newsletter revealing Cape Breton’s next generation of talent and success stories.

If you are a student that fits the Up & Comer qualifications, they would love to hear from you!
Students can contact Emma Menchefski at [email protected].


NOVA SCOTIA SEA SCHOOL: Sailing camps and group programs will help you get the most out of life this summer! Live aboard a 30' traditional wooden sailboat and explore the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia's South Shore. There are various expeditions, ranging from team building days to a 7 day coastal expedition. These programs are also eligible for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. There is also bursary support to participants. Register now at https://www.boss-sail.co.uk/dofe/ 902-423-7284 / [email protected].


PROJECTS ABROAD: Provides students with the opportunity to live and work in developing countries in a way that is both convenient and safe for the students and also positive for the countries themselves. Projects Abroad sends volunteers ages 16 and up to 27 countries to do over 150 unpaid internships and service projects. Student volunteers can go for as little as 2 weeks and up to a year. This opportunity give the students meaningful work, overseas support, and a flexible timeline. Visit www.projects-abroad.ca to learn more information and to apply.


SHAD VALLEY: Shad Valley is a four-week summer enrichment program. Students spend a month living in residence at one of our host university campuses across Canada. The program is offered to students currently completing Grade 10, 11 or 12, Quebec secondaire IV, V or CEGEP I, or the international equivalent. With workshops and lectures that focus on the sciences, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship, the program provides an academically stimulating, mind expanding adventure for top well-rounded students. Students will also enjoy team-building exercises, recreational activities and the opportunity to explore local attractions. For more information and to apply online, please visit http://www.shad.ca.


University of Toronto Youth Summer Programs (Law & Medicine): A summer program for high school students who wish to experience what it is like to be a student at Canada`s top Medical and Law Schools. Students will have hands-on access to the academic and research professionals and programming in the same top-notch facilities our undergraduate and graduate students currently enjoy. Glimpse into the world of medicine and medical research or be introduced to the legal system and a variety of legal concepts. These summer camps are held in July and August in downtown Toronto and range in length from one to six weeks. For more information, visit http://www.ysp.utoronto.ca.