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Camps run by the Fred Otto DiscoverE Program are more than just fun and educational. They’re a strategic investment in the future, designed to spark curiosity in STEM and plant a seed in the minds of thousands of children: “That’s where I want to go.”

With 14 on-campus camps running each week, DiscoverE offers 2,274 spots for kids in Grades 1–6 over the summer. Campers explore topics from coding to chemical engineering in hands-on, grade-specific programming. Along the way, they get a taste of university life—touring labs and classrooms, learning from real undergraduate students, and experiencing campus as a place they belong.

Recruitment Begins in Grade 1

“DiscoverE helps kids see themselves in higher education,” says Program Manager and Director Ilana Young. “It demystifies the university and shows them that this is a place where they can thrive.”

That sense of belonging is built with intention. Each summer, DiscoverE hires 65 student staff—undergrads and recent grads from engineering, science, arts, and education—and invests heavily in their training. Before camps begin, instructors complete a boot camp focused on mentorship, inclusion, and community-building. Hiring practices are also equity-focused. DiscoverE partners with different groups to recruit 2SLGBTQIA+ students and ensure gender parity among instructors.

Bringing the U of A Experience Off Campus

Each summer, DiscoverE also runs camps in rural and Indigenous communities across ß÷ßäÉçÇø and the Northwest Territories, including Camrose, Grande Prairie, and Yellowknife. First Nations partners include Horse Lake First Nation, Paul First Nation, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation, Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, Cold Lake First Nation, Duncan’s First Nation, and Kehewin Cree Nation.

Each week, instructors travel to off-campus locations to deliver longer, more structured camp days with local mentors and STEM partners. “We bring the U of A experience to them,” says Young. “It’s about showing kids that STEM is for everyone, no matter where they live.”

Building Relationships with Indigenous Communities

In partnership with sponsors like Pembina Pipeline, DiscoverE offers fully subsidized camps in Indigenous communities. These include travel, meals, and meaningful engagement with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders. Sponsors commit to three-year relationships and often volunteer—hosting BBQs and connecting with youth.

The Long Game

DiscoverE is more than a summer job or camp—it’s a transformative experience. With every circuit built, every experiment launched, and every curious question answered, the message is clear: the ß÷ßäÉçÇø is a place where you belong.