2025 Summer Program registration is NOW OPEN!
This summer, Geering Up is offering week-long programs for high school students at UBC Vancouver, UBCO Kelowna, and South Surrey! Our high school summer programs inspire and challenge youth through fun, innovative, and hands-on experiments and projects. We will be offering engaging day programs this year for our high school students.
- Weekly from JULY through AUGUST
4 HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM OPTIONS - 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
PACIFIC STANDARD TIME - UBC (Vancouver), UBCO (Kelowna),
and South Surrey - Grade Levels: entering grades 8-12
VARIES BY PROGRAM THEME AND LOCATION - Program Pricing: $440 – $500
VARIES BY PROGRAM THEME AND LOCATION Every person should be able to participate in our programs. Please see the information regarding our camp bursaries.
2025 HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM THEMES:
Please note that each camp theme in the same grade level will feature the same curriculum each week. As such, we do not advise taking the same camp more than once throughout the summer.
Introduction to Engineering Jr
Engineering visibly impacts our day-to-day lives in the technology we use, the transportation we take, the medical systems we navigate, and even the food we eat! Gain an introductory overview of the innovative world of engineering through projects, experiments, and lots of fun hands-on learning! Whether you have already set your sights on your future engineering university degree or are just curious about how the world works, you’ll figure out how to integrate problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity that you’ll need in the future to tackle complex problems. Come learn about the engineering process and create amazing final projects!
Join this program if you’re interested in exploring engineering. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and willingness to learn. Have fun and discover how engineering makes a difference every day!
LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver, South Surrey
BioSystems Engineering Jr
Have you ever wondered how biology and engineering work together to solve human challenges? From trains inspired by birds to protective gear modelled after insects, the natural world is an influential source for engineering and is often the foundation to solving our world’s problems. This camp explores natural systems, like the human body, and how they can influence engineering design. Build your bioengineering skills and gain hands-on experience alongside your fellow biological engineers by joining this camp.
Join this program if you are interested in learning about biology, biomedical engineering, and biological engineering (or are curious to explore how innovation can transform the world as we know it, one system at a time). No prior experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and an open mind!
Electrical Engineering Jr
Harness your knowledge and spark a curiosity for electrical engineering to inspire your future! From flashlights and electric cars to massive hydroelectric dams, the wide world of electrical engineering is right at your fingertips in our Electrical Engineering camp. You’ll get an outlet to explore prototyping electrical circuits, sensors, motors, and much more. If you’re curious about electronics and can't resist building your own projects (and an ohm-mazing new skillset) with expert guidance, get amped and join this camp to get a jumpstart. Watt more could you ask for?
Join this program if you're curious about how electronics and engineering come together, no background or experience necessary! If you're interested in fields like electrical or mechatronics engineering, this is a fun and practical way to get the basics and get started.
Intro to Machine Learning Jr
Step into the dynamic world of software engineering and machine learning! This camp is designed for curious minds that are eager to explore the foundations of programming, software development, and artificial intelligence. Dive into the cutting-edge technology that powers modern innovations and gain real-world skills and hands-on experience in training and optimizing machine learning models. This camp extends beyond the technical know-how; you’ll learn, create, and innovate as you explore the wide possibilities of AI and how it can shape our future. This is “ware” you want to be for an exciting introduction to the endless possibilities of software and AI!
Join this program if you are interested in software engineering, machine learning, or just want to try something new. No prior coding or machine learning experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
All Girls* Explorations in Engineering Jr
Engineering is for everyone. This week-long program is designed to provide girls* with a safe and supportive space to experience and learn about the pathways of engineering. From hands-on projects and interactive workshops to campus and facility tours, participants will gain valuable skills and insights into various engineering disciplines. Our undergraduate student instructors will guide you through engaging challenges, provide a glimpse of life in university, and foster a passion for innovation and critical thinking.
Join this program if you want to experience UBC Engineering and connect with students, mentors, and exciting hands-on content! This camp will feature new curriculum and can be taken by those who have participated in our explorations in engineering camps previously.
Mentorship and representation have a positive impact on girls* decisions to pursue Engineering. Geering Up provides intentionally curated camps for high school girls* to further amplify the impact of our programs. Girls* thrive within a focused space to discover, explore, and cultivate their love for science and engineering. Geering Up holds All Girls* camps during our All Girls* week every summer to encourage girls* and inspire the next generation of women* scientists and engineers.
*We use the words “girls” and “women” with an asterisk (*) to intentionally include students and stakeholders who are underrepresented in STEM fields. Cis girls/women and trans, genderqueer, or non-binary people are welcome at our All Girls* programming. For more information, visit our All Girls* page on our website.
Mechanical Engineering Sr
Get ready to roll up your sleeves, build some cool projects, and dive into the world of mechanical engineering in this hands-on camp! Learn the fundamentals of designing and building mechanical systems that involve motion, energy, and force. From simple machines to creative prototypes, you’ll work on projects that challenge your creativity and problem-solving skills. You’ll take part in interactive projects to gain a deeper understanding of how math, physics and design come together to create the machines that make our day-to-day lives easier!
Join this program if you are interested in the fields of Mechatronics, Mechanics, and Engineering. This program is for anyone who loves building, designing, or just figuring out how things work. No prior experience needed!
Robotics Sr
Unlock the world of innovation and ignite your creativity in a camp where hands-on exploration meets cutting-edge technology! This is your chance to step into the exciting field of robotics, dive into advanced tools and concepts, and create real-world solutions through engaging challenges. Whether you’re building circuits, programming a robot, or exploring AI, you will gain valuable experience in modern tech and design. This camp combines technical skills with creative problem-solving to inspire the innovators of tomorrow. No matter your experience level, this camp will help you unleash your potential and bring your boldest ideas to life. Get ready to invent, create, and learn... the future is yours to build!
Join this program if you are interested in learning about, building, or creating robots and the science and engineering behind them. No prior robotics or coding experience needed—just a passion for discovery. Let’s create something amazing together!
Biomedical Engineering Sr
Jump into the exciting world of Biomedical Engineering and unlock the secrets of innovation! Discover how the human body inspires cutting-edge medical devices and explore the world of human-centered engineering. You’ll blend theoretical knowledge and practical experience to envision and shape the future of healthcare innovation. Are you ready to revolutionize the way we design and heal?
Join this program if you’re interested in Biomedical Engineering, Genetics, Medical Devices, or Medicine. No prior experience necessary! This camp will feature new curriculum and can be taken by those who have participated in our biomedical camps previously.
Design and Prototype Lab Sr
Calling all inventors: here’s your chance to turn your creative ideas into reality! This hands-on program takes a dive into the engineering design cycle and focuses on how to conceptualize, draft, and develop prototypes. Join us for a week-long exploration of the methods engineers use to create and test their groundbreaking designs! Explore drafting, 3D modelling, prototyping, and more while you work through an exciting cumulating week-long prototyping project using the skills you learn over the course of the program.
Join this program if you want to spend a week sparking your creativity and working on your innovative problem-solving skills. No prior experience required!
All Girls* Explorations in Engineering Sr
Engineering is for everyone. This week-long program is designed to provide girls* with a safe and supportive space to experience and learn about the pathways of engineering. From hands-on projects and interactive workshops to campus and facility tours, participants will gain valuable skills and insights into various engineering disciplines. Our undergraduate student instructors will guide you through engaging challenges, provide a glimpse of life in university, and foster a passion for innovation and critical thinking.
Join this program if you want to experience UBC Engineering and connect with students, mentors, and exciting hands-on content! This camp will feature new curriculum and can be taken by those who have participated in our explorations in engineering camps previously.
Mentorship and representation have a positive impact on girls* decisions to pursue Engineering. Geering Up provides intentionally curated camps for high school girls* to further amplify the impact of our programs. Girls* thrive within a focused space to discover, explore, and cultivate their love for science and engineering. Geering Up holds All Girls* camps during our All Girls* week every summer to encourage girls* and inspire the next generation of women* scientists and engineers.
*We use the words “girls” and “women” with an asterisk (*) to intentionally include students and stakeholders who are underrepresented in STEM fields. Cis girls/women and trans, genderqueer, or non-binary people are welcome at our All Girls* programming. For more information, visit our All Girls* page on our website.
HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM POLICIES & FAQ
Please read the information below regarding our policies in place for programs this year.
Registration Deadlines: Registration for each camp will close at 11:59 PM on the Sunday the week before the camp begins.
(i.e., if the camp begins Monday, July 25th, registration for it will close on Sunday, July 17th)
Geering Up operates as a non-profit organization and incurs substantial fees for each cancellation. The later the cancellation, the harder it is for us to fill the spot with somebody on the waitlist. To offset these costs, our cancellation and transfer policy is as follows:
| Date of Cancellation | Amount Refunded |
|---|---|
| More than 7 business days before the program’s start date: | 100% refund of program price, minus a $35 cancellation fee |
| 7 business days or less before the program’s start date: | 50% refund of program price |
| After 9am the Friday before the program’s start date: | No refund provided |
Program Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Recess & Lunch: Participants will go outside for a 30-minute recess and a one-hour long lunch each day. Parents can select "Lunch Release" in registration to allow their youth to leave the program group during the lunch period to purchase food.
Activities: In our programs we will have a variety of activities including engineering building challenges, coding projects, experiments, creative design projects, and more.
Lunch Program:The lunch program is an optional purchase when registering for your programs. Participants receive a main course, side, and drink for their lunch each day. The lunch program costs are for each day of the camp week.
*Only our UBC Vancouver location offers a lunch program.
Geering Up programming is deigned and intended for individual participants, not groups. Having a group (local or visiting) register for our programming greatly impacts the quality of the individual participant's experience; something that is extremely important to us. As such, group registrations are prohibited.
Please note that Geering Up will withdraw all participants without a refund who are found in breach of the group registration policy at any point before or after programming begins.
Unfortunately, Geering Up will no longer be offering Overnight Camp Programs. We apologize for any inconvenience.
There is no difference! We are working to curate our programs and portray them in a way that appeals to high school students. While our programs are not considered a "course", we also feel that "camp" does not quite capture the essence of these programs. We can assure you that the content and approach remains the same, despite the change in language.
Check out our FAQ, or reach us at highschool.geeringup@ubc.ca.
