Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

Overview
Here's what makes Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA) stand out
Established in 2013 by Smith Engineering at Queen's University, Connections Engineering Outreach aims to create new opportunities for the greater Kingston community to explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). As one of the official Engineering Outreach programs of Smith Engineering, Connections collaborates closely with other outreach initiatives, including Indigenous Futures in Engineering and Black Youth in STEM. By providing experiential learning opportunities for students, teachers, and community members, we strive to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong passion for STEM in all participants.

Special needs: Not available

LGBTQ+ friendly community
Visit the Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA) website

Programs, Rates & Dates

Programs and Sessions Calendar

The Queens Summer Engineering Academy is known for providing hands-on STEM experiences to high school students, fostering curiosity and passion for engineering. What makes this program special is its immersive, team-based approach, utilizing Queen’s University’s lab facilities for real-world projects. Rooted in accessibility and inclusion, it collaborates with initiatives like Indigenous Futures in Engineering and Black Youth in STEM. We take pride in inspiring the next generation of engineers through creativity, leadership, and experiential learning.

Choose the right programs and sessions for your child; Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA) currently has 3 programs available.

Filter activities available:

Name

Type/Gender

Specialty

Location

Date

Bus

Cost

Connections: Queen's Summer Engineering Academy Junior - EngGears

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Day Camp
Coed
Ages: 7 - 14

STEM, STEAM

$200 to $250

Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Jul 07-11	$200 - $250
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Jul 14-18	$200 - $250
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Jul 21-25	$200 - $250
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Jul 28-Aug 01	$200 - $250
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Aug 05-08	$200 - $250
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Aug 11-15	$200 - $250
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Aug 18-22	$200 - $250

Queen's Summer Engineering Academy Senior

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Overnight Camp
Coed
Ages: 14 - 17

Engineering, STEAM

$450 to $1,637

Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Jul 07-11	$450 - $1,637
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Jul 14-18	$450 - $1,637
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Jul 21-25	$450 - $1,637
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Jul 28-Aug 01	$450 - $1,637
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Aug 11-15	$450 - $1,637

Connections: Queen's Summer Engineering Academy Intermediate

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Day Camp
Coed
Ages: 12 - 14

STEM, STEAM

$250 to $300

Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Aug 05-08		$250 - $300
Kingston, ON 69 Union Street	Aug 18-22		$250 - $300

Registration Details

The Queens Summer Engineering Academy accepts all applicants upon registration, making the sign-up process simple through our registration portal. We do not interview families, either in-person or virtually. For cancellation details, including any fees or penalties, please refer to our Campbrain cancellation policy: connections-summer-programs-cancellation-and-refund-policy-2025.pdf that can be found on our webpage.

Financial Aid & Payment Details

Payment Options:

Deposit required with acceptance	Yes
Credit card payment	Yes
Maximum installments available	3

Reviews & Insider Perspectives
The Our Kids review of Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

For young people with a passion for engineering, attending the Connections sessions has the same gravity as, say, a child who loves basketball attending a week of practices with the Raptors. The setting, the staffing, the resources, the approach—it’s all the real deal, within one of the country’s foremost academic institutions. No punches are pulled, with attention to chemical, civil, electrical and computing, geological, mechanical engineering, and others. It’s not for everyone, to be sure, but, again, for the right child, it’s as exceptional as it is unique. Day and overnight options allow for a wider range of engagement, but the immersive overnight programs are a particular draw. Participants interact with peers of a like mind and academic ability, as well as academics and professionals in the field, all which can be both transformational and inspiring.

Visit the Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA) website

Three Things: Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)
Hear the three things that Our Kids’ editors see when they look at Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

Video interviews with parents, campers, and alum
Stephanie Young, Parent

00:24 - What were you looking for when searching for camps?
01:07 - What would you highlight about QSEA's programming, teachers, or curriculum, and what can you tell us about that?
01:50 - What do your children like best or find most exciting about QSEA?
02:41 - How and when did you know that QSEA was the right fit for your children?
03:57 - Was there any change or noticeable personal growth you saw in your children after time at camp?
04:23 - If you hadn't sent your children to this camp, what's the most important personal growth that they would've missed out on?
05:08 - How can a parent support their child to get the most out of this camp?
05:40 - How would you describe this camp to another parent?
06:31 - What do your children say about the camp, either to you or to others?
More reviews of Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

2018 Parent, Parent

Parent views about QSEA
Read review

2018 student, Camper

Information about Engineering Disciplines
Read review

More reviews of Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

2018 Parent, Parent

Parent views about QSEA

"I wanted to congratulate you on the depth and breadth of your QSEA program. My child had a blast and was very impressed by the diversity of activities, and is very excited to come back next year." - QSEA parent

2018 student, Camper

Information about Engineering Disciplines

"I developed a more accurate interpretation of each branch of engineering and have discovered a few that I did not previously know." - QSEA student

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Photo Gallery
Video Gallery
Meet the Staff
Interview with the Director of Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)
Scott Compeau, Manager

00:21 - What is unique about your program?
00:55 - What type of student is successful in this program?
02:06 - Is the schedule structured or is it more open?
02:49 - How do your staff deal with behavioural issues?
04:46 - What do participants value most about their experience in the program?
05:55 - What advice would you give to a new participant of the program?
Director's Message

As a professional engineer, a qualified high school Chemistry teacher, and the Manager of Connections Engineering Outreach over the past 6 years, I take pride in properly designing our workshops to include important aspects of the engineering profession. Also, with a Masters degree specializing in engineering education focusing on school students' perceptions of engineering, I am aware of the mis-perceptions that some students hold about the profession and the team works towards providing accurate information about the profession to correct these perceptions.

Staff and Counsellors

The Queens Summer Engineering Academy staff are unique due to their blend of expertise in engineering, science, and education, ensuring an engaging and supportive learning environment. Staff members are second-year or higher students in STEM fields, trained professionals in education and engineering. Campers remember their enthusiasm, mentorship, and ability to make STEM exciting. With a 1:8 ratio for younger students, staff retention is strong from year to year, fostering continuity. The gender ratio is diverse, promoting inclusivity in STEM.

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Location & Operations
Address

69 Union Street, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Accommodations

Sleeping Accommodations

Dorm or Building

Amenities

Electricity in Sleeping Area
Shower in Sleeping Area
Toilet in Sleeping Area

Washrooms Facilities

Flush Toilets
Showers (indoor)

More details about accommodations: In years past, All QSEA Senior and QSEA Intermediate students have stayed in one of the premium residence rooms which means they are single climate-controlled rooms with a shared bathroom with one other person. An example of the residence rooms can be found using the following link: https://residences.housing.queensu.ca/our-buildings/building-descriptions/brant-house/
What's New
Stories

QSEA Testimonials
Please listen to some of our QSEA 2016 students speak about their experience.

http://my.engineering.queensu.ca/news/video-connections---queens-summer-engineering-academy-pt-ii.html
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Easily find camps, programs and available sessions

Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

Overview

Here's what makes Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA) stand out

Programs, Rates & Dates

Programs and Sessions Calendar

Registration Details

Financial Aid & Payment Details

Reviews & Insider Perspectives

The Our Kids review of Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

Video interviews with parents, campers, and alum

Stephanie Young, Parent

More reviews of Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

More reviews of Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

2018 Parent, Parent

2018 student, Camper

Gallery

Photo Gallery

Video Gallery

Meet the Staff

Interview with the Director of Connections: Queen’s Summer Engineering Academy (QSEA)

Scott Compeau, Manager

Director's Message

Staff and Counsellors

Location & Operations

Address

Accommodations

What's New

Stories

Social Feeds

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