Summer Enrichment Programs
Appleby College Summer Enrichment 2026: Ignite Your Potential
Discover unforgettable learning on the Appleby College campus this Summer 2026.
Our programs challenge and captivate. Students dive into passions through dynamic, hands-on activities, sharpening critical skills (thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication).
With small classes and passionate instructors, we create a supportive community where you belong.
Join us this summer!
Enrichment Programs
Our Enrichment Programs are designed for students aged 12 to 17, ensuring a personalized experience with small, dynamic class sizes.
We offer Junior Enrichment programs for ages 12-14 which primarily focus on Grade 8 content and incorporate scheduled active time.
Our Senior Enrichment programs are for ages 15-17 and are more academically focused, with content primarily aligned with Grade 11 curriculum.
Both levels feature fun and dynamic activities to engage students with the subject matter.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Excludes the August Civic Holiday Monday).
Class Size: Max 15 students per session.
Cost: $610 + HST (prorated for short weeks).
Meals: Lunch is provided daily in the dining hall.
Technology: Students must bring a personal laptop or tablet.
New Programs for 2026
Programs are categorized into four distinct areas, with different weekly programs:
- Business
- Communications
- Leadership
- Math & Science
Boarding Options: Three- and four-week Summer Enrichment Camp options are available, including on-campus accommodation and a complete excursion package. For more details, please email SummerBoarding@appleby.on.ca.
Subject Areas and Program Options
| BUSINESS PROGRAMS |
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Entrepreneurial Minds: From Ideas to Action Jr. Turn your creativity into real-world impact! This program introduces you to entrepreneurship through the fun and flexible principles of Design Thinking. You’ll learn how to take an idea, build it out, test it, and transform it into a practical plan. Along the way, you’ll develop key leadership skills - like goal setting, teamwork, group dynamics, and motivating others - and use them to create mock business plans inspired by real challenges. With a mix of hands-on group projects and personal reflection, you’ll discover what it takes to bring your ideas to life and lead with confidence.
Entrepreneurial Minds: Dream. Build. Grow. Sr. Take your ideas from concept to creation. This design-driven program is built for students who are ready to dive into the world of entrepreneurship and turn innovative thinking into real possibility. You’ll explore how an idea becomes a viable product or service, improving key leadership and management skills along the way - like team motivation, group dynamics, and effective goal setting. Working collaboratively, you’ll tackle real-world challenges and develop a full mock business plan that brings your vision to life. With hands-on projects supported by thoughtful independent reflection, this program gives you the entrepreneurial mindset and leadership experience you need to dream big, build boldly, and grow as a future innovator.
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Personal Finance Jr. Level up your money skills! In this fun, hands-on program, you’ll learn how to set smart financial goals, build a budget that actually works, make savvy spending choices, and discover how your money can grow over time. With real-life scenarios and cool tech tools, you’ll get a solid start on understanding and managing your financial future.
Personal Finance Sr. NEW Ready to take control of your financial future? This advanced program digs into the real world of money - perfect for teens who want to level up their financial know-how. You’ll break down how financial systems work, compare investment options like equities and fixed income, and learn how to manage risk through smart portfolio diversification. You’ll also get practical experience with real-life essentials such as understanding tax basics, choosing insurance, and planning for major milestones like post-secondary education and even retirement. Using digital tools to model future wealth and explore financial scenarios, you’ll build the skills to make informed decisions now and in the years ahead.
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| COMMUNICATION PROGRAMS |
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Critical Thinking Jr. Strengthen your mind and unlock your inner problem-solver! This program helps you build powerful critical thinking and analytical skills using clear, structured strategies. You’ll dive into challenging logic problems, puzzles, and riddles that stretch your thinking in exciting ways. Along the journey, you’ll learn step-by-step approaches for breaking down complex challenges and discovering effective solutions. You won’t just solve puzzles - you’ll develop a full problem-solving toolkit you can use to succeed in every school subject and beyond.
Critical Thinking Sr. Push your problem-solving skills to new heights. This program challenges you to think sharper, reason more clearly, and approach complex problems with confidence. You’ll work through advanced logic puzzles, brainteasers, and riddles - each designed to strengthen your ability to analyze, break down, and solve tough challenges. As you explore different problem-solving strategies, you’ll build a versatile analytical toolkit that you can apply to abstract questions, real-world scenarios, and advanced academic work. It’s the perfect opportunity to stretch your mind and elevate the way you think.
Debating and Public Speaking Jr. Boost your confidence and learn to speak with clarity, power, and purpose. This program helps you strengthen your debating, public speaking, and critical thinking skills through hands-on practice and engaging activities. You’ll learn how to brainstorm strong ideas, structure persuasive speeches, deliver your message with impact, and connect with any audience. You’ll also explore key formats like impromptu speaking, persuasive presentations, and both prepared and impromptu parliamentary debate. By the end, you’ll have the tools to build and defend complex arguments - and the confidence to use your voice in any setting.
Debating and Public Speaking Sr. Take your speaking and argumentation skills to the next level. This program helps you become a clear, confident communicator by honing your debating techniques, public speaking style, and ability to think on your feet. You’ll learn how to develop strong topics, structure powerful speeches, deliver your message with confidence, and build compelling arguments and rebuttals. You’ll also explore key formats—including impromptu speaking, persuasive presentations, and both prepared and impromptu parliamentary debate. With assignments like a persuasive speech and a formal debate, you’ll strengthen your voice, sharpen your thinking, and build the presence needed to excel in any speaking setting.
Essay Writing Jr. Build the skills you need to become a confident, capable writer in every subject. In this program, you’ll learn how to research effectively and ethically, develop strong thesis statements, plan and organize your ideas, and craft clear, well-structured paragraphs. You’ll also practice writing in the formats you’ll see most often in school - like research essays, comparison/contrast pieces, and beginner analytical writing. Through guided assignments, a final essay, and take-home tasks, you’ll strengthen your ability to communicate your ideas and set yourself up for success in all your written work.
Essay Writing Sr. Build the writing and thinking skills that will help you shine in your senior courses and beyond. This program guides you through the full writing process in a clear, approachable way—from crafting a strong thesis and conducting meaningful research to building logical arguments and polishing your work through drafting and revision. You’ll explore some of the most important high-school and university-style formats, including research essays, comparison–contrast writing, and deeper analytical pieces. With a major essay, targeted assignments, and a final assessment, you’ll develop confidence, clarity, and a sharper academic voice - giving you the tools you need to communicate your ideas with impact.
Pop Culture & Power: The Swiftie Phenomenon Jr. NEW Dive into the world of pop culture through the ultimate case study: Taylor Swift. In this program, you’ll explore how major celebrities shape trends, inspire their fans, and become role models for millions. Discover the impact of fan communities, what makes someone feel truly “authentic,” and how media influences the messages we see every day. You’ll also look at real examples of leadership and activism - like Taylor Swift’s powerful re-recording of her albums - to understand how young people can spark change and create trends in their own schools and communities. The final challenge? Designing your very own Swiftie-style campaign that puts your creativity and influence to the test.
Study and Organizational Skills Jr. Get ready to discover how you learn best - and how to use that superpower to thrive in school and beyond. In this program, you’ll uncover your personal learning style and explore how to make studying feel easier and more engaging. You’ll build essential skills like smart time management, effective note-taking, low-stress test preparation, and practical organizational strategies you can use both in and out of the classroom. By the end, you’ll have a set of tools that help you stay confident, focused, and ready for anything school throws your way.
Study and Organizational Skills Sr. Set yourself up for success in Grade 11, Grade 12, and beyond. This program is designed for students ready to elevate their learning habits and build the advanced study skills required for challenging academic workloads. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your personal learning style and learn how to use that insight to become a confident, self-regulated learner. You’ll strengthen essential competencies - including advanced time management for balancing heavier course loads, highly effective note-taking for complex lessons, strategic test-prep methods for high-stakes assessments, and adaptable organizational systems to manage both school and life. With small nightly tasks to help cement these habits, this program is ideal for anyone committed to improving their academic performance and reaching their full potential.
Career Compass - Taking the Next Step Sr. NEW Prepare for your future with confidence. This program is designed to help you understand the fast-changing world of work and discover your own direction within it. As technology, culture, and global industries evolve, traditional career paths are shifting - and this course helps you navigate those changes with clarity and purpose. You’ll explore emerging opportunities, reflect on your strengths and interests, and learn how to take an active role in shaping your postsecondary and career journey. With guidance on planning, decision-making, and adapting to a dynamic global economy, you’ll be better equipped for the transition from high school to your next destination. You’ll also gain firsthand insight into postsecondary life through a university tour at McMaster University, offering a valuable look at campus environments, academic programs, and future possibilities. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to participate in a university tour at McMaster University, gaining firsthand insight into research spaces, labs, and post-secondary pathways in biomedical science. The morning at McMaster is conducted with our Summer ESL and Biomedical Science Sr. students, and is followed by a fun group canoeing excursion in the region, which will result in a slightly earlier arrival and slightly later dismissal time on that specific day. Exact timing will be communicated ahead of the program.
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| LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS |
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Leaders in Action: Learning to Lead Jr. Discover the leader in you! This dynamic program helps you build the interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills that strong leaders rely on every day. You’ll explore different leadership styles, reflect on your own strengths in “Me as a Leader,” and put your skills into action through individual and group challenges. Along the way, you’ll develop practical abilities like effective communication, conflict resolution, empathy, and responsible digital citizenship. By the end, you’ll feel more confident leading, collaborating, and making a positive impact as a thoughtful global citizen.
Leaders Who Game: Strategy & Teamwork Through Play Jr. NEW Believe it or not, the world of gaming can teach us a lot about what it really takes to win - both on-screen and in real life. In this program, you’ll explore how strategy, leadership, teamwork, and smart decision-making fuel success in competitive gaming, simulations, and high-pressure environments. By comparing eSports-style gameplay to real-world team dynamics, you’ll uncover what makes top teams so effective. You’ll dive into case studies, tackle collaborative challenges, and jump into roleplay scenarios where you can put your strategic thinking and leadership skills to the test. Get ready to level up your game - and your ability to lead. (Though this program uses gaming principles and examples, it does not include esports or other online video game play)
Leaders of Tomorrow: CEO Edition Sr. NEW Step into the mindset of a future CEO, innovator, or changemaker. This program challenges you to examine some of the biggest issues shaping our world today - climate change, social justice, technology ethics, and global innovation. You’ll explore how real entrepreneurs and activists create meaningful impact, studying the strategies and leadership qualities that power major change. Working in teams, you’ll put these ideas into action by designing and pitching your own mini initiative or campaign aimed at solving a real-world problem. Fast-paced and highly applied, this program strengthens your strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills - preparing you to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing world.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The content and style of the Enrichment Leadership programs are more academic in nature than the Camps-based Leadership programs. For information about our Camps-based Leadership programs, please click here. |
| MATH & SCIENCE PROGRAMS |
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Biomedical Science Jr. Explore the incredible world of medical science! This program is perfect for curious minds who want to understand how the human body really works, as well as those curious about future studies in this important area. You’ll dive into major body systems - the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, and musculoskeletal - and discover how they all work together to keep us alive and thriving. Through hands-on labs, experiments, and interactive activities, you’ll get a true introduction to biomedical science and build the foundational skills used by real scientists and healthcare professionals. Get ready to investigate, experiment, and unlock the secrets of the human body!
The X Factor: Algebra Unlocked Jr. Crack the code behind algebra and see how math truly connects to real life! This program helps you build strong algebraic reasoning skills by turning big, abstract ideas into something you can visualize and understand. You’ll start by exploring patterns - the building blocks of all math - before learning how to use variables to represent unknowns in everyday situations. As you practice building and solving expressions and equations, you’ll also apply your skills to real-world challenges, like calculating rates, simple interest, and creating mathematical models. By the end, you’ll feel more confident, capable, and ready for the exciting world of advanced mathematics.
Biomedical Science Sr. Take a deep dive into the world of modern medical science. Designed for students with a strong interest in health, medicine, and life sciences, this program provides a pre-university-level introduction to key biomedical topics. You’ll study the major human body systems - the circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems - while exploring how they function in both health and disease. Hands-on laboratory work is a major part of the experience: you’ll conduct experiments, practice technical skills, and develop the analytical mindset essential for success in advanced science courses. Whether you’re planning to pursue life sciences, medicine, or a health-related field, this program gives you a meaningful head start. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to participate in a university tour at McMaster University, gaining firsthand insight into research spaces, labs, and post-secondary pathways in biomedical science. The morning at McMaster is conducted with our Summer ESL and Career Compass students, and is followed by a fun group canoeing excursion in the region, which will result in a slightly earlier arrival and slightly later dismissal time on that specific day. Exact timing will be communicated ahead of the program.
Game Theory Sr. Explore the powerful math behind effective decision-making, competition, and cooperation. In this program, you’ll dive into the core ideas of Game Theory - the same framework used in economics, politics, psychology, and even global negotiations. You’ll break down famous strategic puzzles like the Prisoner’s Dilemma and the Tragedy of the Commons, sharpening your ability to think ahead, weigh outcomes, and make smarter choices. This is a hands-on, highly applied experience: you’ll test your strategies in real scenarios and competitive games such as Settlers of Catan, card challenges, and team-based cooperation tasks. By the end, you’ll not only understand the theory - you’ll know how to use it in real life.
Science of Data: Research in Action Sr. Step into the world of real scientific research. This program is designed for students who want to think critically, analyze data with confidence, and build the skills expected in university-level studies. You’ll explore how real scientific investigations are designed, learn to read and evaluate research papers, and practice interpreting complex data and statistical results. Along the way, you’ll apply your learning by producing a mini research report - just like an undergraduate researcher. Whether you’re curious about science, data, or future academic pathways, this program gives you practical tools, analytical confidence, and a clear look at what it means to be a researcher.
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Contact Information
Inquiries for Enrichment Program:
Phone: 905-845-4681, ext. 179
Email: academy@appleby.on.ca
More Information
Click on a choice below for details!
| PROGRAM DETAILS |
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Participants who are not enrolled in Before & After Care are considered self-sign in/sign-out and are expected to go to their classrooms on their own each morning, as well as at departure. Appleby welcomes native and non-native English speakers to our Enrichment programs, and high English language proficiency is required. Applicants who are English language learners are asked to self-identify at the time of application and will require an online language assessment prior to acceptance. *CIVIC HOLIDAY: There is no programming on Monday, August 3, 2026. Shortened programs will be offered at 4-day pro-rated fees. JUNIOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS: Our Junior Enrichment programs are designed for ages 12 to 14 and will accommodate participants who are in grades 6, 7 and 8. These programs, while academic in nature, will provide more structured active time in addition to classroom time to help engage and foster development in younger participants. Junior participants will receive 4 hours of in-class discussions, group activities and more. Exclusive for our Junior participants, there are also 1.5 hours of active time each day where they can expect to be outdoors engaged in group games and active learning. Active footwear is recommended. Junior Program Structure:
SENIOR ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS: Our Senior Enrichment programs are designed for ages 15 to 17 and will accommodate participants who are in grades 9, 10 or 11 to ensure the class content is appropriately focused. These classes are structured and academic in nature to help develop and hone participants classroom skills and allow depth of content exploration. Participants will receive 5.5 hours of classroom time and instruction per day where they will be engaged in class discussions, group activities and more. Senior Program Structure:
The content and style of the Enrichment Leadership programs are more academic in nature than the Camps-based Leadership programs. For information about our Camps-based Leadership programs, please click here to learn more. |
| REFUND POLICY |
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Click here to visit our Refund Policy page for complete details. |
| CODE OF CONDUCT |
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Click here to visit our Code of Conduct page for complete details. |
| VACCINATION POLICY |
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Appleby College is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of campers, students & staff as our first priority. As such, it is important that all Participants & staff confirm the status of their vaccinations. In the event that Public Health declares an outbreak of any kind, families may be required to produce valid proof of vaccination. |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) |
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When does registration open? Applications for Summer 2026 open Tuesday December 9, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. What should my participant bring to the Enrichment course? Participants enrolled in our Enrichment Program are encouraged to bring a device such as a laptop or a tablet. For participants enrolled in the Junior Programs, comfortable athletic shoes are recommended as well. All participants should bring a reusable water bottle each day. Can my participant use their cell phone during the day? To promote physical and cognitive health, focus, well-being, and genuine connection with peers, Participants are encouraged to leave all personal devices at home. If a Participant chooses to bring a device with them, the device will need to remain in their backpack and may not be used during programming, pick-up, drop-off, snack times, or lunch. Enrichment participants are often encouraged to bring laptops or iPads for their program work; cell phones may not be used in place of these devices, and will not be permitted in the classroom. What does 'self-sign out' mean? Enrichment Participants not registered in Before & After Care are considered Self-Sign Out and are required to go to their classrooms on their own as well as leave class at the end of the day on their own. Summer Academic staff will be available to greet participants at the front of the school on the first day of classes each week. Do the Enrichment Programs vary in content by week? While we offer several sessions of many of our programs, the content from week to week remains the same. As such, participants are recommended not to repeat programs in any given summer, and rather, choose different options each week. Is swimming included in the Enrichment Program day? Swimming is not a part of the Enrichment Program as these are primarily academically focused programs. What is the last date to register for Programs? Registration for Appleby College 2026 Enrichment Programs are rolling, and close one week before the start date of each program. What is Before & After Care and how do I register? Before & After Care is available on a weekly basis for participants needing care and/or supervision ahead of or after the program day. Families must pre-register for this service, and participants will be entertained with a variety of activities organized by our camp instructors beginning from 7:30 a.m. until our extended 6:00 p.m. pick-up time. Both active and passive activities, as well as quiet spaces to read are offered. Snacks are provided in the morning and afternoon. Late fees will apply should participants not be picked up by 6:00 p.m. Where can I find more information about the Enrichment Programming and details? Registered families will receive an email upon registration with details as well as a Welcome email one week before the program starts with directions and room location and more. My participant cannot make it today or is unwell. Who do I inform? Enrichment Participants are required to attend all days of programming in order to earn their certificates, which are valuable learning experiences that can be cited on academic and job applications. If a Participant will be absent, they/their parent(s) or guardian(s) must email academy@appleby.on.ca or phone our office 905-845-4681, ext. 179 in advance, or with as much notice as possible if ill. What happens if my participant feels unwell or is injured in the program? We have medically trained professionals on campus to assist, and we will contact parents if participants are unwell or injured. My plans have changed, and I need to pick my participant up early. What should I do? Early pick-ups can only be accommodated prior to 2:00 p.m. and must be submitted by email in advance to academy@appleby.on.ca My participant will be late. What should I do? Please contact the Enrichment Team as soon as possible by either calling or emailing us. Phone: 905-845-4681, ext. 179 Email: academy@appleby.on.ca What will my participant do during inclement weather? Participants in the Junior Enrichment Programs will still have active time, utilizing indoor spaces on rainy days. Do you have non-gendered washrooms? Yes, Appleby College has non-gendered washrooms on campus. |
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