No. Although we are running our summer programming in the RA Centre facility, we are not affiliated with the official RA Summer Camps, and are therefore not subject to the same rules, policies and processes. Please direct all communication to info@atomec.com.

No. As an independent program, we do not have the resources to offer extended care. Drop off will be no earlier than 8:30am, and pick up will be no later than 4:30pm in the first-floor lobby of the West Wing Entrance of the RA Centre.

No. RA Camp’s extended care is only available to campers registered in official RA Camps. Our Tech Camp is not an official RA Camp, and we do not offer extended care.

No need! We don’t split up our group, and encourage our campers to socialize with everyone! Former and new friends can work together as much as they want.

While many parents twist themselves into knots trying to prevent their kids from getting too much screen time, we encourage kids to embrace their innate love of technology and channel it into creative activities that stretch their minds and open new avenues for learning. We’re big believers in a learning philosophy called Hard Fun, in which students are motivated to learn by giving them tasks that are enjoyable as well as challenging. We aim to actively nurture this dynamic by depriving kids of the opportunities that they normally use to “waste” away hours in front of their computer, television or cellphone. Our camp motto, “Just Make Something!” is embodied in our strict rules around computer use:

• No viewing video content unless it’s a tutorial
• No playing video games except during designated free times
• No access to cellphones or handheld gaming devices except during designated free times  
• No access to social media while at camp

Deprived of the channels they normally use to have “easy fun” with technology, kids soon start to experiment with the tools in front of them, and it’s not long before they’re hooked

After years of teaching half-day camps where kids sign up to learn technology and end up spending half their day colouring and playing duck duck goose in the gym, we’re very proud to offer a full-day experience where campers have ample time to plan and execute their projects, and aren’t forced to stop the creative process to go to another activity or play a sport.

Tech campers tend to be “indoor cats”, kids who shy away from organized sports and group activities. Some have social and learning difficulties that create high anxiety when they are forced to participate in involuntary activities. To accommodate these children, we structure our day so that all non-tech activities are strictly optional.
Along with their half hour lunch break, there will be at least two daily break periods where campers will be encouraged to get some fresh air and participate in activities outside (weather permitting), including an optional daily session in the RA outdoor pool. Again, these rec periods are strictly optional. We’ll also be breaking up the “work” day with occasional indoor breaks for fun with technology, including video game tournaments and collaborative Minecraft sessions.

We have a 30-day cancellation policy in order to receive a refund (see Conditions below). To cancel a camp registration, you must do so in writing (email: info@atomec.com) and include your child’s name, the start date of the camp, and supporting documentation where applicable. All refunds are subject to a non-refundable $25 administrative fee per registration. 

CONDITIONS:

• 30 days or more prior to the beginning of the camp session – Written cancellation request (email) must be received at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the camp session in order to receive a refund (less the $25 admin fee). Send written request to: info@atomec.com.

   

• 29 or less days to the beginning of the camp session – NO REFUNDS will be issued other than in extraordinary circumstances (case-by-case basis), and with medical documentation (less the $25 admin fee). Send written request to: info@atomec.com. 

• TRANSFERRING your registration to another party should you miss the 30-day cancellation deadline – If you need to cancel your child’s registration but are no longer eligible for a refund, we will attempt to fill your child’s spot from our waitlist. If we are unable to do so, we will give you 24 hours to fill the vacant spot yourself. Should a transfer not be possible within that time frame, regular cancellation and refund policies will apply. Please email info@atomec.com to discuss a transfer.

   

• In the event that YOUR CHILD TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 the week before or during their camp session – You must immediately notify us of your child’s positive test result. Following the Ottawa Public Health recommendations for Covid isolation, we may ask you to keep your child home and withdraw them from camp. If you wish to request a refund for days missed, you must send a written (email) request AND provide, at your earliest opportunity, an official doctor’s note with your child’s name on it. Refunds are subject to a $25 administrative fee per individual, and will not be issued until an official doctor’s note is received. Send written request and doctor’s note to: info@atomec.com. IMPORTANT: No refund will be provided without an official doctor’s note in your child’s name. **A positive Covid-19 rapid test does NOT count as a doctor’s note, and will NOT be accepted. 

• If camp programming is cancelled by Atomec Studios, or by provincial or local health authorities, a prorated refund will be issued​. 

MISSED DAYS DUE TO NON-COVID RELATED ILLNESS:  In the case of exceptional illness that results in three or more consecutive missed days of camp, a 50% refund can be provided. An official signed doctor’s note in your child’s name is required in these circumstances. Refunds are subject to a $25 administrative fee, and will not be issued until an official signed doctor’s note is received. Individual camp days missed for any reason will NOT be refunded.