Our summer programs are offered at three age ranges: Junior (9-12), Intermediate (12-15) and Advanced (15-18); in two subject streams: marine biology and wildlife conservation. Participants may attend only one program per summer and may complete the programs in any order unless otherwise noted. Nominations are still open on a rolling basis, and responses will be provided within 72 hours.
All programs are:
- Based in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick (new this year!)
- Pay-what-you-can
- Nomination-based, participants must be nominated by an adult who knows them well
- Taught by women in science
- Open to girls+ (girls and under-represented genders) ages 9-18 who live in the Maritime provinces (NB, NS, PEI) and who also meet our nomination criteria
- Small, with only 10-12 participants
- Welcoming, inclusive environments
- Primarily outdoors
- Overnight, either camping or staying in cabins
- Designed for all skill levels – no prior knowledge is required
All programs feature:
- Hands-on learning in a fun & casual environment
- Mentorship from women in STEM
- Exciting and memorable activities that inspire love for STEM & nature
- Learning about careers in the program’s field
Junior (ages 9-12)
🐢 Junior Wildlife Conservation: Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site
June 17-18 | 2 days, overnight | Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site
🦞 Junior Marine Biology Level I
July 7-8 | 2 days, overnight | Windsor/Smiley’s Provincial Park
🐟 Junior Marine Biology Level II
July 11-12 | 2 days, overnight | Wolfville/Smiley’s Provincial Park
🦇 Junior Wildlife Conservation: Fundy National Park
July 22-23 | 2 days, overnight | Fundy National Park
Intermediate (ages 12-15)
🐤 Intermediate Wildlife Conservation Level II: Bon Portage Island
August 1-5 | 5 days, overnight | Bon Portage Island (near Barrington)
*It’s best for Level I to be taken before Level II, but not essential
🐣 Intermediate Wildlife Conservation Level I: Bon Portage Island
August 9-12 | 4 days, overnight | Bon Portage Island (near Barrington)
🦭 Intermediate Marine Biology
August 20-22 | 3 days, overnight | Lunenburg/The Morton Centre
🐢 Intermediate Wildlife Conservation: Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site
September 9-10 | 2 days, overnight | Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site
Advanced (ages 15-18)
🌱 STEMinists Leadership Development
July 3-4 | 2 days, overnight | Wolfville/Smiley’s Provincial Park
🐦 Advanced Wildlife Conservation: Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site
July 16-18 | 3 days, overnight | Kejimkujik National Park & Historic Site
🦈 Advanced Marine Biology: Technology & Marine Conservation
July 26-28 | 3 days, overnight | Halifax and Wolfville/Blomidon Provincial Park
🐋 Advanced Marine Biology: Marine Mammals
August 15-17 | 3 days, overnight | Digby
Nomination Criteria
Nominees must meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered:
- Comes from a disadvantaged background (“low income”)
- Comes from an under-represented background (African-Canadian/Indigenous/Hispanic or Latinx)
- Is a first generation immigrant (immigrated to Canada)
- Has led an environmental initiative at school or in their community
- Has led a science initiative at school or in their community
- Is passionate about science, animals, or the environment
To advance our mission, 50% of seats in all programs are reserved for participants who come from a disadvantage and/or under-represented background. Remaining seats are filled with participants who meet other criteria. Nominations are still open on a rolling basis for remaining seats.
Returning participants are required to complete and Earn-Your-Way-Back activity in addition to being nominated.
