CISS Summer Camp

CISS Summer Camp – Summer Camps and Summer Study Programs in Canada

Canadian International Student Services (CISS) has been organizing summer programs for international students since 1979, combining English learning, leadership skills, academic orientation, and Canadian cultural experiences. Parents can choose from wilderness summer camps or residential programs in Toronto and Vancouver, depending on their child's age and goals.

Program Comparison

1. Swallowdale Camp – Wilderness Summer Camp in Ontario

Suitable for students who want to experience a traditional Canadian summer camp, communicate in English in daily life, and develop independence. Located in the Lake Rosseau area, with an environment of lakes, forests, and outdoor activities.

• Forest School: for ages approximately 8–14, learning through nature experiences, group activities, and outdoor skills.
• Leader-in-Training (LIT): for students approximately 15–16 years old who want to cultivate responsibility, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Accommodation: shared cabins, living according to camp rules; activity schedules and supervision levels should be cross-referenced with the parent handbook for the registration term.

2. CISS Toronto – English and Exploring Toronto

For students approximately 12–16 years old, studying and staying at St. Hilda's College on the University of Toronto campus. The program combines classroom learning with activities, excursions, socializing, and city experiences.

• General English: approx. 15 hours/week, for various levels, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, writing, and confident communication.
• Global Leadership: approx. 20 hours/week, suitable for students with at least intermediate English who are interested in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Accommodation: primarily single rooms, some double rooms; shared bathrooms, with staff residing in the same accommodation area for supervision.
• Activities: may include museum visits, highlights of Toronto, sports, arts activities, and field trips according to the actual schedule.

3. CISS at Trinity – Preparation for Study and the Future

For students approximately 14–18 years old, studying on the Trinity College campus, University of Toronto. This is a suitable choice for older students who want to get acquainted with a university environment.

• General English: approx. 20 hours/week, improving academic and life communication.
• Academic & Career Prep: usually for students 16–18 years old with decent English or higher, focusing on university and career orientation, study skills, and stress management.
• Future Entrepreneurs: approx. 20 hours/week, exploring entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, teamwork, and business idea development.
• Accommodation: single or double rooms in dormitories; supervised living and excursions according to program regulations.

4. Summer at UBC – Vancouver, Operated by ILSC

The program at the University of British Columbia is for students approximately 9–17 years old, operated by ILSC. Suitable for families who want to combine learning English with exploring Canada's West Coast.

• General English: approx. 15 hours/week, multiple levels.
• Global Leadership: for age groups and levels appropriate for each term.
• Accommodation: dormitories on the UBC campus, single or double rooms depending on allocation.
• Activities: sports, socializing, creative activities, and field trips to explore Vancouver according to weekly schedules.

What does the program include?

Depending on the registration package, services may include tuition, accommodation, meals, extracurricular activities, scheduled excursions, supervisory staff, support during the camp, and airport transfers at designated times. Do not assume that airfare, visas, biometric fees, unaccompanied minor services, insurance, laundry, optional activities, or personal spending money are included in the tuition.

Tuition and Duration

CISS has various duration packages, usually from 1–6 weeks depending on the program and term. Tuition is calculated by program, number of weeks, room type, and accompanying services; some specialized programs have additional fees. Parents should request a quote in CAD for the specific summer term, including:

• Arrival date, departure date, and registration deadline.
• All-inclusive tuition, deposit, and payment schedule.
• Fees for airport transfers outside of scheduled times, late arrivals/early departures, or extra nights.
• Fees for unaccompanied minor flight support, guardianship documents if applicable.
• Refund/cancellation policies, date changes, health conditions, and insurance.

Visas, Study Permits, and Minors

According to IRCC, study programs of 6 months or less generally do not require a study permit if they meet the applicable conditions, but students must still have appropriate entry documents (visitor visa or eTA depending on nationality), valid residency status, and additional documents when traveling alone or without both parents. Students under 17 years of age may need a custodian in Canada depending on circumstances; this should be assessed based on IRCC guidelines and the organizer's requirements.

IRCC Guide for Minor Children | Minor Children Traveling to Canada

Registration Documents to Prepare

1. Student's full name, date of birth, nationality, residence, desired program, and number of weeks.
2. Valid passport; contact information for parents/guardians.
3. Health information, allergies, medications taken, dietary needs, or special support requirements.
4. English proficiency and purpose of participation (if choosing a specialized course).
5. Parental/guardian consent form and guardianship documents in Canada if required.
6. Visa/eTA application documents, insurance, flight tickets, and appropriate travel plans.

Registration Process via KeyApply

1. Consultation: determine age, goals, city, number of weeks, and budget.
2. Availability Check: cross-reference term, program, official quote, and refund/cancellation conditions.
3. Registration: complete student information, health records, parental documents, and pay according to the organizer's instructions.
4. Travel Preparation: check immigration documents, guardianship, insurance, itinerary, and transfers.
5. Before Departure: confirm flight schedule, pickup information, emergency contact numbers, and packing list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Program References

CISS Summer Programmes | CISS Toronto | CISS at Trinity | Swallowdale Camp | Summer at UBC

Event Calendar and Information Sessions