Offered as part of the GRFS Summer Learning & Activity Day Camp, the program will welcome up to 35 students for five engaging mornings of recreation, creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning in a safe and welcoming environment.

Five Days of Learning, Recreation and Friendship

Throughout the week, participants will enjoy a varied schedule designed to encourage curiosity, movement, collaboration, and personal growth. Activities will include:

• Interactive games, sports, and relays
• Team-building challenges and friendly competitions
• Creative workshops, arts, and design activities
• STEM activities and problem-solving missions
• Leadership and collaboration exercises

Each day will offer new experiences that help students build confidence, explore their interests, develop practical skills, and form meaningful friendships. Whether participants enjoy sports, creativity, STEM, puzzles, or meeting new people, the program is designed to provide an active and memorable summer experience.

Program Details

• Dates: August 10–14, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
• Location: Grand River Friendship Society, 1117 Snyder’s Road East, Baden, ON N3A 3L2
• Participant group: Middle school students
• Capacity: 35 students
• Attendance requirement: Participants must commit to attending all five days
• Program Fee: FREE

Registration is required, and spaces are limited. Families are encouraged to register early to secure a place. Use the button below or the QR code in the program flyer.

Register Now – Limited to 35 Students

Creating Access to Meaningful Summer Opportunities

This free program is made possible with support from The Waterloo Region Record – Lyle S. Hallman Foundation Kids to Camp Fund, held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Grand River Friendship Society gratefully acknowledges this support, which helps reduce financial barriers and provides children and youth across Waterloo Region with access to meaningful summer learning, recreation, and community-building opportunities.

GRFS looks forward to welcoming 35 students for a week filled with active learning, creativity, friendship, confidence-building, and memorable summer experiences.

The post Free Summer Activity and Game Program for Middle School Students appeared first on GRFS.

An Exciting Whirlpool Jet Boat Experience

A highlight of the day was the Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. Students experienced the power and energy of the Niagara River during an exciting journey filled with rapids, turns, and plenty of splashes.

The activity offered a memorable way to discover the region’s natural environment. With guidance and support from staff and mentors, participants enjoyed the adventure in a safe and welcoming group setting.

Exploring Niagara Falls Together

Throughout the trip, students took in the scenic surroundings of Niagara Falls, captured memorable photos, spent meaningful time with friends, and created lasting memories together. The day balanced recreation, exploration, and opportunities for students to connect outside their usual learning environment.

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario
Featured activity: Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour

Learning and Friendship Beyond the Classroom

Educational trips are an important part of the GRFS student experience. They help young people develop confidence, strengthen friendships, discover new places, and build independence in a safe and supportive environment.

Experiences such as the GRFS Grade 9–10 Niagara Falls Trip also encourage curiosity, teamwork, and a stronger sense of belonging. By sharing new experiences, students can connect classroom learning with the world around them.

Appreciation to Our Program Community

Grand River Friendship Society sincerely thanks all students, staff members, mentors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making the trip safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

We look forward to creating more opportunities for our students to learn, explore, connect, and grow through meaningful shared experiences.

The post Grade 9–10 Students Enjoy a Niagara Falls Adventure appeared first on GRFS.

The post Summer School Students Explore the University of Waterloo Campus appeared first on GRFS.

The journey began with a bus and train ride from Kitchener to Toronto, followed by a ferry trip across the waterfront to the islands. Throughout the day, students explored new places, enjoyed outdoor activities, strengthened friendships, and created meaningful memories together.

Toronto Trip Highlights

• Travelling from Kitchener to Toronto by bus and train
• Ferry ride to the Toronto Islands
• Biking and outdoor activities
• Chairlift experience
• Visit to the petting zoo
• Ice cream and beautiful Toronto skyline views
• Souvenir shopping for magnets and keychains
• Popeyes picnic by the waterfront
• Visit to the CN Tower area
• Exploring the Toronto Railway Museum

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Grade 9 Toronto Islands trip offered a wonderful balance of recreation, experiential learning, exploration, and community connection. Students experienced Toronto’s waterfront, public transportation system, cultural landmarks, and shared public spaces while enjoying quality time with their peers and mentors.

Travelling through the city helped students develop practical skills, including navigating public transportation, managing a full day of activities, making independent choices, and learning how major urban spaces connect people and communities. From the ferry crossing and island bike ride to the CN Tower area and Toronto Railway Museum, every stop offered a new perspective.

At GRFS, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Experiences like this help young people build confidence, develop independence, discover new interests, and strengthen their sense of friendship and belonging. They also give students opportunities to connect classroom learning with real places, transportation systems, cultural landmarks, nature, and community life.

We sincerely thank our mentors, volunteers, program staff, and everyone who helped make this trip safe, enjoyable, educational, and memorable for our students. We are also grateful to our Grade 9 students for bringing their curiosity, enthusiasm, and positive energy throughout the day.

The post Learning Beyond the Classroom: Grade 9 Toronto Trip appeared first on GRFS.