Senior Youth Interpreters are youth aged 16 and 17 who come to Upper Canada Village and help portray the life and activities of young adults during the 1860’s. They learn about the skills and techniques involved in being a historical interpreter and they dress in period costume assuming the role of 1860’s youth. Senior Youth Interpreters participate in a variety of sessions on-site and work with artisans to learn 19th-century skills and trades. They have a unique opportunity to develop their "hands-on" historical, interpretive, research and leadership skills as well as knowledge both in their assigned location(s) and by researching "behind-the-scenes" in the Village Library and Archives.

With guidance, Senior Youth Interpreters learn more about and gain additional valuable experience as historical interpreters. They also have the chance to develop their own leadership skills and abilities by assisting with the Young Interpreter Program.

2025 Registration is Now Open:
Register Now

Program Information

How Do I Know If This Program Is For Me?

If you like to interpret, to develop your knowledge and skills, to do research and share your findings, this could be the appropriate program for you. Being a Senior Youth Interpreter is an opportunity to interpret the life of a young adult in 1866.

Note that interpreting a 19th century youth can be fun but is very different from the 21st century. This is a technology-free program; participants should be ready to leave their modern forms of entertainment at home and enjoy the time period represented at the village.

Senior Youth Interpreter is a small program and has an onsite first responder from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, but does not have an onsite nurse or doctor. The closest hospital is 30 minutes away. If your child suffers from a serious allergy or medical condition, please contact us at UCVyouthprograms@parks.on.ca for further information and to discuss the suitability of Young Interpreter camp.

Eligibility & Notification of Acceptance

Youth 16 or 17 years of age as of June 1st, are eligible to apply to be Senior Youth Interpreters. Preference will be given to those who have experienced the Young Interpreter program or the Time Traveller’s Camp. Successful applicants will be notified at the end of April. The remaining spaces will be filled up to the first day of each session.

Accommodations & Meals

Please note that at present, Upper Canada Village does not provide accommodation for Senior Youth Interpreters. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to arrange for transportation and/or accommodation for their children. Snacks and lunch are the responsibility of the participant.

Supervision

Supervision and direction are provided by Education staff and Interpretive staff working in Upper Canada Village.

Program Fee & Dates

The program cost is $325.00 (plus tax) per participant. This fee is due when you are accepted and is non-refundable on the first day of camp Camp session runs from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, over the course of two consecutive 3 days week-end.

2025 Dates:

  • Session 1: May 4, 10,11, & 17, 18, 19
  • Session 2: June 21, 22, 23 & 28, 29, 30
  • Session 3: July 19, 20, 21 & 26, 27, 28
  • Session 3: August 16, 17, 18 & 23, 24, 25
How To Apply

2025 registration is now open.

Register Now

Other Summer Camp Programs

Young Interpreters Program
Learn More
Time Travellers Try-a-Camp
Learn More
Time Travellers
Learn More