Senior Youth Interpreters are youth aged 15, 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. Campers 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 other youth programs on site.

Registration for 2024 is Now Open!
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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 not only a camp, but also a mean to dive into the role of interpreting a child in a social and economic context 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.

Eligibilty & Notification of Acceptance

Youth 15, 16 or 17 years of age as of June 1st, are eligible to apply to be Senior Youth Interpreters. Applications are reviewed to ensure they are complete, and participants are selected and assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. 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 Senior Youth Interpreter staff and Interpretive staff working in Upper Canada Village.

Program Fee & Dates

The program cost is $285.00 (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.

2024 Dates:

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