Young Interpreters are children between the ages of 10 and 15 who come to Upper Canada Village and help portray life in the 1860’s. They learn about the skills and techniques involved in being a historical interpreter. Each camp session welcomes up to 12 children to join us in experiencing life in 1866. They dress in period costume assuming the role of 1860’s children. Young Interpreters participate in a variety of sessions on-site and work with artisans to learn 19th-century skills and trades.

Young Interpreters are assigned to a selection of locations where, under supervision, they observe and participate in the historical interpretation and historical activities. They will develop skills relevant to interpretation, including communication, self-confidence, teamwork, and how to make and present thematic connections. The participants are also paired with an experienced staff member each of the session days. The children might be working with the blacksmith, the tinsmith, the shoemaker or working in the historic kitchen and learning to cook and bake with a stove or open hearth. They can be also learning with the spinners, the weavers or the dressmaker. As the Young Interpreters develop their skills, they will receive feedback from their interpretive mentor. Please note activities children participate in varies, and all activities in the trades and domestic units are supervised by the historic interpreters.

2025 Registration is Closed
Program Now Full

Program Information

How Do I Know If This Program is For Me?

If you like to interpret, and to develop your knowledge and skills, this could be the appropriate program for you. Being a Young Interpreter is an opportunity to interpret the life of a child 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.

Young 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 have a 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 

Youths 10 - 15 years of age as of June 1st, are eligible to apply to be Young Interpreters.

Participation is limited to a maximum of 12 children per session. Applications are reviewed to ensure they are complete, and participants are selected and assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. All criteria being met, applicants are 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 week before each session.

Accommodations & Meals

Please note that at present, Upper Canada Village does not provide accommodations for Young 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 closed.

Program Now Full

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