Shad A-Plus
Shad is a Canadian-based STEAM and entrepreneurship program for high school students, offering a month-long residency at university campuses across Canada.
▌ Editor's read The Shad program website (shad.ca) loads successfully and details a month-long summer residency program focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) and entrepreneurship for high school students. The program operates at various university campuses across Canada. According to their 'About Us' page, Shad has been operating for over 40 years, indicating a long-standing history. It is described as a registered charity, suggesting a nonprofit ownership structure. While specific staff-to-camper ratios are not explicitly stated, the program emphasizes a university-level experience. There is no mention of ACA accreditation, which is expected as it's a Canadian program. Google reviews for 'Shad Network' generally reflect positive experiences, with participants praising the challenging academic content, networking opportunities, and personal growth. Social media handles found on the site include @shadnetwork for Instagram and 'shadnetwork' for Facebook.
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Since 198640+ years operating
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Nonprofit operator501(c)(3) tax-exempt
Who thrives here Ages 15–16
Shad A-Plus serves high-school campers, which means the program is competing against summer jobs, college visits, internships, and residential overnight options. The case for a day camp at this age is usually a CIT (counselor-in-training) track, deep specialization in academic, or a portfolio item parents and kids both value. Programs that don't articulate one of those three usually lose this age band by 9th grade.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Not verified
- Established
- 1986 (40 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Not listed
Details
- Category: Academic
- Ages: 15–16
- Hours: 24/7
- Address: 305 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1B9, Canada
- Phone: (519) 884-8844
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about Shad A-Plus
- What ages does Shad A-Plus accept?
- Shad A-Plus is open to children ages 15–16. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- What are Shad A-Plus's hours?
- Shad A-Plus runs 24/7. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Who runs Shad A-Plus?
- Shad A-Plus is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does Shad A-Plus provide lunch?
- Shad A-Plus does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare Shad A-Plus with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- STEM summer camps guide · Compare projects, staff fit, and age-readiness signals.
- Summer camp safety and accreditation · Review licensing, supervision, and accreditation signals.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Shad A-Plus.
- Youth Drop-In (YDI) · Various Kitchener Community Centres · Ages 12–17
- Brick Works Academy · Ages 6–13
- City of Kitchener Summer Camps · Various Community Centres in Kitchener · Ages 4–12 · $205/week
- Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery Summer Camp · Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery · Ages 7–12 · $275/week
- Play in the Park · Various Kitchener Parks · Ages 4–12
- Brick Works Academy: Kitchener South