Frequently Asked Questions

Add your preferred programs to your cart using the registration form on our Register page, then proceed to checkout to complete your registration. You can add multiple items such as a camp week with after-care or several workshops to your cart before proceeding to checkout. Each program is a standalone experience, so you can register for one or more based on your child's interests and availability.

If registering multiple children, complete the process for one, then return to the page and repeat for the next to ensure accurate individual details.

Summer Camps (Ages 10-14) are week-long, full-day programs offered only during July and August, focusing on immersive biotech exploration with optional after-care until 6:00 pm. These are perfect for younger Toronto kids looking for a fun, structured summer activity that introduces biotechnology through hands-on experiments like extracting DNA and growing bacteria.

GENIUS Workshops (Ages 12-16) are targeted Saturday intensive labs (4 to 6 hours, single or multi-day) available throughout the year. Each workshop focuses on a specific advanced topic (e.g., CRISPR, Diagnostics, Alternative Fuels). Students can book just one day or stack multiple workshops.

Our DNA Detectives Summer Camp runs as one-week sessions in July and August.

All programs are held at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy (1 Duncan Mill Road, North York), conveniently located near the DVP & 401.

• Program Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Drop-off: 8:30 am - 9:00 am
• Pick-up: 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Details about daily drop-off and pick-up procedures will be shared by email shortly before your child’s camp begins.

Need a later pickup?
After-care is available from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm for an additional $90 per week (add it to your cart during registration). Click here for details.

Our GENIUS 1-Day Workshops are Saturday intensive workshops focusing on hands-on biotechnology topics. Sessions are held on one or more Saturdays as follows:

Applied DNA Analysis and Genotyping
Sat, Nov 7, 2026 (9:00 am - 3:00 pm, 6 hrs)

CRISPR Gene Editing (2 Sessions)
Sat, Jan 16 & 23, 2027 (9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 4 hrs x 2)

Disease Detection and Diagnostic Testing
Sat, Feb 6, 2027 (9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 4 hrs)

Techniques in Genetic Engineering
Sat, Mar 6, 2027 (9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 4 hrs)

Powering the Future with Alternative Fuels
Sat, Apr 10, 2027 (9:00 am - 1:00 pm, 4 hrs)

Yes, after-care is available for summer camps from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm ($90 per week). Campers enjoy supervised activities in a relaxed, safe setting perfect for winding down after a fun day.

Register for after-care separately for each camp week by adding it to your cart.

Details about daily drop-off and pick-up procedures will be shared by email shortly before your child’s camp begins.

Learn more about After Care

All summer camps and workshops take place at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy, conveniently located in North York, Toronto:

1 Duncan Mill Road, Toronto, ON M3B 1Z2

Our campus is easily accessible via public transit (near Leslie TTC station) or major highways (401 and DVP), with ample parking for drop-offs.

Programs utilize our state-of-the-art GENIUS biotech lab, equipped with professional-grade tools, as well as classrooms and outdoor spaces for breaks (weather permitting).

Summer Camps
Ages 10-14 (entering Grades 5 to 9 in the fall).

GENIUS Workshops
Ages 12-16 (entering Grades 7 to 11 in the fall).

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to camps@metroprep.com. Please include the full name of the student and the specific program/session you wish to cancel.

Summer Camps

• Cancellations made on or before May 31, 2026 are eligible for a refund (minus a $50 administrative fee per session).
• Cancellations made on or after June 1, 2026 are non-refundable (except in cases of documented medical reasons that prevent participation).

GENIUS Workshops

Because these are intensive sessions requiring advanced laboratory preparation and specialized supplies, the cancellation window is based on the specific date of the workshop.

• Cancellations made at least 14 days prior to the scheduled workshop date are eligible for a refund (minus a $50 administrative fee).
• Cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop are non-refundable (except in cases of documented medical reasons that prevent participation).

General Policy for All Programs

Refunds will not be issued for absences, late arrivals, early departures, missed days due to illness or weather, or dismissal due to behaviour. If Metro Prep cancels a program for any reason, you will be notified by email and given the choice of a full refund or a transfer to another available session.

Yes, you can transfer your student to a different session, as long as the request is made at least 14 days before the start of the original start date. Transfers are subject to availability and a $25 administrative fee.

If you’d like to request a transfer, please email camps@metroprep.com with your student's name and the session you’d like to switch to. We’ll do our best to help!

Registering siblings or friends is easy! Complete the checkout for the first child, then return to the registration page and repeat the process for the next. Each registration is individual to capture accurate details like ages, allergies, and emergency contacts.

Absolutely not! Our programs are beginner-friendly and open to all levels, making them ideal for Toronto kids curious about biotech but new to it. Whether your child has never touched a pipette or is already excited about genetics and DNA, our instructors guide them step-by-step in a supportive environment.

Our programs are taught by the same expert educators who run Metro Prep’s high school GENIUS Biotechnology Program. They are passionate about biotechnology and skilled at creating safe, inclusive spaces where young learners can gain practical science experience.

They are both! Our programs are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students learn real technical skills in an engaging environment. Every session is heavily practical and grounded in real science; students use the same pro-grade equipment and methods found in professional research settings.

Absolutely! Many families register for a week of DNA Detectives and then add individual GENIUS Workshops on other dates to keep the learning going. Since workshops are single-day commitments, they are easy to fit around family vacations.

Yes. Safety is our #1 priority. We use professional-grade equipment (the same used in universities), but all experiments have been adapted for age-appropriate safety.

• Instructors provide a safety briefing at the start of every session.
• Protective gear (lab coats, gloves, goggles) is provided and mandatory during experiments.
• We use safe, non-pathogenic strains of bacteria and non-toxic reagents for all camper activities.