Frequently Asked Questions

a veterinarian talking to two students with a brown horse

Who is Dr. Tim Ogilvie?

Dr. Tim Ogilvie is a past-Dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College and the founder of AVC Vet Camp. It was Dr. Ogilvie's dream to give aspiring veterinarians a window into the day-to-day life of a veterinarian, and the vet camp was born!

Who is eligible to apply?

Students who are entering grades 7, 8, and 9 in the fall of that year are eligible to attend our junior vet camps. Students entering grades 10, 11, and 12 in the fall of that year are eligible to attend our Senior vet camps.

I've attended camp before. Can I apply again?

We usually receive many more applications for AVC Vet Camp than we have spaces available. If you have previously attended AVC Vet Camp and are applying to repeat the same level, your name will be placed on a waiting list so that new students can attend. If you are a returning camper—that is, you have already attended junior camp and are now applying for senior camp—your application will be processed and entered in the lottery draw for senior camp.

What is the difference between junior and senior AVC Vet Camp?

Both camps share a common core curriculum, but the senior camp includes additional activities and projects that are appropriate for students at the senior high school level.

What is the application process?

Applications must be completed online.

Applications will not be processed if received after the deadline, or if incomplete. Only one application per individual will be accepted. Applications will not be accepted by phone or fax.

We take great care to ensure all applications are processed accurately and confidentially. Once you have submitted your online application, a message will appear immediately after you press “submit,” confirming that you have completed the form.

What is the application deadline?

Applications for the 2024 Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camps will close at 11:45 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024. Applications received after this deadline will not be processed.

What is the fee and what is included?

The fee for 2024 AVC Vet Camps is $620 + HST ($99.25) and service fee ($41.64) totaling $760.89 CAD.

This will cover tuition, session and lab materials, field trips, an extensive workbook, a backpack, souvenir shirt, snacks each day and a pizza lunch every Friday.

AVC Vet Camp is a day-only program; the fee does not include overnight accommodation.

How are campers chosen?

To ensure a fair and equitable process, camp participants are selected by a blind lottery draw as we usually receive more applications than we have seats available. The placement of relatives and friends in the same session cannot be guaranteed.

When will I find out if I have been selected?

The lottery draw will take place shortly after the application deadline. A letter will be sent to all applicants by email to inform them if they have been selected or not to attend camp. This email will be sent by the end of the day on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Those selected to attend camp are asked to confirm their attendance by completing registration and payment by Friday, May 3, 2024.

Please note: Selection information will not be given out over the phone.

How many campers are chosen for each week?

To ensure the best experience possible, we choose approximately 50 campers to attend each week. This small group size enables each camper to have hands-on exposure in our labs and other activities.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes, there is a waiting list. Each applicant is assigned a number, which is used for the lottery draw. The first 50 names picked in the draw are chosen to attend camp. The remaining names are put on a waiting list in the order set up for the lottery. Please note that only those who applied by the deadline date are eligible for the waiting list.

Can non-residents apply?

Absolutely. In the past, we have had applications from around the world (United Arab Emirates, France, Scotland, Australia, Bermuda and Wales), so we encourage everyone eligible to apply.

What happens if I pay and then decide not to come?

If you notify us by Friday, May 24, 2024, that you will not be attending the camp, you will receive a refund of the fee minus a $50 deposit.

No refunds will be provided after May 24, 2024.

Are there bursaries or scholarships available to help cover the cost of camp fees?

Yes, the following bursaries and scholarships are available for campers. Please indicate on your application if you would like to receive more information.

  • AVC Bursary: There are two AVC bursaries available for Indigenous students from Atlantic Canada. Each bursary will cover the full cost of the camp registration fee. Please note that travel and accommodation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Nestle Purina Bursary: This bursary provides funding for up to four additional seats for Indigenous youth from across Canada to attend AVC Vet Camp. The bursary will cover the camp registration fee and provide additional funds that can be used to help offset the cost of travel, accommodations, and/or meals for the camper and their parent/guardian.
  • AVC Donor Scholarship: There are two scholarships available for students from Prince Edward Island who are academically minded, have an interest in science, technology, engineering, and/or math, but due to financial constraints may not be able to participate in the camp. The scholarship covers the cost of the camp registration fee.

The Atlantic Veterinary College is fortunate to have generous sponsors, partners, and donors who understand and value the impact AVC Vet Camps can have on youth in Atlantic Canada, across the country, and beyond. As a result, each year new bursaries and scholarships may become available to campers during or after the application process.

If you would like to be considered for bursaries and scholarships including the ones listed above, please indicate this on your application.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Our AVC Vet Camp team will be glad to help you! Please email avcvetcamp@upei.ca.

Dates to remember:

  • March 18: Application deadline.
  • April 10: Applicants will be notified by email if they have—or if they have not—been selected to attend camp.
  • May 3: Those selected to attend camp must confirm their attendance by completing registration and payment through Eventbrite.
  • May 24: Deadline to receive a refund minus a $50 deposit.
  • July 8–12: Junior Camp—Week 1
  • July 15–19: Junior Camp—Week 2
  • July 22–26: Senior Camp—Week 3
  • July 29–August 2: Senior Camp—Week 4

Accommodations

AVC Vet Camp is a day camp only. Overnight accommodations is not included in the camp fee, and parents or guardians must drop off and pick up their camper on each of the five days of camp unless other arrangements are made in advance. On-campus accommodations are available for families, based on availability. Campers under 18 years of age are not permitted to stay in residence unless accompanied by an adult. For full details on summer accommodations on the UPEI campus, visit our Conference Services site, or phone UPEI Conference Services at 902-566-0442. Families are encouraged to book early for best selection. For information on other Prince Edward Island accommodations, please visit the Tourism PEI website, or call 1-800-463-4PEI.