The thought of sending your child off to a three-week program elsewhere in Canada can be overwhelming. Participating in Destination Clic may be your child’s first time away from home. We understand! We work with our partners to provide the best possible experience in a safe and supportive learning environment. Here’s what you can expect.
WHO MEETS MY CHILD AT THE AIRPORT OR TRAIN/BUS STATION?
On the day of arrival, a chaperone will meet them at the airport, train, or bus station and identify themselves with official documentation. The chaperone will arrange arrival and departure logistics to ensure safe travel to and from the institution. On the day of departure, the chaperone will remain with your child until they have completed security or taken their seat on the train or bus.
You are required to provide the following information:
date and time of arrival and departure;
name and location (city/town) of airport, train/bus station, etc.;
flight or train numbers, if applicable;
telephone number(s) and an email address where you can be contacted at any time;
signed authorization to the airline, train/bus station to release information to program staff.
Many parents ask about contacting other participants in their region who are going to the same institution to plan and coordinate travel itineraries. However, to ensure your child’s and other participants’ privacy, we cannot share the names or arrival information of participants at any given location.
HOW SAFE ISTHE LODGING?
Participants in Destination Clic are required to stay on-campus in a student residence. Lodging is assigned by age group and by gender.
University campuses are regularly patrolled by security guards. Guards are also assigned to each residence. The host institution’s safety and security rules, including information on curfews, will be shared with you at the time of registration.
NOTE: In order to ensure the safety of your child and their progress in the program, they may not leave campus to visit friends or family in the area during the program.
WHO WILL SUPERVISE MY CHILD IN THE EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS?
Monitors or teachers are with participants at all times during activities and outings. A support team is available to help participants feel safe and comfortable, while encouraging them to get the most out of the program.
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS SPECIAL NEEDS?
If your child has special needs, please notify the institution when you submit your registration package (after they have been offered a spot in the program). Most special requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG?
Although we do our best to ensure your child enjoys every aspect of the program, we understand that sometimes issues may arise. You will be given the telephone numbers of program staff who will always be available, including weekends. Your child will also be given a number to call in case of emergency. There are support services available at the institution, as well as access to resources such as Kids Help Phone (a toll-free, 24-hour, bilingual, and anonymous phone- and virtual-counselling service for children and youth).
WHAT IF MY CHILD WANTS TO LEAVE BEFORE THE END OF THE PROGRAM?
Program staff will keep your child busy with a range of fun educational and cultural activities. Evening and weekend activities will provide them opportunities to make friends from across Canada and discover new aspects about themselves including how resourceful they are! To get the most out of the experience, we ask that your child fully participates in all activities until the end of the program.
If for any reason your child needs to come home before the end of the program, you will be responsible for notifying the host institution of your child’s withdrawal from the program and for making arrangements to pick them up.
DOES MY CHILD NEED TO SPEAK FRENCH AT ALL TIMES?
Each host institution has a policy about use of the target language (French). Your child will always be encouraged to speak French. Specific guidelines for each institution will be shared with participants and parents upon registration.
WHAT PERSONAL SUPPLIES SHOULD MY CHILD BRING?
It is recommended that your child bring a French dictionary, as well as pens, pencils, paper, and a binder for classroom use. All other course materials are provided by the institution. If additional materials are required or suggested, the institution will inform participants and parents upon registration.