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Written by: Abigail Guevara, Senior Content Writer – Freelance
The saying "necessity is the mother of invention" rings true for Christa and Sunday Eniojukan. More than eight years ago, while searching for a summer camp that combined academic learning with physical activity for their children, they were frustrated to find options that offered one or the other, but not both.
Christa, a former middle-school teacher and current Head Coach of the York University Lions women’s basketball team, and her husband, Sunday, a former NCAA Fairfield University basketball player and current Director of Insurance Claims, realized the need for a camp that integrated high-level academics with physical literacy.
“We wanted an environment where our children could excel academically and build physical competence and confidence during the summer,” recalls Christa.
Understanding the deep connection between physical activity and learning, Christa and Sunday believed that combining both would bring out the best in their kids and all children.
Active Scholars: Where Sports Meets Education
In the summer of 2018, Christa and Sunday launched a mission that transformed the summer camp experience for children in Durham Region and Toronto. They founded Active Scholars, a summer camp focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education and sports skills, aimed at children aged seven to 13.
“We introduced STEM to this age group because children start to develop their academic interests by the time they reach high school,” says Christa. “Many aren’t exposed to a STEM program in their earlier years, but at Active Scholars, they become familiar with these subjects, explore various subjects, and gain confidence as they progress.”
All Active Scholars classroom instructors are certified teachers through the Ontario College of Teachers. Lead coaches are trained through the National Coaching Certification Programs. “Education and physical activity go hand in hand,” Christa explains. “Children benefit immensely from a balanced combination of both.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Healthy Schools, higher physical activity and fitness levels are linked to improved cognitive performance, such as better concentration and memory among students. At Active Scholars, campers stay engaged as they move from STEM learning to sports activities throughout the day.
“Even when we had to transition to virtual camps during the COVID-19 pandemic, it resulted in impressive participation, including from outside of Canada,” Sunday recalls. “And experienced expanded growth post-pandemic. So, we opened a second location in Toronto as an anchor to expand.”
To Infinity and Beyond
As the popularity of Active Scholars’ camp programs grew among kids and parents, the organization expanded its offerings to include Girls Infinity and Boys Infinity programs. These programs are similar to the summer camp programs but are held during the school year and aim to empower youth with confidence through sports and state-of-the-art STEM learning.
Through partnerships with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, York University, special guest instructors such as IBM, Raptors 905, and education majors from local universities, these sessions provide a fun-filled learning and development experience that fosters confidence and leadership in a supportive environment.
The Girls Infinity Program features exclusively women educators, encouraging girls to use their voices, take risks, and have a growth mindset. The Boys Infinity Program provides male role models who equally guide and inspire.
“When the girls’ groups are together, they tend to use their voices more,” Christa observed. “Both the boys and girls have fun and look up to the smart, qualified leadership.” The programs include innovative tools like Spheros, spherical programmable robots, and Cricut machines, which allow kids to design and personalize their creations.
Active Learning for the Win
With summer approaching, campers are already signing up for Active Scholars summer camps. “STEM learning at Active Scholars demystifies science, technology, engineering, and math for children who might not otherwise get much exposure to these subjects beyond the traditional classroom setting,” notes Christa. “We also help kids who aren’t comfortable with physical activity boost their confidence by developing a wide range of sports skills.”
Over 2000 youth have been positively impacted since Active Scholars' inception; averaging about 400 per year (summer camps, Infinity programs, and workshops).
Active Scholars sponsorship opportunities ensure a diverse and inclusive environment where children from various backgrounds can join its programs.
“Grants and corporate partnerships help remove financial barriers, so, over the years, we have been able to reach more and more youth through our subsidized fee model (sponsored camp/programs),” explains Sunday.
The success of Active Scholars is evident with its growing numbers and the enthusiastic return of campers year after year. Expansion in Ontario is expected over the next two years.
"We love seeing the growth in children after only a short time," Christa shares. "With full engagement, kids learn quickly."
Active Scholars operates out of Pickering Christian School in Ajax and The York School in Toronto for summer camps.
For more information, contact:
- Email: info@activescholars.org
- Website: activescholars.org
Innovation and Inclusivity: Stories from Durham Region's Black Business Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals is a series of stories about thriving Black professionals choosing to do business in Durham Region.
