For 35 years, Venture has inspired young people to explore STEM through creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning. Celebrate the stories, memories and people who have shaped the Venture community since 1991—and discover what’s next.
For 35 years, Venture has brought together campers, instructors, directors, volunteers and families through a shared passion for learning and discovery.
What began as a summer STEM program has grown into a community that spans generations. Along the way, participants have built confidence, developed leadership skills, formed lasting friendships and discovered new possibilities for their futures.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re looking back at the people and experiences that have shaped Venture’s story—and looking ahead to the next chapter.
Down memory lane
Venture Timeline · Since 1991
Since 1991
Building the next generation of engineers.
35
Years of Venture
1,000+
Campers a year, up from 120 in 1991
36,000+
Youth reached through STEM
1991
1994
2000
2008
2020
2021
2022
2026
1991
The beginning
Founding year
Venture begins
Venture welcomes its first campers, introducing young students to engineering and science through hands-on learning experiences.
120 campers attended in the program’s first year
1994
Year three
Outreach begins
Reaching beyond campus
Venture expands its outreach efforts, bringing STEM experiences into schools and classrooms across the region.
4,000+ students in workshops and outreach programming
2000
A new decade
Growing community
A growing community
As Venture enters a new decade, participation continues to grow and the program reaches more schools and students than ever before.
625 campers attended74 schools visited
2008
Seventeen years in
Celebrating growth
Celebrating growth
Venture becomes one of McMaster Engineering’s largest youth outreach initiatives.
In response to COVID-19, Venture launches virtual programming, bringing STEM learning experiences into homes through online camps, design challenges and virtual activities.
1,000+ participants in virtual camp programming
2021
Expanding reach
NSERC PromoScience
Expanding access through NSERC PromoScience
Venture receives $309,675 in NSERC PromoScience funding to expand outreach opportunities for youth across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and Indigenous communities in Southwestern Ontario.
$309,675 in funding120 campers in 1991 → 25,000+ youth reached annually
2022
National recognition
Actua Experience Award
National recognition
Venture receives the Actua Experience Award in recognition of its leadership within the National Girls Program.
36,000+ youth reached in 202116,554 in all-girls STEM programs
2026
It’s only the beginning
35th anniversary
35 years of Venture
Venture celebrates its 35th anniversary with the theme “It’s only the beginning.” The milestone recognizes three and a half decades of inspiring curiosity, creativity and discovery through STEM education while looking ahead to the next generation of Venture participants.
35th anniversaryIt’s only the beginning
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Venture scholarship
Investing in future generations
As we celebrate 35 years of Venture we’re looking ahead—to a future where curious children, regardless of their families’ financial barriers, have the chance to participate. By making a gift as part of our anniversary celebration, you can help open doors, create opportunities, and support the next generation of diverse STEM leaders.
Thousands of campers, instructors and volunteers have helped shape the Venture experience. Explore photos from across the decades and revisit the moments, activities and traditions that continue to inspire generations of Venture participants.
Stories from Venture leaders
To celebrate Venture's 35th anniversary, we're sharing stories from past camp directors and staff who helped shape the program between 1991 and 2026.
Through their reflections, we're exploring the lessons, experiences and connections that continue to influence their lives today. These stories remind us that the Venture experience extends far beyond a single summer.
Adam Rocque
Years after serving as a Venture Director, Adam Rocque was presenting his McMaster Engineering capstone project when he recognized a familiar face in the crowd.
A prospective student touring campus with his family turned out to be one of Adam’s former campers.
During their conversation, the student shared that McMaster was his top choice for university—and that his experience at Venture had played an important role in that decision.
For Adam, it was a powerful reminder that the impact of Venture often extends far beyond a single summer.
“He told me McMaster was his top choice — and that what he’d experienced at Venture had a lot to do with that decision.”
From camper to future engineer
Rodney Gabay
Rodney Gabay’s Venture journey began as an instructor and eventually led him to become Camp Director.
Along the way, he discovered a passion for education, mentorship and creating meaningful learning experiences for young people.
The leadership, communication and problem-solving skills he developed through Venture continue to influence his work today.
For Rodney, Venture wasn’t just a summer program—it was the beginning of a career dedicated to helping others learn and grow.
“Venture is the place where my career in education really began.”
Learning to lead
Shelby Amponsah
Shelby’s story captures Venture’s impact both on the students it serves and the leaders it helps develop.
As an instructor and later Camp Director, she saw firsthand how meaningful STEM experiences can be for young people—especially those from historically underrepresented communities.
“Venture is a safe space for curious students to explore their passions for science and engineering.”
Finding a community
Community voice
Venture in one word.
Nineteen leaders. Thirty-five years. Here's what they said when we asked them to sum it up.
