● Glendon Campus is the Vanguard of Excellence for the Explore and Destination Clic Programs

Glendon Campus is the Vanguard of Excellence for the Explore and Destination Clic Programs

Elton Campbell Layout Designer

Explore is an intensive French or English immersion program held annually during spring and summer. Participants can travel to another province of Canada to learn and improve their second official language, French or English. It is one of the easiest and most engaging ways to turn your potential in mastering a second language into a success, all while building invaluable networks and friendships. Destination Clic is a summer program designed for francophone youth ages thirteen to fifteen (13–15) residing outside the province of Québec. This program fosters everlasting friendships and heightens the self-esteem of participants by exposing them to francophone communities in Canada and across the globe. The Government of Canada is the founder of the Official Languages Programs (OLP) of which Explore and Destination Clic are affiliates. To promote these programs, and to develop unified procedures and regulations, several institutions (representatives) from each province and territory work together with the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) to achieve a worthwhile and exceptional program. Although this is an achievable goal, not all institutions involved have procedures, regulations and learning environments that are up to par. As such, a participant may benefit or feel more welcomed at one institution when compared to another. This article makes the case that Glendon Campus is the vanguard of excellence concerning the Explore and Destination Clic programs. First off, the programs at Glendon Campus uphold the key values of diversity, inclusion and accessibility. For example, there are male, female, gender-neutral and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms on campus. Glendon also has strategically placed elevators, ramps, kiosks, and doors activated by pushing a button or motioning at a sensor. The signs on campus are bilingual, which not only provide directional assistance, but also allow readers to expand their vocabulary in their secondary official language (English or French). The listed factors make navigation of the campus quick and easy. The college prides itself on creating an environment where those with physical limitations do not have to feel as if they are in a world designed only for able-bodied individuals. However, Glendon is always open to suggestions, and continues to strive passionately toward this goal. Additionally, Glendon has established itself as a proactive and forward-thinking institution. When participants are notified about their placement within the Explore or Destination Clic programs, Glendon contacts each participant to take note of their dietary restrictions and any accommodations they may need due to a visible or invisible disability. Participants of these programs also have access to the campus’ Accessibility, Well-Being and Counseling (AWC) Centre for extra support. Dietary restrictions go beyond a participant having a certified food allergy, and also consider any dietary restrictions due to religious and cultural background. Glendon clearly understands that people from all walks of life are interested in learning and avoids othering individuals through forced compliance or punishment. Furthermore, Glendon campus is located in a lush green forest, which allows participants to bask in nature right near the bustling metropolis of Toronto. Nature is soothing to the brain and makes learning new information pleasant and digestible. The campus takes safety seriously, with multiple small stations spread across the grounds that can be activated in case of an emergency through the press of a button. Bike Share Toronto is also available on-campus, making bikes accessible for exploring the numerous trails, and commuting to and from campus. Don’t be surprised if you meet Glendon’s neighbour, Canadian rapper Drake, or pass by his house while cycling through the area! Glendon is also a stone’s throw away from downtown Toronto and its many historic districts, easily reached by public transit or by car. With all the options available, discovering Canada’s largest and most diverse city is a simple task. Moreover, Glendon’s planners and facilitators are highly knowledgeable, skilled, and experienced. Several of the monitors for the Explore and Destination Clic programs at Glendon were once students of these programs at other institutions or have worked and planned these programs here at home for numerous years. They also include some of the most exceptional current students of Glendon campus. These members of staff bring wisdom and experience as both participants and instructors. They have tips and tricks to create the best experience for students, remain open to feedback for continuous improvement, are energetic and innovative, and are genuinely invested in making the programs a greater success each year. Current students at Glendon campus are encouraged to apply to become full-time or part-time monitors for spring and summer 2023. This is an incredible job opportunity to assist in the continuation of Glendon’s legacy of hosting the Explore and Destination Clic programs by “facilitating on-campus socio-cultural activities, preparing and delivering in-class workshops, escorting participants on local trips, and supervising participants in residence.” The Explore program for individuals nineteen years and older (19+) will run from May 22nd to June 23rd, 2023, while the program for sixteen and seventeen year olds (16–17) will run from July 3rd to August 4th, 2023. The Explore and Destination Clic programs for thirteen to fifteen year olds (13–15) is slated for July 9th to July 29th , 2023. If you are a student outside of Canada, or a parent/guardian who has a child in a foreign country and would like the child to attend, this is still possible. To find out more about the Explore and Destination Clic programs at Glendon Campus, visit https://www.glendon.yorku. ca/explore/, email explore@glendon.yorku. ca, or visit the Continuing Education office at room A112 B on campus.

Photo par Elton Campbell