Summer Youth Session 1

July 7-11, 2025

Each summer, Colaisde na Gàidhlig welcomes students from around the world for an immersive and multidisciplinary learning experience. Designed for ages 5–18, our Summer School offers the chance to explore the rich traditions of Nova Scotia Gaels through music, dance, language, and craft.

Join us for a week—or two—of hands-on learning, whether as a day student or by staying on campus. Focus on a single discipline or mix and match to discover new skills. With five engaging classes per day, you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn in just one week!

Our boys dorm is now full, with very limited space in the girls. Some classes are at capacity. Email Margie about placement on waitlist.

Learn more about Summer Youth Session 2 here.

Learn more about Summer Youth Session 3 here.

How It Works

Students choosing to stay on campus for the week will arrive Sunday evening between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM for registration and room assignments. If you have a roommate preference, please indicate it during registration. Supper will not be provided, but a light evening snack will be available. Students will have the chance to settle in, meet some of the house parents (during youth weeks), staff, and fellow students before heading to bed—9:00 PM for ages 5–9 and 10:00 PM for ages 10–18. Campus lights out is at 10:30 PM.

Please note: As of 2022, students must bring their own bedding and towels. This helps a great deal in the quick change-over for the following week of students. Thank you!

Students are responsible for bringing their own instruments in good condition, except for keyboards, a limited number of chanters available for borrowing, and our fiddle loan program ($15 per week to borrow a fiddle on-site).

Daily Schedule

  • Monday Morning: Breakfast is served from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Day students can register between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM. At 8:45 AM, all students gather in the Great Hall of the Clans for a welcome session, instructor introductions, and an overview of the week. Classes begin at 9 AM. We'll follow a similar plan each morning.
  • Class Structure: Each class is 50 minutes, with five classes per day.
    • Morning break: 10:50 AM – 11:10 AM
    • Lunch break: 12:00 PM
    • Classes end: 3:20 PM -> Day Student Pick Up Time
  • Evening Activities: Students can enjoy jam sessions, games, ceilidhs, outdoor activities, and more.

On Friday afternoon, we’ll have two shortened classes, followed by a big square set to wrap up the week. Parents are welcome to arrive at 3:00 PM for this, with the official end time set for 3:30 PM.

Registration & Final Details

After registering, an invoice will be emailed to the address provided. As the session approaches, an orientation email will be sent with important information.

For any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at 902-295-3411 or email margie@gaeliccollege.edu.

We can’t wait to see you here!

Live-In Youth

  • $375: Tuition
  • $100: Room
  • $225: Meals
  • Total: $700 + tax

Day Student Youth

  • $375: Tuition
  • $75: Meals
  • Total: $450 + tax

Additional Fees

  • $20: Weaving supplies/student - Additional fees may apply for special or extra projects
  • $15: Fiddle Rental
  • $25: Special meals, live-in students
  • $10: Special meals, day students

Note: We require a $50 non-refundable deposit upon receiving your invoice to hold your spot. If payment is made in full and the student needs to cancel, we will refund the remaining amount. Full payment is required at least one week before the session begins.

  • There is no family discount offered this year.

For more on what students can expect, rules, house-parent roles, course descriptions, and more, click over to our Student Information

Our bursary application form will open in April. Check back soon!

For more information, contact School Director Margie Beaton at margie@gaeliccollege.edu or call 902-295-3411.