Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) When do registrations open for Mini U 2012?

Registrations will open April 18th, soon after our brochure is distributed in the Westman Journal. Brochures will also be available at our registration office in Room 104 in Brandon University’s Education Building.

2) What makes Mini University different from other summer camps?

Many Different Ages, Many Different Programs: As a whole, Mini U is for ages 5-15. We offer half-day and full-day programming for the younger ones: Jr. Chipmunks (ages 5-6) and Jr. Moose (ages 7-9). In our Senior program (ages 9-16), campers choose 4 courses from over 40 offered. Finally, our Specialty Camp program offers a chance for students to focus on a single subject (e.g. Robotics, Gaming, Archaeology, et cetera) for half- or full-days.

Hands-On Fun for Everyone: While professors lecture, we don’t. There are no “assignments” at Mini University. We provide fun, safe, and exciting hands-on learning activities that encourage creativity, higher-level thinking, teamwork, and social development.

Variety & Choice: In our Senior program alone we offer over 40 courses from six disciplines (Physical Education, Science, Computers, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and Humanities). Our choices allow for a student in the Senior program to come every week of camp and not take the same course twice.

High-Quality Instructors: We carefully select our staff from the best and brightest post-secondary students. Our instructors are known for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and desire to work with children. Many come from the Faculty of Education at Brandon University, while others are still in their first degree and would like to share their knowledge with kids.

Instructors receive three weeks of intensive training including seminars on such things as classroom management, lesson planning, health and safety, behavioral management, and learning disabilities. As well, all staff are required to be trained in Emergency CPR and First Aid and complete satisfactory Criminal Record and Child Abuse Background checks.

3) How does registering for the Senior Mini U program work?

Our Senior Mini U courses are offered in slots throughout the day. Students choose two slots in the morning and two in the afternoon.

Please note that not all courses are offered every slot. Consult the schedule of courses listed in our registration guide to determine what is available each slot.

4) My child doesn’t like one of the courses they’re taking. Can they switch to something else?

Within our Senior Mini U program, participants are able to transfer to another course (space permitting) as long as they do so before the Tuesday at 9:00 am deadline. “Course Change” staff will be available at a designated table.

Due to the tight schedule of project or skill work, transferring into the following courses is not recommended: Robotics, LEGO Robotics, Judo, Music Videos, Movie Making, Level Design, and Guitar.

Specialty Camp participants cannot transfer camps once their camp has started. The amount of material that would be missed makes transferring prohibitive.

5) Is there sponsorship available for underprivileged children and youth?

There may be limited sponsorships available.

6) Where do I drop-off/pick-up my child(ren) and are there any special procedures?

Times:

• Morning drop-off is between 8:00 am and 8:45 am in the BU Education building. On the first day of each week, participants should be checked in and receive their name tag and gift by 8:30 am.
• Drop-off for PM-only campers is between 12:45 pm and 1:00 pm.
• Noon hour pick-up for AM-only campers is at the BU cafeteria “Down Under” between 12:00 pm and 12:10 pm.
• Pick up for all-day and PM-only campers is between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm in the Education Building.
• Note: Earlier drop-off and later pick-up can be arranged for a small fee.

Locations:

• The Mini University HQ is located in the Brandon University Education Building this year.
• Camp arrival/check-in:

Seniors: First Floor, Room 107

Juniors: Basement, Room 07

Specialty: First Floor, Room 107

• Students will return to the Education Building between 4:00 and 4:10.
• The BU cafeteria “Down Under” is used for picking students up at lunch time.

Procedures:

• When leaving camp, participants must be signed out with a Mini U staff member. In order to ensure participant safety, all parents/guardians may be asked to show identification when signing their child out.
• When registering, please indicate the full names of anyone else authorized to pick up your child (grandparents, etc.).
• Also indicate on your registration form if you authorize your child to sign themselves out.

7) Why do you charge a fee for late registrations?

Yes, there is a $10 late registration fee (2011). Mini University determines course cancellations and prints off name tags and attendance sheets on Thursdays for the following week. Any registrations received after Wednesday for the following week must have their attendance materials processed individually, and that adds to our administration costs.

8)  If I don’t purchase the lunch program, is my child still supervised over lunch hour?

Yes, the tuition costs cover supervision over lunch hour. Whether they bring a bag lunch, purchase food from the cafeteria or purchase our weekly Lunch Program, the students will eat their lunch in the BU cafeteria “Down Under” with supervision. Following lunch, there will be supervised games and quiet activities.