Our Organization

Mini University was founded in 1984 by Dr. Nancy Stanley as a special project of Brandon University’s Campus Recreation Department.

Since then, Mini U has strived to encourage healthy living, creative expression, scientific curiosity and life-long learning in children and youth through its summer day camp sessions.

Well over 12,000 participants have taken part in Mini University programming since its inception.

Mini University is a cost-recovery, not-for-profit organization that depends entirely on:

1. Registration fees;
2. Federal and provincial government grants;
3. Grants from private foundations and local community organizations like the Kiwanis Club; and
4. Public donations.

Brandon University, its departments of Arts, Science, and Education, as well as the School of Music and School of Health Studies, graciously provide rooms, equipment, subject area expertise, and accounting/administrative support.

Our Summer Staff

Mini University hires nearly 40 staff members each year to organize and deliver our summer program. Our staff are paid (not volunteers) and are selected for their knowledge, maturity, leadership and ability to relate to children. Most are university students and many are from the Faculty of Education.

To ensure that we employ only the highest quality staff, applicants are carefully screened and require recent Criminal Background and Child Abuse Registry checks, as well as First Aid/CPR certification.