MRU Camps

With our new registration system, we've developed a "Parent Dashboard" that allows you to see everything your camper is registered for at a glance! 

Go to the "Parent Dashboard"

You must complete ALL mandatory child information and waiver forms (see below) prior to the first day of camp. Camps with off-campus activities might have additional waivers to be completed. You can find these forms on the Parent Dashboard under your camp enrollment. Reminder emails will be sent to parents/legal guardians two-weeks prior to camps. Please note that your child will not be allowed to participate in camp unless these forms are complete. 

All required forms should be submitted to MRU Camps prior to June 1, 2023. The forms that must be completed are as follows:

Family Specific Forms: 

• Primary Emergency Contact;
• Secondary Emergency Contact;
• Authorization of Pick-Up and Release (INCLUDING VERBAL PASSWORD); and
• 2023 Informed Consent and Acknowledgement of Risks for Minors

Camper Specific Forms: 

• Photo Release Form; and
• 2023 Medical Information Form

​Program Specific Forms:

• Achievers (Adapted Camp) Camper Assessment Form
• MRU Climbing Waiver for Minors

Our goal is to create a positive experience for participants and their families. We understand the optimal experience may not be achieved for everyone at all times. We believe all problems can be resolved through understanding, collaboration, and the opportunity to learn and adapt. We are committed to being responsive to concerns as they are brought to our attention. 

We are committed to providing customer service with kindness, professionalism, fairness and respect. We expect the same from you when working through concerns together. If you have a concern you would like share with us, our team would be happy to assist you. Connect with us.

The MRU Camps Code of Conduct is intended to identify the general standards of conduct for all MRU Youth Program staff, participants, and spectators. It is the responsibility of all parties to familiarise themselves with, and understand their obligation to the code of conduct.

Individuals are expected to:

• Treat themselves, staff, spectators, and other participants with respect. Bullying, threatening and harassing behaviour will not be tolerated. 
• Promote an inclusive environment in which differences are valued.
• Conduct themselves in a safe manner and avoid causing harm to anyone.
• Be fair, forthright and courteous in relation to others. Misrepresenting oneself will not be tolerated.
• Respect all MRU property and the property of others. 
• Follow all MRU Camps policies and procedures.
• Seek direction if there are questions about compliance with MRU Camps policies and procedures. 

Any behaviour deemed to violate the Code of Conduct can lead to removal, suspension, termination of privileges or any other penalty as deemed appropriate. 

MRU Camps supports Mount Royal’s Core Values by fostering diversity and inclusiveness in a safe, positive, respectful environment. We expect parents, guardians, campers, and staff to treat each other with mutual respect. Disrespectful behaviour by parents, guardians or campers can lead to withdrawal from MRU Camps without a refund. 

Please note the following:

• All campers must be the appropriate age for the camp by the first day of camp.
• As part of the program, camps may leave their facility to walk to nearby green spaces and fields.
• Children must be toilet trained, do not send your child in a diaper or pull up.
• The program descriptions represents programming possibilitiies only. In order to facilitate the best instruction possible, Instructors are given the opportunity to alter programming to suit their groups under the guidance of the Program Coordinator and Program Supervisors. Therefore, the following descriptions present only a sample of the potential activities offered. Not all activities described will necessarily be offered in each session. Please note ALL of our camps do P.L.A.Y. (Physical Literacy and You) for one hour every day.

MRU Camps supports Mount Royal’s core values by fostering diversity and inclusiveness in a safe, respectful environment. We expect parents, campers and MRU Camps staff to treat each other with mutual respect.

At times, a behavioural issue may arise with a child. We will strive to resolve the situation and keep your child involved in activities whenever possible. On occasion, it may be necessary to give a child time away from an activity. In this situation, you will be notified by your child’s camp leader at the end of the day.

If the behaviour persists and can not be adequately resolved, or the situation is severe, you will be contacted immediately by an MRU Camps administrative staff. If the behaviour continues, your child will be removed from the camp and you will be contacted to pick them up immediately. If you are not available to pick up your child, your emergency contact will be required to do so.

Mount Royal University values positivity and respect. Any form of disrespect will not be tolerated. Disrespectful behaviour by parents or campers can lead to withdrawal from MRU Camps without a refund. 

Refund Policy: You must submit a written request no later than seven (7) business days before the camp’s listed start date for a refund. All refunds (whether paid in full or using the Installment Payment Plan) are subject to an non-refundable administration fee of 15% of camp tuition. MRU Camps will not offer a refund if the request is received less than seven (7) business days before the camp start date unless it is for a documented medical reason or family emergency. 

If a camper becomes ill during camp, a physician’s note may be required and the family will receive a prorated refund based on the daily rate for the days the camper missed. If required documentation is not provided, the Program Coordinator will decide if a refund should be given based on the circumstances. Please note that if a child chooses not to attend camp, no refund will be given. Full refunds will be issued if MRU cancels or reschedules a camp. 

Installment Payment Policy: A 25% deposit of camp tuition is due upon enrollment. Please refer to the refund policy above.

Processing Fee: A 2% non-refundable processing fee is added to each transaction paid with a credit card. 

Withdrawal Policy: Withdrawal from a camp may be requested on or before the official camp end date. No refund will be issued. Written note(s) from a physician may be required for an illness or injury-related withdrawal. To request or to withdraw from a camp, please submit the request in writing to MRU Camps Administrative Team at mrucamps@mtroyal.ca. Please include the following information: parent name, camper name(s), camper date(s) of birth, reason for withdrawal, camp name, camp start and end dates. Also refer to the refund policy above.

Wait List Policy: There are maximum capacities set for MRU Camps programs. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Once the maximum number of spaces set aside for a program has been reached, individuals will be placed on a waiting list. Though additional spaces may be made available, there is no guarantee that they will be accommodated.

Right of Refusal Policy: MRU Camps reserve the right to refuse service or access based on violation of program policies and procedures; inappropriate conduct and/or failing to respect the MRU Camps Code of Conduct; failing to respect facility/program rules, and/or for failing to follow the directions of the MRU Camps staff member.

Privacy: The information that you provide to Mount Royal University when you register for MRU Camps is collected under the Post-Secondary Learning Act and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act in the Province of Alberta, Section 33(c). This information will be used for academic administration of Mount Royal support services, scholarships and financial aid awards, marketing and recruitment activities. Your personal information is protected and can be reviewed upon request subject to the provisions under the FOIP Act. The complete statement and further contact information is available at mtroyal.ca/foip.

Looking for a payment option? 

Payment plan option is now available for you! Payment plan will allow you to pay your camp tuition amounts on a bi-weekly basis instead of in full upon enrollment. Your payment invoices are due on March 15 (50% deposit required after this date), March 31 (75% deposit required after this date), and April 14*.

25% deposit of camp tuition plus applicable processing fee(s) are due upon enrollment. Also refer to Terms and Conditions section above. 

*Please note: payment plan is not available after April 14th as we run our final invoices on April 14th. Tuition plus applicable processing fee(s) are due in full after April14, 2023. 

Please read this section carefully in its entirety as it contains important and relevant information regarding the MRU Camp bursary program

Thanks to the generous support of sponsors and donors we are able to offer a limited number of camp bursaries to children and youth to attend our summer camps. Bursary allocation solely depends on funds received for the designated fiscal year. 

The bursary application is designed to be fair and are granted to those who would not be able to attend camp without financial assistance. Priority will be given to families who have not received a bursary in the past. Although every effort is made to award a bursary to the camps selected in the application, there is no guarantee of space available in the preferred camps. 

Bursary program regulations:

• Campers granted a bursary are expected to attend the camp for which they are registered and for which they have received bursary funding. Failure to attend the camp for which bursary funding has been received will result in ineligibility for future bursary funding. 
• Campers granted a bursary are also required to write a testimonial/thank you note.This thank you letter is due on the last day of camp and should address the highlights of the camp experience the camper had — new things that were learned, new interests, new ideas for careers, new friends. Failure to provide the thank you letter will result in ineligibility for future bursary funding. 

Application Instruction:

• Applications are assessed in the order they are received and we strongly encourage you to apply early.
• The bursary application deadlines are as follows: June 2, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.  (if preference is for July camps) and June 16, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. (if preference is for August camps).
• Incomplete applications will result in processing delays and jeopardize the consideration of your application. 
• Due to the volume of applications we receive, we kindly ask that you do not contact us regarding the status of your application. We will notify the status of your application via email no later than 4 weeks after the complete bursary application is received.
• Upon successful acceptance into the bursary program, applicants will be required to complete a family profile and all required waivers and forms.
• Approved bursary applicants will receive full or partial funding for the selected camp(s) tuition. Please note the approved bursaries will not cover camper lunch/snacks. 

How to Apply:

• Thank you for your interest. The application process for the bursary program is now closed. 

Supporting documentation required upon request: 

Please include your proof of income. We welcome the submission of any other supporting documents (see below) with your application, but they are not required. We may request additional supporting documentation to verify your eligibility if necessary.

Proof of Income: For each adult in the household, please provide a copy of their current, official Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment, which includes Line 150 (total income).

• Income Support: If you are receiving Income Support, please provide us with a current document that shows this.
• AISH: If you are receiving AISH, please provide us with a current document that shows this.
• Alberta Child Health Benefit: Please provide us with a letter stating that you are currently eligible for the Alberta Child Health Benefit.
• Alberta Adult Health Benefit: Please provide a copy of your Alberta Works Letter that shows you are currently on this program.
• Refugee Status: Please provide a copy of any government document that confirms you are currently receiving support under the Resettlement Assistance Program or Interim Federal Health Program.

 Withdrawal from camp after being granted a bursary:

• In the event that you withdraw your child(ren) from MRU Camps before camp commences, you are required to submit a written notice to mrucamps@mtroyal.ca. We will arrange for your child’s withdrawal from the camp and will give the bursary to another approved applicant. 
• Failure to notify us that you have withdrawn your child(ren) before or during the camp will result in your child being disqualified from all camp bursary considerations in the future.  

Additional Funding Support Resources:

• Kidsport Calgary -  KidSport currently is funding up to $500 per child per calendar year. 
• Canadian Tire - individual Child Grant

Accommodations are available to registered campers with documented conditions who face barriers in the camp environment:

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD)
• Cognitive and developmental disabilities

Aide/Support Worker* Guidelines:

• Approval from the Program Coordinator to attend camp with your child;
• Cleared Security Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Search; and
• Must be 18 of age or older

 *If your camper recieves support at school/home then an Aide/Support worker is strongly recommended to participate in the program/camp.

Our Achievers camp is soley reserved for campers with physical disabilities and supported by Calgary Adapted Hub powered by Jumpstart.

Youth Programming (MRU Camps), as part of MRU’s Finance and Administration division, celebrates justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). 

 Our camps run Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - we provide complimentary before (8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m.) and after (4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) care. 

Please note there is no camp on July 3 (Canada Day) and August 7 (Heritage Day), 2023.

MRU Camps offers complimentary before and after care outside of the structured hours that camp takes place in. This care will take place in the homerooms of campers assigned camps, under the supervision of camp staff. During this time campers will play games with staff and other campers, have free time to hangout, get to know their peers, or read. Staff will provide games and books for campers to use, as well as lead low or mid energy games for the campers to participate in.

• Before-care takes place from (8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m.) . Parents/guardians are welcome to drop off their camper at any point within this time frame.

• After-care takes place from (4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.). Parents/guardians are welcome to pick up their camper at any point during this time frame.

Note: The occurrence of before and after care is subject to change based on the prevalence of COVID-19. 

Here are all the things your camper will need to bring with them to camp: 

• Backpack*
• Mask(s) -- not required but encouraged for those who wish to continue with this form of mitigation
• Hand sanitizer
• Hat
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Water bottle
• Nut-free packed lunch (non-microwavable)
• At least two to four healthy snacks
• Comfortable running shoes (closed-toe)
• Send a change of clothes with your child daily
• Send a favourite book and/or plush toy with your child to enjoy during snack time and post care hours.
• Separate Pool Bag with Swimsuit and towel (if applicable - also see Pool Time Requirements)
• Outdoor Adventures:
  Multi-geared bicycle & properly fitted helmet  *Bike storage is available on campus for the week of their program; must wear their MRU Camps t-shirt for every trip
• Youth Science Academy:
  lab-appropriate clothing (long pants, closed-toe shoes, hair tied back, no contact lenses)
• Please leave ALL personal electronics, playing cards and valuables at home**

 *Please note that campers should be able to carry their own backpacks

**Please do not send money with your child

Camper Attire

1. 1. To ensure their safety, all campers should wear closed-toed shoes.
   2. All campers who travel off campus are required to wear their camp t-shirt. This is to ensure easy identification of those who are with MRU Camps by the staff.
   3. All campers are expected to adhere to attire rules related to specific activities and locations. This includes but is not limited to: 
      1. Science Labs: Lab coat on, long hair tied back, closed-toed shoes on.

• If your child is exhibiting signs of being sick or any symptoms related to COVID-19, they are asked to stay home and not attend camp. Should you arrive at the camps with a sick child, they may be refused entry to limit the impact to our campus community.
• Should a child begin to exhibit symptoms or feel ill while at camp, a parent or legal guardian will be contacted to pick them up immediately. The child will be cared for until they can be picked up. 

Please note: sending children to camp with an illness increases the likelihood that colds, flu and other diseases spread throughout cohorts. Information from the Alberta Health Services regarding common diseases states the following:

Medication

If your child requires medication (over-the-counter or prescription), please ensure that it is in the original packaging. Write the child’s name in the packaging. Your child must be able to administer the medication themselves. Please note that MRU Camp staff can not administer or dispense medication to campers.  

Allergies & Special Dietary Restrictions

Though MRU Camps encourages all campers and staff to refrain from bringing nut products to camp, however we cannot guarantee that lunch ingredients have not come into contact with nuts and nut products. We strongly encourage campers with nut allergies or other food sensitivities (i.e. dairy, gluten, etc.) to bring their lunch from home. 

COVID-19 

One of the best ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19 or any other communicable illness is to stay home if you’re feeling unwell or symptomatic. Mount Royal strongly recommends that campers, staff and visitors do not come to campus if they are symptomatic or ill with COVID-19 or any other communicable illness. Staying home contributes to creating the safest environment possible for staff, campers and members of the Mount Royal community.

For more information, please see the Mount Royal University COVID response here. . 

**Stay home if ill/symptomatic**

Selected camps (please see below) will go swimming every day. Please pack a swimsuit and towel in a separate pool bag. Your camper may opt out of swimming and participate in alternate play, provided you have discussed this beforehand with the MRU Camps Administrative team. 

Note: All campers need to pass a height requirement (3 feet and 8 inches) before entering the pool. If they do not meet the height requirement they are kindly asked to wear a life jacket prior to entering the pool. Our staff to camper ratio is 1:8 and during pool time we have full staff coverage in all areas of the pool (i.e. diving board, life jacket station, shallow/deep end, change rooms, washrooms, and pool deck). In addition to MRU Camps staff we have 5 to 6 lifeguards on duty during pool time.

Swim Test:

• Only applicable for campers who are keen on swimming in the deep end.
• The swim test consists of a 25-yard swim, during which campers are asked to achieve the following: jump into the pool, submerge fully, return to the surface and immediately begin swimming without pushing off the wall. Swim in a horizontal position on top of the water using a forward crawl or breaststroke. 

The following camps will partake in swimming during summer 2023:

Maker Lab, Magical Adventures, MRU Kids Club, Rising Stars, Junior Robotics, Young Game Designers, Playscape, Zen Kids, and FUNdamentals

Guidelines and Access

• 4 – 8 years: May top rope climb and boulder with adult supervision. In order to belay, supervising adult must have successfully completed a Recreation belay test.
• 9 – 12 years: May top rope climb, top rope belay and boulder with adult supervision. Both the youth and the supervising adult must have successfully completed a Recreation belay test. Rappelling and advanced techniques require direct adult and Climbing Centre instructor supervision.
• 13 – 16 years: May top rope climb, top rope belay and boulder without adult supervision. In order to belay, the participant must have successfully completed a Recreation belay test. Rappelling and advanced techniques require Climbing Centre instructor supervision.

Belay Test

All MRU Camp staff in charge of supervising climbing wall activities must undergo a mandatory top rope belay test and climbing wall orientation during staff training. In addition to MRU Camps staff we have 2 to 4 Climbing Instructors on duty during climbing. In order to successfully complete the top rope belay test, the staff must demonstrate the ability to:

• put on an approved climbing harness and attach the rope to the harness using a figure eight follow-through knot
• properly set up a belay device on the rope
• move rope through the belay device safely and efficiently
• perform self and partner checks prior to leaving the ground
• use appropriate belayer/climber communication as required

The following camps will partake in climbing during summer 2023: 

Youth Science Academy, Astronauts In Training, Creator’s Lab, Amateur Designers, All About Architecture, Art Attack, Art Escape, Art Tech Mash Up, Future Leaders, Careers In Sport, and Achievers*

*Achievers camp is an adapted sport and recreation camp -- is reserved for campers with physical disabilities.

MRU Camps Administrative team will be able to assist you with any lost and found items. Valuables should be turned in to the MRU Camps Office (EA 1016). Please note: MRU Camps Lost and Found will be cleared at the end of every two-weeks. Items that are not claimed will be cleaned and donated to charity. 

Please see below for 2023 Dress Up Days/Themes:

• July 7 - Canadian Western
• July 14 - Diversity Day
• July 21 - Literature/Classics
• July 28 - Myths and Magic
• August 4 - Earth, Nature, and Ecosystems
• August 11 - Popular Culture
• August 18 - Superheroes and Heroines
• August 25 - Mix and Match