Welcome to MRU Camps

 

Our team is excited to meet you and your camper(s) on their first day. To prepare, we kindly ask that you take the time to familiarize yourself with the Parent Information page. Here you can find important details regarding enrollment and registration, program hours including before and after care, and other MRU Camps policies, procedures, and requirements.

Much of this information will be repeated in a pre-camp email reminder to parents and guardians. These emails will be sent out prior to each program you have enrolled in. 

The MRU Camps Head office is located in EA 1016 (inside the Faculty of Arts building) on the main campus. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to us via phone (403.440.6001) or email (mrucamps@mtroyal.ca) and our team will be happy to assist you. 

Parent Dashboard

CampSite is MRU Camps’ registration portal that hosts family and camper profiles. Here you can find registration and financial information, as well as mandatory forms for the programs you have enrolled in. Parents and guardians can log in at anytime to register for programs, updates their profiles, and access historicals such as invoices.

Go to the "Parent Dashboard"

Key Dates and Program Hours

Regisration and Bursary Intake Dates:

  • PD/Spring Break Camp registration opens on November 20, 2023 at 8:30am (MT)
  • Summer Camp registration opens on February 5, 2024 at 8:30am (MT)
  • Bursary application intake starts March 4, 2024

 Click to View the MRU Camps 2024 Registration Cheat Sheet

Before and After Care:

MRU Camps offers complimentary before (8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m.) and after (4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) care outside of the structured hours that camp takes place in. Parents/guardians are welcome to drop off their camper at any point within this time frame. 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.

Program Hours:

Our camps run Monday to Friday* from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (January - August, 2024). Please note there is no camp on July 1 (Canada Day) and August 5 (Heritage Day), 2024.

*Day of the week vary depending on the programming offered (i.e. 1-day, 2-day, 4-day and 5-day). We encourage parents and guardians to refer to the camp offering(s) for specific dates. 

2024 Dress Up Days/Themes:

  • July 5: Canadian Western
  • July 12: Diversity Day
  • July 19: Literature/Classics
  • July 26: Myths and Magic
  • August 2: Earth, Nature, and Ecosystems
  • August 9: Popular Culture
  • August 16: Superheroes and Heroines
  • August 23: Mix and Match

Lost and Found:

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. 

Required Waivers and Forms

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 the Forms tab. 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 the program start date (June 1, 2024 for summer programs). 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
  • 2024 Informed Consent and Acknowledgement of Risks for Minors (Winter/Spring, and/or Summer)

Camper Specific Forms: 

  • Photo Release Form; and
  • 2024 Medical Information Form

​Program Specific Forms:

  • Achievers (Adapted Camp) Camper Assessment Form
  • MRU Climbing Waiver for Minors (Winter/Spring, and/or Summer)

Sign In & Out Procedures


  • Please park or drive-in to Permit Lot 5 (please refer to the attached parking info/map for your respective camp HERE) outlined in the map provided on the EAST side of campus. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes
  • For each individual camp, please see the attached “Drop-off and Pick-up Locations by Camp”.
  • We ask that you or the pre-authorized person completing the pick-up provide your chosen verbal password for each pick-up time. You can make note of this password on your Parent Dashboard under the Authorised Pick-up form.
  • All campers MUST be picked up by a Parent or Legal Guardian by 5:00PM each day
  • Once you make it to the designated lot, a camp staff will direct you to the classroom for your child. Please come prepared with the camp name your camper is registered for and you will then be directed to the respective homerooms. From that classroom, they will be signed in and signed out, eliminating the wait in the parking lots going forward. 

Late drop-off & early pick-up:

If your child will be late or will be picked up early we ask that you let us know by calling 403.440.6001. If your child arrives after 9:00AM, please take your child to the Early Pick up & Late Drop off location (East Arts - Knuckle Door Entry) and follow the directions on the sign (see map attached). We ask that you give us no less than 48 hours notice before picking up your child early.

Please note:

  • We CANNOT accommodate early pickups between 2:00pm - 4:00pm as this is a major transition period for MRU Camps as all camps are making their way to the homerooms. Camps will begin the sign-out process at 4:00 p.m. each day. Please arrive between 8:00am to 9:00am for drop-off and 4:00pm to 5:00pm for pick-up. 

  • Campers may be picked up in their respective parking lots. You must present the designated password or a government-issued ID to the camp leader when signing out your camper. 

Recurring instances where a family fails to pickup their child(ren) by 5:00pm and/or requests early pickups between 2:00pm - 4:00pm will result in the termination of their before and after care privileges.

MRU Camps Code of Conduct

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. 

Code of Conduct to Protect Children

Identification: The Law

We are required by law to report any suspicious or disclosure of abuse under The Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act of Alberta. If we suspect anything, we keep a written record of all our observations and discussion. If our team suspects a child may not be safe, either because of the child’s behaviour or someone else’s, we are responsible for reporting it to Children and Family Services. 


Identification: Communication with families

When our team has concerns about the safety of a participant, we will discuss them with the primary caregiver indicated on the parent dashboard ‘family information form’ whenever it is safe to do so. If the concerns are associated with a primary caregiver, we will discuss them with Children and Family Services. 

Program Expectations and Expressing Concerns

Please note the following:

  • All participants must meet the prerequisite age requirement for the camp they have enrolled in.
  • Camps may leave the 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 represent programming possibilities only. To facilitate the best instruction possible, Instructors are allowed to alter programming to suit their groups under the guidance of the Program Administration. 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.

Expressing Concerns:

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 to share with us, our team would be happy to assist you. 

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. 

Health & Safety Protocols

Illness: If your child is exhibiting signs and symptoms of sickness, 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:

  1. Pink Eye: Campers should  not attend camp until free of symptoms or 24 hours after having drops.
  2. Norovirus: Campers should not attend camp until 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared. 
  3. Strep Throat: Campers should not attend camp until 24 hours after starting appropriate antibiotic treatment.
  4. Lice: Campers are advised to not attend camp until treated with an anti-lice shampoo and cream rinse. When a camper is identified to have lice the Program Coordinator will send notification to all participants. 
  5. Ticks: Staff and parents/legal guardians need to take appropriate action for protection and education. Additional information can be found here.

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.

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 and parents/legal guardians are required to disclose this information during registration and on the camper medical form. 

Allergies & Special Dietary Restrictions: We are a NUT-FREE program and no longer offer an optional lunch program. MRU Camps strongly encourages all families and staff to refrain from bringing nut products to camp, however we cannot guarantee that camper/staff lunch ingredients have not come into contact with nuts and nut products. 

Terms and Conditions

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 a 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 Administration will decide if a refund should be given based on the circumstances. Please note that if a child chooses not to attend camp and/or conduct related dismissals, 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. 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(s), and camp start/end date(s). All withdrawals are subject to MRU Camps’ Refund Policy. 

Waitlist Policy: There are maximum capacities set for MRU Camps sessions. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Once a session’s maximum registration 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.

Payment Plan

Looking for a flexible payment option? A payment plan is now available for you.

The 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 29 (75% deposit required after this date), and April 12*.

If on this plan, a 25% deposit of camp tuition plus applicable processing fee(s) are due upon enrollment. Also refer to the Terms and Conditions section above. 

A payment plan is also available for Spring / PD camps with two installments - a 50% deposit at the time of payment and the final amount due no later than January 5, 2024.

*Payment plan for summer camps is not available after April 12th as we run our final invoices on April 11th. Tuition plus applicable processing fee(s) are due in full after April 12, 2024. 

Bursary Program

Please read this section carefully in its entirety as it contains important and relevant information regarding the MRU Camp bursary program.  Applications for the bursary program will begin in March 4, 2024 for the summer camp season.

Click to Apply for the 2024 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: May 6, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.  (if preference is for July camps) and May 20, 2024 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: On February 5, 2024, we encourage families to create their family profiles through MRU Camps Parent Dashboard and fill out all mandatory forms and waivers in preparation for the bursary applicaiton intake process. On March 4, 2024, the bursary application link will be posted here for submissions.  

Supporting documentation required upon request: 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:

Accessibility & Inclusion

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:

  • Must be approved by the Program Coordinator
  • Must provide proof of Police Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Search
  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • First Aid with CPR-C an asset (all MRU Camps staff require this certification)

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

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

Youth Programming (MRU Camps) celebrates justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). 

Camper Checklist

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
  • 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
  • Pool Time: Campers enrolled in programs with pool time should pack a separate waterproof bag with swimsuit and towel
  • Outdoor AdventuresMulti-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
  • Field Trips: All campers who travel off campus are required to wear their MRU Camps t-shirt (provided). This is to ensure easy identification of those who are with MRU Camps by the staff. 
  • Please leave ALL personal electronics and valuables at home. Do not send money with your child

*To ensure their safety, all campers should wear closed-toed shoes

Pool Time Requirements

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. 

All campers must meet a height requirement (3 feet and 8 inches) before entering the pool. Campers who do not meet the height requirement must wear a life jacket when participating in pool time. 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 2024: C.A.T.S., Magical Adventures, Rising Stars, MRU Kids Club, Maker Lab, and Junior Robotics.

Climbing/Bouldering

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 2024: Amateur Designers, Art Attack, Art Escape, Astronauts in Training, Creator's Lab, All About Architecture, Junior Sports Highlights, and Achievers*. 

 

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

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