MRU CAMPS IMPACT REPORT 2024
OUR STORY
MRU Camps has a long-standing tradition of delivering diverse educational camps in Calgary that stretches back more than three decades.. What began as a modest summer camp operation in 1990, with just 20 staff members and 300 participants, has since evolved to become one of the high quality educational out-of-school programs servicing the Calgary community and beyond.
In 2024, MRU Camps welcomed 2511 children from 1896 unique families, concluding the program year with new growth records and purpose-driven milestones. This feat would not have been possible without the support of MRU leadership, internal and external partners, sponsors, donors, staff, volunteers, and most importantly, the families who chose to join MRU Camps in 2024. MRU Camps strives to support Mount Royal University's overall community-engagement initiatives and we hope our progress in 2024 will inspire our purpose to empower children and youth, and strengthen our communities well into the future.
MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERS
To our community of supporters,
Our impact in the community has never been achieved alone. As we reflect on the impact and progress we made for our children, youth, and families, we are filled with sincere gratitude for the unwavering support of our community. We are grateful for the rising engagement in our program, and we appreciate the generous support of our partners and donors who have helped us meet growing demand this past year.
The dedication of our staff and volunteers is unparalleled. New partnerships were explored, new ideas were sparked, and new initiatives were garnered all in the spirit of nurturing the next generation, especially pertaining to high quality out of school education, school readiness, and staff mentorship. Our programs focus on creating place-based activities centered in social-emotionalphysical learning through evidence-informed curriculum and working with nurturing and caring staff.
Each programming year comes with its unique challenges and we always embrace each obstacle with courage, grit, and honesty. As we look towards the future, we are eager to continue building on these lessons and expanding our reach. We remain committed to advancing quality education, becoming an impacting force for good, and living our MRU Camps mission and values every day, all of which fuel our work in the community. We are grateful to be embraced by the MRU community and will continue working to support the overall strategic goals of MRU. We are dedicated to creating communities where everyone can thrive, learn, and lead together.
It is always bittersweet to close out a programming year, but we have set some good traditions that will continue into our 35th anniversary next year and beyond. Thank you for being an integral part of our MRU Camps community. Together, we will continue to inspire curiosity, ignite passion, and build a brighter future for all, creating a ripple effect of positive change in Calgary and beyond.
smiles, Owini Dixon and Jason Unsworth
MEET THE TEAM
The Youth Programming department specializes in delivering high-quality out of school programming to children and youth. Our program pillars fall into four categories: Early learning & elementary education, Creative education, S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, and Sports and Outdoor education. As a team we take pride in providing expereinces that meet the changing needs and interests of children and youth.
Program Manager
OWINI DIXON
Program Coordinator
CONNOR LUITWIELER
Program Coordinator
ERICA LEITCH
Administrative Assistant VITA GUBSKA
Director of Business and Retail Services
JASON UNSWORTH
OUR WHY
Guided by the Vision of Providing Extraordinary Programming for Children and Youth That Will Last a Lifetime; and the Mission of Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary. We Engage Children and Youth in Lifelong Learning While Providing a Fun, Safe, and Inclusive Environment.
MRU Camps is driven by the following Guiding Principles:
We lead through example and are accountable for our actions.
We communicate honestly, openly and consistently.
We strive to provide inclusive programming and acknowledge diversity.
We nurture a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
We aim for academic growth in all subject areas.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING
MRU Camps successfully reintroduced Professional Day (PD) and Spring Break programs in 2024. A total of 137 campers registered across 12 sessions taking place between January and April. These programs were theme-based and offered under two program pillars: Academic and Specialty, and Sports and Recreation.
KEY YEAR-ROUND STATISTICS
12
10 Sessions Offered
Unique Programs
Registrations
137
163 Campers Served
6
109 Casual Staff Hired
Families Served
SUMMER CAMPS
The summer camp portfolio saw an impressive 48% increase in the total sessions offered compared to 2023. Additionally, there was a 31% rise in the number of children participating in summer programs, indicating that MRU Camps connected with more families and campers than ever before. Consequently, the summer camp team expanded, bringing in 29 new staff members this season.
KEY SUMMER STATISTICS
Unique
Bursaries
Registrations
Families Served
MESSAGE FROM A CAMPER
Dear MRU Camps,
I just wanted to say a big thank you for letting me go to the MRU Summer camp this year. It was the best time ever!
I loved every moment, especially when we got to go to the pool every day. It was so much fun swimming with my new friends and even some friends I already knew.
We did so many cool things like making art and playing games. The coaches were uper nice, and we made lots of amazing art at camp using so many colors and cool materials. It was all so much fun. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to go to MRU Camps, make new friends, and have such a great time!
Love,
Emma
B. (Age 8)
2024 Bursary Recipient
MEASURING WHAT MATTERS
STAFF SATISFACTION SURVEY
Agreed that their work this summer was impactful and rewarding.
Rated their experience as very good or excellent. Stated that they learned skills that will help them grow professionally.
PARENT & GUARDIAN SATISFACTION SURVEY
Felt safe sending their children to MRU Camps.
Agreed that their children had positive experience with their camp leaders and instructors.
CAMPER SATISFACTION SURVEY
Believed that their children had a positive experience attending the program.
Liked their camp leaders and instructors.
Enjoyed their time at MRU Camps. Would like to return to MRU Camps in 2025.
ENROLLMENT ANALYTICS
MRU Camps achieved a total of 3964 program registrations, which included 2511 unique campers, across all 147 sessions in 2024. Notably, 35% of campers participated in more than one session, while 61% of all registrations came from campers who attended for multiple weeks. These statistics indicate strong brand loyalty amongst participating MRU Camps families.
GRADE BREAKDOWN (REGISTRATIONS)
Grades 1-3
PROGRAM ANALYTICS
MRU Camps are structured into four program streams being: Early Learning and Elementary (ELEE), Creative (CE), STEM (SE), and Sports and Outdoor Education (SOE). Each program stream has unique learning objectives while offering a unique variety of themes and subject matter, which guides the curriculum design and development processes.
PROGRAM BREAKDOWN (SESSIONS PER)
+48%
Year-over-year programs offered.
MESSAGE FROM A PARENT
This was our first year with MRU camps and it exceeded all our expectations in every way. Everything from registration and calls for wait lists, to content, and communication, five stars all the way. We've been going to camps with two kids for many years but never experienced anything so consistently professional and positive. I will also add that my child was quite nervous about attending MRU and with some legit fear of being labeled "that mom", I called to see if we could do a little tour the Friday afternoon before. The office staff showed us everything, were so positive and reassuring, normalized wearing masks as we have to, and even showed us where the gender-neutral bathrooms were unprompted (I noticed this in particular as a huge sign of walking the walk of inclusivity). Please celebrate your staff who ran the counts this summer in every way you can and thank you again for making our summer, according to my child, one of the best he's ever had!
Keto Family, 2024 Parent Survey
OUR PEOPLE
Caidyn G. (Bachelor of Arts - Sociology)
Program Supervisor, Creative Education
“Interacting with fellow staff members impacted and enhanced my camp experience in numerous ways. Firstly, getting to work so closely with such a strong supervisor and admin/office team was a truly special experience. We had the opportunity to bond and get very close, making long-lasting friendships. Whether it was because of a collective cheery morning greeting, a chat over coffee and tea, or a simple check-in with a coworker, I felt truly cared for every day while working at MRU Camps. “
Zoe T. (Bachelor of Education - Elementary)
Program Supervisor, Early Learning & Elementary Education
“I’ve had the pleasure of working at MRU camps for the past three summers, and I continue to return because of the supportive and positive work environment they foster. Through my camp experiences, I’ve created many lifelong friendships and feel more prepared as I enter the field of education.”
Jo A. (Bachelor of Arts - Sociology)
Supervisor, Supplies & Inventory
“One of my favourite times of the day was going into the classroom and talking with camp staff, even if it was about supplies. The welcoming energy from staff and the campers always made my day. Over the summer, I was able to make meaningful connections with camp staff and create an environment where we all felt safe and comfortable.”
OUR PEOPLE
Maya O. (Bachelor of Environmental Science)
Instructor, Sports & Outdoor Education
“Working at MRU Camps these past two summers has been very fun and rewarding! Navigating the triumphs and challenges of each week, with the support of my supervisors and colleagues, allowed me to develop my problem-solving and communication skills. My favourite part of the job was watching campers grow in confidence and find their voice, a journey much like my own. MRU Camps provides a supportive environment that fosters this kind of personal and collective growth.”
Mitski P. (Bachelor of Arts - Psychology)
Instructor, Early Learning & Elementary Education
“This summer was such an amazing opportunity to develop my own skills and confidence. From learning classroom management, techniques to strengthening communication skills, to building patience, I have gained so many important skills from my work here. Getting the chance to work with such compassionate and enthusiastic staff helped to make the summer memorable and fun, and I will cherish all the memories I made this summer.”
Alex S. (Bachelor of Science - Biology)
Leader, Creative Education
“MRU camps is a deeply fulfilling and enjoyable way to spend a summer, where you can have fun throughout the whole day while making a difference in the lives of the next generation. I arrived and departed at the end of each workday with a smile on my face! My fellow camp leaders and instructors made each and every moment exciting and fun-filled, and I have formed deep friendships due to the welcoming and positive culture cultivated at MRU camps.”
MESSAGE FROM A CAMP LEADER
MRU Camps was a life-altering experience for me. Over the summer, I got the chance to meet and work with hundreds of individuals from different backgrounds, countries, and ages, and I took the opportunity to learn and grow from our differing beliefs and opinions. As a Camp Leader, I got to make new friendships with the campers and nurture relationships with my co-workers as I learned to balance being strict and having standards of respect at camp with being a fun and approachable individual for campers. Going back to school, I now have an experience which has prompted me to become more active in my classes as a helper, leader, and bringer of change in my community.
Yetunde D. (Grade 11) Leader, STEM Education
Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis.