City Building
Entering Grades 2 – 4
Aspiring builders and city planners, join us at City Building camp to pioneer the future of urban spaces! Created and led by the imaginative students at the School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape, providing a unique and inspiring setting. Together, campers will unlock new skills to craft designs tailored for downtown cityscapes. Collaboratively, they'll employ various design techniques and planning methods, exploring materials, scales, and crafting models to bring their design ideas to life. Utilizing downtown Calgary as a full-scale laboratory, campers will draw inspiration from the vibrant cityscape, designing beautiful buildings and landscapes to create their very own downtown. Join us for a week of creativity and fun in the heart of Calgary!
Entering Grades 5 – 10
What does it take to build a great city? Aspiring architects and young urban visionaries interested in architecture and urbanism are invited to join our students from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape in a collaborative exploration of this question. Design skills and knowledge will be developed through skill building and downtown exploration. Building on a shared experience of design and local community making, we explore new ways of collaborating and co-creating. Choosing a site in downtown Calgary, participants will be challenged to redesign an aspect of the city/public space and present a proposal to transform its function, appearance, accessibility, and other characteristics. We’ll seek inspiration right here, using downtown Calgary as a full-scale laboratory to explore, observe and design beautiful buildings, landscapes and envision future scenarios for urban spaces. Learn how to tackle complex problems using your design skills and start crafting your future career making Calgary the place you imagine it to be!
*Please note that activities and weekly themes are subject to change and are presented as examples only. Grade refers to the grade your child is entering in the fall.
Calgary Sightseers
Don’t want to spend another summer sitting around, bored? Join a group of like-minded youth who want to explore and see something different every day. A mix of arts, food, culture, outdoor activities, and sightseeing, this is the summer vacation you always wished you had but never got around to planning. From mural walks to outdoor adventures to sightseeing some of Calgary’s staples, fill your camera roll with something different every day.
Miranda Krogstad is the Instructor for this unique and engaging camp.
Miranda is a spoken word poet and educator who uses her words to empower students of all ages and walks of life. Teaching life skills including self-confidence, self-expression, and community-building, she has performed workshops in dozens of cities across Western Canada. Outside of the formal educational setting, Krogstad is an advocate for positivity and love in the spoken word community and beyond, performing on subject matter from mental health awareness to gender equality. Krogstad was a member of the 2016 national wild card team, a two-time Canada Council for the Arts grant recipient, a Calgary Arts Development Grant Recipient, and a participant in the Banff Centre International Spoken Word Program. She has since founded the organization YYSpeak to promote and support Calgarian spoken word poets and events.
Mini Dungeon Masters
Looks like somebody rolled a natural 20 on their luck check when looking for a camp to enrol their adventurer in this summer! This camp will introduce the skills and terminology kids will need to play Dungeons & Dragons®* both as a Dungeon Master (the person who leads the game) or as a player (the people who the DM leads). Campers will go adventuring in their imagination by exploring how to build interesting characters, a believable world for them to exist in, and their own lore while adventuring with other creative campers. A highlight of this camp involves designing and painting a 3D printed miniature of a character from Hero Forge®*. No experience is required but an openness to learn and a positive attitude is helpful on the journey. So grab your explorer's bag, some food, and a bottle of sunscreen because we are questing for dragons! Each day is balanced with a variety of outdoor games & activities led by our camp leaders.
*Dungeons & Dragons® and Hero Forge® are registered trademarks which do not sponsor, authorize or endorse this program.
Speak Up
Learn how to be a better speaker, performer, presenter with a week of hands-on activities and games. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, debater, politician, poet, or anything else that has you standing in front of a crowd, learn techniques that will help you master the mic. Led by stand up comedian and poet, Alan Leangvan, and spoken word poet Miranda Krogstad, you will learn tried and true methods that will boost your confidence on and off the stage.
Miranda Krogstad is the Instructor for this unique and engaging camp.
Miranda is a spoken word poet and educator who uses her words to empower students of all ages and walks of life. Teaching life skills including self-confidence, self-expression, and community-building, she has performed workshops in dozens of cities across Western Canada. Outside of the formal educational setting, Krogstad is an advocate for positivity and love in the spoken word community and beyond, performing on subject matter from mental health awareness to gender equality. Krogstad was a member of the 2016 national wild card team, a two-time Canada Council for the Arts grant recipient, a Calgary Arts Development Grant Recipient, and a participant in the Banff Centre International Spoken Word Program. She has since founded the organization YYSpeak to promote and support Calgarian spoken word poets and events.
Word Nerds
Join other enthusiastic writers for a week of hands-on writing activities. From poetry taboo to rap battles, prose-writing to puns, participants will take tools from a breadth of genres to better their writing. Whether you’re an emerging writer or a seasoned pro, we are looking for eager writers who want to get passionate about their craft and take a week-long deep dive. By the end, you will have skills to help you rock the mic, the stage, the bestseller list, or whatever realm you choose. Each day is balanced with a variety of outdoor games and indoor activities led by our camp leaders.
NOTE: THIS CAMP IS NOT FOR ACADEMIC OR TECHNICAL WRITING, OR IN PREPARATION FOR SCHOOL.
Miranda Krogstad is the instructor for this unique and engaging camp. Bestselling author and TEDx speaker, her book Glass Half Full of Poetry was released last fall. A spoken word poet and workshop facilitator, Krogstad has connected with thousands of writers in dozens of cities across Western Canada. Visit mirandakrogstad.com for more information on the instructor.
Stay Safe and Babysitting Camp
This camps teaches basic first aid and caregiving skills to youth 11-16 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the skills to promote themselves as babysitters to prospective families.
Adapted Sport & Recreation Summer Camp
Come discover your abilities! This camp is centred upon giving youth with disabilities the opportunity to explore various adapted sport, recreational and leisure activities. Different programs from the Calgary area provide the opportunity for each camper to experience a trial of the adapted physical activity programming they offer throughout the year. Campers get to challenge themselves physically through activities such as: yoga, gymnastics, dance, boccia, karate, tennis, sledge hockey, cycling, swimming, VOLT Hockey and a variety of wheelchair sports like basketball and fencing. Please note that the described activities are subject to change and are presented as examples only. Campers also get to explore their creative side through arts & crafts projects in between activity sessions. The goal of this camp is to increase each camper’s confidence in their ability to participate in school and community programs. This camp is offered in partnership with the Vi Riddell Pediatric Rehabilitation Research Program and The Calgary Adapted Hub Powered by Jumpstart.
UCalgary Youth Programs does not provide intimate & personal care for participants. Those cares include any toileting needs, feeding, dressing, changing continence pads (faeces/urine), washing intimate parts of the body, changing sanitary wear, delivering medication such as insulin, or other personal hygiene activities.
Participants who require this level of care must provide their own personal aide/support. The Adapted Sport & Recreation Summer Camp run by The University of Calgary is a
Calgary Adapted Hub Powered by Jumpstart program. The Calgary Adapted Hub is a collective of 12 Calgary-based organizations, including UCalgary's Active Living. The Calgary Adapted Hub is committed to providing quality inclusive and accessible sport and recreation programs for all children in Calgary. To ensure our programs are achieving this goal, our team is evaluating the impact of this program on aspects of health and wellbeing, quality of life, economic impact, and social inclusion. Our study has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB18-0292) and Mount Royal University’s Human Research Ethics Board (102684).
Once you are registered in the program, a qualified member of the CAH research team will contact you, providing you information about the study so you may make an informed decision about whether you would like to take part in the program evaluation. You can learn more about the Camps & Programs Research Study and the Calgary Adapted Hub by clicking on the links. If you would like to reach out to the CAH research team please contact Leticia Janzen at
cah.research@ucalgary.ca or 403.955.5736.
This camp is designed for youth who have a disability. To ensure the best possible experience for your child, we recommend you register your child in the camp based on their developmental age rather than their chronological age to ensure they have the best social experience possible.
Bronze Medallion/Cross
The Lifesaving Society's Bronze Medallion and Cross course challenges candidates both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion/Cross training. This course emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Complete two courses for the price of one with this combined camp.
CJSW Radio Podcasters
Explore the wild world of radio and music this summer, hosted in partnership with the University of Calgary’s campus and community radio station: CJSW 90.9 FM! This week-long summer camp will take kids on a journey through radio, from creating their own DJ mix to going live on the airwaves! Kids can fine-tune their creative skills by utilizing an array of different recording software in the Digital Creation Studio on the University of Calgary campus to build their own podcast that will also air on the CJSW Originals (spoken word) podcast series. Each day of the camp will focus on a different aspect of radio production and presentation from camp leaders, CJSW staff, and community members, with time to mold audio ideas into a completed project by the end of the week. Campers will also be able to take up other opportunities as they are available throughout the week at CJSW.
The University of Calgary Student Radio Society (CJSW Radio) is one of Calgary’s only independent media outlets and is Calgary’s only campus & community radio station. Based on campus at the University of Calgary located on Treaty 7 land, CJSW operates as a non-profit society with a small team of staff and a large dedicated volunteer base. We broadcast over 110 music, spoken word and multicultural programs in more than 10 languages on 90.9 FM, online at cjsw.com, and podcasted on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play.
Comic Book Creators
Bring out your kids’ artistic side and ignite their imagination at our Comic Book Creators camp this summer! Our instructor is busy planning new and exciting activities, while bringing back some favourite, well-known lessons we're positive every camper will love! This one-week camp encourages kids to discover their budding passion for comic books and graphic novels through a variety of projects and is designed for kids who want to learn more about how comics are made so they can create some of their own. Our instructor will introduce the creative process of comic book creation and encourage campers to explore their own ideas in a safe and supportive environment. Campers will explore topics including: brainstorming, character and story ideas, sketching, and drawing. Each day is balanced with a variety of outdoor games & activities led by our camp leaders. Campers entering Grades 5-7 will also have the opportunity to play fun lifeguard-led games in the pool at our indoor Aquatic Centre! Everyone will have to do a swim test and lifejackets will always be readily available. There will be no swimming time for campers entering Grades 8-10.
Dinos Basketball Camps
BOYS: Improving your skills is a slam-dunk with the Dinos Basketball Camps. It is the perfect place to get active and compete against other players from the Calgary and surrounding area. Participants will benefit from the technical training and will be instructed by current and former University of Calgary players and coaches. Get ready to learn basketball individual skills, fundamentals, conditioning methods and team-play tactics. these camps will satisfy the hard-core ballers as well as the beginner level players! Dinos Basketball Camps: Learn the game. Play the game. Enjoy the game.
GIRLS: Come join our University of Calgary Dinos Girls Basketball Summer Camp. Whether new to the sport and want to simply give-it-a-go, or have played for several years – the Dinos women’s varsity players and coaches look forward to helping you improve, have fun and make lasting new friendships. All welcome with break-out groups determined by playing history, skill level or age. Great mix of skills and play – learn the game, play the game, love the game!
Please note that this program is delivered by Dinos Athletics and registered through UCalgary Active Living.
Dinos Football Camps
Can't wait for football season? Dinos Football camps geared towards players of all levels and positions, encouraging each individual to develop new skills and achieve a new level of play and self-confidence. With outstanding coaching by current and former University of Calgary players, coaches, and area high school coaches, participants have the opportunity to works hard, improve and have a blast with other players. Get ahead of the competition by tackling condition drills, fundamentals and technique at individual positions, plus offensive and defensive team play.
Please note that this program is delivered by Dinos Athletics and registered through UCalgary Active Living.
Dinos Soccer Camps
Kick it into high gear with a Dinos Soccer Camp! Camp participants will be given the opportunity to learn and develop both individual and team soccer skills including dribbling, passing and shooting. introduction to these specific skills will be done through games, drills and scrimmage, which will be modified for each group to ensure a positive learning experience. With instruction by current and former University of Calgary players and coaches, your technical skills are sure to show a roaring improvement on the pitch.
Please note that this program is delivered by Dinos Athletics and registered through UCalgary Active Living.
Dinos Track & Field Camps
Do you want to learn to run, jump, throw, and go faster, higher, farther? Sprint on down to the Dinos Track and Field Camps! Participants will work to gain improved fitness, try event-specific training and enjoy an opportunity to test their abilities in a mock track meet. Our coaches are all current and former University of Calgary athletes and coaches.
Please note that this program is delivered by Dinos Athletics and registered through UCalgary Active LIving.
Dinos Volleyball Camps
Kill it with your team this fall by enrolling in a Dinos Volleyball Camp this summer! Improve your level of fitness; learn skill-specific drills, explore game play opportunities and the chance to meet other local players are just some of the many benefits participants will gain from this exciting camp. Current and former University of Calgary players and coaches instruct camps. This is the place to be if you want to pursue volleyball at the highest level.
Please note that this program is delivered by Dinos Athletics and registered through UCalgary Active Living.
Figure Skating Camp
Calling all ice stars! Join us this summer to fuel your passion for skating.
For kids who've passed at least level 5 in ANY learn to skate program up to and including competitive figure skaters. Grouped according to ability, athletes will learn and build upon all fundamental figure skating skills. On-ice sessions will focus on stroking, free skate, and ice dance in the Olympic Oval training centre, while off-ice sessions like yoga, dance, functional conditioning and sport psychology will enhance their on-ice experience. Spin, spiral and jump your way to success!
Needle & Fibre Arts
Bring out your kids’ artistic side and ignite their imagination this summer at our Needle & Fibre Arts camp! Our fibre arts instructor is busy planning new and exciting activities, while bringing back some favourite, well-known lessons we're positive every camper will love! This one-week camp encourages kids to discover their budding passion for the fibre arts through a variety of art projects. Using a range of different sewing, knitting, crocheting, macrame, hand embroidery, and punch needle techniques, campers will be excited to share their unique creations with you at the end of the week! Each day is balanced with a variety of outdoor games & activities led by our camp leaders. Campers entering Grades 5-7 will also have the opportunity to play fun lifeguard-led games in the pool at our indoor Aquatic Centre! Everyone will have to do a swim test and lifejackets will always be readily available. There will be no swimming time for campers entering Grades 8-10 or on August 5 due to the statutory holiday.
Racquet Sports Camp
Why let your kids create a racket at home when they can explore the world of racquet sports at our Summer Camp? We offer an exciting mix of Tennis, Badminton, Squash, Racquetball, and Pickleball.
Throughout the week, they'll dive into the rules of each sport, getting hands-on experience to foster skill development. Each day brings a new racquet sport to master, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience.
Beyond the court, our camp includes outdoor activities that promote social interaction and team building. Give your child a summer filled with fun, skill-building, and memorable experiences at our Racquet Centre Summer Camp!
Teen Mountain Bike Day Camp
Calgary & Kananaskis have some of the best mountain biking terrain in the world! The group will spend 1 day in the city learning the basics and the next 2 days out in Kananaskis skills. You’ll learn about and practice body positioning, gearing, cornering, and maneuvering on trails. Trail selection, bike maintenance, and outdoor skills are also introduced.
Please Note: this program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver.
Prerequisites:
- Very comfortable riding a bike on off-road surfaces
- Mountain Bike (with front suspension and in good condition)
- Helmet
Teen Mountaineering
Spend 5 days learning the basics of mountaineering in the Canadian Rockies alongside our expert mountain guides! Set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, this adventure unfolds at the Bow Hut on the Wapta Icefield in Banff National Park. This immersive program is designed for participants of all levels, offering a rich curriculum that unveils the core principles of mountaineering. Throughout this program, participants will master the intricacies of glacier travel, risk management in an alpine environment, basic navigation techniques, and leadership skills. Join us on this extraordinary journey, where the mountains become your playground and each skill learned is a stepping-stone to conquering new challenges and embracing the beauty of our backyard!
Teen Songsmiths
Testing, testing. 1-2-3! Amp up your upcoming platinum-label teen wonder in our song writing focused camp this summer! Our instructor, who is a well versed musical educator, is busy planning new and exciting activities and lessons we're positive every camper will love! This camp is designed to build upon teens' existing love and passion for music and composing. Although not required, being able to sing, play the piano, guitar or ukulele will greatly enhance the overall experience. Campers will explore a popular area within the field of music where they will be guided through ideating, composing, and recording their own songs throughout the week. Small group improv, album art design, and working with basic recording software are a few of the opportunities these rising musicians can look forward to in this camp designed to expand their musical journeys. Each day is balanced with a variety of outdoor games & activities led by our camp leaders.
Youth Triathlon Summer Camp
A triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event with swimming, cycling and running in immediate succession over various distances. The triathlon camp is offered by University of Calgary Triathlon Club, the longest-serving Triathlon Club in Canada. At this week-long intensive camp, participants learn proper biking, running and swimming techniques from highly trained coaches. Camp activities will develop aerobic and anaerobic systems to give a good base for all sports. Participants will have fun with other youth at the same level, with progression from start up, all the way to Junior National Team level training. They will also be introduced to the different technical aspects of the sport while receiving coaching to improve their transition times and overall performance. Each day is balanced with a variety of fun indoor & outdoor activities, too.
Please bring appropriate swim attire & equipment, as participants will be swimming on a daily basis. Participants will also be biking daily. For safety and security, a bike lock is required as well as the ability to transport the bike to and from camp as Active Living does not have any overnight storage space.
Get into Fly Fishing - Teens
Southern Alberta is world renowned for fly-fishing! This course introduces you to the basics of the sport, including casting techniques, proper fly selection, knot-tying, reading water, and fish habitat. This day camp will take you to different locations in and out of the city limits everyday.
Please Note: this program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver.
Backpacking Expeditions - Teens
Head out to the mountains in Kananaskis with our backpacking guides for a multi-day trip of exploring and backcountry camping! Our guides will teach you route-finding, navigation, backcountry cooking, campsite management, and animal safety! Options include 3-Day, 4-Day, or 5-Day trips.
Please Note: this program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver.
Expeditions are activity-based, multi-day overnight trips. Please review the list of required items in the details below that you will be expected to bring. Each expedition also has a pre-trip meeting that guardians and participatns must attend. In that meeting, guides will discuss the required items and cover meal planning (food is not included).
Teen Canoe ABC Day Camp
Spend 3 days learning all about canoeing! On the first day, participants will learn the basics at Bowness Lagoon. On day 2, you’ll progress your skills to the eddies with an introduction to moving water. Finally, on day 3, you’ll test out your newly acquired skills on a full day river run from Bowness to Inglewood. Our guides will cover water safety, paddling strokes, river reading, navigation, and what is needed for a day of paddling.
Please Note: Drop-Off/Pick-Up occurs and Bowness Park, except for the Friday afternoon where Pick-Up will be in Inglewood.
Prerequisites:- Able to swim 50m in a lifejacket
Teen Canoe Expedition
Spend 3-5 days on a canoe trip this summer! Learn about paddle strokes, water safety, and how to pack for a multi-day trip from experienced canoe guides. Trips will be lake-based or river-based in Alberta.
Please Note: camping may not be at designated campsites. This program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver.
Prerequisites:
- Able to swim 50m in a lifejacket
Expeditions are activity-based, multi-day overnight trips. Please review the list of required items in the details below that you will be expected to bring. Each expedition also has a pre-trip meeting that guardians and participatns must attend. In that meeting, guides will discuss the required items and cover meal planning (food is not included).
Dinos Hockey Camps
Lace up for an excellent hockey experience at a Dinos Hockey Camp this summer! Participants will benefit from technical training and be led by current and former University of Calgary players and coaches. Hit the ice to hone your individual skills and learn advanced team play and tactics. Step off the ice and put your training into overdrive with dry-land training, team building games and video sessions. Goalies will get individual instruction, but will also be part of the player’s camp, which allows them to incorporate what they have worked on with the instructors.
Please note that this program is delivered by Dinos Athletics and registered through UCalgary Active Living.
Dinos Swimming Camps
Dive into the season early with the Dinos Swim Camps! These competitive swim camps will give your athlete the edge they need to start the season a stroke ahead of the competition. Our CSCTA-certified Olympic level University of Calgary swim program coaches provide a technique-based program with a focus on all four strokes, starts, and turns. There will also be training sessions focused on conditioning while maintaining and developing technique. With two in-water sessions daily, classroom learning, outdoor dry-land training, yoga stretching as welll as some mindfullness training, and chances to earn daily prizes the Dinos Swim Camps provide an exciting opportunity to learn, practice, and have fun.
This camp is for competitive swimmers and all participants must be a Swim Canada member and have a Swim Canada ID.
Please note that this program is delivered by Dinos Athletics and registered through UCalgary Active Living.
Teen Outdoor Climbing
Spend 3 days rock climbing at popular beginner routes in and around Kananaskis with ACMG guides. You’ll have fun as you learn basic climbing skills such as belaying, climbing calls, and movement. You’ll progress to developing foot placement, hand positions, and route finding.
Please Note: this program involves travel in a 15-passenger van, driven by a trained and qualified driver.
