Summer camps at the University of Lethbridge will go on — one way or another.

As the Government of Alberta begins to ease restrictions as part of its phased approach to reopening the province, summer day camps (with guidelines) are part of Phase 1 of the plan.

Whether in-person or not, the sumer camp experience is a vital engagement experience for southern Alberta youngsters.

“We are encouraged, and hopeful, with the Government of Alberta’s plan for the Phase 1 lifting of restrictions related to COVID-19 that includes summer day camps (with occupancy limits),” says Valerie Archibald, director of Youth Outreach at the U of L. “As such, we are keeping the majority of our summer programming schedule intact for the time being. Since early April, various U of L departments have been working collaboratively to come up with viable options to address the evolving environment surrounding COVID-19 and its effect on our summer programming – online and in-person (with restrictions).”

U of L teams are working on scenarios and activities that can be accommodated under current provincial guidelines, how to safely check campers both in and out of the University, what facilities might be available and how to evolve the strategy should the province move into Phase 2 or 3 as the summer progresses.

“We will continue to monitor the Government of Alberta reopening schedule and guidelines as they evolve and are prepared to alter, adapt or cancel our summer camps as required,” says Archibald. “If your in-person summer camp is cancelled, all registrants will receive a full refund of their paid fees."

Meanwhile, U of L teams are working on the creation of a new initiative — a Mini U online camp for the summer — with registration details to come. Free for households, the program will provide a camp experience at home. Campers will be able to use at-home supplies or purchase full kits with all the supplies they need for an awesome week of learning and fun. They will have the opportunity to meet with other campers and instructors online to participate in hands-on, engaging activities. They will also be able to work at their own pace on various other projects provided throughout the week, all provided collaboratively by Destination Exploration, the U of L Art Gallery, the Conservatory of Music and Sport & Recreation Services.

“We know kids throughout southern Alberta love the U of L summer camp experience as much as we do and we are doing all we can to bring them the same engaging, enriching summer experience they’ve all come to expect,” says Archibald.

For continuing camp updates, visit the Community Programs web page.