How Mini U works

On this page

A Mini U leader and child smile at the camera making peace signs in a busy gymnasium.

Activities

Your time with us should be an experience. Our programs create mini moments that have a big impact on the lives of our participants.

We believe in hands-on and engaging activities. Program activities are organized in to two categories:

  • program content
  • recreational activities

  • Program content

    Select a program of your choice. Our leaders will build lessons that focus on that subject area (ex. special interests, sports, specialty aquatics).

    Recreational activities

    Many programs include recreational activity time as part of their schedule, indicated in program descriptions with the abbreviation "rec." A wide range of recreational activities are used to engage participants in physical activity and leadership. We create activities that help participants develop physical literacy and social skills. Our goal is to keep you engaged and participating in the action.

  • Unique experiences

    Our experience grows as our participants do. Programs are designed to keep you engaged and excited to come back. Unique, age-appropriate programs, activities, T-shirts, leadership cards, spaces and opportunities are created for each age group.

    • Mini (ages 4-7)
    • Junior (ages 8-11)
    • Senior (ages 12 and up)

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Camps and in-service days

  • Hours

    Arrival and supervision: 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.
    Program hours: 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
    Departure and supervision: 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.*
    *5 p.m. for in-service days and spring break camps.

  • Location

    Mini U Programs office
    Room 146 Frank Kennedy Centre (420 University Crescent)

    Arrival and departure
    Max Bell Centre Field House (109 Sydney Smith Street)

Parking

Parking is provided for arrival and departure in I and Q parking lots. Parking map here. See Mini U signage directing you towards the correct lots upon arrival. 

Arrival: 7:45 a.m. to  9:15 a.m., no pass required. 
Half-day programs: 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., pass required and provided. 
Departure: 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., no pass required. 

Parking tickets may be issued if parking occurs outside of the times and specifications listed.

  • Accessible parking

    Proximal parking spaces are available in I lot for customers with a Manitoba Parking Permit Program pass. Display your permit visibly from the rear-view mirror and our staff in this parking lot will be happy to assist you.

  • Daytime parking

    Pay and park spaces are available in the Active Living Centre lot. Use the meters and spaces as indicated.

  • Event days

    IG Field event days may impact your ability to access campus on days of your selected program. Further details regarding event days can be found at https://umanitoba.ca/campus/parking/igf.html.

Check in

Upon arrival, check in to the program with our leaders and have a seat under your group sign. 

Group lists are posted near the entrance inside of the field house. Find the program you have selected and your name will appear on one of the group lists below.

7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., check in at entrance, expect delays
Program group leaders begin work at 8:30 a.m. Limited staff are available during the early check in time.

8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., check in at your group

  • First day

    Arrival on the first day is commonly slower compared to other days of the week. Please allow yourself some additional time to get checked in.

  • Late arrivals

    We hope you don’t miss out on your program activities beginning at 9 a.m. If you arrive after 9 a.m., check-in at the Mini U Programs office in room 146 Frank Kennedy Centre (420 University Crescent). We will connect you with your group at our earliest convenience. Pay and park spaces are available in the Active Living Centre (ALC) lot. Use the meters and spaces as indicated.

  • Groups

    Many of our programs are split into multiple groups based on age. If you are interested in having your child grouped with a friend or family member, submit a "group with" request to mini.u@umanitoba.ca. Include: your child’s first and last name, other child’s first and last name, program name and week number.

Typical schedule

7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. Check-in
9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Program content e.g. basketball or science
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Program content e.g. basketball or science
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Program content e.g. basketball or science
12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Recreational activities e.g. swimming or spikeball
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Recreational activities e.g. archery or dodgeball
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Recreational activities e.g. flag football or soccer
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check out

Individual program descriptions indicate the number of hours scheduled for program content and recreational activities. Activities are subject to change without notice.

Lunch

Age appropriate lunch spaces are assigned to each group and supervised by our Leaders. Participants are required to eat in the designated areas. Before getting to the lunchroom, participants are given the opportunity and encouraged to wash their hands.
 

  • Food and snacks

    Our program is action-packed. We recommend sending a healthy lunch with additional snacks throughout the day. Microwaves are not available. 

    Allergy aware environment

    We do our best to create an environment that is allergy aware but due to the size and diversity of the university we cannot guarantee that all spaces will be free of your child’s allergens. 

    Participants are expected to bring food that does not include nuts. Nut replacement products such as wow butter are not permitted as they can be difficult for children with allergies to identify from a safe distance. In the event of a severe food allergy in your child’s group, you may be expected to avoid additional foods or ingredients.

  • Forgotten lunch

    Participants who do not have a packed lunch will be provided a lunch by our team at a cost to the family. An invoice will be created and sent home in your child’s bag.

    Lunch hour activities

    Mini and Junior aged participants will be shown a G-rated movie for a portion of the lunch hour. Senior aged participants will eat lunch in University Centre which offers various food vendors such as Starbucks, Subway and University of Manitoba food services. Participants who are interested in purchasing food are welcome to.

Check out

Find your group sign and check out with our leaders by presenting your photo identification. Children will only be released to individuals that have been authorized for pick up. 

4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., check out at your group.
4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.*, check out at exit. Expect delays. 
*Check out closes at 5 p.m. for spring break camps and in-service days. 
*Program group leaders end work at 4:30 p.m. Limited staff are available during the late check out time.
 

  • Early check out

    Notify our staff as soon as you become aware of a need to check out before 4 p.m. We would be happy to accommodate an early check-out on the top of every hour ie. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., or 3 p.m. Early check out occurs at the Mini U Programs office in room 146 Frank Kennedy Centre (420 University Crescent). Children will only be released to individuals that have been authorized for pick up. Photo identification is required. Pay and park spaces are available in the Active Living Centre (ALC) lot. Use the meters and spaces as indicated.

  • Late fee

    A $1 per minute fee will be charged to families arriving after designated check-out times. Payment is required before continuation in the program.

  • Authorized pick ups

    Families will have the opportunity to add authorized adults to pick up their children before the program begins via our electronic personal information form. In the event you would like to authorize additional adults after the program has begun, a member of our leadership team would be happy to assist you.

  • Summer 4:30 p.m. swimming lessons

    Our team will pick up participants who are registered for a summer camp and 4:30 p.m. swimming lessons and connect them with their swim leader.

Riding the Mini U bus

The University of Manitoba is closer than you think. Our supervised Mini U buses are in your neighbourhood and provide rides to and from the university campus each day (July and August only). You and 45 of your friends can meet us at a school in your local area and we’ll take it from there. Check out when we will be in your neighbourhood, then select from our 60 program options.

  • Check-in and check-out

    Our bus leaders will meet you at one of our bus locations. Check-in and check-out with the bus leader daily. Buses will leave promptly as scheduled. Participants not checked-in at the time specified will be marked as absent. 

    We will ensure participants get to and from their selected program and group at the University of Manitoba safely. Check-out with our leaders by presenting your photo identification. Children will only be released to individuals that have been authorized for pick-up. Note: Many participants are being checked-out at the same time. Please be patient with us before leaving with your child.

  • Not riding the bus

    Participants who are registered for the bus but plan on not utilizing the service for one or more rides must communicate the change in plans with our team. Share your new plans with us with a written note. 

Absent from camp

If you are not able to make it to your scheduled programming for the day, please let us know by telling your group leader in advance or by calling 474-7279 or sending an email to mini.u@umanitoba.ca.

  • What to bring

    The day is action packed. We recommend you come prepared with: 

    • a water bottle
    • a hat
    • sunscreen
    • bug spray
    • a swimsuit and towel
    • physical activity clothing such as indoor runners
    • a bagged lunch that does not require a microwave

  • We do not recommend bringing:

    • electronic devices as they are not permitted during program hours
    • collector cards
    • valuables

    The University of Manitoba is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen personal belongings.

Recreational swimming

Camps include swimming as part of scheduled recreational activities. Our intention is for program schedules to include swimming at least once per week however it is not guaranteed. In the unfortunate event of a pool fouling or closure, swim times may be affected. 

Be sure to pack a swimsuit and towel each day as your group schedule is subject to change. 

Our pool typically closes for annual maintenance during the last week of summer programming. Swimming is not available during in-service programs or during summer programs offered week 9. For precise dates of the closure please contact our team at 204-474-7279.

  • Ratio

    A minimum swimmer to adult ratio of 7 swimmers to 1 adult is maintained at all times in the swimming pool. There will be 8 lifeguards on duty at all times, as well as one or more group leaders per group (plus volunteers when available).

  • Flotation devices

    All minis (children 7 and under) must wear a life jacket or swim belt. Parents interested in their child not wearing a flotation device are expected to send a written note indicating their permission. Our group leaders will present this note to our lifeguards who will administer a swim test for the participant prior to each swim time.

  • Toys

    Our wiggle bridge (a large inflatable) will be available whenever possible for participants to enjoy. A limited amount of pool toys such as noodles and balls will also be available. All toys are only to be used on the supervision of our lifeguards and leaders on duty. No external pool toys are permitted.

  • Diving

    Our 1-meter diving board is available for participants who pass a swimming test administered by a lifeguard prior to each swim time. Our 3-meter diving board is not available for our participants.

  • T-shirts

    Participants attending camps will receive one complimentary Mini U Programs T-shirt to take home. Shirts will be provided during their first week of programs. We do our best to deliver your preferred shirt sizes however sizes are not guaranteed.

  • Lost and found

    We do our best to help participants keep their personal belongings with them at all times. All items that are found will be brought to a central location in the Max Bell Field House. In the event that you have lost an item, a lost and found will be available for you at arrival and departure.

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Swimming lessons

  • Location

    Joyce Fromson Pool
    Entrance via the Active Living Centre (430 University Crescent)

    Bronze Medallion/Bronze Cross/National Lifeguard Awards
    Pool Classroom, room 212 Frank Kennedy Centre

  • Parking

    Parking is provided for in ALC and U parking lots. Parking map here. Parking in these lots is free after 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and on weekends. Please pay careful attention to the signage in these lots as there are some spaces that are reserved 24 hours for staff parking only.

    Parking tickets may be issued if parking occurs outside of the times and specifications listed. 

  • Groups

    New participants to the program will be grouped with others based on age. Returning participants will be grouped with others based on age and swim ability. 

    During the first week of programming our team will be assessing the accuracy of our groupings. It is common that group switches are required in order to create the best groups for all participants. Participants may be moved between groups during the first three classes. If you would like to discuss your child’s group with our team, please connect with our head guards.

  • The ICS program

    One of the most unique features of the ICS program is that it allows participants to progress at their own rate without a requirement to pass or fail a swimmer at pre-determined levels. Participants develop at varying rates. The ICS program supports you along the way. 

    Our swim leaders help participants work towards the achievement of 54 swim skills. As you achieve skills, our team will track your progress and continue in leading your development as you come back. 

  • Pool temperature

    Our pool is used as a training centre for our Manitoba Bison athletes and is required to be held between 27-28 degrees Celsius. Users may find the temperature to be cool. We recommend planning your swim attire accordingly. Your child may be more comfortable in a swim shirt or wetsuit. 

  • Progress reports

    Progress reports on the swim skills that participants have achieved are provided at the end of each session.

  • Check-in

    Participants will be provided with a session access card. Present this card to Active Living Centre staff located at the entrance turnstiles to access the facility. Entry for program classes is available 30 minutes before the start of your program. 

    Upon arrival, learn your swim leaders name from the group list board. Once you know your leader’s name, head to a changing room of your choice to get into your swim attire and meet your leader on the pool deck. 

  • Check-out

    Participants are dismissed from the class directly from the pool deck. Parents and guardians are expected to be readily available to supervise children once the lesson is completed. Our team will not be available to assist in changing after lessons or supervise participants as more lessons are often scheduled to begin. 

  • Groups

    Group lists are posted upon arrival. Find the program you have selected and your name will appear on one of the group lists below. 

    Many of our programs are split into multiple groups based on age and swim ability. In order to ensure each group is similarly matched in ability, friend and family "group with" requests are not available.

    Summer 4:30 p.m. lessons
    Our team will pick up participants who are registered for a summer camp and 4:30 p.m. swimming lessons and connect them with their swim leader.

  • Changing rooms

    Our facilities have various changing spaces available for you. 

    The community changing room has been designed for everyone. It contains space that is accessible and enclosed for changing, showering, use of lockers and using the rest facilities. This space is located on the second floor of the Frank Kennedy Centre adjacent to the pool observation deck. 

    Male and female changing rooms are also available. These rooms are accessible and contain open spaces for changing, showering, use of lockers and rest facilities. These spaces are located on the first floor of the Frank Kennedy Centre.

  • Camp swimming lessons

    Participants who are registered for summer camps can choose to register for this program and develop swim skills in a semi-private swimming lesson during camp hours. Camp swimming lessons provide participants with a 45-minute ICS lesson during one of their recreational activity times of the day. Our team will ensure participants get to and from camp to lessons daily. In order to ensure participants get their full lesson, ensure they are checked in to camp by 8:30 a.m.

  • Closures

    In the event of an unplanned pool closure, our staff will make every attempt to call families impacted. In the event that greater than 50% of the lesson time is missed participants will receive a credit on their family account. Closures are communicated via social media and the ‘recreation services app’. 

    Annual shutdown
    Due to annual maintenance, the pool will be closed for 3 weeks beginning in the last week of August. Specific closure dates will be communicated via the Active Living Centre customer service desk. 

Fire evacuation

In the unlikely event of a fire alarm, our team will evacuate the pool. 

Should it be safe to do so: 

  • individuals in the observation deck will be evacuated to the Active Living Centre lobby. 
  • swimmers will be kept on the pool deck and supervised by their swim leader. 
  • Further evacuation may be required (to be determined by the fire warden on duty). 

Frequently asked questions

Can my child participate in lessons if they are currently working on the Red Cross program?

Yes. If your child is currently working through the Red Cross program (or similar) this would be the perfect complement to ensure they maintain their skills or change to our ICS program.

What is the difference between the Red Cross program and the ICS program?

Both the Red Cross program and the ICS program are learn-to-swim programs. The focus of ICS is on the development of the four main swim strokes, which is done through a series of skills without specified levels. Each child works through the skills (1-54) at their own rate and are awarded skills as they achieve them. We do not use a pass or fail grading system.

Can I request a specific swim leader? 

We will do our best to connect you with a swim leader you are excited to learn from however cannot guarantee it before registration.

Can my child participate in camp swimming lessons if they are currently working on the ICS program? 

Yes. If your child is currently swimming with us our swim leaders will have access to their progress record and they will continue right where they left off in their last session.

Will my child be awarded skills in the during camp swimming lessons? 

Possibly. Because they are only offered for 5 days it is possible that their swim ability will improve without being awarded skills.

What time of the day are camp swimming lessons? Can I watch? 

Lessons are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Your child’s time will be determined the week before they attend camp. Our team will confirm the swim time with you on the first day. You are welcome to watch the lesson from the observation deck.

Will camp swimming lessons interfere with camp rec swim time?

No. They are scheduled at different times. Participants should be prepared for the possibility of swimming twice in one day.

Are there any camps for which camp swimming lessons wouldn’t be an appropriate pairing?

Yes, unfortunately, the programming structure for some of our programs means that it is not a great fit for camp swimming lessons. If your child is registered for one of the programs below, perhaps consider saving their camp swimming lessons for another week of camp.

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Evening and weekend programs

  • Location

    Frank Kennedy Centre
    Entrance via the Active Living Centre (430 University Crescent)

    Max Bell Centre (109 Sydney Smith Street)

    Outdoor Tennis Court (Chancellor Matheson Road)

  • Parking

    Parking is provided for in ALC, U and P parking lots. Parking map here. Parking in these lots is free after 4:30pm Monday to Friday and on weekends. Please pay careful attention to the signage in these lots as there are some spaces that are reserved 24 hours for staff parking only.

    Parking tickets may be issued if parking occurs outside of the times and specifications listed above.

  • Check in

    Participants will be provided with a session access card. Present this card to Active Living Centre staff located at the entrance turnstiles to access the facility. Entry for program classes is available 30 minutes before the start of your program.

    Upon arrival, check in with your program leader in the space or room indicated on your receipt.

  • Check out

    Participants are dismissed from the class. Parents and guardians are expected to be readily available to supervise children once the program is completed. Our team will not be available to assist in changing after the program or supervise participants.

  • Changing rooms 

    Our facilities have various changing spaces available for you. 

    The community changing room has been designed for everyone. It contains space that is accessible and enclosed for changing, showering, use of lockers and using the rest facilities. This space is located on the second floor of the Frank Kennedy Centre adjacent to the pool observation deck. 

    Male and female changing rooms are also available. These rooms are accessible and contain open spaces for changing, showering, use of lockers and rest facilities. These spaces are located on the first floor of the Frank Kennedy and Max Bell Centres.

  • Skating

    Participants are expected to be ready for skating lessons at the beginning of the ice time. Help your child gear up in their skates and helmet so they don’t miss out on activities.

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