Calling all young innovators athletes artists and entrepreneurs

Build and take home a go kart, trade recipes with a Red Seal chef, program a Raspberry Pi gaming computer or up your basketball game — there's lots to do at SAIT Summer Camps.

If your kids needed another reason to start looking forward to summer, registration for more than 100 unique camp experiences for Grades 1 to 12 is now open.

"We're very excited to introduce 30 great new programs this year — plus we've added 30% more total seats to our registration," says Rozlynn Wick, Project Manager, Strategic Youth Initiatives, Learner and Academic Services.

SAIT summer camp content is aligned with STEM learning principles and connected to SAIT's applied education programs and career pathways.

"Our camps encourage youth to do something different — something original - in an authentic learning environment," says Wick. "These programs are a fun and meaningful way to discover an interest, explore an idea, learn a new skill or maybe even spark a passion."

Cool camps for all grade groups

For the first time, offerings "imagineered" especially for youth in Grades 1 to 3 join SAIT's Summer Camp roster. Parents can register their mighty minis for Super Hero Sport or sign up their smalls to build foundational skills in digital literacy through coding. Campers can also experience science through "whizz-bang-wow" experiments and Rube Goldberg machines — who remembers the game Mouse Trap?

Being an adult doesn't have to be hard, according to a new camp for Grades 9 to 12 — Adulting 101. Participants will look to the future while prepping in the present as they discover tips and tricks to land a dream job in the world of work, pick a post-secondary and master money management.

"It's funny, we've received a lot of adult interest in this camp," says Kasia Guidinger, Coordinator, Strategic Youth Initiatives, Learner and Academic Services. "There's an opportunity to volunteer, and campers can even attain first aid and CPR certification. The activities are varied and designed to support youth as they transition to adulthood."

Treats, trades and technology

Also new this year, SAIT is offering both a baking and culinary academy for Grades 9 to 12. Those who welcome the heat can get in the kitchen and work alongside chef instructors to expand their knowledge of baking or cooking and the hospitality industry.

For campers in Grades 7 to 12 who are passionate about working with design software or who have previous experience from SAIT's Home Builder's Design or Drafting camps, there's now an intermediate camp to take those skills to the next level — participants will create floorplans, learn about architectural drawings and then transfer them to 3D designs.

This year, summer camp offerings will take advantage of some of SAIT's satellite campuses. Exploring Trades, Cranes and Hoist will merge virtual tools with reality at SAIT's Crane and Ironworker Facility, while Exploring Trades, Auto Body will take place in a fully operational body shop at SAIT's Buck Crump campus. There's no added commute for parents — drop off will take place at main campus.

Between Friends

SAIT Summer Camps also kicked off a new partnership with Between Friends Calgary for the 2018/19 season.

"We're partnering with Between Friends to ensure all of our camp leaders receive training in working with youth with unique needs," says Guidinger. "The organization is helping us consider all aspects of what we need to be aware of when working with youth."

Returning favourites

From superbots to soccer, business to baking — plus hockey, welding and movie making — there are plenty of returning favourites too. Check out the complete summer camps guide for more information and to register.

SAIT Summer Camps continues to offer complimentary before and after care, as well as bursaries to cover the full tuition costs of a one-day to one-week camp. Bursary applications are currently being accepted and are assessed in the order they are received — applying early is recommended.

Registration is ongoing and closes the Thursday before each camp begins, provided space is still available.

See you at SAIT this summer — register now!