Brandon University’s popular Mini University program is celebrating a banner year, welcoming 821 campers over the summer — 68 more than last year — and capping the season with a national contest win.
Mini U’s creative energy shone through in a short video produced by campers and staff, which was submitted to Actua’s 2025 Summer Video Contest. Out of entries from Actua network members across Canada, the Mini U submission was selected as the “Actua Staff Pick” winner. Judges praised the video for its fun, youth-driven spirit, perfect soundtrack, and strong social media appeal.
“This is an incredible way to finish an incredible summer,” said Ivah Gallagher, Program Coordinator of Mini U. “Alongside our supporters and funders like Actua (without whom Mini U would not be able to operate), our amazing and creative staff make Mini U what it is today. This award really belongs to them and their efforts.”
The contest win comes with a $500 prize to further support programming at Mini U, which offers summer camps focused on physical activity, creative arts, and STEM learning for children and youth.
Actua is a leading Canadian science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach organization, and Brandon University’s Mini U is an Actua network member. Each year, the Actua network engages over 500,000 youth in 600 communities across Canada in transformative STEM learning experiences that build critical skills and confidence. Actua organizes the video contest to highlight the impact of its members across the country.
“Mini U’s video stood out immediately,” said Lauren Dickhout, Senior Manager, Network Member Services at Actua. “It captured the joy and engagement of the campers beautifully — and it won by a landslide.”
Mini U has been a cornerstone of summer in Brandon since its founding in 1984, offering children opportunities to explore, learn, and grow in a safe and welcoming environment on the BU campus. Over the decades, about 30,000 campers have grown through Mini U programming.
“Mini U is one of the best ways we connect with young people and families in our community,” said Katie Whelpton, Dean of Students at Brandon University. “This year’s success shows how beloved the program is, and how much impact it has in sparking imagination and confidence in the next generation.”
The winning video can be viewed on the BU Mini U Instagram page.
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