BU’s ‘Mini U’ caps season with national contest win
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Brandon University’s Mini University program is riding high after winning a national contest and welcoming 821 campers over the summer — 68 more than last year.
The program capped its season with a win in Actua’s 2025 Summer Video Contest. A short video produced by Mini U campers and staff was selected as the Actua Staff Pick winner, beating out submissions from youth programs across the country.
The award comes with a $500 prize to support future programming at Mini U, which offers summer camps in physical activity, creative arts and STEM learning, the release said.
Actua, Canada’s leading STEM youth outreach organization, connects more than 500,000 youth in 600 communities each year with hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning. Its annual video contest highlights the creativity and impact of programs like Mini U across the country.
Judges praised the entry for its fun, youth-driven energy, engaging soundtrack and strong social media appeal, the university said in a news release Monday.
The contest win is “an incredible way to finish an incredible summer,” program co-ordinator Ivah Gallagher said.
“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,” Gallagher said. “This award really belongs to them and their efforts.”
Mini U’s video stood out immediately,” Actua spokesperson Lauren Dickhout said.
“It captured the joy and engagement of the campers beautifully — and it won by a landslide,” Dickhout said.
Founded in 1984, Mini U has become a cornerstone of summer life in Brandon, with about 30,000 children and youth taking part in its programs over four decades.
“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,” dean of students Katie Whelpton said.
» The Brandon Sun