• Rooted in Africentric values of community, self-discovery, and collective growth, participants develop leadership, confidence, communication, and emotional wellness through creative and experiential learning. Activities encourage participants to explore their identity, strengthen positive relationships, navigate conflict in healthy ways, and recognize their voice, potential, and role within their communities.

• Drawing from Africentric oral traditions and contemporary performance arts, participants explore storytelling as a tool for creativity, confidence, and cultural connection. Through drama, improvisation, movement, role play, and Anansi-inspired storytelling, participants strengthen communication and collaboration skills while celebrating diverse voices, lived experiences, and imagination.

• Participants engage in hands-on creative exploration that blends arts, culture, sustainability, and innovation. Through collaborative projects, wearable art, DIY creations, and eco-conscious design activities, participants build problem-solving skills while expressing creativity in meaningful and culturally responsive ways.

• Grounded in the rich traditions of rhythm, movement, and collective expression found across African and diasporic cultures, participants explore music and dance as tools for confidence, creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. Activities include drumming, choreography, rhythm exploration, musical games, and collaborative performance experiences.

• Participants build teamwork, resilience, leadership, and confidence through active recreation and collaborative play. Through sports, group challenges, and interactive games, participants strengthen communication, cooperation, and problem-solving skills while developing healthy habits in an inclusive and supportive environment that values participation, encouragement, and collective success.

• Participants connect with nature through outdoor experiences that encourage curiosity, environmental appreciation, teamwork, and physical wellness. Through hiking, scavenger hunts, nature observation, land-based exploration, outdoor recreation, and adventure activities, participants develop confidence, social connection, and a deeper appreciation for the natural environment through experiential and community-centered learning.

• Africentric Arts Camp is designed for children ages 5 to 12. Children must fall within this age range to register for the program. We create age-appropriate, engaging experiences where children can learn, play, and grow in a supportive and creative environment.

• Camp runs Monday to Friday during selected weeks in July and August (dates change each year).

• Each day follows a structured schedule from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Designed to balance structure, creativity, movement, and rest.

• Families can register for one week, multiple weeks, or all weeks, depending on their needs. Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited. Please check our event page for current registration details and dates.

• Yes! Youth aged 13 and older years are welcome to participate as volunteers. We see this as a meaningful leadership opportunity where youth learn by doing, supporting younger children, assisting facilitators, and contributing to a positive camp culture.

• Volunteers typically join for the full camp day to gain hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and communication. They typically participate from 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM, with the option for extended supervision until 5:00 PM if needed. Training and guidance are provided.

• Adults volunteers (18+) are required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check through the Edmonton Police Service, which will be provided at no cost to the volunteer. All volunteers are supported and guided by camp staff throughout the program.

• Africentric Arts Camp is a community-based program that operates in partnership with different local spaces each year. This allows us to stay rooted in the communities we serve while adapting to available spaces that best support children’s learning, creativity, and play.

• The exact location is shared on our annual flyer and confirmed during registration. Any updates are communicated directly through email, social media, and our website.

• Africentric Arts Summer Camp is intentionally designed to be accessible and affordable for families. We believe every child deserves access to enriching, creative, and culturally grounded experiences.

• We offer early bird discounts, sibling and and multi-week savings, and flexible payment options including payment plans during registration.

• Our goal is to reduce barriers so more children can participate fully in a meaningful summer experience.

• We welcome children of all abilities and do our best to make camp as inclusive and supportive as possible.

• Where feasible, we provide accommodations such as accessibility support, modified participation, or additional assistance.

• To ensure we can prepare properly, families are asked to share any needs during registration. This allows our team and volunteers to plan thoughtfully and create a safe, welcoming experience for every child.

• As a small, community-rooted program, some accommodations may be limited, and not all activities may be suitable for every participant, but inclusion and care guide our approach.

• Families are responsible for daily pickup and drop-off.

• We offer optional transportation support for $10 per child per day, with pickup locations shared in advance. This service is limited and subject to availability, so we encourage families to plan ahead.

• Camp ends at 3:00 PM, and pickup is expected by 3:15 PM. Children may only be released to authorized individuals listed on the registration form.

• Extended care is available until 5:00 PM for $20 per hour. Late pickups after 3:30 PM incur a $1 per minute fee. Outside of camp hours, no programming is provided. Our focus is on safety, structure, and consistency.

• Camp ends each day at 3:00 PM, and parents are expected to pick up their child by 3:15 PM.

• Children who have pre-arranged pickup will be taken to the agreed location at the scheduled time. Only authorized individuals listed on the registration form may pick up a child.

• Children can be supervised at the camp location until 5:00 PM for an additional fee of $20 per hour. Late pickups after 3:30 PM will incur a $1 per minute late fee. Please note that no regular programming occurs outside of camp hours.

• We provide morning and afternoon snacks daily, with efforts to accommodate dietary needs such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options.

• For the safety of all participants, all food brought from home must be nut-free. Children with allergies should bring necessary medication (including EpiPens) and ensure staff are informed at drop-off.

• Families are encouraged to pack extra snacks or lunch if needed, especially for children with larger appetites. We respect children’s preferences and never force eating. Picky eaters are welcome to bring their favorite foods. Our focus is on ensuring every child feels safe, comfortable, and nourished.

1. We encourage children to come ready for a full day of creativity, movement, and outdoor play. Each day they should bring:

• Water bottle to stay hydrated

• Nut-free Snacks or lunch (plus any required medication-EpiPen or medications for allergies)

• Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including jackets or layers for cooler days. And clothing for arts, movements and outdoor activities.

• Close-toed outdoor shoes for safety during active games and outdoor adventures

• Hats and sunscreen for sun protection

• Bug spray for reapplication during the day

2. Most importantly, children should come with a positive attitude, curiosity, and openness, and a willingness to participate in new experiences. All items should be clearly labeled with your child’s name.

Optional items:

• Small backpack to carry personal items

• Extra set of clothes in case of messy activities

• Rain gear for outdoor play on wet days

• A Lost and Found box will be available at the camp for any misplaced items.

• We encourage families to label all items clearly. Ultimately, each child is responsible for their personal items. Parents are welcome to check the Lost and Found regularly during camp hours and remind child to keep track of their things.

Africentric Arts Summer Camp prioritizes safety, care, and positive relationships.

• Our staff and volunteers are trained to support children and respond appropriately to any concerns that arise.

• We make every effort to maintain a safe and positive environment. While we strive for the highest standards of care, challenges may arise.

• If an issue occurs, including behavior, safety, or health-related matters, staff will respond promptly and appropriately. In more complex situations, parents will be contacted immediately if the situation requires their attention.

• For issues that cannot be fully resolved on-site we have a formal escalation process to ensure accountability and support. Families can reach the camp coordinator at 780 716 9386 or email at africentricarts@gmail.com for follow-up.

• Our approach is grounded in care, communication, and a commitment to every child’s well-being.