Unforgettable Youth Summer Experience – 2025 Blooming Buds Summer Youth Camp

This summer of 2025, the Truly Alive Youth and Family Foundation Inc. (TAYFFI) had the joy of hosting its annual Blooming Buds Youth Summer Camp—delivered over the course of nine weeks, the camp welcomed over 45 children each week from more than 15 cultural backgrounds and ethnicities.

True to our organization’s mandate, the summer camp provided safe space for celebrating diversity and inclusion where children discovered new skills, built lasting friendships, and explored cultures from around the world. Alongside our campers, an incredible team of facilitators and volunteers brought passion, creativity, and expertise—making each week unforgettable.

Skills for the Future

The Blooming Buds Youth Summer Camp focused on preparing children with 21st-century essential skills, by equipping them with experimental learning and hands-on activities.

• STEM Academy

Campers learned to code with Scratch, built advanced 2D games using Pixelpad and Python, and even created apps with MIT App Inventor. With support from Nanan Academy, they also strengthened digital literacy by practicing Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

One proud student, Grace Ohaieri (6 years old), shared “I’m going to teach my little brother Scratch at home.”

• Trade Skills Training

In collaboration with the SYA Apprenticeship Program, children tried their hands at plumbing, circuitry, and practical manual work—gaining confidence and curiosity about skilled trades.

• Inter-Heritage Language & Culture

Our camp embraced cultural learning through more than nine languages, including Korean, Chinese, Yoruba, Ukrainian, Spanish, ASL, French, and Arabic. Children practiced writing characters, explored traditional dances, baked cultural treats, and enjoyed vibrant Iranian music and dance classes.

• Public Speaking & Debate

With guidance from the University of Saskatchewan Debate Society and local speakers, campers learned to pitch ideas, practice debates, and deliver speeches—developing confidence in communication.

• Baking & Culinary Arts

From cupcakes and brownies to popsicles and homemade ice cream, our culinary classes inspired creativity. One parent proudly shared that their child baked a cake at home after camp—proof of skills that carried beyond the program.

• Arts & Crafts

Through origami, painting, puzzles, and design projects, campers expressed imagination and discovered new creative outlets.

• Sports & Outdoor Adventures

Soccer, basketball, volleyball, golf, and park play kept energy high and bodies moving. Our final day was marked with a joyful community potluck, complete with water games, slides, and cultural dishes shared among families.

Many Thanks to Our Supporters 

The Blooming Buds Summer Camp would not have been possible without our dedicated volunteers, facilitators, parents, and community partners. Together, we created a safe and exciting space where children could bloom in confidence, skills, and friendships.

We are deeply grateful to Rogers, Telus, Nanan Academy, SAIL, SaskCulture, MCoS, SYA Apprenticeship Program, Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council, and many others for supporting our vision and helping us deliver the best to our community.

Let’s Do It Again Next Summer! 

Nine weeks later, we’re proud to see our campers leaving with new knowledge, cherished memories, and the excitement to keep growing. And as we look ahead, we know one thing for certain—Blooming Buds will continue to bloom so, see you next summer!