Camp Talent
Spend the summer building your skills

Compiled by Elizabeth Hannum and Michelle Ertl

What do geeks do all summer? What about aspiring actors and actresses? Or Olympic wannabes? Well, if they’re smart and want to be the best geek, actor, or athlete they can be, they should check out our summer camp round-up. These aren’t your basic s’mores-and-mosquitoes type camps—we’ll get you up close and personal with robots, shadowing engineers, emoting on stage, or buffing up your athletic performance. Come fall, you’ll be able to show off a summer well spent.

Eckerd College
What: Young children who dream of growing up to become basketball stars envision playing like legends Michael Jordan or Shaquille O’Neal. Well, an enjoyable atmosphere and an opportunity to improve and enhance team and individual basketball skills could help them achieve that star status someday. The Eckerd Basketball Team Camp offered at the college’s basketball facility helps high school students work on important skills and techniques through intense practice sessions. Coaches, officials, and qualified assistants supervise and guide the participating basketball teams from various high schools throughout the state of Florida.

The program typically kicks off on a Friday afternoon and ends that Sunday evening. The teams play two games on Friday, three games on Saturday, and a two-game tournament on Sunday. The participants stay busy almost the entire three days—they eat, sleep, and play basketball. The seven games are played against very skilled and competitive teams, allowing the players to get an intense feel for the game. The officials also run a clinic that works with each player to address individual skills, strengths, and weaknesses. This personal attention proves very beneficial for not only each player, but for their coaches and teammates as well. This summertime camp allows teams to learn new and important skills—all while maintaining skills that aren’t likely to be forgotten during the off-season.

Why: “The camp proves to be a very positive and learning experience for high school teams. It’s so wonderful to watch as each team becomes stronger, closer, and more skilled,” says Bryan Galuski, camp director and assistant basketball coach. “We’ve received great feedback from participants in the past and our attendance has consistently grown.” —ME

When: The camp typically starts on the Friday after Independence Day and ends on the Sunday evening of that same weekend.

Who: Contact Galuski at galuskbc@eckerd.edu, call 727-864-7877, or visit www.eckerd.edu for more information.

Florida Institute of Technology
What: Young students often wonder if their high goals for the future are possibly too high. But at FIT's Camp Dream Builders, any high-school-age student interested in civil engineering, architecture, or the construction industry is encouraged to follow his goal. Through a week-long program of a variety of projects, this camp helps students attain their professional dreams by building them from the ground up. Campers begin by researching a project, designing it with a group, building it, and then actually using it. One of the most talked-about projects is catapult design, where the group is given wood, a bungee cord, and some hardware. The upside is that if the project works, the students get to shoot things with their contraption. The downside for FIT is that if the project works, there are high school students armed with catapults loose on campus. Another popular project is building a boat out of cardboard and duct tape to see how many people it can hold and still float.  

Why: "Our mission is to expose students to the field of construction, engineering, and architecture through design-building activities and projects. We want them to start thinking of it as an actual career opportunity," says Dr. Heck, associate professor in the civil engineering program. It isn't hard to think about career opportunities after building catapults, boats that float, and virtual bridges using high-tech software.—EH

When: July 18 through July 23

Cost: Day camp, which includes lunch and snacks, is $200. Overnight camp is $400 and includes three meals a day.

Who: Visit http://civil.FIT.edu or contact K.B. van Oene at 321-674-8048.

Florida International University
What: Some people never get the chance to meet an Olympic medalist during their lifetime. However, if students attend FIU's Nike Swimming and Diving Camp, they’ll get the opportunity to do just that. Run by two-time swimming Olympian Noemi Zaharia, FIU's head diving coach, and members of the FIU swim team, this camp is open to boys and girls who have basic swimming or diving skills. A typical day consists of two water sessions, one in the morning that teaches new swimming and diving techniques and one in the afternoon to review the new skills and combine swim sets with fun sessions. Other important aspects of the camp include stretching exercises and learning about an athlete’s diet. Students also learn what to do before a meet and the best mental preparation exercises for swimmers.

Why: With a NIKE sponsorship and Zaharia’s expertise, students have the opportunity to learn new techniques and see immediate improvement in their strokes. "The goal of the camp is to improve all of the participants’ strokes and to bring out their hidden talents,” Zaharia says. “We also hope to inspire them to be better athletes, students, and leaders in anything they put their minds to. We keep a flexible schedule and an open mind in order to give the kids a wonderfully educational experience."—EH

When: Day campers participate from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., and overnight campers stay from Monday at 8 a.m. until Friday at 4 p.m.

Cost: The overnight camp costs $475, and the day camp is $350.

Who: Visit www.fiusports.com/camps/index.htm for more information.

Florida State University
What: High school doesn’t always fully prepare students for what they’ll encounter in college. Many college students jump from major to major before finally finding something they’re passionate about. FSU’s Science Camp gives rising high school juniors and seniors with an interest in math and science the chance to explore these fields and related careers. They must have a minimum 3.0 average and score in at least the 90^th percentile on the math section of the SAT or PSAT to participate in this six-week program. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the students take courses in math and science. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they do individual research with professors. The weekends are a time for campers to enjoy fun activities like canoeing and talent shows.

The program is an effective tool for preparing students for careers in the fields of science and math because it allows students to do research in actual labs with actual members of FSU’s faculty—a hands-on experience that’s unmatched. The students also benefit from working with one another and forming a helpful peer support group. The program fosters and maintains high-achieving students in math and science careers by putting participants through the intense six-week residential schedule. The students are so well prepared for college that they come out of the program virtually ahead of any other student who hasn’t participated in the program.

Why: “With 21 years of experience, a well established record, and a lot of refinements, we’re preparing students for college majors in science,” says Dr. Ellen Granger, director of the Office of Science Teaching Activities for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “As a result, they’ll be ready for research when they enter their freshman year in college.”—ME

When: The camp’s six weeks runs from mid June until near the end of July.

Who: Contact your high school guidance counselor for more information or visit www.physics.fsu.edu/outreach/ssc.

Nova Southeastern University
What: Every so often, a high school student comes along who knows exactly what career field he or she wants to be involved in. The Health Careers Camp at Nova Southeastern University allows high school students with the passion and predisposition for a health-related career to get a jump-start on learning various aspects of the health field. The camp accepts kids from a variety of backgrounds and focuses on giving a shot to students who might not have a chance otherwise. It encourages students with intense drive and high energy—the camp runs for eight days straight from 6 a.m. until midnight or later.

The campers’ day begins with breakfast, and then a bus ride takes them on trips to tour health-related sites. In the evening, they eat a quick dinner and then listen to a guest speaker or partake in an arranged activity. Each year, the camp also offers an extra-special speaker—Kathy Robinson, the most well known HIV educator in the world. One of the camp’s goals is to provide this type of role model to motivate students. The unique aspect of the camp is its mission to follow up on participants. Once the camp is over, the program regularly tracks the students and helps them keep up with their progress.

Why: “The mission of the camp is to address health man-power shortages within the state of Florida, through high school students from rural, under-served areas and inner cities,” says Shelley Warshaw, student recruitment coordinator for Everglades Area Health Education Center-Nova Southeastern University. “We’re most definitely a hands-on program. I don’t want to bring any kids into a setting where they’re lectured at for hours—they get enough of that in school. We have about an 80 percent success rate for keeping kids in health-related programs.”—ME

When: The program begins the third week of June each year, and is eight days long.

Who: Contact Warshaw at swarshaw@nsu.nova.edu or call 1-800-819-2357 for more information.

Stetson University
What: Whether students are looking to have fun and learn basic softball skills or want to take their game to the next level, Stetson's Pitching and Catching Camp for girls is right for them. Run by Stetson coaches and top-level Division I softball players, students complete drills designed to improve all their skills. Coaches show campers the hard work it takes to become a good pitcher or catcher. Each position is broken down step by step and analyzed, and players are divided by ability level and coached to meet the students’ specific needs and goals. The camp consists of on-field sessions, strength and conditioning workouts, pool workouts, and an opportunity to tour Stetson's campus. The only things students need to bring are their gloves and good attitudes.

Why: Not only are the campers able to learn from the best, but they get to practice on the new state-of-the-art softball field that won the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s Best Regional Field Award last year. Along with age-appropriate attention and instruction, Stetson provides a certified athletic trainer in case of injury and an indoor facility available during rainy Florida summer afternoons. "We strive to run a safe, fun, and educational camp. We want every camper to leave a healthier, happier, and better softball player," says Tracy Riepenhoff, assistant coach.—EH

When: The camp is held during the first two weeks of June. A usual day at camp runs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. for day campers and starts at 9 a.m. for overnight campers.

Who: Contact Riepenhoff at 386-822-7337 or triepenh@steston.edu.

University of Central Florida
What: UCF's BattleBotsIQ Robot Camp, led by BattleBots competitor and TV announcer Brett "Buzz" Dawson, teaches the fundamentals of a mechanically sound robot to help further the strategy of students who hope to one day build their own robot to compete in BattleBotsIQ. Students learn how to wire electrical systems, use 3-D design, and apply the physics principles involved in building a robot. Activities include visits from actual BattleBots and their builders, demonstrations of local high school robots, and even an arcade night. By the last day of class, students have built a 12-pound robot from scratch.

Why: The camp hopes to build interest in science, technology, engineering, and math through an exciting experience with applied robotics. While there are three other camps in the U.S. certified by BattleBots to teach robotics, this camp focuses on the actual building of a robot using state-of-the-art robot design and construction systems. On the last day of camp, the robots that have been created get to compete in task-based games. "We hope that the students gain a thirst for knowledge and understanding about the world around them,” says Dawson, chief robot educator for the camp. “The things learned from applied robotics can be applied to so many different aspects of life.”—EH

When: The camp is held from the middle of June through July. Classes are one week long and held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., running Monday through Friday. Overnight camp includes nightly activities from 5 p.m. until lights out, and students can stay in dorm rooms on campus.

Who: Visit www.robotics.engr.ucf.edu or send an e-mail to roboinfo@mail.ucf.edu.

University of Central Florida
What: Most music lessons or classes focus on mastering instrument techniques and performing classic pieces, but not the Rock ‘n’ Roll Summer Camp at UCF. This camp offers experience in coming together in groups and playing as a band—a true rock ‘n’ roll band. The camp is open to students from ages 12 to 18 who sing and play the guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. The program teaches students instrumental skills, how to choose material, how to rehearse it with other musicians, how to put on a show under a deadline, and how to network with other musicians. The camp is taught by veteran rockers who can pass on their many years of show-business experience.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp is unique in the field of musical opportunities because it gives students the chance to come together as beginner, intermediate, or advanced musicians. The camp is a fun way to explore in a group setting what most musicians work hard at in the privacy of their own homes—their instruments—in the hope that some day, their dreams will come true and they’ll play on stage in a real rock ‘n’ roll band. For more advanced musicians, the camp is a time to work with seasoned performers on advanced material and get important stage time.

Why: “The camp works hard in an effort to provide music experience for young people that would lead to a positive pursuit of musical activities,” says Diane Cardarelli, camp developer and director. “Over the past seven years, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp has proven to be one of the most successful and popular camps around.”—ME

When: The camp runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., July 25 through 29.

Cost: Day camp only, $200.

Who: Contact Cardarelli at dcardare@mail.ucf.edu or call 407-823-3581 for more information.

University of Central Florida
What: To go to summer camp or not go to summer camp? That is the question. If a student loves theater and Shakespeare, then UCF's Summer Shakespeare Camp is the answer. Aspiring thespians from ninth grade through their freshman year in college need no acting experience but must prove their commitment and desire to participate by auditioning in May, performing a 14- to 20-line Shakespearean monologue. Taught by professional actors from the theatrical community in Orlando, campers experience an extensive process most don’t get unless majoring in theater in college. Spending the first hour of the day doing "check in,” campers sit as an ensemble and verbalize how they’re feeling with no judgments attached. This is followed by vocal and physical warm ups, scene rehearsals, and an opportunity to better understand characters and the meaning of Shakespeare's words. Camp concludes with a teen-friendly production of a play—last year’s production of Macbeth was performed in the dialect of neo-Scottish punk with characters running around in leather jackets and kilts.

Why: "We open up a world of Shakespeare and English literature that most students think is boring and have them see how exciting, challenging, and heart-wrenching that place can be. His extreme emotions speak to the extreme emotions in a teen’s life every day," says Sarah Hankins, director of The Young Company. "We provide teens with an intense experience that opens them up, relieves some of the pressure of being a teenager in our society, and helps them find what is important to them.”—EH

When: May 31 through June 26 with Saturdays and Sundays off, except when there’s a production

Cost: $400

Who: Contact 407-447-1700 ext. 254 or visit www.shakespearefest.org.

University of Florida
What: If you think an engineer is the guy who runs the train, this isn’t the camp for you. But, for students interested in science and math who want to put those skills to use, UF's Eye on Engineering summer camp is the place to be. To attend this week-long day camp, a student must write a 100-word-or-less essay on why he likes math or science, get a recommendation from an advisor, and provide a copy of his transcript. There are no boring lectures here; instead, campers visit different departments on campus and work on hands-on research experiments. In the afternoons, campers work with a team to build a straw bridge while taking into account the design, layout, and cost effectiveness of the structure. After a tour to the particle science department, campers make the actual paint that they’ll use on their bridge to liven it up. If painting is not their forte, then they can just sit back and eat the ice cream they personally made using liquid nitrogen on a previous tour.

Why: "The mission of the camp is simple—to introduce high school students to engineering,” says Earl Wade, coordinator of academic support services for Student Affairs. “Most students don’t understand that engineering is simply problem solving. Everything in life is problem solving, so they know that whatever they do, they’ll use these skills."—EH

When: Sessions run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. every day.

Cost: $150 includes an Eye on Engineering T-shirt, five lunches, and supplies for team projects and experiments. Money doesn’t need to be sent until notification of acceptance. Fees can be waived if a student sends a note outlining his circumstances.

Who: Contact Kari Ward at sssc@eng.ufl.edu or visit www.eng.ufl.edu/home/ess/programs/eye.

University of Miami
What: The world of computers and technology is fast-paced and rapidly growing. High school students with a passion for computers can put their skills to the test at UM’s iD Tech Camp. The participants are immersed in a computer-based program with instructors who are working in related fields. The experience is powerful for the participants because they’re in their element—whether it’s computer programming or designing video games. The camp offers all kinds of programs, allowing the students to decide which types of courses would work best for them. The camp can even customize the programs to satisfy the students’ wishes. Students flourish in the college setting and are taught by vivacious and experienced instructors. The participants can be proud of working hard to reach their goals and finishing a project at the end of the week. Thanks to many corporate companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Canon that work with the program, students are exposed to the products that professionals use.

The camp isn’t all work and no play. However, students do get a break from computers to play the Dance Dance Revolution video game and participate in sports activities, gaming tournaments, and karaoke nights. The camp encourages students to be exposed to technology at a young age, to get excited about it, to keep learning, and to later pursue higher education in a technology-related field. Students feel good about their skills and accomplishments and as a result, their self esteem blossoms.

Why: “Having the students be exposed to the latest and greatest technology at such a young age allows them to flourish as adults,” says Karen Thurm Safran, vice president of marketing for internalDrive. “There have been past participants who have helped their own parents with Web sites and other computer programs!”—ME

When: The camp is held from June 12 through July 22, and students can choose which week they’d like to attend.

Cost: The price of the camp is $649 per day and $999 for an overnight stay.

Who: Visit www.internaldrive.com for more information.

University of North Florida
What: Neighbors of musicians often complain about loud music at all hours of the day and night—especially when those musicians are high-school or community-college students. Well, no one complains about that at UNF's Music Camp for Jazz and Concert Band. Students with one to two years of experience can audition for placement into the concert band or jazz ensemble upon arriving at the camp. They learn music theory, participate in master classes that are available for specific instruments, and partake in jazz ensembles. This very intensive four-day camp doesn’t leave much room for free time, but no one ever complains about missing out on swimming! In the evening, the camp instructors and guest artists put on recitals for the campers to enjoy.

Why: With the help of a busy schedule, this camp works to broaden experiences and engage campers in a life-long love for making music. "Our mission is to recruit students to UNF, have fun making music with an emphasis on jazz, and raise the bar for the students,” says Marc Dickman, director of UNF's music camp. “We don’t ask for audition tapes because we want the kids who can't play. Then they can come back the next year and use some of the things they learned and apply them."—EH

When: June 26 to 30; attendance is taken and students who miss an activity are subject to dismissal!

Cost: $475 for room, meals, and tuition

Who: Visit www.northflmusiccamps.com for more information.

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