Summer Program Guide - 2024

By teens, for teens

2024

SUMMER PROGRAM GUIDE

Who will you become this summer?

PHOTO BY MOLLY WALSH, JUPITER, FL

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY YOUTH PROGRAMS

Available Courses:

*All programs vary in age, delivery, and cost. View BYU’s website to learn more information or each individual program.

Location: Provo, UT

*Program Delivery: Day, Overnight, Online

*Ages: 9 - 18

*Dates: June - August

Gender: Coed

Acceptance: Yes

*Cost: Varies

Categories: Theater, STEM, Business/Entrepreneurship, Dance, Music, Performance, Writing

Sub-Categories: College Experience, improv, acting, comedy, writing, business, STEM, music, performing, social media

Website: youth.byu.edu

Young Author’s Academy

Come spend the week with locally and nationally accredited authors, receive instruction and work directly with University English department faculty, and meet other young, aspiring writers such as yourself. During the week you will have the opportunity to speak with and get your books signed by visiting authors and illustrators, stay in campus housing, and sign up to take two unique writing electives tailored toward your writing interests. Provided electives are as follows:

• How To Kill Off Your Main Character: Learn how to make your stories interesting by discovering creative ways to have characters leave the stage. Join us for a fun and imaginative journey where we’ll explore different ways to say goodbye to our main characters in the most unforgettable and surprising ways!

• A World of Pure Imagination: Do you imagine knights and dragons, spaceship and far-off planets, the apocalypse, ghosts, or strange islands with magical properties? Get ready to invent a completely new world populated with creatures from your imagination! You’ll learn from science fiction and fantasy authors who’ve been successful in creating their own

unique universes through writing.

• Prose, Poetry, and the Senses: Dive into the playful world of poetry! This class is all about having fun with words, rhythms, and feelings. Join us to create awesome poems that dance off the page and learn how to make words feel like magic. Get ready for an adventure where your imagination takes the lead, and every word becomes a brushstroke in the masterpiece of your very own poem!

• Wizardly Magic: Board the train to learn analytical writing skills and have some magical fun! Learn to create different potions and write your very own spells. Develop your creativity, logic skills, critical thinking, and self-expression. Here you’ll learn to unleash your powers.

• Timeless Tales: Discover the magic of “Timeless Tales,” where ancient history and mythology become the fuel for your modern narratives. Learn to seamlessly weave the past into your stories, creating captivating and enduring tales that resonate across generations.

• Life Unplugged: Embark on a thrilling journey with the exploration of real-life adventures that are absolutely worth telling! Get ready to share your own incredible stories and learn the secrets of crafting stories that spark imagination, laughter, and amazement. Discover the joy of storytelling in a class that’s all about the magic of sharing adventures that will leave everyone inspired!

Young Entrepreneurs

Come spend a week with top entrepreneurs learning the nuts and bolts of what it takes to actually start a business. This camp is for innovators!

During the week you will attend CEO presentations, practice networking with professionals, learn useful business skills, implement a business idea, and present your unique business model. Presentation topics and business skills you will learn include mindset & goals, lean canvas, networking, idea validation, marketing, sales, finding your why, and pivoting in business.

Every participant will walk away with an easy-to-follow roadmap and all the skills to make a successful small business in 60 days after this camp.

In addition to becoming true entrepreneurs, you also get to enjoy fun activities like outdoor games, a BBQ dinner, an escape room, an outdoor movie and so much more!

Dance Camps

Discover the joy with BYU Dance Camps this summer! Exceptional faculty from BYU’s Department of Dance, along with world-renowned guest instructors, direct and teach our BYU Dance Camps. Check out our Website for more information on BYU Dance camps for Folk Dance, Contemporary, Singer/ Entertainers, Ballet, and Ballroom Dance.

Content Creators

If you are starting out with social media, creating short films with friends, or capturing the world in photos, then this camp will inspire and educate you as a creator. Hear from creative professionals and get an inside perspective.

The best way to learn is to do. Participate in hands-on projects to create content during the camp and then show it off in dailies and other camp events.

SummerFestival

Improve your musical skills with other young musicians from across the country in this six-day musical program! Live the college life on BYU’s campus, associate with others passionate about music, and receive valuable instruction from world-renowned BYU music faculty.

Participants attend concerts, recitals, dances, a barbecue, and other social activities. At the end of the week, you’ll show off your newly improved talents in multiple concerts for family and friends.

Musical experiences are available in band, orchestra, choral, and jazz ensembles, as well as chamber groups and solo performances.

Broadway Bootcamp

Have you heard this Tale as Old as Time? This summer, come help us share the enchanting story of Beauty and The Beast at BYU’s Broadway Bootcamp! This program will offer youth from ages 14-18 the chance to play a part in this timeless classic as they rehearse and perform a full show in only two weeks. Broadway Bootcamp is unique in the way that everyone gets a chance to play a part. Each named role will be played by several performers who switch off at scene changes. Directed by local and out-of-state theater professionals, this camp is a great opportunity for experienced and aspiring performers alike. The program also offers youth the chance to engage with their peers in a creative and spiritual environment on BYU campus. The two weeks will have movie nights, masterclasses, a talent show, and performances at the end of the week for family and friends. Come be a part of this theatrical experience!

Sketch Comedy

Do you love crackin’ jokes and making new friends? Join us this summer to learn how to write and perform amazing sketches at

BYU’s Sketch Comedy Workshop! This is a 2-week comedy intensive where youth 14-18 years old learn how to write and perform comedy! In the first week, we teach how to come up with comedy-rich topics and develop them into scripted sketches. In week two, we prepare and rehearse selected sketches from the material from week one to be performed at our end of workshop show: The Sketch Comedy Spectaculum! Not only will you learn a large variety of comedy techniques, but other great life skills! This camp will help you learn to work well with others, help you fight procrastination, think on your feet, and grow in your humility and confidence. The program also offers youth the chance to engage with their peers in a creative and spiritual environment on BYU campus. The two weeks will have movie nights, masterclasses, a talent show, and performances at the end of the week for family and friends. Come be a part of this fantastic experience!

STEM Camp

Excited about STEM? Ready to take your STEM learning to the next level? Come join us at BYU for a hands-on, immersive week of STEM projects and fun! During the week, you will be guided through a variety of STEM projects by BYU faculty and STEM students. You’ll have the opportunity to compete with your projects for amazing prizes and to push yourself further than you ever have in your creativity and innovative skills. Projects and activities will cover various science and engineering fields, such as biology and electrical and computer engineering.

During the week you will do real projects, like growing spider silk and building your own watch, all in top-class facilities and learning from top-class instructors. Additionally, the camp will be packed full of fun evening activities such as a BBQ, bowling tournament, outdoor games, and more!

BREAKWATER EXPEDITIONS

Location: Moab, Utah; Yellowstone National Park & Missouri River (Great Falls), Montana; San Juan Islands, Washington

Program Delivery:

In-person, Overnight, Multi-Day Age: 13 - 18

Gender: Coed

Dates:

Rivers & Rocks - June 27 - July 6

Boots & Paddles - July 8 -21

Ocean Odyssey - July 23-29 (Can attend more than one)

Session Lengths: 10 days, 14 days, 7 days (Combine two or all three expeditions to save)

Category: Business/Entrepreneurship, Career Exploration, Leadership, STEM, Writing, Performance, Outdoor Adventure

Cost: $2,250+

Website: www.breakwaterexp.com/teen

Program Overview:

Are you bored of the same old summer routine? Get onboard for adventure with Breakwater Expeditions’ Teen Trips! Explore breathtaking landscapes by canoe, sea kayak, or backpacking. Encounter wildlife, learn new skills, and make the most amazing memories. Don’t miss out on our 2024 teen adventures!

Program Descriptions:

Breakwater Expeditions invites you to embark on an extraordinary summer filled with adventure, growth, and unforgettable experiences! With three unique teen trips to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect journey to ignite your spirit of exploration and self-discovery.

River and Rocks, June 27 - July 6

Embark on a 10-day expedition that begins and ends in Salt Lake City, Utah. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking desert landscape as you paddle through the scenic Labyrinth Canyon on the Green River. Experience the thrill of canyoneering in Moab as you scramble through slots in the rocks and rappel down majestic cliffs. From navigating pristine waters to exploring desert formations up close, every moment is an adventure waiting to be discovered.

Boots and Paddle, July 8 - 21

Begin your 14-day adventure in Bozeman, Montana, and end in Missoula, Montana. Explore the untamed beauty of Yellowstone National Park through five days of backpacking off the beaten path. Encounter wildflowers, bison, and the haunting howls of coyotes at night. Transition to paddling along the Upper White Cliffs of the Missouri River, soaking in the beauty of the landscape and enjoying adrenaline-pumping white water rafting in Montana. Create memories that will last a lifetime as you celebrate the journey’s end.

Ocean Odyssey, July 23 - 29

Embark on a 7-day sea-kayaking adventure starting and ending in Seattle, Washington. Explore the enchanting San Juan Islands, paddling through crystal-clear ocean waters, and discover hidden coves. Encounter diverse marine life as you navigate this pristine archipelago, forging connections with nature and fellow adventurers alike. Immerse yourself in lushly forested islands as we camp onshore and witness breathtaking sunsets before gathering around the campfire for evening fun.

More Information

Each expedition promises a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and unforgettable memories. Our programming offers flexibility, creativity, and support tailored to the group’s needs. At Breakwater Expeditions, we value camaraderie, play, and inquisitiveness while exploring the unknown. Get ready to feel more confident, more aware, and more eager for outdoor adventures.

We offer these unique experiences as individual trips as well as linked together to provide a longer trip. Discounts apply for booking more than one of these trips. If you choose to do more than one, you will transition with the guide to the next destination at no extra charge.

All of our trips are all-inclusive, except for travel costs to and from the start/end of each trip. Note: if you are going on 2 or more Teen Trips, our guides will transport you to the next adventure.

We provide 2 qualified, medically trained guides to facilitate all of these experiences. Our guides have backgrounds in outdoor recreation, social work, wilderness therapy, coaching, guiding, and working with young people in a variety of settings.

Meals and snacks are provided throughout the trip and yes, we can accommodate special dietary needs. Gear is provided for all activities and camping. We provide a packing list so you come prepared with appropriate clothing and personal items.

These trips are co-ed and for ages 13 - 17 (18 if still in high school).

We travel in a 15-passenger van throughout our trip and are frequently pulling a trailer with gear and boats. The group will be camping the majority of the trip and we sleep in high-quality tents. Students share tents throughout the trip.

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA

EXPERIENCES IN ARCHITECTURE

Location: Washington, DC

Program Delivery: In-person, 9-5 core schedule with evening activities. Resident (in dorms) and commuter options available.

Age: Rising Juniors and Seniors

Gender: Coed

Dates: July 7 - July 20, 2024

Category: Career Exploration

Sub-Categories: Architecture

Cost: Commuter - $1,370 Resident - $2,570

Contact: Tonya Ohnstad, AIA Director ohnstad@cua.edu

Website: architecture.catholic.edu/ academics/pre-college/index. html

Program Overview:

The Experiences in Architecture (EiA) program at the Catholic University of America is a pre-college workshop for students interested in architecture or other design-related fields. Students are exposed to both the academic and professional sides of the architectural arena, as the city of Washington, D.C. becomes their classroom.

The Experiences in Architecture program will better prepare students for architecture school, giving students a head start, as well as acquainting them with campus life at the university level. Students who have participated in EiA’s summer workshop, or a similar pre-college program, are better prepared for success at the university level.

Student Testimonial:

“EiA gave me the opportunity to network with other architecture students, many of whom I’m still in contact with, although we ended up attending different universities. The program helped me confirm my choice to pursue architecture while dorming helped me discover that I was comfortable living far away from home. The broad range of projects - from digital software modeling to hand drafting, to research, presentations and model making - as well as firm tours around D.C. were my favorite aspects of the program. I also enjoyed getting a sneak peak of CUA’s teaching style since we got to meet the professors during EiA.” - Julia P.

MERCERSBURG ACADEMY

YOUNG WRITERS CAMP

Location: Mercersburg, PA

Program Delivery: Day, Overnight

Age: 11 - 16

Gender: Coed

Dates: June 30 - July 12, 2024

Session Length: Two weeks

Category: Academic, Writing

Cost:

$2,000, all inclusive

Contact: Peter Kallin kallinp@mercersburg.edu

Website: www.mercersburg.edu/ summer/programs/writingcamp

Program Overview:

Mornings at camp are dedicated to exploring specialty classes—such as fiction, poetry, and writing for the Internet—chosen by campers and taught by professional writers and teachers. Afternoons are open to thematic workshops and recreational activities, including rock climbing, swimming, whitewater rafting, and trips to the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., area. The camp culminates with a student reading of new works at our open mic night!

Program Description:

This year’s theme is Story Architects: Building Worlds, Crafting Characters, and Making Meaning. Build writing skills and unleash your creativity in a unique environment of like-minded individuals with a passion for writing. Explore the beauty of poetic style and the power of your own voice on paper. Language is at the core of life, and our campers learn new and liberating ways to express themselves through the written word.

Our instructors are teachers and working writers—people who understand the challenges of the writing process. Our teaching assistants, who live with the campers in the dormitory, are drawn from the college ranks and are often students who are majoring in writing. Featured presenters also add depth to our young writers’ experiences by working with them, sharing their published works, and providing a constructive audience to student endeavors.

Writing Camp culminates in the production of a print or digital literary magazine, where new works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry are published by campers. This impressive volume is a keepsake of the unique Writing Camp experience.

WHEATON PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS

Location: Norton, MA

Program Delivery: Day, Overnight

Age: 16 - 18 (rising juniors & seniors)

Gender: Coed

Dates: July 6 - August 2, 2024 (early arrival and late check-out options available)

Category: Academic, Art, Career Exploration, STEM, Writing

Sub-Categories: Environmental Science, Technology

Cost:

Residential - $5,727 (includes tuition, meals, & housing)

Commuter - $3,000 (includes tuition only)

Contact: Wheaton Office of Summer Programming precollege@wheatoncollege.edu

Website: wheatoncollege.edu/academics/ pre-college-programs/

Program Description:

Immerse yourself in Wheaton Pre-College Programs where your interests and ideas meet academic excellence. In this 4-week experience, you’ll collaborate with esteemed faculty experts and newfound friends in a variety of college-level courses and enjoy all the amenities of Wheaton’s beautiful and welcoming campus.

You will choose from 10 courses organized along interdisciplinary themes (see below) and access our extensive resources, including cutting-edge technology labs, studios and collegiate athletic facilities. Studies are balanced with college-life workshops, fun events and weekend trips. Your choices include credit and non-credit pathways, residential or commuter options and athletic tracks to meet your individual aspirations.

The program features two tracks—a Student Experience in which you can enroll in two courses, and an Athlete Experience in which you can choose one course plus training with NCAA coaches in fencing, swimming or strength & conditioning (with direct application to every sport).

Interdisciplinary Studies for 2024 (credit or non-credit)

• AI, Technology & Innovation Communicating Creatively

• Environmental Science in Action

• Justice, Law & Psychology

Nursing & Life Sciences

Life Beyond Classes

Connect with community

• College life workshops

• Trips and social activities

Program Highlights

• The opportunity to earn college credits, if desired

• Access to innovative research centers, labs and studios

College prep in a supportive environment

Workshops on study skills, time management, admissions essay writing and more

• Social activities, events and trips

Upon completion of the program you’ll receive a certificate and transcripts (with credit or noncredit options) toward your high school or undergraduate studies. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of your interests and how to be successful in college – along with new friends and connections!

An Interview with Wheaton Pre-College:

Teen Ink is excited to share an exclusive interview between Marian de Silva, a member of our Student Advisory Board, and Joy McLaughlin, the executive director of summer programming at Wheaton College.

In this interview, you’ll learn about courses offered, athletics, benefits for students, and more that Wheaton Pre-College has to offer!

How do Wheaton Pre-College Programs strike a balance between academic rigor and fostering social engagement, adaptability, and independence in its students?

Community is key! In class, students share ideas in a supportive atmosphere and outside of class our workshops foster personal growth through authentic conversations that remind students that they belong and their voice matters. We believe a strong community nurtures individual student development, whether academically or socially.

What specific strategies does Wheaton employ to provide a supportive environment for high school juniors and seniors, encouraging exploration across a diverse range of subjects from sociology to computer science and the visual arts?

First and foremost it’s about the faculty and their ability to meet students where they’re at. They not only challenge students to learn new concepts, but they’re also adept at understanding each student’s individual starting point (beginner to advanced) – helping to support their growth in the subject and in a college environment.

What principles drove Wheaton’s innovative blend of high-level athletic training in fencing and swimming, NCAA coaching, and workshops on nutrition, sports psychology, and personal branding for student-athletes in their Pre-College Programs?

Wheaton believes in educating the whole student and sees athletics—the habits and lessons that athletics can offer students—as complementary to academic pursuits. Through NCAA coaching standards, participants receive top-notch training that aligns with collegiate-level expectations to enhance their athletic abilities and/or prepare them for future athletic pursuits at the collegiate level.

Could Wheaton Pre-College Programs be considered conducive to nurturing unique academic pathways for each participant by enabling the mixing and matching of subjects across arts, sciences, and social sciences, catering to individual interests?

Absolutely! We’re all about fostering your unique academic journey. You can mix and match subjects to create a personalized curriculum that aligns with your interests and curiosity. Of course, if you are already certain about your academic plans for college, you can immerse yourself in a subject area, by choosing the recommended co-course.

In cultivating a well-rounded developmental experience, how does Wheaton’s residential program, overseen by student life professionals, establish a safe and inclusive environment for high school students?

At Wheaton College, we celebrate the diversity of our students, which enriches our community. At Pre-College, students are housed in Pine Hall (our Freshman Wellness Community housing), which offers air-conditioned rooms and shared common areas that serve as social hubs for students to connect and build friendships. Practical living and relationship skills are fostered by Residential Advisors who provide mentorship and help students acclimate to a new environment and navigate roommate dynamics. Our strong commitment to safety and inclusivity empowers students to make the most of their residential experience.

How does Wheaton’s Pre-College Program balance diverse student interests with academic excellence through its mix of academic engagement and practical experiences?

All our classes combine study and discussion with hands-on experiences because it’s the most impactful approach to learning. Whether working at the keyboard (laptop or Midi), in the Nursing lab using our patient VR

system or at the Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary collecting samples, our experiential learning provides practical engagement that can translate into future opportunities.

What distinguishes the Athlete Experience track from the Student Experience track in Wheaton’s program? How does this dual-track system contribute to a more personalized and fulfilling learning journey for participants?

Our distinctive Athlete Experience mirrors the life of a college athlete, combining sports training with academic studies. Students learn to balance their athletic commitments with their academic pursuits. In contrast, our Student Experience allows students to choose two courses, which can be related or entirely different subjects, similar to the course selection process in college. Both pathways offer an authentic college experience and are tailored to provide a customized journey for each participant.

In what ways does Wheaton’s Pre-College Program go beyond classroom learning to provide students with practical life skills and community engagement opportunities, preparing them for success beyond academia?

Each Monday, students come together for College-Life workshops that build community, learn optimal study habits and promote well-being. Weeknight activities, access to game rooms and athletic facilities, hanging out on the “Dimple” and weekend trips remind students that relaxation, fun and connecting with others are essential elements for a balanced and successful life.

Within the Interdisciplinary Studies for 2024, how does Wheaton foster an environment that encourages cross-disciplinary exploration while ensuring depth and relevance in each subject area?

Our courses not only introduce the subject, but also expose students to various pathways for future learning and careers, enabling them to make new connections within their interests and discover new possibilities. Our faculty help students unpack their multiplicity of interests and hone in on a particular area to explore - fostering a rich and multifaceted learning experience.

Could you detail the tangible benefits students can expect upon completing Wheaton’s Pre-College Programs, particularly how the earned certificates and transcripts contribute to their academic advancement and personal growth?

The Certificates of Completion and Official Transcripts are valuable credentials that can strengthen college applications, showcasing a dedication to academic and athletic excellence. These credentials offer a competitive advantage when applying to colleges or pursuing professional opportunities. Students who choose to pursue the Wheaton course credit option can earn college credit that may count toward their undergraduate degree. Additionally, the knowledge and skills acquired during the programs foster personal growth, develop critical thinking, a deeper subject understanding, and enhanced self-confidence.

Finally, you’ll get a better sense of what you want to do (or don’t want to do) and learn more about your strengths and areas for growth as you prepare for college. Wheaton Pre-College is your learning ground for academic and personal success both now and in the future – guiding you towards choices that align with your best interest!

PROGRAMS BY FOCUS

CREATIVE WRITING

Brigham Young, 5

Wheaton Pre-college, 10

Mercersburg Academy, 9

PERFORMING ARTS

Brigham Young, 5

BUSINESS

Brigham Young, 5

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

Brigham Young, 5

Breakwater Expeditions, 7

Wheaton Pre-college, 10

MEDICAL

Wheaton Pre-college, 10

LAW

Wheaton Pre-college, 10

ARCHITECTURE

The Catholic University of America, 8

PSYCHOLOGY

Wheaton Pre-college, 10

Catholic University of America Experiences in Architecture

Brigham Young University Youth Programs

Pre-College Programs

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor: Kylie Andrews

Consulting Senior Editor: Cindy W. Spertner

Consulting Editor: Jada Smith

Sales Account Executive: Sara Shuford

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PHOTO BY MEILUN WANG, BEIJING, CHINA