The university hopes to keep the learning going from June through August to help youth learn new skills (and have fun) while school is out for summer break.

From robotics to science research, and from ballroom dancing to theater, students will enjoy hands-on learning experiences in the university’s academic summer camps led by Saint Leo faculty. University staff will lead the sports camps which include a recreation camp for youngsters and basketball camps for boys and girls. Swim classes also are available. All camps are offered on campus at 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo, FL 33574. Prices vary per camp. Registration for each camp can be found at saintleocamps.com.

New Offerings

High school juniors and seniors who are interested in science, especially biology and biomedical sciences will have the opportunity to do real research at Saint Leo’s Microbe Hunters Summer Camps. Led by Dr. Iain Duffy, associate professor of biology, Microbe Hunters Summer Camps offer the chance to make medical discoveries. Campers will hunt for viruses that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria [safe, noninfectious to humans], Duffy said. “You might even discover a new bacteriophage never seen before and get the chance to give it an official name! Your discovery will be featured on a webpage for all to see.”

Microbe Hunters camps are weeklong camps that will take place 9 a.m. -3 p.m., June 2-6; June 9-13; June 16-20; and June 23-27. Students may attend one or all camps. Registration is available at https://microbehunterssummercamp.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

For those who love the arts, Saint Leo will offer dance and theater camps. Ballroom Dance Camp will be led by Dr. Sergiy I. Borysov, professional ballroom dancer and associate professor of biology. These camps are for ages 8 to 16, and are designed to boost self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression. “Your child will learn the rhythms, movements, and styles of all major ballroom dances, from salsa and jive to waltz and tango,” Borysov said.

Ballroom Dance Camp will take place 3-5 p.m., June 2-6; June 9-13; June 23-27; July 7-11; July 21-25; July 28-August 1; and August 4-8. Registration is available at https://saintleodance.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

High school seniors are invited to Black Box Players: Theater Camp, which will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 7-18. Students will perform "Tails of the Secret Peacock," an original play written by the director of the camp, Lynn Kilbride. Campers can choose to participate in acting, sound, makeup, costume, props, house management, and stage management. No experience is necessary. There will be a performance on the last day of camp.Registration can be found at https://saintleotheater.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

Returning Favorite Camps

Saint Leo again will host robotics camps, having first offered the camps in 2015. Robotics summer camps are aimed at different student-groups and always are popular. “These camps will help students appreciate the growing field of robotics, engage in STEM [science technology, engineering, and math] learning, build friendships, as well as learn to work in teams, among other things,” said Dr. Monika Kiss, who conducts Saint Leo’s robotics camps. Kiss is a professor of mathematics and chair of the Mathematics Department for the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science (CARDS).

Girls Can! Robotics Camp returns for middle school girls and will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 2-6. “It is important for them to see that women are doing math and programming and engineering,” Kiss noted.

Co-ed Robotics Camp will be held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 9-13, for middle-school students. Campers will explore building, programming, and working with like-minded students.

Cyber-Bot Programming Camp will be offered for high school students 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 16-20. While Saint Leo previously hosted robotics camps for high school students, this is the first time the camp will use the Parallax platform. This hands-on camp will foster creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Campers will use the Parallax robotics platform to build and program versatile robots and gain insights into mechanics, electronics, and sensor integration. 

Returning favorite sports and recreation camps include co-ed basketball and Little Lions Day Camp. Registration can be found at https://saintleorobotics.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

Hosted by the men’s basketball program, these camps offer not only time for youngsters to practice their basketball skills and get some exercise, but also a chance to experience the university. “Camps are a great way to show the community how special Saint Leo is and what our program is all about,” said Spencer Henke, men’s basketball coach.

Basketball Summer Day Camp Session 1 will be offered 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 2-5, for girls and boys from second grade through 12th grade. Students may sign up for morning, afternoon, or both camps.

Basketball Summer Day Camp Session 2 will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 28-32, for girls and boys from second grade through 12th grade. Students may sign up for morning, afternoon, or both camps.

Registration for the basketball camps can be found at https://saintleomensbasketball.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

For a day camp experience that is co-ed, “kid”-centered, fun-based, and keeps the youngsters moving, Saint Leo offers its Little Lions Camp for ages 5-13. Programming features an ever-changing combination of classic physical education games, backyard favorites, sports, pool time, arts and crafts, and special activities and surprises.

Little Lions Day Camp will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 16-19, and July 14-17. Registration for the Little Lions Day Camps can be found at https://saintleorecreation.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

In addition, Saint Leo University’s Wellness Center hosts Lions Swim School during the summer. Classes will be offered May 5-July 31 at varying times for different age groups. Find out more at wellness.saintleo.edu.

For More Information

More details can be found at saintleocamps.com. Contact carrie.fidurko@saintleo.edu or call (352) 588-7327.