Experiential Camps on a College Campus
Next Wave Camps at Mitchell College offer engaging summer experiences designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in young learners. Hosted on Mitchell’s scenic campus, these camps combine hands-on learning, active exploration, and mentorship in a supportive college environment.
Each camp is designed to introduce students to new interests and future possibilities through structured daily programming that balances skill-building, teamwork, and fun. Campers participate in interactive sessions led by Mitchell College staff, student mentors, and community professionals who bring real-world knowledge and enthusiasm to each experience.
Whether exploring STEM and healthcare careers, developing athletic skills, or expressing creativity through the arts, Next Wave Camps encourage students to discover their passions while building friendships and confidence along the way.
With small group experiences, engaging activities, and opportunities to learn from mentors and local professionals, Next Wave Camps provide a dynamic summer experience where curiosity leads the way.
Next Wave camps are designed for learning as well as fun, allowing campers to enjoy their summer and keep stimulated during the long academic break.
Healthcare Academy Rising
Healthcare Academy Rising at Mitchell College introduces middle school students to the exciting world of STEM and healthcare careers through hands-on exploration and active learning. Campers spend their mornings engaging in science-based experiments, interactive investigations, and problem-solving activities that connect real-world health topics to careers in medicine, research, and public health. Afternoons focus on movement, teamwork, and fun through outdoor games, recreation, dance, and other physical activities.
This program offers flexible enrollment options — students may register for one week or both weeks for a full two-week experience. Each week features a theme that guides learning and discovery:
Weekly Themes
Week 1 Theme: Inside the Human Body
Explore how the body works by learning about organs, body systems, and the science that keeps us healthy.
Week 2 Theme: Medical Detectives
Investigate health mysteries, learn how doctors diagnose illness, and explore the role of science in solving medical problems.
Camp Highlights
- Hands-on STEM experiments and science exploration
- Introduction to healthcare and medical careers
- Mentorship from Mitchell College students and educators
- Interactive team-based challenges and investigations
- Daily outdoor recreation and movement activities
- Opportunities to build curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking
Healthcare Academy Rising encourages young learners to ask questions, explore science, and discover how healthcare professionals make a difference in the world.
All Sports Camp
Mitchell College’s All Sports Camp offers an energetic and engaging experience for young athletes who want to stay active, build skills, and try a variety of sports in a supportive and fun environment. Campers will rotate through multiple sports each day while developing fundamental athletic skills, teamwork, and confidence.
Led by experienced coaches and mentors, the camp emphasizes skill development, sportsmanship, fitness, and personal growth. In addition to daily sports training and friendly competitions, campers will participate in wellness sessions focused on stress relief, recovery, and maintaining a healthy mindset as an athlete. Activities take place across Mitchell College’s athletic fields and recreational spaces, giving campers the opportunity to train in a true college athletic environment.
A unique feature of this 2-week program is the daily college prep session, where campers learn about goal setting, leadership, and what it takes to be a successful student-athlete.
Sample Sports Rotations May Include:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Lacrosse
- Flag Football
- Pickleball
- Track & Field Challenges
- Fitness and Agility Training
Camp Highlights
- Daily rotation through multiple sports and skill sessions
- Team challenges and friendly competitions
- Focus on fitness, conditioning, and recovery
- Stress-relief and wellness activities
- College preparation and leadership sessions
- Coaching and mentorship from Mitchell College athletes and staff
All Sports Camp is designed to help campers grow as athletes, teammates, and leaders while enjoying an exciting summer experience on campus.
General Arts Camp
Mitchell College’s General Arts Camp invites young creatives to explore, experiment, and express themselves through a wide variety of artistic experiences. Campers will engage in hands-on art sessions that introduce different creative forms while building confidence, imagination, and collaboration skills.
Each day features rotating art blocks where students explore disciplines such as painting, dance, theater, improv, speech, and arts and crafts. Campers will also have opportunities to learn from local artists and performers who share their craft and inspire students to try new forms of expression.
Afternoon sessions encourage collaboration as campers work together on creative projects and activities that may culminate in informal showcases of their work.
In addition to creative exploration, the camp includes stress-relief workshops and college prep sessions that introduce concepts like confidence in public speaking, teamwork, and creative leadership.
Creative Experiences May Include:
- Painting and visual arts
- Dance and movement
- Theater and improvisation
- Arts and crafts projects
- Speech and creative expression
- Guest workshops with local artists and performers
Camp Highlights
- Rotating hands-on art experiences
- Opportunities for creative collaboration and performance
- Guest artists sharing professional perspectives
- Stress-relief and mindfulness workshops
- College preparation and confidence-building sessions
- Supportive mentorship from Mitchell College students and educators
General Arts Camp provides a welcoming environment where campers can explore their creativity, discover new talents, and build confidence while enjoying a fun and inspiring summer experience.
Camp Dates
Healthcare Academy Rising
Camper Ages: 6th, 7th, 8th graders
Week 1 Option: July 6–10
Week 2 Option: July 13–17
2-Week Option: July 6–17
All Sports Camp
Camper Ages: 11–16
Week 1 Option: July 13–17
Week 2 Option: July 20–24
2-Week Option: July 13–24
General Arts Camp
Camper Ages: 11–16
Week 1 Option: July 27–31
Week 2 Option: Aug 3–7
2-Week Option: July 27–Aug 7
Fees and Hours
Camp Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:00am–3:00pm
Friday (half day): 9:00am–12:30pm
Aftercare Hours
Monday–Thursday: 3:00–5:00pm
Friday (half day): No aftercare
Camp Fees*
One Week: $225
Two Weeks: $400 ($50 discount)
NOTE: Partial scholarships are available for the Healthcare Academy Rising camp through grant funding.
Aftercare Fees
Weekly Fee: $100 ($25/day, 4 days; no aftercare on Fridays)
*Transportation and food are not not provided; kids can bring their own lunch.
Registration Deadline
10 days before the start of the camp for which you are registering.
Refund Policy
- Full refund minus $25 cancellation fee (per camp) through May 31
- No refund after June 1
Attending camp on a college campus offers an exciting opportunity for
kids to experience what campus life feels like.
Camp Staff
Alicia Martinez, Ed.D., M.S.O.L.
Camp Director
Vice Provost for Student Success and Innovation; Dean of Student Experience and Belonging
Duques Center
860-701-7708
Jill A. Engel-Hellman, M.Ed.
Associate Camp Director
Assistant Dean for Student Life; Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct
Duques Center 211
860-701-5045
engelhellman_j@mitchell.edu
Isabel Foley
Lead Camp Counselor
Megan Swanson
Administrative Assistant
Gary Jost
Director of First Aid
Camp Options & Dates
Healthcare Academy Rising
Camper Ages: 6th, 7th, 8th graders
Week 1 Option: July 6–10
Week 2 Option: July 13–17
2-Week Option: July 6–17
All Sports Camp
Camper Ages: 11–16
Week 1 Option: July 13–17
Week 2 Option: July 20–24
2-Week Option: July 13–24
General Arts Camp
Camper Ages: 11–16
Week 1 Option: July 27–31
Week 2 Option: August 3–7
2-Week Option: July 27–August 7
