For the fourth consecutive year, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) will hold C.A.M.P. at The Woods from June 7-14, 2026. C.A.M.P., Challenging Ambitions and Maximizing Potential, continues to be made possible by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, Indiana Youth Programs on Campus.
C.A.M.P. at The Woods is a one-week daily campus program at SMWC for rising high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors. Applications for C.A.M.P. at The Woods are now open and are due by March 2.
The program will be facilitated on the SMWC campus from June 7-14 as a day camp from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 7- 9. A discovery trip, that is completely covered by the grant funding, is planned for each session from June 10-13 with all sessions reconvening on campus on June 14.
There are four different course options for students who are admitted to the program. Each program can have up to 10 students. Each student who completes their C.A.M.P course will earn two college credits.
C.A.M.P. at The Woods participants will be selected and notified by March 6.
The registration fee is $250. The first payment of $100 is due March 27. The remaining $150 is due by May 1. This fee covers all activities, as well as breakfast and lunch daily. Scholarships are available.
The course options are:
- Discovery Travel – NU 150: Nurses of the Future is for students considering nursing as a profession and includes topics focused on the expansive role of the professional nurse, the history of nursing, nursing ethics, professional communication, career opportunities, the use of technology and basic nursing skills. Nursing Discovery Travel includes a New York City experience where students will visit Ellis Island to learn how nursing shaped immigration history, explore global health issues at the United Nations and engage in cultural immersion and Eastern medicinal practices in Chinatown.
- Discovery Travel – EQ 150: Introduction to Equine Industry introduces pre-college students to the world of equine studies. Equine Discovery Travel includes trips to Kentucky, where students participate in on-site visits to major equine industry venues, including Churchill Downs, Keeneland Racecourse, regional thoroughbred breeding farms and the Kentucky Horse Park to observe racing operations, breeding management and industry career pathways.
- Discovery Travel – GL 150: Leaders of Positive Change will allow students to explore global leadership, change management and digital marketing strategies as they create a project for positive change designed to make a difference within a community and beyond. Global Leadership Discovery Travel goes to Key Largo, Florida, where students will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit operations and responsible global leadership while working with the Coral Restoration Foundation to re-build coral reef, snorkel among coral nurseries and learn how global organizations can drive environmental change. Immerse yourself in Cuban culture at Little Havana and return home with real-world business skills to create positive impact in your local community.
- Discovery Travel – ED 150: Teachers of the Future introduces high school students to elementary teaching through designing hands-on STEM activities for kids while learning teaching strategies from building things to solving real problems as a team. Education Discovery Travel will explore Washington, D.C., where students learning to teach STEM to elementary school students will explore science-focused museums, kayak, and experience monuments on a dusk tour. This immersive trip combines hands-on outdoor activities with visits to educational institutions that will enhance their understanding of engaging ways to teach science to young learners.
Into C.A.M.P. at The Woods event will be held 5-6 p.m. Eastern Time, Feb. 19, in the Woods Student Center inside Rooney Library on the SMWC campus. This will be an opportunity for prospective participants and their families to learn more about each C.A.M.P. at The Woods offering and speak to the lead faculty.
“We look forward to continuing to welcome students to C.A.M.P. at The Woods, where each session offers fun and interactive experiential learning designed to cultivate a growth mindset,” said Kim LaComba, Ph.D., director of the Ph.D. in Global Leadership Program and associate professor of Global Leadership.
Register for C.A.M.P. at the Woods 2026
Apply for C.A.M.P. at the Woods 2026
To learn more about CA.M.P. at The Woods, visit https://www.smwc.edu/camp-at-the-woods-programs/ or contact CampAtTheWoods@smwc.edu