Summer Programs Give Students A Look Into the Saint Mary's Experience

When looking for summer educational opportunities for her students, KeOne Carter came across the summer programming at Saint Mary’s College. She liked what she saw: the variety of camps, the opportunity for students to spend a week living on campus, and the mission of the Catholic women’s college. Upon her students' return and hearing the positive reviews she knew she made the right choice.

 

Saint Mary’s Summer Camps and Programs have been inspiring young girls to discover their potential for over 40 years. Whether that is allowing students to discover a career path, or exploring their independence, these summer programs unleash those potential opportunities that shape their future and foster personal growth. 

 

Carter is the CEO of SummerUp! A non-profit organization that connects students and young adults from the North Chicago and Lake County areas, to college and learning, camping, and paid internship experiences. When researching programming for her students and learning about the opportunities Saint Mary’s offers, a partnership quickly formed. 

 

“We've had such a great relationship with Saint Mary's,” Carter said. “We've been partnering with the College for quite a few years. Every time, our students feel welcome, included, and always empowered.”

 

Webstory photo 3.jpg

“Before I send my kids anywhere, I have to check out the campus,” she continued. “I have to feel connected to the people and make sure that it's safe, conducive for learning, conducive for building relationships, and so forth. And that's exactly what Saint Mary's represents.”

 

In 2024, Carter sent 10 of her students to various camps and institutes, including the Healthcare Institute, where students had the opportunity to practice medical techniques on working high-fidelity mannequins in the simulation lab. This year, she hopes to expand that number.  

 

Carter said: “My students now have a newfound desire to pursue higher education, the confidence to explore different majors, the courage to attend college away from home, and the leadership skills to navigate their paths as independent, forward-thinking individuals.”

 

Summer Up! receives funding from generous donors and supporters, helping to offset the cost of programming and providing students with access to experiences they might not otherwise have, Carter said. The students consistently share how transformative and enriching the experience is for them," she added. "That's why I continue to partner with Saint Mary's—I deeply appreciate the people and the meaningful college experiences they create for students“

 

 

Registration for the 2025 summer camps and programs has opened. Visit saintmarys.edu/camps. 

 

Performing & Visual Arts

  • Fischoff Chamber Music Summer Intensive
  • South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra
  • Fine Arts Camp 

 

Sports

  • Intermediate/Advanced Tennis Camp
  • Intermediate/Advanced Volleyball Camp
  • Sports Exploration Day Camp

 

College Credit

  • Business and Marketing Summer Institute
  • Forensic Science Summer Institute
  • Healthcare Summer Institute
  • Sustainable Living Summer Institute

 

Elementary Camps

  • Fine Arts Camp
  • Sports Exploration Day Camp

 

 

January 27, 2024

 

Back to Stories