Discover your voice. Build your case. Shape your future. 
Spend a week at Saint Mary’s College exploring the world of community organizing, politics, and leadership through our Dialogue and Democracy Summer Institute—a residential program for high school girls who want to lead change and constructively use their voice for good.
Ever wonder what it takes to argue a case, influence a policy, or change the conversation? At Dialogue and Democracy, you’ll learn how to use your voice to make things happen. Campers will learn the building blocks for constructive dialogue, develop skills for effective communication, and practice exercising these skills with peers and members of the local community. Campers will also get a taste of what a career in politics and community leadership is like.
During the week, campers will work closely with Saint Mary’s students and professors as they develop and refine their dialogue skills, engage in hands-on learning, and build relationships with peers. Campers will also experience what campus life is like at Saint Mary’s College as they sleep in dorms, eat in the dining hall, and attend sessions in campus classrooms.
Throughout the week, campers will:
- Practice navigating constructive dialogue with others who have differing opinions.
- Develop skills necessary to be an active participant in democracy.
- Learn more about career paths associated with social change.
- Connect with local women who run non-profit organizations and businesses that use their voice for change every day
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive one hour of elective college credit from Saint Mary's College.
2026 Camp Information
This residential program for girls entering grades 9-12 as of September 2026:
Dates: July 12-17
Cost: $799
Scholarships Available
Questions?
Call: (574) 284-4778
Email: camps@saintmarys.edu
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