A Summer at Saint Mary’s: 2025 Summer Camps Recap

 

After two quiet weeks, more students returned for two weeks of Pre-College Programs. When they arrived,  students were able to live life as a Belle, experiencing all that Saint Mary’s has to offer: living in the dorm, having roommates, eating in the dining hall, exploring the campus, and learning from professors and directors. Whether it was Forensics, Healthcare, Business and Marketing, or Sustainable Living, the weeks were action-packed, filled with hands-on, in-depth learning. 

 

Iris Estrada from Crown Point, Indiana, attended the Business and Marketing Summer Institute. Before coming to campus, she was impressed that what she saw in the marketing materials was all available to her on campus. "In all the photos I saw, they were having so much fun,” she said. “Once I got here, it was so hands-on. I love the Spark Lab, and I love how many resources they have to offer." 

 

Throughout the week, participants took field trips off campus into the greater South Bend community. Forensics visited the South Bend Police Department to tour their forensics unit. The Sustainable Living Summer Institute went to Unity Gardens, and the Healthcare Institute went to Memorial Hospital, and even had the chance to board a medihelicopter.

 

Program organizers—the staff, directors, and professors— are passionate about building a summer program curriculum that engages students. Forensics participant Daphne Reeves, from St. Louis, Missouri,  agrees.“We're working with Dr. Susan Skube, and she's the most amazing person. She's super sweet,” she said.  “Everyone who taught us about crime-solving was so excited to do so. They had a love for their career in forensics. Having staff who genuinely enjoy what they do and why they do it makes a world of difference, and this summer at Saint Mary’s was full of that.”

Every busy day ended in fun. Campers enjoyed a silent disco, s’mores and karaoke, open gym night, and of course, the iconic last night: party on The Island. These events gave campers more opportunities to bond with each other and build memories that will last a lifetime. 

 

“My friends and I have spent time sitting on The Island having such great conversations about faith and friendships. It's just been such an incredible community of girls to get to know," said Nola Gross, a camper from Wheaton, Illinois, who took part in the Healthcare Program. Many students expressed how excited they were to come back next year and try a different camp. Other students, especially those beginning their senior year,  expressed their excitement about applying to Saint Mary’s.

 

Lucy Roberson from South Bend, Indiana, who participated in the Sustainable Living Summer Institute, noted how at peace she felt stepping foot onto Saint Mary’s grounds: “I immediately noticed the community. Every single person I've talked to has said that their favorite part is the sisterhood, which I think is very beautiful. I value that, and I'm always looking for a good sisterhood and a good community to find. And it's just a gorgeous campus, too.”

 

Click here to watch a recap of all the summer fun in action!

 

August 15, 2025