April 20, 2023

VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University’s community is excited about the return of its summer camps and community enrichment activities after they were canceled or limited last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The University's summer events cater to students of all ages and backgrounds, providing opportunities for personal growth and learning.

VU offers a variety of summer programs, including sports camps, STEM academies, surveying technology camps, science lab days, and more. These extraordinary events provide possibilities for all and often reach underserved populations.

"We believe that education and personal growth should be available to everyone, and that's why we offer a diverse range of summer camps and community events," VU Director of University Events and Special Projects Laura Carie said. "Our goal is to provide opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, grow, and connect with others in our community."

Scarlett Hopkins of Fort Branch was among the students who spent a week living on the Vincennes Campus and experiencing the flavor of college life during the 2022 STEM Summer Academy. Hopkins and other campers participated in unique activities and hands-on projects like crafting a mechanical hand using everyday materials and conducting field studies of insect population diversity. 

“It's a really good opportunity and once-in-a-lifetime experience that every teenager should take,” Hopkins said. “You won't regret it. I was shy and scared at first. After experiencing how the camp was and how accepting everyone was it made me feel a lot better. Even better it helped me get some college credits. You get to learn so much about careers, create projects, and interact with people from either the area or hours away. You'll cry when you leave with the best memories ever. So don't hesitate. Sign up, experience it, and have fun!”

VU camps and programs offer exciting activities like creating and editing original music during a music production course, programming a collaborative robot or 'cobot' to stack candies, or practicing medical procedures on a simulation manikin.

VU summer events are a staple in Knox County and beyond, bringing people together and stimulating the local economy. 

City of Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum emphasized the positive impact of the events on the community, stating that they "provide first-class learning opportunities and bring people together of all ages and stages."

VU has a long-standing reputation for its dedication to providing affordable and high-quality education to students from all backgrounds. The events provide avenues for the University to showcase its commitment to serving others and communities throughout Indiana. They are perfect avenues to engage with VU students, faculty, staff, and future Trailblazers.

According to VU President Dr. Chuck Johnson, "Vincennes University is committed to serving the community, and our summer camps and community events are just one way we can give back. We believe that education is a powerful tool, and we're proud to offer these programs to members of the community."

VU’s summer programs are open at no cost or low cost. Information about various camps and academies is on the University's website at www.vinu.edu/summer-camps. 

Summer camps and enrichment programs are more important than ever as people distance themselves further from the pandemic. The University hopes these events will provide chances of a lifetime for self-development and community connection.

Explore VU’s camps and enrichment programs by clicking HERE 

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