A Campus Transformation for the Ages – All of Them
Camps Bring Learning, Fun and Laughter to Lynn Year After Year
By Dr. Timea Varga, Faculty Advisor, iPulse, with contributing authors Katie Zivley and Connor Markey, Co-Editors-in-Chief
Each summer, Lynn University’s campus transforms from being a home to university students to a summer camp destination filled with educational and pass-time opportunities for children of all ages.
Founded in 1978 by Mrs. Helen Ross and Sue Merrill, Pine Tree Camps welcomes its young visitors to Lynn University’s campus with day programs and overnight camps year after year. Free for Lynn employees, a typical day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with drop-off as early as 8 a.m. for no additional charge, with after-camp programs also available until 5:30 p.m. All Pine Tree programs include a hot lunch on campus and instructional swim lessons daily. In the day camp, each group is led by two to three counselors many of whom are current university students or teachers, with highest evaluations through a counselor apprentice program and rigorous, week-long on-site staff training prior to the children’s arrival.
“Pine Tree Camps was started so that the staff and faculty at the College of Boca Raton (later Lynn University) could have their children busy during the summer months so that they could continue to work toward making the college a great place to attend,” said former camp director, Diane DiCerbo.
Pine Tree Camps overnight program Kampus Kampers runs Monday thru Friday sleepover camp, with campers returning home on weekends. With many Lynn students and international students as summer camp counselors, campers can experience all the fun and adventure of an overnight camp, including campfires, zany sports, cookouts, group games, and pool parties in the Florida heat. While the children have fun, parents and caregivers enjoy the security of knowing their children are safe and taken care of. Camp counselors, who must be at least 19 years old, completed one year of college, and have experience caring for children.
Comprised of 3, 3-week sessions, Pine Tree Camps awaits attendees during Session 1 from May 30 to June 16, Session 2 from June 19 to July 7 and Session 3 from July 10 and July 28, 2023.
This summer, Lynn plans to open its doors to 14 to 19 year old crowd for its College of Communication and Design Summer Camp. Campers are introduced to the latest market driven technology for animators, artists, film makers, and content creators taught by Lynn professors. Creating realistic 3D environments in Unreal 5 on an LED Volume Wall, learning about applications including Unreal Engine 5, Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Arrow and Adobe Express and experimenting with character design using Unreal 5 and Maya are just a few highlighted activities to immerse participants in the world of communication and design.
Concluded by a parent reception and student showcase held on Friday, June 16, the camp is an excellent opportunity for skills building and exploration. The cost of $750 for registrants covers lunch, with the camp open to children of Lynn employees at a significantly discounted price.
Transforming the look and dynamics of campus events and activities, Lynn summer camps are family-oriented and remain representative of the university’s commitment to building wholesome students, professionals and better communities.
