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Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

A high school student works on a project during the First Ascent program at Mount St. Mary's University. (Courtesy Mount St. Mary's)

Summer camps combine academics with fun for a glimpse of Catholic colleges


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Special to the Catholic Review Filed Under: Colleges, Feature, Local News, News, Schools, Uncategorized

For 50 high-achieving high school students, the First Ascent program at Mount St. Mary’s University last summer was more than just a week on the Emmitsburg campus. It was a glimpse into college life, complete with academics, community building and personal growth.

“Last year was our first year, and it was maybe the most exhausting and fulfilling week of my professional life,” said program organizer Bryan J. Zygmont, professor of art history and dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “It was truly special to see students embrace the experience.”

The program, set to run again from June 22 to June 27, aims to give students the Mount St. Mary’s liberal arts experience in a single week. Participants attend classes led by faculty in the mornings and engage in co-curricular and spiritually formative activities in the afternoons.

Mount St. Mary’s chaplain Father Justin Gough speaks to students at last summer’s First Ascent Program. (Courtesy Mount St. Mary’s University)

“We gave them a tapas of college life – small bites of many things,” Zygmont explained. “We wanted them to leave with a sense of what being a Mount St. Mary’s student feels like.”

Faculty members from various disciplines, including philosophy, theology and English, led the academic sessions. Students rotated through classes, experiencing discussions on topics such as religious architecture and Catholic literary analysis. The small group sizes mimicked college-level seminars.

“Our faculty met the students where they were,” Zygmont said. “Though we’re used to teaching college students, we adapted our content to challenge these high schoolers while making it accessible.”

Alexa M. Levick, 18, from Waynesboro, Pa., was one such student. “First Ascent was an amazing opportunity to get on campus and experience a glimpse of college life firsthand,” said Levick, who graduated from Waynesboro Area Senior High School in 2024 and is now committed to Mount St. Mary’s.

“The professors were extremely knowledgeable and made the classes enjoyable,” Levick added. “Their passion for the Mount community and the subjects they discussed was inspiring.”

Afternoons included visits to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes and the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, offering students moments for reflection and spiritual growth.

“As a Catholic, it was awesome to attend a camp with a Catholic emphasis and deepen my faith,” Levick said. “I found this through daily Mass, campus ministry lessons, personal reflection and visiting the shrines.”

Beyond academics, the program focused on building relationships. Many participants arrived knowing no one, but left with lasting friendships.

“It was fun to stay on a college campus that I could see myself at,” Levick said. “One of my favorite memories was playing volleyball with these newfound friends on a late summer night. I formed so many genuine friendships and still keep in touch with many of them.”

Participation in the program costs $700, covering dormitory accommodations, meals, materials and activities. However, Zygmont is working to secure additional funding to make the program more accessible.

“I’d love the cost not to be a barrier for any student,” Zygmont said.

While the inaugural program hosted 50 students, Zygmont hopes to expand its reach. “If we can support more students on campus, I’d be delighted,” he said.

Loyola University Maryland and Notre Dame of Maryland University, both in Baltimore, offer a robust array of summer programs designed to inspire, educate and engage students from preschool through high school. Those initiatives aim to nurture young minds through hands-on learning, creativity and leadership development.

Loyola is considering developing a high school-specific program to complement its existing offerings for younger age groups.

“Creating programs tailored to older students would build on our foundation of experiential learning and prepare them for future academic and career success,” said Ashly Fishell-Shaffer of Loyola’s Event Services.

Loyola currently provides diverse options for children and teens, including:

Science Guys of Baltimore Camp (ages 5-12): Combining fun and learning, this camp features experiments, science games and relationship-building activities.

Steve and Kate’s Camps (ages 4-12): A flexible, family-friendly program where children choose activities such as sewing, stop-motion animation, coding, sports, crafts, water play and baking. Families can attend as little as one day or for the entire summer, with no reservations required. Camp runs June 17-Aug. 16.

Play By Play Sports Broadcasting Camp (ages 10-18): This camp equips participants with skills in public speaking, reporting, editing, social media and entrepreneurship as they learn to cover professional and college sports, including the NBA, MLB and e-sports.

Reading and Writing Skills Program (ages 4 through adults): Hosted by Loyola’s School of Education, this program strengthens literacy and writing capabilities for all age groups.

“Loyola University of Maryland is right in their backyard and it’s an unbelievable institution rooted in Jesuit values that prepare students to be citizens of the world,” Fishell-Shaffer said.

Notre Dame of Maryland University offers dynamic camps for students ages 2 to 18, with programs highlighting arts, STEM and career exploration. Visit the website for the latest updates, but one upcoming program is:

Pharmacy Summer Camp (Grades 9-12, June 23-27): High school students can explore exciting career opportunities in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences through this immersive camp. Led by NDMU’s School of Pharmacy faculty, participants will engage in hands-on activities such as creating medications in the lab, learning about medication therapy management and gaining insights into various pharmacy careers.

For more information on Mount St. Mary’s University’s First Ascent program, email b.j.zygmont@msmary.edu

For more information on Loyola University Maryland’s camps, visit tinyurl.com/loyola-2025-camp

For more information on Notre Dame of Maryland University’s camps, visit tinyurl.com/ndmu-2025-camp

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