| ALUMNI & FRIENDS
NEWSLETTER |
| APRIL 2026 |
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| SF Discovery Academy ready for another big summer |
The University of Saint Francis Discovery Academy encourages alumni to sign their children up and help friends learn about the opportunities in a wide variety of Discovery Academy summer youth programs.
Anyone who would like to learn more is invited to join us for “Discover the Discovery Academy Day” on Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Achatz Hall of Science and John and Toni Murray Research Center on campus. This event will allow attendees to meet program leaders and instructors, participate in a youth-focused “camp,” learn about summer camp and see examples of past student projects. Register through the Saint Francis calendar.
This year’s “Camp Castaway” theme invites campers to explore their interests and talents through experiential learning, overcoming obstacles and discovering themselves. Campers will find an engaging summer designed to challenge curiosity and inspire confidence. Early registration is encouraged as space is limited. Scholarships and payment plans are available. Saint Francis Discovery Academy offers flexible pick-up times until 5 p.m. (for a small fee) for working parents.
Discovery Academy camps for 2026:
A Voyage to Your Career in Healthcare
Dates: June 9-10, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Ages: 9th through 12th grade
Cost: $60 (lunch provided)
Through hands-on clinical simulations and “island” survival scenarios, attendees will discover that a career in medicine isn’t just a job, it’s a purpose-driven voyage.
Business and Entrepreneurship Camp
Dates: June 15-18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: 8th through 12th grade
Cost: $250 (lunch provided)
From mastering the 4 P’s of Marketing to delivering a high-impact elevator pitch, this program blends creative design with hard-hitting business logic. Through the Camp Castaway theme, campers will develop a product for island survival, learning about markets, budgets and how to tell the story of “why” their business matters. Whether your camper is a budding designer or a future executive, they’ll leave with an addition to their professional portfolio and the knowledge to make their entrepreneurial dreams a success.
Wild Science Expedition Camp
Dates: June 22-26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: 6th through 10th grade
Cost: $300 (lunch provided)
This is more than a nature hike. It’s an immersive, weeklong field studies experience designed to help campers understand ecosystems, adapt to changing conditions and discover how life persists in even the most unfamiliar environments. There is a bonus overnight stay for 9th and 10th graders, where they’ll put their survival skills to the test.
Cougar College Camp
Dates: June 29-July 2, Monday, 9 a.m. to Thursday, 3 p.m.
Ages: 9th through 12th grade
Cost: $550 (all meals provided)
An all-new, immersive overnight experience designed to give students an authentic taste of college life. This unique program invites students to explore their interests, discover potential career paths and gain confidence as they begin thinking about their future. It includes hands-on “classes” and a taste of college life beyond the classroom.
Saint Francis Faire Camp
Dates: July 6-10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: 3rd through 6th grade
Cost: $300 (lunch provided)
Fleeing from the Black Plague, a small band of travelers set sail from Assisi, searching for a safe haven. Inspired by St. Francis’ courage during his own great voyage across the Mediterranean, these voyagers carry with them the heart of the medieval faire: music, craft, learning, and joyful community. Parents and community will be invited to a Faire showcase with a small performance and display of village goods.
Visual Art Summer Studio Experience
Dates: July 13-24, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Ages: 9th through 12th grade
Cost: $500
This immersive two-week program is tailored for students who are passionate about visual arts and aspire to pursue creative studies beyond high school. It’s ideal for those with basic artistic knowledge who are looking to develop their creative problem-solving skills and technical abilities. This camp does not incorporate the “Camp Castaway” theme.
Youth Summer Art Academy
Dates: July 13-24, 10 a.m. to noon; 1 to 3 p.m.
Ages: 1st through 8th grade
Cost: $125/weeklong class
This art program is the perfect way for students to explore their creativity and learn new skills. All materials are provided, and no previous experience is needed. Areas include 2D and 3D art. Week 1 includes drawing and printmaking; Week 2 includes painting and collage.
Game and Tech Camp
Dates: July 13-17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: 8th through 12th grade
Cost: $300 (lunch provided)
Campers will build their own adventure island-themed game through this introductory experience to Game Theory and Unity game engine. It is appropriate for beginners to intermediate aspiring game designers. Attendees will gain an understanding of how to build games (coding/design) and why people play them (game theory).
Animation, Film and Acting Camp
Dates: July 20-24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ages: 8th through 12th grade
Cost: $325 (lunch provided)
Campers will collaborate with peers to create a short film that uniquely combines live action and animation, reflecting the intersection of reality and imagination using our Camp Castaway theme. They will gain hands-on experience with professional software and equipment used by filmmakers and animators and end the week with a showcase of their finished film.
For more information, visit camps.sf.edu.
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