Dakota Dreams Career Exploration Summer Camps

CALLING SOUTH DAKOTA MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Students who will enter the 7th and 8th grade in fall 2023, will have an opportunity to participate in free five-day career exploration camps this summer. Hosted on South Dakota college campuses, these camps will expose students to various career paths through fun, engaging and hands-on learning. Throughout the week, campers will spend time on university and technical college campuses and visit area businesses to see careers in action. By the end of camp, students will have a better understanding of themselves, their career interests and how their education prepares them for professions.


2023 SUMMER CAMP DATES & LOCATIONS

June 18-22, 2023 | University of South Dakota + Southeast Technical College

June 25-29, 2023 | Black Hills State University + South Dakota Mines + Western Dakota Technical College

July 9-13, 2023 | Black Hills State University + South Dakota Mines + Western Dakota Technical College

July 9-13, 2023 | South Dakota State University + Lake Area Technical College

July 9-13, 2023 | Northern State University + Lake Area Technical College

July 9-13, 2023 | Dakota State University + Mitchell Technical College

2023 SUMMER CAMPS UPDATE

Acceptance and Waitlist notifications have been sent to all 2023 camp applicants via email (sender: Our Dakota Dreams). For those on the waitlist, we will reach out if a spot becomes available.  

CURRENT APPLICATION WINDOW IS NOW CLOSED.

The deadline for this years camps has passed, but stay tuned for details on next years camps!

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WHAT TO EXPECT

Campers will experience:

- Career paths through hands-on learning.

- Three full days on a university campus.

- A day trip to an area technical college.

- Tours of area businesses and industry leaders.

- Transportation to and from off-campus field trip sites.

- On-campus housing (four nights) in a university residential hall.

- Campus dining facilities (all meals, snacks and drinks included).

- Evening recreational and social activities.

- 24/7 counselor supervision.

 

Sample Camp Schedule

Arrive at Noon – Check-in
Parents Luncheon – Overview of Program, Schedule, and Activities
Student Lunch, Ice Breaker Activity
Career Pathway Session
Career Pathway Session
Dinner
Recreational and Social Activities
Breakfast
Career Pathway Session
Career Pathway Session
Lunch
Business/Industry Tours
Dinner
Recreational and Social Activities
Breakfast
Transportation to Technical College
Welcome
Career Pathway Session
Lunch
Career Pathway Session
Business/Industry Tours
Dinner
Recreational and Social Activities
Breakfast
Career Pathway Session
Career Pathway Session
Lunch
Business/Industry Tour
Dinner
Recreational and Social Activities
Breakfast
Career Pathway Session
Career Pathway Session
Conclude at 11:15 a.m.

HELP US PROMOTE THE CAMPS

To help promote the summer camps, a free marketing tool kit has been developed, including promotional social posts & an email template. Please click below to download your tool kit.

PROJECT FUNDING AND STATE SUPPORT

These career exploration summer camps are provided at no expense to K-12 students in South Dakota. This opportunity is being administered by the South Dakota Board of Regents and funded with federal dollars available to the South Dakota Department of Educationthrough the American Rescue Plan.