From business, journalism, or healthcare to vocal performance and faith—there’s something for everyone
Drake University offers a variety of summer camps aimed at high school students who want to explore careers and grow their skills in the arts, journalism, faith, health sciences, or business while immersing themselves in a college campus and preparing for the next step of their academic careers.
Drake University Voice Intensive (DUVI)
June 16-20, 2025
This annual summer camp is designed for young singers ages 14+ to develop their voices and build confidence in performing and auditioning. During this weeklong camp, students are invited to participate in various vocal exercises, masterclasses, and performance opportunities to enhance their vocal skills and stage presence. Students will have the opportunity to participate in opera, acapella/jazz choir, show choir, or musical theatre scenes, while under the instruction of our renowned faculty during scheduled rehearsals. At the end of DUVI, students take what they have learned and host a final showcase in which friends and family are invited to attend.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Media Now
July 7-10, 2025
This camp is aimed at high school students interested in growing their journalism and media skills. Held from July 7-10, students will have the chance to stay in the dorms and eat in the Drake dining hall while participating in hands-on projects and showcasing their work in a campus-wide awards ceremony. The camp includes a variety of tracks such as design, editorial leadership, motion graphics, photography, social media, sports broadcasting, video storytelling, and writing. It’s an awesome opportunity to deep dive into that area of interest and hone your skills. No matter what level you arrive with, we’ll push you, encourage you, and train you to move to the next.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
BullD.O.G.S. in Healthcare
July 10-12, 2025
BullD.O.G.S. in Healthcare is a program that will introduce you to careers in the health professions by educating you about opportunities in health sciences and inspiring you to explore different pathways—including nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and many others. Students will participate in hands-on laboratory experiences, educational sessions, and interactive discussions with Drake students and faculty in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to understand how to best prepare for a career in healthcare. Our in-person event includes staying overnight in an on-campus residence hall for two nights.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp
July 9-13, 2025
The Des Moines Area Religious Council and The Comparison Project at Drake University are proud to co-host the Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp July 9-13 at Drake University. High School students and 2024 graduates will explore the diverse religious communities of the Des Moines Metro, visiting communities for worship services, meals, and conversations. Each camper will explore their own faith journey and learn about their neighbors’ faith experiences, practices, and beliefs.
Participation in the Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp is offered at no cost thanks to our generous partners and supporters.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Business Horizons
July 13-17, 2025
Business Horizons is a five-day innovation simulation bringing students (grades 9-12) of all experience levels from across the state together to gain a better sense of how their skills connect to the business world and the real world.
Participants are placed in teams and tasked to create an innovative solution from which they must launch a business and prepare for three competitions: investor pitch, infomercial screening, and “best product” determined at a trade show. In addition to navigating business challenges as a team, the schedule includes dynamic workshops, relevant keynote speakers, work with Iowa professionals, fun evening activities and so much more.