Summer Honors Opportunities

Are you an incoming Honors freshman? Does the thought of not knowing anyone on the first day of school make you nervous? Do you want to know what it’s like to live in Hume Hall, surround a bonfire making s’mores or get to know Gainesville with students just like you? Do you love nature, reading fantasy literature, conducting experiments or soaking up the sun while floating on a tube down the Ocklawaha River?

If even one of these resonated with you, then one of the five UF Honors exclusive opportunities will be a great match for you.

For those who can’t commit to an entire weekend: H-Day is the perfect event for you.

This one-day event held at Ichetucknee Springs State Park actually began by accident, following an unforeseen change of plans with the regular H-Camp last summer. When the campgrounds could no longer welcome the 75 incoming freshmen, Dr. Tehquin Forbes produced the idea of H-Day in less than a week.

Because of its proven success, it will stick around this upcoming summer.

Held on Aug. 22, 2022, students can expect more concentrated, intensive (but not serious) communitybuilding activities as they float down the river on tubes and eat lunch on the banks surrounding the crystal-clear water.

For those who have an interest in Renaissance engineering and the “Lord of the Rings:” “One Credit to Rule Them All: A Medieval Workshop” is made for you.

At the first annual multi-day camp held at UF, 30 students can expect a structure similar to Honors Camp and Honors Potion Camp. They will be sorted into Houses and will engage in discussions about archeology and material culture, will be shown replica brooches, watch armor and weapon experts demonstrate their craft, and learn how to use large thread, weaving, illumination and heraldry to create embroidered shapes. Participants will be led by Dr. Valerie Hampton who has expertise in ancient and medieval history. Similar to Harry Potter Camp, this mystical camp will give participants one credit toward their First-Year Honors credit requirements. the Honors staff, professors, and Dr. Forbes are hoping to coordinate with Honors Potion Camp to run the two side by side.

For Harry Potter lovers: Honors Potion Camp is perfect for you!

With a focus on learning chemistry through Hogwartsinspired experiments led by second-year chemistry graduate student Tyler Wagner, students will be separated by their respective Houses and will bond with their fellow Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaw and Slytherins while hanging out in Hume Hall.

The biggest goal is to build long-lasting relationships with students that have similar interests that will translate into greater success and satisfaction during their time at UF.

Dr. Law is looking to run this magical camp alongside the Lord of the Rings Camp so the participants can eat lunch together and hang out after the scheduled camp hours end.

Calling all summer B incoming Honors freshman!

Summer in the City gives those admitted to the summer B semester that runs from June 27 to Aug. 5 an extra leg up on the students who come in the fall.

Previously taught by Dr. Melissa Johnson, Dr. Tehquin Forbes will lead this one-credit class that also counts toward the FirstYear Honors credit requirements. This exclusive opportunity is for summer B admits and summer B admits only, providing them with not only academic credit but also immense knowledge about the city they will call home for the next four years.

Are you just looking for a good time in the great outdoors with your fellow Honors freshman? Honors Camp is the perfect choice for you!

This iconic camp is great for those that love a good adventure and love to have fun in the sun.

Held Aug. 19-21, 2022, at Orange Springs Retreat Center, students can expect to receive exclusive support from older, successful student leaders in the Honors Program and have the opportunity to build long-lasting friendships.

It has been shown that H-Camp participants go on to assume leadership roles in various prestigious organizations on campus and continue to build the same friendships made while at camp throughout their time at UF.

Unless otherwise stated, dates and prices for all programs are still being finalized. More information is expected in April or May, but check for updates on the official UF Honors website.

Story by Marinna Stopa Design by Emily Miller