WORLD Journalism Institute, High School Camp

Lee Pitts

Edward Lee Pitts is the Executive Director of the World Journalism Institute. As Washington Bureau Chief for WORLD magazine for more than five years, Lee's assignments sent him from Capitol Hill to the White House to the Supreme Court. But his reporting also has taken him beyond the Capital Beltway. In 2004-2005, as a reporter for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Lee was embedded with a National Guard Regimental Combat unit in Iraq, going on humanitarian and combat missions. Before joining WORLD, Lee served as press secretary for U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander. Lee earned a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and is currently an associate professor of journalism at Dordt University.

Tom Prinsen

Prinsen has an extensive background in advertising, public relations, and market research. He served in the integrated marketing and communication industry at Hy-Vee grocery, Kraft Foods, and Biomet Orthopedics, before landing back at Dordt his alma mater, to pursue his dream of teaching communication. Prinsen is also gaining experience in a new industry serving as a reserve deputy for the Woodbury County Sherrif's office in addition to teaching.

Bruce Kuiper

Currently focused on cultural and interpersonal communication, Kuiper’s background in broadcasting, public relations, speech, and writing has developed his teaching in a wide variety of locations including Minneapolis, China, Los Angeles, and Thailand. In addition to teaching, he is also the director of the speech and debate program at Dordt University.

Mark Volkers

After serving for seven years as a missionary in an African village, Volkers roamed the planet for a decade as a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker. An award-winning film maker, he now serves at Dordt University as a digital media production instructor. Some of his latest work can be seen at missionsupsidedown.com

Rich Lodewyk

Lodewyk has spent time in the news world as a sports director, news reporter, and anchor for television, and radio and television play-by-play announcer. He now serves as the Dordt University Media Director, which includes using a broadcast remote production truck to live stream multi-camera coverage of Dordt’s athletic teams.

Michael Kearney

Michael Kearney is Assistant Professor of Communication at Dordt University. His research focuses on communication ethics, dialogue, crisis communication, and religious communication. He is a member of the Eastern Communication Association, the National Communication Association, the Religious Communication Association, and the International Society for the History of Rhetoric. He is also active as an organist, pianist, and composer.

What will supervision in the dorms look like?

Each group of campers in the dorms will have a Dordt University student on their hall who will serve as a counselor.

Students will have keys to lock their dorm rooms and are strongly encouraged to do so while away. Dorm buildings will be locked at curfew and only leaders with the key card will be allowed to have access.

What will the roommate situation be at camp?

Roommates will be assigned, two per room. Due to safety protocols, students are not allowed to switch rooms during the week.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Let us know before you arrive on campus, and the Dordt Dining staff will make sure to accommodate your needs. Please contact Becky.Ringsby@dordt.edu with any dietary concerns.

When do I check-in and check-out?

Dorm check-in will be 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday. The camp ends Friday, June 5, following a closing assembly where students can showcase their work. Dorm check-out is at 1:30 p.m.

When is the deadline to sign up?

The deadline to sign up is May 4.

If I have no journalism or media experience or related school activities can I still register?

Yes, this camp is for students of all skill levels. Whether you are the editor of your high school newspaper, or merely want to learn if a major in the communication field is right for you—you will learn and grow through this camp.

What if my student is flying to camp?

Students who are flying to the course are encouraged to look at tickets to Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) or Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD). WJI can provide transportation to and from the airport.

What if my flight arrives on Sunday, May 31?

Check-in and camper rooms are available for those arriving on the evening of May 31. Please contact Lee.Pitts@dordt.edu to arrange early check-in details.

What hotels are available in Sioux Center for parents, if needed?

Holiday Inn Express, 712-722-3500; Fairfield Inn, 712-722-3131

What should I pack?

Here's a suggested packing list!