Dordt Discovery Days welcomes hundreds of middle school students to campus

For nearly 330 middle school students, Dordt University's campus became home for five days this summer through Dordt Discovery Days.

Designed for students who have completed sixth, seventh, or eighth grade, Dordt Discovery Days is a five-day summer camp that combines hands-on learning with residential living. This year's attendance marked an increase over recent years, continuing the program's steady growth.

Throughout the week, campers selected from a variety of academic and activity-based classes led by Dordt faculty, staff, and other instructors. Outside the classroom, students participated in evening activities, stayed in residence halls with current Dordt student counselors, and shared meals together in The Atrium.

According to Kaysha Steiger, director of alumni and parent relations, one of the week's highlights each year is the evening praise and worship time, which brings campers together to end each day. She says students also enjoy the opportunity to experience many aspects of campus life, from exploring Dordt's facilities to living in the dorms and participating in activities with new friends.

Over the years, Dordt Discovery Days has developed a loyal following. Many campers return year after year, often inviting friends from their hometowns to attend with them. The program has even welcomed children of former Dordt Discovery Days participants, creating a multi-generational connection to the camp.

"Even though they are only here for a week, I think they get a sense of the Christ-centered community,” says Steiger. They are surrounded by students from all over, instructors who are deeply passionate about their areas of expertise and want to share it with students, and they have counselors who are current Dordt students, all rooted in Christ-centered community."

In addition to exploring subjects that interest them, campers also experience daily life on campus through interactions with faculty, staff, and current students.

Steiger hopes participants leave Dordt Discovery Days with both a greater appreciation for learning and a deeper understanding of their place in God's Kingdom.

"I hope they walk away with a new appreciation or amazement for the topics their classes were in, an understanding of who they are in God's Kingdom, and know that Dordt would love to welcome them back when they are ready for college."

For the Dordt community, the camp is also a welcome reminder of the energy and curiosity that young students bring to campus each summer.

"Dordt Discovery Days is always such a fun time on Dordt's campus. It brings new life to campus in the summer and reminds staff and faculty of the excitement students have for learning and growing together. Even in the busyness of the week, I hope it's a reminder to everyone involved that we get to do this work at a place like Dordt, and have fun while doing it too."

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.