From roller coasters to robotics, USF camps reach record heights

By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has long shown a knack for rewriting the record books. Iron Gwazi is North America's tallest and the world's fastest and steepest hybrid coaster. SheiKra debuted as North America's first dive coaster and Serengeti Flyer opened as the world's tallest and fastest ride of its kind.

Now, the theme park is helping the University of South Florida break a record of its own. This summer, USF will host 70 weeklong educational camps - its most ever - running June 1 through July 31. The camps are expected to draw more than 2,500 students in grades two through 12.

Returning favorites include esports, filmmaking, photography and archaeology.

To surpass last summer's record 56 camps, USF has added 14 new offerings, including Anatomy of a Roller Coaster for grades nine-12.

"This will quickly become one of our favorites," said Caryn Preston, assistant director of USF's Office of Youth Experiences. "They'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Busch Gardens and learn how roller coasters are designed, then create their own."

For USF, the camps highlight that the university is more than a place for career training - they also give pre-college students a chance to explore potential paths.

"We want kids on campus early so they see that USF is a place for them - and that college is attainable," Preston said. "Summer camps give them a chance to explore their interests and even rule things out before committing to a path."

Here are other new notable camps that highlight USF's hands-on learning opportunities:

AI & Machine Learning Summer Intensive

USF's AI & Machine Learning Summer Intensive gives high school students an introduction to one of today's fastest-growing fields.

Led by engineering faculty, the weeklong program blends coding instruction with real-world applications, as students build generative AI tools using Python and modern Application Programming Interfaces.

Projects focus on local data, including hurricane preparedness and community trends, while exposing students to robotics research. By the end, participants create functional apps and explore how artificial intelligence is shaping future careers.

"We recognized there was strong interest from high school students in an AI-focused camp," Preston said. "So, we built a program where they don't just learn it - they create it."

Morsani Mini Med Camp

Hosted in partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, this immersive program introduces high school seniors to careers in healthcare through hands-on learning.

Students explore human biology and disease while participating in patient simulations with trained actors, building communication and diagnostic skills. It also includes tours of medical facilities and exposure to different healthcare pathways, helping students better understand the field before committing to it.

"It's designed for students who know they're interested in medicine but want to better understand the different paths within it," Preston said.

Aerospace Engineering Camp

This experience introduces students to the fundamentals of flight through a mix of classroom instruction and projects.

Participating high school students explore aerodynamics, propulsion and control systems while working with drones, simulators and turbine models. The program includes tours of campus labs such as the Jet Propulsion Lab and visits to industry partners, giving students insight into real-world aerospace applications. Team-based challenges allow campers to design and test components using professional tools.

"We want students to see not just how aerospace engineering works, but where it can take them," Preston said. "It's about connecting what they learn here to real careers in the field."

USF Sports Business Boot Camp

For those interested in careers in sports beyond the field, this camp introduces high school students to the business side of athletics.

Participants visit organizations like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gaining insight into how large-scale events are managed. Led by faculty from USF's Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program, the camp covers marketing, finance and operations through team projects and case studies.

"Students are getting access to spaces and professionals they normally wouldn't encounter, which makes the experience really impactful," Preston said.

Justice Quest

Held on the St. Petersburg campus for the first time, Justice Quest immerses high school students in the world of criminology through hands-on, real-world experiences.

Participants visit sites such as the Family Justice Center at CASA and the St. Petersburg Police Department, hear from guest speakers and work collaboratively to solve a crime scenario over the course of the week.

The program also includes selection into USF's Rocky's Residents initiative, giving students a taste of campus living.

Creative Kids Art Studio

Aimed at elementary students, Creative Kids Art Studio offers an introduction to a wide range of artistic mediums. Campers experiment with pottery, painting, sewing, crochet and recycled art projects, with each day focused on a different creative theme.

Led by an experienced local art teacher, the program encourages exploration and self-expression in a supportive environment.

"There are so many creative kids at that age, and this gives them a place to explore and make whatever they can imagine," Preston said.

Anatomy of a Roller Coaster

High school campers spend the week learning the mechanics behind roller coasters - from energy transfer and friction to safety systems-while designing their own rides using advanced simulation software.

The experience includes a behind-the-scenes visit to Busch Gardens where students meet engineers and see how rides are maintained and tested. By week's end, each participant unveils a simulated coaster design.

"When you're a kid, this is the time to try things out," Preston said. "Whether it's designing a roller coaster or exploring a future career, these camps give them a chance to discover what excites them - and what they want to pursue."

Click here for a full list of camps, dates and signup information