Loyalist College has welcomed eight students to its first ever Summer Bridge Camp for Indigenous students.
Students met with faculty and were introduced to a range of student services.
Director of Indigenous Services at Loyalist, Jennifer Maracle, says it allows Indigenous students to build relationships with each other and develop community at Loyalist.
Hosted by Loyalist’s Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks team, the Summer Bridge Camp combines seasonal fun, cultural workshops and academic programming to provide Indigenous students with the knowledge and resources they need for a smooth transition to college.
From July 10 to July 13, Summer Bridge Camp participants were immersed in student life, staying overnight in residence, enjoying cultural workshops and touring campus facilities. Students met with faculty, were introduced to a range of student services, and gained a deeper understanding of the College’s welcoming community and holistic approach to supporting their academic success.
Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick says, “As more Indigenous youth from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and across the province choose Loyalist College, we are embracing our responsibility as an educational institution to ensure our Indigenous students are successful by engaging and supporting them as they begin their post-secondary journey. I would like to thank our Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks team for leading the Summer Bridge Camp as Loyalist continues to cultivate a culturally safe and inclusive learning and working environment for all.”
Camp activities included a beach day, game night, scavenger hunt, fire, storytelling and BBQ, creating essential opportunities for students to share experiences and develop lasting bonds with their peers.
“The Summer Bridge Camp allows Indigenous students to build relationships with each other and develop community at Loyalist,” said Tewathahá:kwa Jennifer Maracle, Director of Indigenous Services at Loyalist. “We hope that every student came away from their camp experience ready for their academic journey, confident in their network of support, and secure in the knowledge that there is a safe place to embrace and explore their cultural identity.”
Learn more about Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks and Indigenous Services at Loyalist College.
