In 2001, Patrick Henry welcomed high school students from across the country to four one-week camps, and since this inaugural year, Teen Leadership Camps has developed into a thriving program with over 1500 camp alumni. The Teen Camps blend of challenging classroom sessions with traditional camp fun, all presented from a distinctly Christian worldview, offers a unique opportunity for high school students to participate in the mission of Patrick Henry College.

Teen Leadership Camps 2010 included nine separate camps over five weeks in June and July. Some camp offerings were perennial favorites, like Strategic Intelligence and Debate; others, Leadership & Vocation, Art, and Mock Trial, were brand-new offerings. During Strategic Intelligence Camp, campers were introduced to the world of intelligence, exploring the different facets of that calling in classroom sessions that explored various components such as counterterrorism, counterintelligence, research and analysis, and ethics. In the evenings, SI campers participated in missions requiring them to put their knowledge to use.

Leadership & Vocation Camp explored the connections between leadership and the vocations to which we have been called. L&V campers spent their days considering the various aspects of leadership and how a Christian understanding of vocation shapes a Christian's life, as well as exploring and discussing great leaders and servants from history. They culminated their week with a service project in D.C. to put into practice the things they learned.

In Art Camp, campers, both beginners and advanced artists were challenged to new levels of technique and presentation and had the opportunity to display their work in the grand lobby of the Barbara Hodel Center at the end of the week.

Mock Trial Camp introduced campers to a competitive forensics activity that allows students to imitate a courtroom experience. Campers took the roles of advocates and witnesses and were required to follow courtroom procedure as they worked to present their case before a judge. A mock trial competition at the end of the week was a highlight for these campers.

Ancient history came alive for the campers who attended Ancient History Camp. These campers spent their days immersed in the worlds of Ancient Greece, Rome, and China, delving into the fascinating lives and events of that era.

Campers who attended Moot Court Camp had the unique opportunity to study under Dr. Michael Farris, PHC Chancellor and Moot Court Coach, learning how to argue before an appellate or supreme court. These campers received coaching from ACMA national moot court champions from the PHC Moot Court Team as they learned legal analysis, application, and presentation. They then had the opportunity to demonstrate their newly-formed skills in a moot court tournament at the end of the week.

Shakespeare Camp attendees immersed themselves in the world of Shakespeare. They read and watched his plays, explored his sonnets, acted vignettes from his works, and even saw a live performance of Othello at the American Shakespeare Center Blackfriar's Theater.

Of course, it would not be a complete summer without Debate Camp. Debate campers spent two weeks researching, writing, and practicing for the end-of-the-week debate tournament. The campers left with prepped reasearch and arguments for this year's NCFCA policy debate topic.

Finally, Drama Camp campers were challenged in their acting skills as they casted, rehearsed, and performed The Mouse That Roared in one week.

Most importantly, 2010 teen campers were challenged daily through chapel, small group Bible studies, and informal conversations to make Christ their highest pursuit. The prayer of the Teen Camps 2010 staff is that our campers left Patrick Henry’s campus with a clearer understanding of God’s plan for their future and a passion to serve Him with excellence in the next step of their lives.