Camp Common Home

A Summer Experience for Ecological LeadershipJuly 13 – 17, 2026 | Barry University

Camp Common Home is a transformative, weeklong summer experience for high school students who are ready to explore environmental challenges, grow as leaders, and take meaningful action for our world. Rooted in the principles of integral ecology, the camp connects science, social justice, spirituality, and leadership to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Through hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and guided reflection, students discover how caring for the Earth is deeply connected to caring for one another: our shared “common home.”

Camp Common Home Logo
Laudato Si Logo

Camp Common Home Experience

At Camp Common Home, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Each day is filled with immersive, real-world experiences that connect youth directly with environmental issues and the people working to address them.

Campers will:

  • Test water quality in local waterways
  • Join a shark tagging expedition with marine scientists
  • Visit an Everglades restoration site
  • Explore ethical food systems like chocolate and coffee production
  • Learn composting, recycling, and sustainable living practices
  • Meet community leaders, scientists, and environmental advocates
  • Engage in eco-art and creative expression

These experiences help campers see how environmental challenges and solutions unfold in real time.

A Unique Approach: Integral Ecology

Camp Common Home is grounded in integral ecology, a holistic framework that recognizes the deep connections between environmental, social, economic, and cultural systems.

Guided by the vision of Laudato Si’, the camp explores:

  • Care for the Earth and natural ecosystems
  • Justice for vulnerable communities
  • Sustainable economic practices
  • Ecological education and lifestyle choices
  • Spiritual reflection and personal purpose
  • Community engagement and action

This approach helps students understand not only what is happening in our world—but how they can be part of meaningful solutions.

Integral Ecology

Signature Learning Experiences

Campers engage with leading organizations and experts across South Florida through powerful, hands-on learning opportunities:

  • Water & Ocean Conservation: Monitor water quality and explore marine ecosystems through field-based science
  • Shark Research Expedition: Work alongside marine biologists to study and protect ocean biodiversity
  • Everglades Restoration: Learn how one of the world’s most important ecosystems is being preserved
  • Environmental Justice & Food Systems: Engage with advocates working for farmworker rights and equitable food systems
  • Sustainable Living Practices: Explore composting, recycling, and circular waste systems
  • Policy & Advocacy: Meet leaders shaping environmental policy and learn how to raise your voice
  • Eco-Art & Creative Expression: Create collaborative art using recycled materials to inspire change

Each experience connects scientific knowledge with ethical reflection and real-world impact.

Leadership Development

Camp Common Home is designed to help high-school youth grow, not just in knowledge, but in confidence, purpose, and leadership.

Participants leave with:

  • Leadership skills to create real change
  • A deeper understanding of environmental justice
  • Hands-on scientific and outdoor experience
  • Meaningful friendships and community connections
  • Mentorship from scientists, activists, and faith leaders
  • A stronger sense of purpose and connection to the world

Who Should Apply

Camp Common Home is open to high school students (incoming 9th grade through graduating seniors) who are:

  • Curious about the environment
  • Passionate about social justice
  • Interested in science, leadership, or advocacy
  • Ready to make a difference in their communities

Cost & Scholarships

The registration fee is $250, which includes:

  • All meals
  • Field experiences and excursions
  • Program materials
  • Full participation in all camp activities

Thanks to generous support, scholarships are available to ensure that all students have access to this experience.

Application

Applications are currently be accepted and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Limited spots available!

Camp Common Home Frequently Asked Questions

  • Camp Common Home welcomes all high school students (entering Grade 9 through exiting Grade 12).  

  • WHEN
    Camp begins Monday, July 13 and concludes Friday, July 17. Each day begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:30 p.m.
     

    WHERE
    Camp begins and ends at Barry University’s main campus in Miami Shores, each day
    Most days include field trips to a variety of locations in South Florida. 

  • Yes, Camp Common Home is designed as a full-week experience to ensure campers get the complete educational and community-building experience. 

    • Parents/guardians may drop off campers on Barry’s campus at 8:00 a.m. and pick up students from campus at 4:30 p.m. 
    • Campers with their own vehicles may also drive to/from camp and park on campus. 
    • Campers also have the option of catching a school bus at designated pick-up/drop-off locations at high schools in Broward County and Southern and Western Dade County.
    • Times and locations for pick-up/drop-off will be determined based on enrollment and communicated during the registration process. 
  • Most camp costs are underwritten through a generous donation to Barry University. 

    Campers are asked to pay a $250.00 registration fee that includes meals (daily breakfast, lunch, and snacks), all camp activities and related materials, a camp shirt, and tote bag. 

    You may apply for financial assistance if needed. Camp Common Home is committed to providing transformative leadership opportunities to all students, regardless of family income.  

  • Yes, campers will engage in 5-10 hours of community service that supports community partners engaged in environmental health and social justice action. 

  • Campers will need a reusable water bottle and comfortable clothing and shoes for indoor and outdoor activities, including a sweater or jacket for cold air conditioning and sun/rain protection. 

    A basic dress code will be provided during registration, along with a daily activity schedule so campers can dress and plan accordingly for each day of camp. 

    Sunscreen and bug spray will be provided, but if campers prefer specific brands/kinds they will need to supply their own reef-safe sunscreen. 

  • No! Camp Common Home welcomes children of all faiths and backgrounds.

    Our program celebrates our common home and values that unite us all. 

  • Barry University faculty and staff and high-school teachers serve as camp directors and advisors. 

    Barry undergraduate college students serve as peer counselors. Excursions off campus are led by non-profit organizations that focus on Earth care and people care. 

  • A continental breakfast, full lunch, and snacks are provided each day. 

    Food allergies and special diets will be reasonably accommodated when indicated in the registration process. 

  • Campers may bring cell phones to camp; however, phones must remain silenced, stored, and may not be used during camp activities unless specifically authorized by camp staff. Campers are responsible for safeguarding their personal belongings and should not bring other electronic devices, such as gaming systems or tablets. Barry University is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property. 

Additional Questions?

Contact Barry’s Integral Ecology Coordinator Madeline Maynard, at mmaynard@barry.edu.   

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