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Pacific Crest's Learning to Learn Camps have been empowering student success since 1994. These camps change lives in a positive and dramatic manner by (1) challenging and inspiring students to grow and develop skills essential for success in college and beyond, and (2) motivating faculty and staff to mentor student growth and improve the teaching/learning processes they use with students.

Please feel free to view our Learning-to-Learn Camp Brochure (in .pdf format) or our Video Slideshow.

The camp integrates two key processes, "learning how to learn" and "mentoring." The learning community environment of the camp helps students to build relationships, gain a sense of "belonging" and improve their ability to perform in the classroom – all factors critical to student retention.

Through a rigorous and diverse set of camp activities, students develop cognitive, social, affective, and academic skills. Mentors work with students to facilitate the process of developing learner ownership, self-esteem, and empowerment. As a result of experiencing both successes and failures during the course of the week, students gain confidence in their ability to perform in areas such as writing, time management, problem identification, listening, adapting to change, personal reflection, coping, teamwork, and articulating an idea (to name a few).

Who benefits from a Learning to Learn Camp?

Students

Participants can include entering college students already enrolled at an institution, or high school students with the potential to go on to college. In the case of entering college students, a learning to learn camp increases retention and the likelihood for success. With high school students, the camp serves not only as a positive and significant learning experience for students and faculty but also a marketing tool for the host school.

College faculty and staff

Both faculty and staff are encouraged to serve as mentors and coaches. New insights will be gained about teaching, learning, and mentoring while facilitating the growth of learners.

Overall goals

Create a quality learning community in which bonds are built among and between students, mentors/coaches (faculty and staff), and facilitators.
Provide a model for a quality freshman foundations course; to address issues related to retention, student readiness, and academic performance.
Provide a model for learner empowerment and growth that can be replicated in many contexts within the institution.
Grow the performance skills of students, faculty, and staff.

Coaches (faculty and staff)

Develop respect, rapport, and networking among and between faculty and staff.
Engage in and practice learning strategies that support and promote personal growth in students.
Improve the facilitation skills in active, student-centered learning environments.
Improve and develop mentoring skills including peer coaching.

Student Goals

Develop and improve learning skills from the cognitive, social, and affective domains.
(A special emphasis is placed on thinking, problem solving, communicating, using the computer, mathematics, writing, assessment, and teamwork skills.)
Formulate a life vision including achievable educational and career goals, and a plan for achieving these goals.
Develop a sense of learner ownership.
Develop a sense of identity and a positive attitude toward self-growth.
Increase self confidence and improve academic abilities.