Six-week online summer camp offers students a deep dive into self-confidence and assertiveness through guided interaction, presentations, teamwork, and career-readiness
Individuals most adapted to their environment survive — a few even thrive. Improving communication skills is an investment that pays dividends academically, professionally, and socially.
Apply now for a spot in our summer camp. No fees unless accepted.
Communication skills determine your success in the classroom, on the job, and in life. What are you doing about it?
Summer Scholars Confidence Camp is a cure for pandemic-induced stalled progress. Conquer your apprehension and fear; gain assertiveness.
Next Camp: Summer 2025
June 23 – July 31, 2025 (6 Weeks)
Monday through Thursday
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
2026 Dates: June 22 – July 30
What You Will Learn
-
Understand and leverage communication apprehension in interpersonal, small group, and public presentation contexts. The world is yours when you accomplish this—I walk with you through it.
-
Improve confidence and assertiveness for academic success. A deep dive into interpersonal communication, small group interaction, and public presentations.
-
All lectures and breakout sessions are led by award-winning professors.
-
It's not enough to just begin doing: When you more fully understand ideas and concepts, you can better leverage them. Lectures and hands-on sessions give you an expert's perspective and passions, so that you may forge your own best path forward.
Testimonials & Accolades
“Professor B has taken a challenging subject which I expected to be dry and spiced it up to be interesting. As a student, veteran, father, husband, and soldier, I was pleased to observe the professor challenge young students to think more deeply about their lives. His level of professionalism is a credit to the university...”
Indiana University South Bend
“- - -”
University of Notre Dame
“We learned that we had little to no protocol within the county when it comes to the proper procedures for employee terminations as set forth by the American labor standards. Utilizing the skills I acquired in this class greatly reduced the possibility for outrage and major disruption to the office.”
Purdue University Northwest
“This class is critical. I NEEDED EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE LEARNED. The class has conversations on topic with his questions. Other teachers may hear from a few students...he encourages full participation. I really feel that he is actively listening to each person. He is a really kind man, fair, knowledgeable on this subject and encourages all be open outside of the class, and practice what we have learned...turned out to be a really GREAT CLASS.”
Bethel University
“Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award, 2014
The highest teaching honor for seven-campus region.”
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, South Bend
“Hello, Professor. I just wanted to send a quick thank you for an amazing semester! This class has been so helpful, not only on an academic level, but also on a personal level. I was able to apply so many of the concepts and strategies we learned to my own experiences as the President of an honor society at - - -! Everything was so interesting and I am so thankful I took this course! Thank you so much once again!”
Community College, MI
“Thank you so so much, that means more than you know and I have never had a professor respond this way. You are setting such a good example for students and how they should treat people in the way you teach and respond to us. No rush at all to get it all sorted, I just really appreciate you being so understanding and kind.”
Community College, MI
“This week, we’re applauding Professor Mark Bottita for his partnership with the Academic Success Coaches. “I have been working with Communications Professor Mark Bottita over the last couple days regarding a student in one of his classes who is on my Academic Success Coach caseload. The student is experiencing medical issues that are making attending class complicated,” Andrea Tarry wrote in the award. “Mark has been thoughtful, compassionate and caring in finding solutions to help the student complete the class without jeopardizing the integrity of the class, learning outcomes or the course curriculum! He has been communicative, open to ideas and suggestions, and flexible! Thank you, Mark!” (Applause! Awards)”
Community College, MI • 4/11/23
“Mark is terrific when he is relating the material to students to help us better understand what we are learning. My favorite professor by far. I wish they would hire more professors like him.”
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, South Bend
Instructor
Guiding students to success in the classroom, on the job, and in life for 24 years.
I will be your instructor and mentor this summer. I leverage an undergraduate degree in English & American Literature (University at Buffalo /State University of New York) to guide you in exploring creativity and its impact on learning and written expression, and a graduate degree in communication (University of Notre Dame) to help you bridge theory with practice in the workplace and in life by improving your communication and social interaction skills.
Current Academic Appointments
Houghton University, New York
Adjunct Professor of Communication
College of the Albemarle, Roanoke Island, NC
Adjunct Professor of Communication
Former Appointments
University of Notre Dame
Adjunct Faculty, Marketing
#1 Undergraduate Business Program in the United States for 2010, Bloomberg Businessweek
Indiana University South Bend
Visiting Professor of Communication
Purdue University Northwest
Adjunct Professor of Communication
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Assistant Professor of Communication
Southwestern Michigan College
Adjunct Professor of Communication
-
Is Summer Scholars an in-person or online camp?
Summer Scholars Summer Camp is a live online remote day camp. We meet live online 4 days per week for 6 weeks. Each day is approximately 5 hours (4 hours of contact time with a 1-hour lunch). There is an hour break for lunch each day.
-
Who can benefit from this camp?
College-bound high school juniors, seniors working to improve their confidence and assertiveness by way of skill-building and academic readiness. Using interpersonal communication and practical presentation skills development, we get you there.
-
What will students be doing during the camp?
This is a work-intensive academic-focused summer camp. Our lectures and breakout sessions allow participants to complete assignments and submit work specific to their organization and their careers, and to receive targeted feedback and constructive criticism.
-
Can we register all students at once?
Yes. Please contact us and we will show you how easy it is — or we are happy to complete this for you.
-
Are there knowledge tests for completion?
Each camp, course, and program includes its own customized knowledge and application tests.
-
Are certificates of completion provided?
Yes. All courses and group programs include online/downloadable certificates of completion, as well as physical certificates mailed to those who successfully complete.
-
What is the focus of the content? Will the camp help me improve skills for my academic and career advancement?
This is a work-intensive academic-focused summer camp. Our lectures and breakout sessions allow participants to complete assignments and submit work specific to their organization and their careers, and to receive targeted feedback and constructive criticism.
-
Can content be customized to our needs?
Our breakout sessions allow participants to complete assignments and submit work specific to their organization and their careers, and to receive targeted feedback and constructive criticism.
-
Who are the instructors?
Courses in Courage™ are delivered by experienced professors and leaders, each with a history of success and making inspiring connections with their students. Instructors always teach with an end-goal in mind: How can we make this interesting, practical, and actionable?
-
The fees seem higher than usual. Why?
We are no ordinary summer camp; in fact, there is nothing else like it. Our summer camp is the culmination of 24 years of college and university teaching experience. The camp requires a significant commitment on our part to execute effectively; students' commitments are significant. Attention to these efforts takes time and exacting standards of excellence. Summer Scholars Summer Camp is an investment that pays dividends academically, professionally, and socially. The necessity never grows old. Our students succeed in the classroom, on the job, and in life. I do not negotiate excellence—nor should you. We do try to work with outside organizations to obtain rare, limited financial assistance and partial scholarships for students who demonstrate the need for that assistance.
-
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit Card, Zelle, Check. Please do not make payment until you are formally accepted.
-
I've been accepted to the summer camp, may I mail a check instead of paying online?
Yes. Mail to:
Courses in Courage
PO Box 230
Bowmansville, NY 14026 -
What is the significance of your company name Courses in Courage?
In a 1929 interview with Dorothy Parker of The New Yorker, Ernest Hemingway said that "courage is grace under pressure." This quote perfectly aligns with the mission of Summer Scholars and the company name, Courses In Courage, because it embodies the transformation students undergo. Summer Scholars provides a supportive space where students learn to face challenging social and communication situations with confidence and poise—grace under pressure.
The Courses In Courage name reflects the belief that courage is a skill that can be cultivated through intentional practice, allowing students to overcome shyness and thrive under the pressures of life, whether in school, college, or beyond.
Together, these names and the quote highlight the journey of turning vulnerability into strength. -
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes! If, after the introductory session and first module, you realize the material doesn't fit your needs, you will receive a full refund.
Summer Scholars Students Login
