Rochester Prep Middle Schooler Experiences College Life Over Summer

Aubriel Cox just started eighth grade at Rochester Prep’s West Middle Campus, but over the summer she had the opportunity to spend two weeks on the campus of Roger Williams College in Rhode Island, where she attended Camp Uncommon.

Aubriel participated in all the fun-filled activities of a typical summer camp, including athletics, performing arts, art, photography, outdoor adventure and swimming.

But because camp was on a college campus, she also got a chance to envision what it would be like to attend college when she graduates from high school.

“It was pretty fun,” Aubriel said. “I've never really been on a college campus before except for a short time to visit my uncle. I've always been looking forward to going to college and this experience shows me what a college campus is actually like.”

Uncommon launched Camp Uncommon with the belief that all students deserve access to an enriching summer experience. Summer camp can be incredibly beneficial for young kids’ emotional and physical development, however it is often inaccessible to students from low income communities.

Camp Uncommon helps provide access to those experiences as part of its goal of preparing its students for college and beyond. This summer, over 600 Uncommon students attended camp at Roger Williams University. Camp Uncommon is free for students who attend schools in their partner networks, including Rochester Prep.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide an enriching summer experience that motivates our campers to approach the future with courage and confidence, and challenges them to develop new relationships and skills in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Julie Jackson, co-CEO of Uncommon Schools.

Aubriel first attended Camp Uncommon in the summer of 2019, when she was a rising fifth grader. Back then, the camp was more traditional sleep-away camp in the woods in Pennsylvania. Her mom, Leyana Ambrose-Williams, said she was at first concerned about her daughter going to a sleep-away camp.

“It was her first trip away from both me and her dad, but it was something we wanted her to experience.”

When the time came to sign up for camp again, both mother and daughter jumped at the opportunity.

Aubiel originally was planning to attend with some friends, but they had to back out at the last minute. At first, she was disappointed, but she quickly got over it because the counselors did so much to bring campers together.

Aubriel said what she most enjoyed about camp were the evening activities, whether they were group activities, such as singing competitions, or just hanging out with fellow campers in their dorms and getting to know them better.

“On the last night, we all made necklaces for each other,” she said. “We would compliment each other. It was really fun because you could connect with all the younger and older kids.”