From the Nominator

Camp Diamondback is a six-week one-of-a-kind experience for future Terps and University of Maryland alumni. Our target constituent group consisted of alumni who are parents/guardians of young children. The Alumni Association’s Events and Programs team knew this COVID-19 era summer would bring greater challenges to parents, as children would be home all day without school or traditional summer camps to keep them occupied. The events and programs team, along with the greater engagement and outreach unit, put together an entirely virtual summer camp that included more than 60 live events over six weeks, including numerous other pre-recorded videos and downloadable activities. Campers could participate in one or more of the themed weeks, including music & dance, science & engineering, animals, and more.

Terps of all ages could earn their virtual camping badge this summer during Camp Diamondback! A wide range of activities were created for Terp families, with programs catered to:

• Children ages 5-8
• Children ages 9-12
• Adults ages 21+

University of Maryland Alumni Association staff, faculty, alumni and members of the Student Alumni Leadership Council developed a robust and fun-filled schedule, with some programs “live” via Zoom and others that allow campers to work at your own pace.

Camp began with an opening campfire on July 6 and concluded with a closing campfire on August 14. The majority of children's programming took place between 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST to accommodate different time zones.

From the Judges

Fun, creative program and great way to engage alumni, faculty, and families. Can be used as an example for other schools. Great program!