WORLD Journalism Institute High School Course

Lee Pitts

As Washington Bureau Chief for WORLD magazine for more than five years, Lee's assignments sent him from Capitol Hill to the White House to the Supreme Court. But his reporting also has taken him beyond the Capital Beltway. Leading up to the 2010 elections, Lee embarked on a 10-day, 4,225 mile cross-country trip through competitive congressional districts in 16 states. In 2004-2005, as a reporter for the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Pitts was embedded with a National Guard Regimental Combat unit in Iraq for nearly 7 months, going on humanitarian and combat missions. Before joining WORLD, Lee served as press secretary for U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander. Now in his fifteenth year in the media world Pitts currently leads the journalism program at Dordt University and is the executive director of the WORLD Journalism Institute.

Tom Prinsen

Prinsen has an extensive background in advertising, public relations, and market research. He served in the integrated marketing and communication industry at Hy-Vee grocery, Kraft Foods, and Biomet Orthopedics, before landing back at Dordt his alma mater, to pursue his dream of teaching communication. Prinsen is also gaining experience in a new industry serving as a reserve deputy for the Woodbury County Sherrif's office in addition to teaching.

Bruce Kuiper

Currently focused on cultural and interpersonal communication, Kuiper’s background in broadcasting, public relations, speech, and writing has developed his teaching in a wide variety of locations including Minneapolis, China, Los Angeles, and Thailand. In addition to teaching, he is also the director of the speech and debate program at Dordt University.

Mark Volkers

After serving for seven years as a missionary in an African village, Volkers roamed the planet for a decade as a photojournalist and documentary filmmaker. He now serves at Dordt University as a digital media production instructor.

Rich Lodewyk

Lodewyk has spent time in the news world as a sports director, news reporter, and anchor for television, and radio and television play-by-play announcer. He now serves as the Dordt University Media Director, which includes using a broadcast remote production truck to live stream multi-camera coverage of Dordt’s athletic teams.

What will supervision in the dorms look like?

Each group of campers in the dorms will have a Dordt University student on their hall who will serve as a counselor.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Let us know before you arrive on campus, and the Dordt Dining staff will make sure to accommodate your needs. Please contact Lee.Pitts@dordt.edu with any dietary concerns.

When do I check-in and check-out?

Dorm check-in will be 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday. The camp ends Friday, June 7, following a closing assembly where students can showcase their work. Dorm check-out is at 2 p.m.

When is the deadline to sign up?

The deadline to sign up is May 6.

If I have no journalism or media experience or related school activities can I still register?

Yes, this camp is for students of all skill levels. Whether you are the editor of your high school newspaper, or merely want to learn if a major in the communication field is right for you—you will learn and grow through this camp.

What should I pack?

• USB flash drive to copy/hold computer files
• laptop or tablet able to access Wi-Fi
• Notebook and pens/pencils
• Bedding: sheets or a sleeping bag and pillow
• Athletic clothes and shoes for evening games
• Swim suit
• Sunscreen and/or hat
• T-shirts and shorts and a few pairs of long pants (clothing appropriate for your school is appropriate for our camp
• Toiletries
• A good pair of walking shoes
• DSLR camera (not required)
• Smartphone (not required) but helpful for use as an audio recorder and camera