This high school summer camp blends real-world emergency preparedness with a thrilling zombie-apocalypse twist. Led by experts from the USF Police Department, Medical Response Unit, Tampa Fire Rescue, United States Coast Guard, USF Office of Emergency Management, National Weather Service, FEMA, and more, campers will learn life-saving skills from those on the front lines of disaster response.
Throughout the week, you’ll tackle hands-on activities, workshops, and simulated zombie outbreak scenarios. Learn essential first aid, map out evacuation plans, and master advanced disaster response strategies—all while applying them to an exciting zombie survival storyline. Whether you’re outsmarting the undead or staying safe during real-world emergencies, this camp equips you with practical skills to stay prepared in any crisis.
Are you ready to survive and thrive? Join USF Zombie Disaster Camp and try to finish camp without losing your “BRAINS…”
USF Zombie Disaster Camp Details
Camp Director: Caryn Preston
Location: USF Tampa - College of Public Health
Grade Levels: Entering 9th - 12th
Time: 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Cost: $599.99
| Dates | Campus | Is this eligible for Rocky's Residents? |
|---|---|---|
| June 23rd - 27th, 2025 | USF Tampa | Yes |
What to Expect
Emergency Preparedness
Guided by experts from the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management and USF’s College of Public Health, they’ll learn how to assemble a survival kit fit for any apocalypse—hurricanes or hordes. Crafting a family emergency plan becomes an essential skill to stay one step ahead of disasters (or the undead). These life-saving lessons will empower campers to protect themselves and their loved ones in any crisis.
Hands-on Fire and CPR Training
Campers will gain hands-on survival skills, including fire suppression—learning to use a fire extinguisher to tackle real, controlled "zombie flare-ups." They'll also earn an official American Heart Association CPR certification, equipping them to face emergencies (apocalyptic or otherwise.)
Search and Rescue & Police Training
Experience heart-pounding live demonstrations as helicopters from the U.S. Coast Guard and Tampa General Hospital land on campus, simulating zombie outbreak search-and-rescue missions. While zombies may not be fast, we should be! They’ll also venture into the USF Police Department’s facility to tackle agility courses, operate police drones, and prepare for challenges.
Mock Zombie Apocalypse
Working together to tackle a dynamic disaster scenario, campers will try to survive a zombie outbreak. From building shelters to managing limited resources, they’ll strategize survival in a model that mirrors real-world emergencies. Quick thinking and planning will be essential to outpace the undead and emerge as crisis-ready heroes!
By the end of the week, campers will have mastered life-saving techniques through a Stop-the-Bleed certification and a culminating Mock Disaster exercise. USF Zombie Disaster Camp offers your child the chance to gain skills that could make a real difference in emergencies. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable, action-packed experience!
Useful Information
Registration and Camp Details
When does registration open for the USF Zombie Disaster Camp?
Registration for all 2025 Summer Camps will open on February 1, 2025.
What is the capacity of the USF Zombie Disaster Camp?
The USF Zombie Disaster Camp has a capacity of 30.
Who are the USF Faculty/Staff that lead the USF Zombie Disaster Camp?
The USF Zombie Disaster Camp is led by a combination of USF faculty/staff and outside organizations. USF faculty and staff involved include the USF College of Public Health, USF Environmental Health & Safety, the USF Medical Response Unit, and the USF Police Department. Additionally, outside organizations contributing their expertise include Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and the National Weather Service, the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management which provide hands-on demonstrations and valuable insights throughout the camp.
Where is the USF Zombie Disaster Camp located?
The USF Zombie Disaster Camp is held at the USF Tampa Campus, within the College of Public Health. The camp's location is 13201 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612.
What time is drop off and pick up for the USF Zombie Disaster Camp?
Our staff will be ready to welcome your child for drop-off at 8:50 AM in front of the USF College of Public Health, with pick-up starting at 4:00 PM. If you are running late for drop-off or pick-up, please call our office at (813) 974-3355 to let us know.
After registering for the USF Zombie Disaster Camp, when will I start receiving logistical details, including pick-up and drop-off times?
You will receive several reminder emails leading up to the camp start date. Emails will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior, each containing important information to ensure a successful experience at the USF Zombie Disaster Camp.
Residential Options
Are there residential options available for the USF Zombie Disaster Camp?
Yes, the USF Zombie Disaster Camp is eligible for the residential option, Rocky's Residents. Rocky's Residents is a new residential program available as an add-on to select high school day camps. It includes accommodations for 5 days and 4 nights, all meals, and exciting evening events designed to help campers connect, experience campus life, and get a taste of the real college experience.
How can I register for Rocky's Residents residential add-on?
During registration for your day camp, you will have the option to add Rocky's Residents as part of the process. There is no separate registration required for the residential program.
How much does the Rocky's Residents residential add-on cost?
The cost for Rocky's Residents is $995 per camper. This includes:
- 5 days and 4 nights of accommodation at Juniper-Poplar Residence Hall
- All meals provided at USF Dining Halls
- Supervision and activities led by trained counselors
- Recreation and wellness activities, including sports, fitness challenges, and more
- Access to campus facilities, such as recreational fields and study lounges
- A campus tour and presentations from USF Admissions and Student Success
- Evening events with student organizations and USF faculty
- Laundry facilities for campers' use
- '24-hour on-call emergency maintenance and support
Policies
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
USF reserves the right to cancel camps, in which case registration fees are fully refunded. If it becomes necessary for USF to cancel, postpone or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. It is important that we have your current contact information. If a camp is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. If a registration is received after the enrollment limit has been reached, a full refund will be issued.
If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email USF Youth Experiences. If the cancellation occurs 10 days prior to camp start date a full refund will be received with the exception of administration fees. However, if the cancellation is received within 10 business days of the camp start date, no refund will be given. No refunds will be issued after the start date of the camp.
Relive the Excitement of the USF Zombie Disaster Camp 2024!
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