School's out soon: Here's a list of the 2024 University summer camps
This summer's edition of the Young Global Leaders Program is focusing on the intersection of climate and health.
If you're looking for a way to keep your kids engaged after the last school bell rings this spring, the University has several options. Here's a list of the summer camps being offered on campus and at other University locations.
Please note:
- This is not a complete list as some camps are continuing to finalize their plans. For the most up-to-date information, please see the camps' websites.
- An asterisk (*) indicates that a camp offers a discount to University employees.
- If you are a camp organizer whose camp information is not listed below, please let us know by filling out this form. You can send any questions you have to andyober@arizona.edu.
Campers will join others in the gym for free play until 9 a.m., when camp programming starts. Each age group then follows a rotation schedule of games, arts and crafts, team building and free swim until 4 p.m. In addition to the typical camp programming, the camp strives to add special events to match the weekly themes. "A" Camp is designed for children ages 5-11.
Weekly themes for this year's "A" Camp include "Under The Sea," "Space Week" and "Hollywood Week."
Application deadline: Open until filled
Dates and times: The first week starts May 28, and the final week ends July 31. Families can sign up for as many of the 10 weeks as they'd like.
Location: SouthREC, 1400 E. Sixth St.
Cost: The cost depends on the week and whether the family has a Campus Recreation membership. "A" Camp prorates weeks in which there are holidays and the camp is not running. The weekly price ranges from $160-$290. University employees receive a 10% discount.
Arizona Basketball Camp offers fun-filled days of essential basketball drills, engaging warm-up activities and friendly game play. Campers entering first-through-eighth grade will enhance their skills while having fun with their peers. Lunch is provided and each camper will receive a camp T-shirt. Additionally, the camp offers an autograph session with Arizona basketball players.
Application deadline: Open until filled. An early registration discount applies for those registering by May 1.
Dates and times: Each session runs Monday-Thursday. The first session is June 3-6, the second is June 10-13 and the final session is June 24-27. Camp runs from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Location: McKale Memorial Center and Richard Jefferson Gymnasium
Cost: $360 if registered by May 1; $390 for registration before camp begins; $410 for walk-up registration.
During this camp, campers age 13-19 stay in University dorms and participate in courses taught at McClelland Hall. They will work in teams developing their ideas from concepts to business plans, with an emphasis on collaborative, hands-on learning. Learning modules will be taught by University faculty, business professionals, entrepreneurs and University students. The program will include learning outside the classroom with field trips to companies and interactions with executives. The week ends with a "Shark Tank" event where students present their plans and can win prizes.
Application deadline: April 30
Dates and times: This is a residential camp; course times will vary. The dates are June 9-14.
Location: Main campus dorms and McClelland Hall.
Cost: $500. Scholarships are available.
This camp features science activities, arts and crafts, exploration of science exhibits, planetarium shows and outdoor activity time for kids starting first through fifth grade in the fall. All sessions are taught by educators with a passion for inspiring a love of learning and fun. Undersea adventures, engineering challenges, galactic explorations and much more await 2024 campers.
Application deadline: Registration is open indefinitely
Dates and times: Families can sign up for one or multiple weeks. All sessions are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The first week is June 3-7, the second is June 10-14, the third is June 17-21 and the fourth is June 24-28.
Location: Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium
Cost: $395 per week. Flandrau members pay $355 per week.
Health and Wellness Exploration Summer Camp
The Southwest Institute for Research on Women and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation invite all youth to engage in an LGBTQ+-affirming five-day camp exploring their health and wellness. Campers ages 12-24 will develop their voice and gain confidence by learning to navigate complex topics in a youth-centered, supportive, safe and skill-building environment. Lunch is included.
Application deadline: June 19
Dates and times: June 24-28 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Location: Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th, 526 N. Fourth Ave.
Cost: Free
Native American Youth Entrepreneurship Program
Indigenous high school students across the U.S. are invited to participate in the Native Nations Institute's Native American Youth Entrepreneurship Program. Participants will learn how to turn their business ideas into reality from Native American business owners and professionals while learning alongside and networking with a group of similarly motivated peers from across the country. The aim of NAYEP is to foster skills to encourage private-sector development in Indian Country by teaching high school youth the basics of economics, computer skills, strategies for success and business plan preparation. With the guidance of experienced instructors and Indigenous business leaders, NAYEP teaches high school students how to build entrepreneurial skills and how to actualize a business idea.
Application deadline: Open until filled
Dates and times: July 8-12 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Cost: $50
For more than 30 years, the Summer Engineering Academy has offered outreach programs for rising 9th- through 12th-graders who want to learn more about engineering and get a taste of life as a Wildcat. SEA attendees work with professors, graduate students and undergraduate students on design projects and other hands-on activities; meet mentors and learn about engineering degrees, research and careers; explore the campus, facilities and community; and learn about pursuing engineering majors in college while making meaningful connections with peers who share similar interests and passions.
Application deadline: Varies by camp theme; visit the camp website for details.
Dates and times: June 10-July 25 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Day camps and residential programs are available.
Location: Engineering building
Cost: Day camp programs cost $300; residential programs cost $750. University employees receive a 20% discount.
Toxic Detectives includes hands-on science experiments, research laboratory tours and off-campus field trips.
This weeklong summer program for middle school students (grades 6-8) introduces students to the field of environmental health and toxicology. This program allows students to make real-world connections to their environment through various hands-on science experiments, research laboratory tours and STEM professional guest speakers. In addition, students will get the chance to explore the University of Arizona campus and participate in off-campus field trips. The program ends with a showcase event where students give an oral presentation on a toxin of their choice. Toxic Detectives aims to instill confidence in students' ability to pursue an academic or career path in science.
Application deadline: April 6
Dates and times: June 3-7 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, located in the Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center at University of Arizona Health Sciences.
Cost: $225. Scholarships are available. University employees receive a 25% discount.
If you're applying for scholarships, internships, colleges, or other special opportunities, you may be asked to write a Personal Statement. But what is a Personal Statement? How do you get started? How do you know what to write about? Join us for a week to explore these questions and learn about common pitfalls and best practices. By the end of this session, you'll have a solid Personal Statement to submit with any application!
Application deadline: Open until filled
Dates and times: July 8-11, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Online
Cost: $200
Offered by the University's Global Health Institute in partnership with the Environment, Exposure Science and Risk Assessment Center, this program is an immersive and dynamic experience designed for motivated high school students interested in exploring the intersection of public health and the health sciences. The summer edition places a special focus on the intersection of climate and health, offering participants a unique blend of interactive lectures, hands-on lab experiences and an insider's look into the University of Arizona campus.
Application deadline: May 5
Dates and times: May 28-June 7 (weekdays) from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Drachman Hall
Cost: $350 (includes daily lunch). Scholarships are available.