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2022 UMD Summer Camps

From Art to Sports Journalism to Bugs, New Offerings and Old Favorites Return After Pandemic Pauses

By Karen Shih ’09

Boy on climbing wall

From TERP Quest to CompSciConnect (below) and dozens more, UMD offers and hosts a slew of academic, recreational, arts and sports summer camps for kids of all ages.

Climbing photo courtesy of TERP Quest; laptop photo courtesy of CompSciConnect

Whether your kid is an aspiring tech programmer, budding musical talent or ball of energy ready to tuck and flip all summer, the University of Maryland has a camp for you.

UMD offers and hosts dozens of academic, recreational, arts and sports programs to entertain and educate kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens. After two years of pared-back and virtual offerings, this year’s roundup includes mostly in-person camps, including residential and day programs, as well as a few online options.

As COVID-19 guidelines continue to evolve, some camps are still deciding how and if they’ll operate this year, so keep checking back for updates.

Kick-start your summer reading below:

AgDiscovery
Students in grades 9-11
July 10-29
Free
Virtual
Students will discover agricultural science from AGNR faculty, practicing veterinarians, industry representatives and U.S. Department of Agriculture professionals. Participants from all areas of the state and nation have the opportunity to earn three hours of university-level course credits through AGNR100, "An Educational Odyssey in Exploring Food, Culture, and the Environment."

Amazing Science Discovery Camp
Students entering grades 3-5
July 18-22
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$250
In person but could move online
Each camp day is filled with exciting experiments, interesting projects, educational demonstrations and much more. Camp activities engage students in developing curiosity, building knowledge and increasing their appreciation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in their daily lives and future careers.

AI4ALL
Students entering grades 10-12
July 5-22
$600 (includes room and board)
In person
AI4ALL, a three-week residential computer programming and artificial intelligence (AI) summer camp, will be offered as a virtual experience. Nationally, the purpose of AI4ALL is to increase the presence of underrepresented populations within the field of AI. Students will come away knowing how AI can be used to help people and an idea of what kinds of careers there are in AI.

Bug Camp: Insects, Science & Society
Ages 7-12
All info TBA
Registration opens March 23
Budding entomologists find insect nirvana at this hands-on one-week program designed to teach kids the critical role bugs play in Earth’s ecosystem.

Camp Shule (Nyumburu Cultural Center)
Students entering grades pre-K-12
June 20-Aug. 12
9 a.m.-4 p.m. with before- and after-care options
$130 per week ($50 nonrefundable registration fee; additional fees for field trips and T-shirts may apply)
In person
Camp Shule (Swahili for “school”) offers youths the opportunity to explore academic, artistic, and athletic interests in a relaxed and creative environment. The camp encourages a lifelong love of learning with a combination of the best aspects of traditional camps—close friendships, activities and adventure—as well as intellectual inquiry and exploration.

Center for Young Children
Ages 3 through kindergarten
June 27-Aug. 5
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$2,000 for six weeks
In person
The Center for Young Children is a state-of-the-art facility that provides an environment that educates and cares for children in a developmentally appropriate manner.

Come Hear
Ages 3-6
July 11-22
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$600
In person
The Maryland Cochlear Impact Center of Excellence in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences offers this two-week day camp for young children with significant hearing loss. The program provides an opportunity for them to receive individualized and group training in a fun and social classroom setting. Children will receive daily sessions of individual therapy with the concepts reinforced throughout the day during group activities including circle time, outdoor play and snacks.

Girls huddle around a laptop

CompSciConnect
Students entering grades 6-9
July 3-15, July 17-29, July 31-Aug. 12
$300 for each two-week session
In person
CompSciConnect is a three-year summer camp (Yellow, Red and Terp groups) that typically begins with rising sixth graders joining the Yellow group. Each summer, students learn more advanced skills and also meet monthly throughout the school year to maintain those skills. Through the three years, students explore block programming with scratch (Yellow); web programming with HTML, CSS and JavaScript (Red); and Python and 3D programming (Terp), along with cybersecurity/safety, cryptology, number bases, logic and computer skills. The camp emphasizes how these skills connect to other areas of study and to make the world a better place. Apply by March 11 for best consideration.

Cyber Defense
Students entering grades 11-12 (technical experience is recommended, including networking, Cisco Academy and/or Java programming)
June 26-July 2
$1,000
In person (residential)
Participants will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge of cybersecurity and gain practical skills through instruction by an experienced security professional. Students learn about career options in the field, take at least one field trip and hear from a variety of speakers to learn more about how to prepare to enter this exciting profession. Additionally, students will be introduced to the Advanced Cybersecurity Experience for Students (ACES) honors program offered at the University of Maryland.

Create Tech
Students entering grades 8-12
July 24-Aug. 5
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
$400
In person
Created to be an introduction to computing, this camp will teach students the basics of Python and learn how to apply this language to wearable technology. Students will spend the week with current computer science students to explore the field, and will have lab visits and field trips. Apply by March 11 for best consideration.

Engineering Design: Life Safety and Fire Protection Engineering
Students entering grades 9-12 (participants should have experience in algebra to be eligible)
June 27-30
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
$100
Virtual
This camp will offer participants a glimpse into what fire protection engineers do in and outside of the classroom. Over a 4-day period, participants will learn engineering concepts, participate in experiments and work with engineering software.

ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Students entering grade 12
July 1-29
$350
Still deciding on in person or virtual
In this intensive, four-week research-focused program, students will: explore engineering through a research project; learn about engineering research and engineering concepts; develop a research proposal, complete a literature search, and review for the research project; learn about the college application process, financial aid processes and test-taking strategies; and meet undergraduate and graduate students through engineering-focused programs and activities.

FPE Design Challenge
Students entering grades 11 and 12
July 11-15 (at Mount St. Joseph High School days 1-4; students will be bussed to UMD on day 5)
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
$245
In person
Participants will learn about notification, detection and suppression systems for fire protection engineering. Teams of three or four participants will design, test and build a two-room apartment along with the notification, detection and suppression systems in that apartment. The teams will bring their apartments to be fire-tested in a competition at the end of the week at the University of Maryland fire labs.

Girls Talk Math
Students entering grades 9-12
June 11-22
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$25
In person
Camp activities involve learning math outside of the standard curriculum, attending mini lectures on math, and recording and publishing a podcast about a famous female mathematician.

Gymkana
Ages 5-16
June 27-Aug. 19 (weekly sessions)
8:45 a.m.-4:15 p.m. with before-care option (No after-care this year)
$320 per week
In person
Boys and girls of all experience levels learn gymnastics without the pressure of competition at this weekly day camp. At the end of each week, campers participate in a performance for family and friends.

iDTech Camps
Ages 7-17
June 27-Aug. 12
$999 and up
At these weekly residential camps, kids and teens of all skill levels discover coding, AI, machine learning, film, robotics, and game design, developing in-demand skills.

Info Challenge Summer Camp
Students entering grades 11 and 12
In-person: July 18-22
Virtual: July 25-29
$300 (scholarships available)
In this week-long data analysis camp, students work in small teams to solve a real-world problem by analyzing a dataset provided by a professional organization. Students will learn how to approach a formal problem statement, incorporate additional datasets to enhance the analysis, use Tableau to conduct the analysis, and create a meaningful visualization to share their results. At the end of the week, each team will present their final project to the panel of data analyst judges.

Jump Start Biomedical Science Program
Students entering 11th and 12th grades
Virtual: July 11-22, weekdays
9 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m.
$275
The Jump Start Program offers students the opportunity to learn the tools of modern life sciences research and experience the excitement of discovery, under this year’s theme of biomedical science. Students learn about anatomy and physiology and the way in which cellular and molecular techniques are changing the way we understand, diagnose, and treat disease. They participate in discussions, case studies, online laboratory investigations and professional development workshops.

JumpStart Computing Elementary Camp
Students entering grades 4-5
June 27-July 1
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$150
In person
Elementary students are invited to an interactive learning experience in computing, robotics, and cybersecurity. Undergraduate students will cover topics such as Python Art, Number Theory, Scratch, and Cryptography over the course of this one-week camp. Apply by March 11 for best consideration.

Mathletics
Students entering grades 7- 9
July 11-29
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$100
Students build their knowledge of statistics concepts, increase their motivation and interest in advanced mathematics and statistics courses in high school and college, and get exposure to STEM careers. Activities are led by faculty, local certified teachers and undergraduate students majoring in a STEM field. Students also have a chance to meet athletic coaches and enjoy recreational activities offered at the Stamp Student Union and Xfinity Center.

The Physics of Quidditch
Students entering grades 5-7
July 5-9
10 a.m.-noon; 1-2 p.m.
$275
Virtual except Saturday; in-person participants must be fully vaccinated
This innovative summer program combines physics, the real-life sport of quidditch and the books and movies from the world of Harry Potter. Campers learn about the physical universe by exploring the magic of Hogwarts and the concepts of mechanics, optics, magnetism and modern physics. Campers are sorted into “houses” and compete in a week-long Try-Physics Tournament and Quidditch Cup. The camp culminates in a luncheon for participants and parents, a presentation of science concepts learned and the championship quidditch match.

Advanced Physics Summer Girls Program
Students entering grades 10-12
Aug. 8-12
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
$60
In person
Participants learn about topics such as relativity, antimatter, biophysics, quantum mechanics, physical uncertainty, quantum computing and more. The program is filled with hands-on lab activities, visits to cutting-edge research labs, discussions with professors and graduate students who conduct modern physics research and a project to make the discussions of modern topics tangible. Students are introduced to topics that they will likely not be offered in their high school classes, from the thought experiments of Einstein to current applications in code breaking.

Pre-College Scholars Program
Students entering grades 11-12
In person: July 7-31
9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
$300
Students prepare for the SAT, get an introduction to high-level math, attend workshops on the college admission process and applying for financial aid and learn about the A. James Clark School of Engineering.

RISE Research Summer Program
Girls in high school
Dates TBD
3-5 p.m.
Free
Virtual
Students will participate in at-home friendly experiments that correspond to different engineering disciplines each day of the week and learn about research labs at UMD. Students will learn how to read and write scientific research papers and will have access to current Maryland engineering undergraduate students who are involved in research labs.

Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism Camp
Students entering grades 9-12
July 11-15
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$125
The weeklong day camp at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism provides tools and inspiration to high school students interested in sports media. Faculty and other media professionals share tenets of basic journalism writing, as well as other sports journalism skills that include writing a game story and covering a press conference.

Summer Art Camps
Ages 6-12
July 11-Aug. 5 (weekly sessions)
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (before and after care available)
$290 with additional fees for before and after care ($50/week discount for UMD staff, faculty, students and alums)
In person
Looking for a fun, immersive and interactive summer arts experience for your kids that won’t break the bank? Each week, campers participate in three art specialties with trained arts professionals, from drawing and painting to sculpture and media, to music and dance. Specialties change each week, so campers may register for more than one session to explore more mediums. Every week culminates in a showcase for campers’ artistic achievements. Registration opens March 14.

Terrapin Music Camp
Students entering grades 5-12

  • Band: July 17-22
  • Orchestra: July 24-29
  • Choir: July 24-29

3-6 p.m. on Sunday; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday (concert on Friday starts at 2 p.m.)
$445
In person
Students at all proficiency levels are invited to participate in musical enrichment, growth and new opportunities. Students develop musicianship and advance their instrumental and vocal technique through ensemble and solo performance.

Terp Young Scholars (Virtual option only)
Students entering grades 9-12
July 11-29
$1,500 online package (UMD Alumni Association members receive a 20% discount; UMD faculty and staff can apply tuition remission to the course package fee)
Virtual
Discover the challenge, excitement, and independence of the college experience with Terp Young Scholars. Choose the online course that interests you and get a jump on college by earning three university credits. Designed for rising high school freshmen to seniors. Applications accepted until May 1. 

TERP Quest (Full but has wait list)
Students entering grades 1-7
Weekly sessions June 27-Aug. 5
8:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with before and after care options
$270/week
In person
TERP Quest focuses on fun, providing elementary school-aged children with varied recreational and educational experiences inside and out with new activities every day.

VetSummer
Ages 12-17
Session 1: July 10-16
Session 2: July 17-23
Residential: $1,995, commuter student: $995
This veterinary medicine summer camp class introduces students to the world of animal science, teaching many of the skills used in veterinary medicine. Participants learn about the anatomy of large and small animals, animal handling, disease identification/treatment and basic medical care, and learn about important topics in veterinary medicine ranging from ethics to management. Campers meet with professionals in the field, including a trip to the Smithsonian National Zoo, and work with animals large and small.

WIE Change the World! An Introduction to Engineering
Girls in high school
July 11-15 (students entering grades 11-12)
July 18-22 (students entering grades 9-12)
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
$250
Virtual
This program is geared toward high school-aged women who are considering majoring in engineering and potentially pursuing it as a career. It will introduce participants to
the various disciplines of engineering through engaging lessons and lectures, hands-on activities, and conversations with faculty, staff, and students in the Clark School of Engineering.

SPORTS CAMPS

Basketball (girls)
Elite Camp (ages 12-18): June 25, $100
Team Camp (middle and high school): June 26, $300 per team
Day Camp 1 (ages 8-18): July 18-22
Day Camp 2 (ages 8-18): July 25-29
Campers learn new skills and drills under the direction and experience of Brenda Frese and her coaching staff. Instructors and coaches include current and former Maryland players, as well as other coaches and players from across the country.

Field Hockey
Girls ages 12-18
July 24-26, Aug. 3-5
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
$400
Presented by the University of Maryland and Advanced Play, this camp provides players (and whole teams) with the opportunity to develop their game on the Terp team’s state-of-the-art turf facility, meet UMD coaches and work with current Terp athletes. Registration opens March 18.

Golf
Ages 10-18
June 12-15
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Residential: $1,395; day: $950
Nike Junior Golf Camp offers each junior golfer the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their starting point. Terp coaches offer a positive and fun learning environment, one in which campers can thrive under the direction of motivated and highly skilled instructors.

Gymnastics
Girls ages 7-18
July 25-26, July 30-July 31, Aug. 1-2, Aug. 3-4
8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
$315 per session
Campers work with current GymTerps and learn more about what being a GymTerp is all about. Campers learn new drills, skills and conditioning to enhance their gymnastics abilities.

Lacrosse Open Camps (girls)
Girls in grades 4-11
June 20-22, July 11-13
Residential: $550, commuter: $475
Young athletes get the ultimate overnight camp experience with first-class college facilities. Campers compete with other players and receive instruction from college coaches and outstanding college players.

Lacrosse Elite Camp (girls)
Girls in grades 8-11
June 18-19
$400 (commuter only)
Campers compete with other players and receive instruction from college coaches and outstanding college players.

Soccer (girls)
Future Terps Kids Clinic (girls entering grades 1-7): June 11, $100
ID Clinic (girls entering grades 8-12): June 11 and 12 and Aug. 12, $150
Goalkeeper ID Clinic (girls entering grades 7-12): July 23, $75
MD x Philadelphia Area Satellite Camp (girls entering grades 8-12): July 24
These day camps give girls the opportunity to improve their soccer skills, techniques, strategies and tactics through individual training and challenging game competition. Emphasis is also placed on developing a winning attitude, enjoying the sport and making friends.

Soccer (boys)
Day camp: June 20-23; ages 6-12
9 a.m.-3 p.m. (half-day option available)
$275-$400
Elite camps for middle and high schoolers: June 29-July 2 and July 13-16
Residential: $725; Commuter: $625
Maryland Coach Sasho Cirovski’s camps are based on the principle that young people learn and develop skills most quickly and effectively when they are having fun. These camps teach each player how to fully reach his potential as a soccer player, focusing on individual techniques, skills and tactics through creative and motivating sessions.

Volleyball
Girls entering grades 7-12
Various camps from July 8-17; commuter and overnight options available
$125-$525
Led by Terps Coach Adam Hughes, camps assist players in developing the full potential of their individual skills through a proven system of instruction. Camps target youths, middle schoolers and high school and elite players as well as focus on individual skills and teams.

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