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Campus & Community

2019 Summer Camps at UMD

Your Guide to Ensuring Kids Have Enriching Experiences, Right Here on Campus

By Carly Taylor ’19

Kids participate at Gymkana

Photo courtesy of the School of Public Health

Kids participate at Gymkana, one of the dozens of summer camps available at UMD.

It’s Spring Break. Do you know how your children will spend this summer? The university’s schools and colleges and athletics department offer a huge variety of sleepover and day camp opportunities for a few days, weeks or even much of the summer. They just might be your salvation—and the kids’.

They can bring a robot to “life,” compete in a cook-off, dribble and shoot under the direction of a pro. Spots are filling fast for enriching, educational and fun activities right here on campus, with price points starting at “Free.” The kids will be close to your workplace, and have more to look forward to than staring at their screens.

See the 2020 summer camp list here.

AgDiscovery
Students in middle and high school
July 7–26
Free
Ag Discovery students learn about plants and animals, the importance of protecting America’s food supply from insects and disease, the role of regulation in genetically engineered organisms, and the challenge of managing and resolving wildlife conflicts. Students live on campus for three weeks and discover agricultural science from College of Agriculture and Natural Resources faculty, practicing veterinarians, industry representatives and experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which funds the program.

Amazing Science Discovery Camp (Full, accepting waitlist submissions)
Students entering grades 3–5
July 15–19, July 22–26
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
$250
Campers at this one-week day camp explore the physical world and gain appreciation for STEM fields through experiments, lessons, educational demonstrations and more.

AI4ALL
Students entering grades 10–11
July 15–Aug. 1
$200
AI4ALL is a three-week-long, residential computer programming and artificial intelligence (AI) summer camp. Students will come away from the camp knowing how AI can be used to help people and an idea of what kinds of careers are available in AI. Students will be exposed to personal growth, education, and hands-on experiences presented by faculty, guest lecturers and UMD students.

Bug Camp: Insects, Science & Society (Full)
Ages 7–12
June 24–28, July 8–12
8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
$295
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.

Nyumburu Cultural Center’s Camp Shule
Students entering grades pre-K–12
June 17–Aug. 9
9 a.m.–4 p.m. with before- and after-care options
$130 per week
Camp Shule (Swahili for “school”) offer youths the opportunity to explore academic, artistic, and athletic interests in a relaxed and creative environment. Camp Shule 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 (Limited spots remaining)
Ages 3 through first grade
June 24–Aug. 2
7:45 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
$2,000 for six weeks
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.

CompSciConnect
Girls entering grades 6–8
June 17–28, July 15–26, July 28–Aug. 9
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with before and after care options
$300 for each two-week session
This three-year summer program from the Department of Computer Science teaches girls essential computer science skills, allowing them to program robots, build websites and create virtual reality games. Students advance their knowledge and explore new fields of computing each year.

Cyber Defense Training Camp
Students entering grades 11–12
July 7–13
$1,250
This residential summer program offers intermediate-level students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of cybersecurity and gain practical skills through instruction by experienced security professionals.

Introduction to Computing 101
Students entering grades 9–12
June 24–28
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with before and after care options
$150
This one-week camp, aimed at students with no prior computing experience, will teach the basics of Java. Students will spend the week with current computer science students to explore the field. The camp will include lab visits and field trips. Because this camp is designed to be an introduction to computing, those with previous experience should seek alternative camps. For best consideration, apply by March 22.

Discovering Engineering
Students entering grades 11–12
July 21–27, July 28–Aug. 3
$1,000
During this one-week residential program, students discover the vast field of engineering by living on campus, meeting faculty and touring one-of-a-kind labs and facilities. Students participate in a variety of activities including laboratory work and demonstrations, lectures, discussions, computer instruction and a team design project.

ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Students entering grade 12
July 7–Aug. 3
Cost: TBD
The ESTEEM (Engineering, Science and Technology to Energy and Expand Young Minds) and Summer Engineering Research (SER)-Quest is a recruitment program of the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Participants conduct a research project in an engineering faculty member’s lab in the afternoon and participate in other activities in the morning. Students learn about engineering research and engineering concepts, write a research paper, participate in a research symposium and more. The registration deadline is March 15.

Exploring Engineering (E2@UMD)
Girls entering grades 11–12
July 7–12, 14–19
$1,100
In this one-week residential program, high school women explore the world of engineering through hands-on activities, laboratory experiments, informative workshops, team challenges and seminars with professional engineers. The registration deadline is March 18.

Girls Talk Math
Girls entering grades 9–12
June 17–28
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
$25
Girls Talk Math is a two-week summer day camp hosted by the Department of Mathematics. 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
Weekly sessions June 17–July 26
9 a.m.–4 p.m. with before- and after-care options
$275 per week (discounted rates for multi-week registration)
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.

Healthy Eating Discovery Summer Camp
Students entering grades 3–8
July 29–Aug. 2
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$285
Campers will spend the week learning about healthy eating, the science behind how your body utilizes food, and how to create a healthy meal with this knowledge! They will have access to a working kitchen laboratory and the materials to be creative with cooking and explore creating nutritious and delicious meals. Your camper will enjoy mini-cooking competitions, plating and preparing healthy food, scavenger hunts, growing their own herbs, and much more!

iDTech Camps
Ages 7–17
Weekly beginner–advanced sessions June 24–Aug. 9
$859–$1,978
At these weekly residential camps, kids and teens of all skill levels discover coding, AI, machine learning, film, robotics, and game design, developing the in-demand skills needed to compete in the nearby Baltimore tech startup scene. 

Jump Start Biomedical Science Program
Students entering grades 11–12
July 15–19, 22–26
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
$200
Developed through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and now sponsored by the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, this weekly day camp is for students considering a career in biomedical sciences. Campers will learn how cellular and molecular techniques are changing the way we diagnose and treat disease through activities such as carrying out laboratory investigations and participating in seminars and professional development workshops.

Make Your Own Wearables
Girls entering grades 9–12
June 17–21, July 8–12
$200
This one-week day camp will introduce students to topics such as the principles of cloud computing, progressive web application development, electronics and the “internet of things.” Campers will use software, hardware and Arduino programming to create wearable items such as light-up keychains, bracelets and brooches. To foster their talent and creativity, campers will also have time to discover their own passion for designing and creating fashion items. Labs will consist of creating a prototype design on a breadboard and verifying that the design works using state-of-the-art equipment. For best consideration, apply by March 22. 

Mathletics 
Students currently in grades 6, 7 or 8
July 1–19 (closed July 4)
9 a.m.–4 p.m.   
$600 through May 16, then $625
Mathletics is a daily, three-week academic and sports day camp for middle school girls and boys hosted by the Maryland Institute for Minority Achievement and Urban Education and the Center for Math Education in the UMD College of Education.  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.

M-Power Tools Summer Program
Girls entering grades 7–8
June 17–21
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$400
The M-Power Tools Summer Program is focused on enhancing self-efficacy as well as teamwork skills by teaching girls to use power tools safely and effectively to accomplish a project goal alongside current students and professionals in the field, specifically women, who can serve as role models and mentors.

The Physics of Quidditch (Full, accepting waitlist submissions)
June 24–28, July 8–12
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
$275
This program combines physics, sports and literature of the Harry Potter novels. Participants gain skills in physics, critical thinking, teamwork, playing Quidditch and an appreciation for the literature that inspired the sport.  

Physics Summer Girls
Students entering grades 9–12
9th-grade workshop: July 8–12, July 29–Aug. 2
Advanced (10th–12th grade): July 29–Aug. 9
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
$25
Students learn trial and error and the principles of the scientific method. Programs focus on classical physics and modern physics, with topics ranging from relativity to antimatter, quantum mechanics, physical uncertainty, quantum computing and more.

SeaPerch Summer Camp
Students entering grades 7–11
7th– 9th grades: July 8–19
10th –11th grades: July 22–Aug. 2
8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$750–$800, depending on time of registration
SeaPerch introduces campers to mechanical design, construction, problem solving and teamwork skills using a submersible, remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Students build the ROV from a kit and learn basic engineering and science concepts.

Pre-College Scholars Program
Students entering grades 11–12
June 11–July 11 (off July 4–7)
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
$300
Prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) while learning more about the A. James Clark School of Engineering and the necessary tools and strategies to navigate the college application process.

Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism Camp
Students entering grades 9–12
July 8–12
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
$100
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.

Smith Sports and Entertainment Business Program
Students entering grades 10–12
July 14–26
$3,500
During this two-week residential program, students learn from career professionals designed to teach topics such as management, law, negotiation, marketing and leadership as it relates to the sports and entertainment industries.

Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows
Students entering grades 11–12
July 14–26
$3,500
During this two-week residential program, students learn from Smith School faculty, participate in interactive learning workshops and sessions and work in teams to create and pitch their own business idea. 

S.P.I.C.E. Camp
Girls entering grades 9–10
June 24–28
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$360
This commuter program introduces young women to engineering through projects, tours and guest speakers. Activities highlight the relevance of engineering in daily life and how engineering can work to solve societal problems.

Summer Art Camps
Ages 6–12
July 8–12, 15–19, 22–26, July 29–Aug. 2
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
$225, plus $40 for after care
Studio A Summer Art Camp has students each week 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. Every week culminates in a showcase of campers’ artistic achievements.

Summer Intensive Cochlear Implant Program  
Ages 3–6
July 8–19
9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
$600
The Maryland Cochlear Impact Center of Excellence in the Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences offer this two-week day camp for young children who are cochlear implant recipients, or are on the path to a cochlear implant. It uses a literacy-based, oral language-focused curriculum to provide intensive therapy interwoven through fun activities in a classroom setting. 

Terrapin Music Camp
Students entering grades 5–10
Band: July 21–26
Orchestra/Choir/Piano: July 28–Aug. 2
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Early registration: $365, Regular: $385, Late: $425
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
Students entering grades 9–12
July 7–26
$3,850 residential package fee, $2,650 commuter package fee, $4,050 international residential package fee.Several courses charge an additional fee.
Students get a jump on college, earning three credits while attending classes, enjoying field trips and guest speakers and study with faculty. Students can commute or live on campus.

Terp Discovery
Students entering grades 6–8
July 15–26
$1,600 commuter package fee. Some courses charge an additional fee.
*UMD faculty and staff and UMD Alumni Association members receive a 20% discount
For two weeks, Terp Discovery participants expand their minds, skills and horizons, attending classes, going on field trips, listening to guest speakers and working on projects.

TERP Quest
Students entering grades 1–7
Weekly sessions June 24–Aug. 2
8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. with before and after care options
$265/week
TERP Quest focuses on fun, providing elementary school-aged children with varied recreational and educational experiences inside and out with new activities every day.

 

SPORTS CAMPS

Basketball (boys)
Ages 8–18
June 23–26, June 27–30, July 24–27
Residential: $530, commuter: $375
8:45 a.m.–9 p.m. for commuters
Campers under the tutelage of the Terps coaching staff develop their defensive, offensive and shooting skills in drills and a variety of games in weekly camps.

Basketball (girls)
Ages 8–18
Elite Camp: June 21
Team Camp: June 22
Day Camp 1: July 8–12
Day Camp 2: July 29 – Aug. 2
Guard Clinic: July 8
Shooting Clinic: July 9
Post Clinic: July 29
Elite Middle School Clinic: July 30
Prices available on website
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 10–18
July 28–31, Aug. 4–7
Residential: $560, under-12 day camp: $360
Presented by the University of Maryland and Advanced Play, this weekly 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.

Golf (Limited spots remaining)
Ages 10–18
June 16–19
Residential: $1,095, extended 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 7–17
July 28–30, July 31–Aug. 2, Aug. 4–6
$450–$550 per session
Residential and commuter campers work with current team members as well as socialize and learn more about what being a GymTerp is all about. Campers learn new drills, skills and conditioning to enhance their gymnastics abilities.

Lacrosse (girls)
Ages 8–18
June 19–22
Residential: $595, commuter: $520
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.

Soccer (boys)
Day camp: July 24–28 in Columbia, Potomac, College Park and Crownsville
Elite camp: June 30–July 3, July 13–16
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
$350–$695
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.

Soccer (girls)
Girls entering grades 6–12
Summer Camp: July 18–20
Elite Forwards Camp: July 13–14
Cost: TBA
This residential camp gives 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.

Volleyball
Girls entering grades 7–12
Elite Skills Camp: July 19–21
Volleyball Academy: July 12–14
High School Team Camp: July 12–14
Hours vary
$295–$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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