2021 UMD Summer Camps

After more than a year of children having limited exposure to the outside world, summer camp in 2021 is more than a fun opportunity to learn or grow—it’s a lifeline to normalcy. 

Even in these uncertain times, the University of Maryland offers dozens of academic, recreational, arts and sports programs to entertain and educate students (and give parents a break!). Want more variety? Depending on your child’s interest, options are available that run from one to eight weeks. And as the world slowly emerges from the worst of the pandemic, many camps remain virtual vs. in-person to protect everyone’s health and safety. 

Some camps’ organizers have yet to make the call on if and how they’ll make it work, so keep checking back here for updates. We’ve included those camps and descriptions from previous years so you’ll know what to look for.

But it’s not too soon to get started on this particular form of summer reading: 

Ag Discovery
Students in middle and high school
July 11–30
Free
Ag Discovery students learn during this three-week virtual experience 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 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.

AI4ALL
Students entering grades 10–12
July 12–31
$300
AI4ALL is a three-week virtual computer programming and artificial intelligence (AI) camp. Students come away knowing how AI can help people and with an idea of what kinds of careers are available in AI. Students grow and learn through hands-on experiences presented by faculty, guest lecturers and UMD students.

CompSciConnect
Students entering grades 6–8
Session 1: June 21–July 2; Session 2: July 19–30; Session 3: Aug. 2–13
9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with before and after care options
$300 for each two-week session. Scholarships are available.
Best consideration registration deadline: March 19
This three-year summer program from the Department of Computer Science teaches students from underrepresented groups in STEM 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
June 21–July 2
$500
This virtual program, held by the Iribe Center for Diversity and Inclusion in Computing, offers intermediate-level students the opportunity to expand their knowledge of cybersecurity and gain practical skills through instruction by experienced security professionals.

ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
Students entering grades 11–12
July 2–30
$75
ESTEEM (Engineering, Science and Technology to Energize and Expand Young Minds) and Summer Engineering Research (SER)-Quest, held virtually over four weeks, is a recruitment program of the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Students learn about engineering research and concepts, write a research paper, participate in a research symposium, complete a literature search and review for the research project.

Girls Talk Math
Girls entering grades 9–12
July 19–30, 2–4 p.m. weekdays
Free
Application deadline: June 1
Hosted by the Department of Mathematics, this virtual camp involves 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
Seven weekly sessions running June 28–Aug. 13, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. 
$350 per session; $280 for the week of July 6–9. Morning care available for extra fee. 
Registration is pending university approval: Children of all experience levels learn gymnastics without the pressure of competition at this weekly day camp. All campers and staff must wear masks at all times, except while eating. Campers will only participate in activities with their assigned group, and physical distancing will be implemented. Hand sanitizer will be provided at every rotation. Large group activities will not take place this season including pool time, juice break, and the Friday parents' show.

Introduction to Computing 101
Students entering grades 9–12
Session 1: July 5–9; Session 2: July 12–16
9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Best consideration date: March 15
$150
Introduction to Computing is a two-week virtual program in which students learn the basics of Python. Participants will spend the weeks with current computer science students to explore the field. The course assumes no prior knowledge of computing and is meant for students who have no academic experience in computer science.

Jump Start Biomedical Science Program
Students entering grades 11–12
July 12–23, weekdays
Morning session: 9 a.m-noon; afternoon session: 1–4 p.m.
Deadline: March 31
$250
Students in this two-week virtual science immersion program will learn about anatomy and physiology, and the way in which cellular and molecular techniques are changing how we understand, diagnose and treat disease. It was developed through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and is now sponsored by the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. 

JumpStart Computing Elementary Camp 
Students entering grades 4–5
Session 1: July 5–9; Session 2: July 12–16
$100
Best consideration deadline: April 4
Elementary students are invited to an interactive learning experience in computing, robotics and cybersecurity in this virtual program, run by the Iribe Initiative for Inclusion and Diversity in Computing Undergraduate students will cover topics such as Python art, number theory, Scratch, cryptography and robotics. This program will provide students with the opportunity to explore computing topics and learn about additional resources to continue their learning.

Nyumburu Cultural Center’s Camp Shule
Students entering grades 3–12
July 12-Aug. 5
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
$100
Camp Shule (Swahili for “school”) combines the fun, friendships and adventure of camp with the excitement of intellectual inquiry and discovery. Youths explore academic, artistic and athletic interests in a relaxed and creative environment. It features the best aspects of traditional camps—close friendships, activities and adventure—with intellectual inquiry and exploration. Camp Shule is based on the fundamental belief that children are good-decision makers, and make choices about their daily schedules that build self-confidence, independence and maturity.

Physics of Quidditch
Students entering grades 3–9
July 12-16, 10 a.m.–noon, grades 6-9
July 19-23, 10 a.m.–noon, grades 3-5
$60
This virtual summer camp workshop will offer exciting activities on how the magic in Harry Potter's world relates to the physics and technology of our own world. Campers will be sorted into houses and participate in fan-favorite activities like building their own physics demos, the scientific method of "tea leaf reading" and Harry Potter trivia. Registration closes May 14.

Physics Summer Girls
Students entering grades 9–12
Not yet updated for 2021
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.

Pre-College Scholars Program
Students entering grades 11–12
Weekdays July 12-30, 9 a.m.–noon
$200
Prepare for the SAT virtually while learning more about the A. James Clark School of Engineering and the necessary tools and strategies to navigate the college application process. Students are required to attend all sessions and mandatory orientations, and self-administer and submit pre- and post-test results. Students will receive a detailed schedule prior to orientation and the start of the program. Eligibility requirements are on the website. 

SeaPerch Summer Camp
Session 1: July 12-16, 1–3:30 p.m. (Students entering grades 8–9)
Session 2: July 19-23, 1–3:30 p.m. (Students entering grades 8–9)
Session 3: July 26-30, 1–4 p.m. (Students entering grades 10–11)
Session 1 & 2: $350; Session 3: $375
The SeaPerch Camp is a one-week virtual program that provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science and mathematics through a variety of hands-on projects. Students will design, build and simulate the performance of a SeaPerch using the VPerch app. 

Smith Sports and Entertainment Business Program
July 12-16
Students entering grades 10–12
$675; limited need-based scholarships are available.
Application deadline: June 7
In this virtual program, campers are introduced to careers in the sports and entertainment industries while focusing on management, law, marketing and leadership. Students learn first-hand from career professionals in interactive sessions designed to teach topics such as management, law, negotiation, personal branding, and leadership as it relates to the sports and entertainment industries. Students develop lifelong relationships with fellow participants, undergraduate student mentors, faculty and staff fostering a strong foundation for their future.

Snider Enterprise and Leadership Fellows
Students entering grades 11-12
July 11-30
$1,475
During this two-week virtual program, students learn from faculty in the Robert H. Smith School of Business, participate in interactive learning workshops and sessions, and work in teams to create and pitch their own business idea. (Note: SELF is running as a summer course through Terp Young Scholars.)

Summer Music Program
Students entering grades 7–12
Session 1: July 19-23, middle schoolers
Session 2: July 26-30, high schoolers
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
$200
In this unique one-week virtual experience, students explore cloud-based digital audio workstations and music notation software. They learn the fundamentals of music composition, from writing a melody to analyzing popular song structures and forms, and about music production, sampling, mixing, and mastering. All will produce finished MP3 files to share digitally or publish online.

Studio A Art Camp 
Ages 6–13
Art and Activism: July 5–9, 9 a.m.-noon, ages 10-13, $150
Drawing with Charcoal: July 5–9, 1-3 p.m., ages 9-13, $120
Drawing with Graphite: July 12–16, 1-3 p.m., ages 9-13, $120
Drawing with Mixed Media: July 19–23, 1-3 p.m., ages 9-13, $120
Creating Comics: July 26–30, 1-3 p.m., ages 9-13, $120
Cartoons and Comics: July 12–16, 9-11 a.m, ages 6-8, $120
Telling Stories with Comics: July 19–23,9-11 a.m., ages 6-8, $120
Fruit Cupcake Baking Camp: Saturdays, July 3–24, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ages 9-13, $50 per section, $140 for all four sections
Dumpling Master Class: Saturdays, June 5–26, $50 per section, $140 for all four sections
Studio A is offering online classes and workshops in lieu of its art camps for Summer 2021. Its teaching artists host weekly or single-session classes online through Zoom. Guardians can pick up supplies and DIY kits from Studio A as well.

Terp Young Scholars
Students entering grades 9–12 and rising college freshmen
July 11–30, weekdays
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
$1,475
Application deadline: June 1
Terp Young Scholars, held virtually this year, delivers an academic experience that is at the forefront of theory, thought and technology. Students choose one three-credit course, attend class, study, work on projects, prepare for exams and interact with peers in a virtual academic setting. 

TERP Quest
Students entering grades 1–7
Weekdays June 29–Aug. 7; 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
$270/week (The weekly fee for Week 2 is $220 because there is no camp on July 5.)
Deadline to register: June 11
TERP Quest focuses on fun, providing elementary school-age children with varied recreational and educational experiences inside and out, with new activities every day. Campers will go swimming daily, too.

WIE Change the World: An Introduction to Engineering
Students entering grades 10–12
July 12–16 (students entering grades 11–12); July 19–23 (students entering grades 9–10)
$250
This virtual program is geared toward high school-aged girls who are considering engineering as a major and possible career path. The virtual program introduces participants to the various disciplines of engineering through engaging lessons and lectures, hands-on activities, and conversations with faculty, staff and students in the A. James Clark School of Engineering.

Sports Camps

Golf
Ages 10–18
July 26-28
9 a .m.-4 p.m.
$725
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
Not yet updated for 2021
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
Prospect Elite Camp: Troy Park
June 16. 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
$175
Hanover, Pa. Camp
June 14–15. 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
$150
Terps Lacrosse Camp: Troy Park
June 17–18, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
$150 for one day
$260 for two days
Young athletes compete with other players and receive instruction from college coaches and outstanding college players.

Soccer (boys)
Ages 6–18
Day Camps (ages 6–14): June 21–24, July 26–29
Elite ID Camps (high school-aged players): June 27–29, July 17–19
Elite Middle School Camp (students entering grades 6–8): June 27–29, July 17–19
$225–$350
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.

Wrestling
Children ages 5–19
Not yet updated for 2021
Turtle Power wrestling camps at Maryland provide an array of opportunities for young wrestlers, from novices who will enjoy a mix of training and fun to maximize their potential to serious competitors who will train with some of the best wrestlers from across the country, including members of the Terps team.