15 Summer Camps for Middle Schoolers
Summer camps can help you explore your interests long before high school. If you hope to study business, science, leadership, engineering, or the arts one day, these programs give you a place to start.
What do summer camps for middle schoolers involve?
Most camps combine hands-on projects with structured instruction from mentors, instructors, and university faculty. You might learn public speaking, budgeting, coding, design, research, or teamwork, depending on the camp's focus, while working alongside like-minded students who share your interests.
Why attend a summer camp in middle school?
These experiences help you understand what different careers actually look like well before you have to make decisions about high school or college. A strong summer camp for middle schoolers can also add depth to your college applications, since it shows curiosity, initiative, and commitment.
To help you get started, we have narrowed down 15 summer camps for middle schoolers worth exploring. For related options, check out our guides on online summer camps for middle school students and summer programs in NYC for middle school students.
Quick Look
3 free programs: USC Viterbi Summer Engineering Camp, MIT dynaMIT (Massachusetts residents only), and Carnegie Mellon's Summer Engineering Experience.
2 fully virtual programs: the Junior Innovator Program and Veritas AI's AI Trailblazers, both of which let you participate from anywhere.
STEM-focused camps: iD Tech Summer Camps, USC Summer Engineering Camp, MIT dynaMIT, Ohio State's Data Science Summer Camp, and Carnegie Mellon's SEE.
Highest-cost options: the National Symposium for Debate Camps (starting at $3,395.50) and the Big Run to Potomac River backpacking and canoeing trip ($3,920).
The Junior Innovator Program is the only entrepreneurship-focused camp on the list, pairing you with one-on-one mentorship from professionals at Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey.
15 Summer Camps for Middle Schoolers
1. Residential Programming at John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Location: Various universities, including Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Md.), Roger Williams University (Bristol, R.I.), Dickinson College (Carlisle, Pa.), Ursinus College (Collegeville, Pa.), Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, Calif.), UC-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, Calif.)
Cost/Stipend: Applies; None
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Various dates based on the course you choose
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Students in grades 5-12
At Residential Programming at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, you will live on campus while studying advanced subjects with other motivated students. You will take part in rigorous courses that may not be available at school and learn through active classroom work, discussions, and collaborative activities. The program encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and independent thinking. Outside of class, you will join a diverse student community and participate in campus activities that help you build friendships and communication skills. You will also experience college-style living in a supportive setting. The courses are designed to challenge you academically while giving you space to explore subjects that interest you.
2. Junior Innovator Program
Location: 100% virtual, with one-on-one mentorship and interactive events
Cost: Varies by program; need-based financial aid is available
Program Dates: Flexible start dates; vary by cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Open to middle school students
The Junior Innovator Program is a virtual entrepreneurship incubator program where you develop an actual project that solves a problem you care about. Over the course of the program, you take your idea from curiosity to creation by applying principles of entrepreneurship, pitching, and business thinking in a structured, hands-on setting. You work through one-on-one mentorship sessions that cover ideation, market thinking, and foundational business concepts, while also participating in fireside chats, remote socials, and group discussions with a global cohort of student founders. Throughout the experience, you receive mentorship from entrepreneurs and professionals with backgrounds at organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey, helping you understand how innovation and venture-building work in practice. You refine your communication and leadership skills by presenting your project and incorporating feedback from peers and mentors.
3. iD Tech Summer Camps
Location: 75+ university campuses across the United States
Cost/Stipend: Applies; None
Cohort Size: Small batches
Dates: Various camps from May 24 to August 14
Application Deadline: Various for various university camps
Eligibility: Students in the age group 7–17
At iD Tech Summer Camps, you will spend a week building tech skills through hands-on projects and guided instruction. You can study coding, game design, robotics, AI, animation, or app development while working with instructors from universities such as Stanford and NYU. During class, you will collaborate with other students, practice problem-solving, and create projects that reflect your interests. Outside the lab, you will join campus activities and meet students who share similar goals. Some courses include certificates endorsed by iD Tech or partner organizations. Through this summer camp for middle schoolers, you will also experience college campuses firsthand through day or overnight options designed to balance structured learning with social activities.
4. Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
Location: Virtual
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines. You can apply to the program here.
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. You learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
5. Summer Engineering Camp
Location: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Cost/Stipend: Free; None
Cohort Size: 32 students
Dates: July 13 to July 24
Application Deadline: May 4
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in the 5th, 6th, or 7th grade; have at least a B average in science and math classes. Priority will be given to active MESA and Mission Science students, and students at schools affiliated with the K-12 STEM Center
At USC Viterbi Summer Engineering Camp, you will explore engineering through practical projects, lab activities, and team-based learning. Through this summer camp for middle schoolers, you will work with USC faculty, students, and instructors while studying subjects such as robotics, coding, aerospace, game development, and artificial intelligence. Many camps ask you to design, build, and test solutions using industry tools and software. You will also strengthen communication and problem-solving skills by working in groups and presenting ideas. The program gives you access to USC’s engineering environment and introduces you to different STEM fields in a college setting. Some camps are offered online, while others take place on campus with direct instruction and collaborative activities.
6. MIT dynaMIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost/Stipend: Free; None
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Week 1 will run from August 17th to August 21st, hosting rising 6th/7th graders; Week 2 will run from August 24th to August 28th, hosting rising 8th/9th graders
Application Deadline: Opens in the spring
Eligibility: Massachusetts middle school students, rising 6th-9th grade
At MIT dynaMIT, you will spend a week exploring science and engineering through interactive classes and team activities led by MIT students. You will take part in hands-on projects that introduce concepts in math, technology, and problem-solving while encouraging creativity and collaboration. The program focuses on learning by doing, so you actively build, test, and experiment during workshops and group challenges. You will also meet current MIT students who share their academic experiences and guide activities throughout the week. Along with classroom sessions, you will join community-building events designed to make STEM more approachable and engaging.
7. Education Unlimited Summer Camps
Location: University campuses in California or online
Cost/Stipend: Applies; None
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Summer sessions offered June through August; dates vary by camp
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: 6th, 7th & 8th graders
At this summer camp for middle schoolers, you will study subjects such as public speaking, debate, medicine, law, business, writing, and leadership through small-group instruction and practical activities. You will participate in simulations, discussions, research tasks, and team exercises that encourage clear communication and critical thinking. Some programs include mock trials, medical case studies, or speech presentations that help you apply new skills in realistic settings. Instructors will guide you through workshops while creating space for collaboration with other students. Residential camps will also give you a chance to experience campus life and structured community activities.
8. Data Science Summer Camp
Location: Pomerene Hall, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
Cost/Stipend: $275; None
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 6-10
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: Students in rising grades 7, 8, and 9
At Ohio State’s Data Science Summer Camp, you will work in teams to study how data science connects to fields such as health care, education, business, and city planning. You will learn alongside scientists, university students, and mentors while building analytical and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities. Throughout the week, you will examine how data is collected, interpreted, and applied to real situations. The program also introduces you to academic and career pathways in data science and analytics. Small-group collaboration encourages discussion and teamwork, while conversations with current college students help you better understand STEM study and campus life in a supportive university setting.
9. Big Run to Potomac River – Backpack & Canoe
Location: Maryland and West Virginia; the course starts and ends in Baltimore
Cost/Stipend: $3,920; None
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: June 26 – July 7; July 20 – July 31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle school students ages 12–14
On this 12-day summer camp for middle schoolers, you will hike through Big Run and canoe along the Potomac River while learning to travel and camp as a team. You will practice navigation, camp craft, paddling techniques, river rescues, and problem-solving in changing outdoor conditions. Halfway through the trip, you will switch from backpacking to canoeing, giving you experience in both activities. You will work closely with instructors and crew members during daily challenges, final challenge events, and a service project before graduation. The course also includes solo reflection time, leadership practice, and lessons in communication, responsibility, and teamwork while exploring forests, rivers, and rocky overlooks.
10. Summer Engineering Experience (SEE)
Location: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Cost/Stipend: Free; None
Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: July 13 - 17 (for rising 8th and 9th graders); July 27 - 31 (rising 10th and 11th graders)
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Rising 8th through 11th graders who are interested in math and science
At Carnegie Mellon’s Summer Engineering Experience (SEE), you will spend a week building engineering skills through hands-on projects and design activities. The Making & Engineering session introduces you to different engineering fields while teaching problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative design. You will complete one structured group project and another project in smaller teams using everyday materials. Alongside project work, you will attend educational presentations and collaborate with instructors and other students throughout the program. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on Carnegie Mellon’s campus.
11. Nord Anglia's Summer Camps
Location: Multiple locations worldwide, including the UK, Switzerland, and the United States
Cost/Stipend: Varies by camp and location; no stipend
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Summer sessions; dates vary by program and campus
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students ages 8–18, depending on the camp
Nord Anglia’s summer camps combine academic learning, creative activities, sports, and cultural experiences across several international campuses. Depending on the program you choose, you can study subjects like STEM, performing arts, leadership, business, or language learning while working with teachers and students from different countries. Many camps include project-based activities, team challenges, excursions, and workshops that encourage collaboration and communication. Some programs also feature partnerships with organizations such as MIT and Juilliard. You take part in structured daily schedules that balance classroom sessions with recreation and social activities.
12. Junior Summer Math Camp - Residential (JSMCR)
Location: Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
Cost/Stipend: $2200; None (scholarships available based on financial need)
Cohort Size: 76 students
Dates: June 7 - June 19
Application Deadline: Opens on December 1st of each year and has rolling admissions until the camp is full
Eligibility: Middle school students who are excited about doing mathematics and are currently in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade
Through this summer camp for middle schoolers, you will live on the Texas State campus while studying advanced math through interactive classes and group activities. The program focuses on problem-solving, logical reasoning, and mathematical communication rather than memorization or routine worksheets. You will work with instructors and other students during classroom sessions, team challenges, and recreational events throughout the two-week camp. The schedule also includes guest presentations and organized evening activities that encourage collaboration and community building. Because the camp brings together middle school students who enjoy mathematics, you will get a chance to exchange ideas, test new approaches, and strengthen confidence in analytical thinking.
13. National Symposium for Debate Camps
Location: Residential, commuter, and online summer camps
Cost/Stipend: Tuition varies by session and housing option. Starts at $3,395.50; None
Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Session dates vary by program
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions based on space availability
Eligibility: 6th-12th grade students
At the National Symposium for Debate Camps, you will strengthen speaking, research, and argumentation skills through daily debate instruction and practice rounds. The program offers courses in public forum, congressional debate, policy debate, Lincoln-Douglas debate, and public speaking, allowing you to focus on a format that matches your interests and experience level. You will work closely with coaches and nationally competitive debaters during workshops, drills, and feedback sessions. The camp also includes practice tournaments where you apply strategies in live debates. Residential and commuter options give students flexibility. Its combination of rigorous instruction, tournament preparation, and individualized coaching makes the program especially appealing for motivated speakers.
14. Young Scholars Program (YSP) at the University of Chicago
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Cost/Stipend: Varying participation fees. Scholarships are available for eligible students; None
Cohort Size: Small group sessions
Dates: June 29 - July 24
Application Deadline: April 10
Eligibility: Chicago area students, surrounding suburbs, and Northwest Indiana who will be in grades 7-12 next school year
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) at the University of Chicago gives you a four-week academic experience focused on mathematics and problem-solving. You will attend daily classes led by instructors and work through challenging math topics that encourage reasoning, discussion, and collaboration. Rather than focusing on drills or test preparation, the summer camp for middle schoolers asks you to explain ideas, compare methods, and solve unfamiliar problems with classmates. You will also take part in workshops and community-building activities throughout the session. Because the classes are designed for students with a strong interest in mathematics, you will spend time exploring concepts in greater detail while building communication skills, persistence, and confidence in handling complex questions independently and together.
15. Fusion Academy’s Middle School Summer Camp
Location: 80 campuses nationwide in states like California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida
Cost/Stipend: $675 per week; None
Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: Summer sessions available; dates vary by campus
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Middle school summer camps for 5th–8th graders
Fusion Academy’s summer camp for middle schoolers offers short-term classes and enrichment programs designed around student interests and academic support. You can explore subjects such as STEM, art, writing, music, cooking, or study skills while learning in small classroom settings. The camp emphasizes personalized instruction, allowing teachers to adjust lessons and activities to different learning styles and goals. Depending on the campus, programs may include hands-on projects, creative assignments, and collaborative activities that build confidence and communication skills. You will also work closely with instructors during sessions, which creates more direct feedback and support. Flexible scheduling and varied course choices make the program useful for many interests and learning needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there free summer camps for middle schoolers?
Yes. USC's Viterbi Summer Engineering Camp and Carnegie Mellon's Summer Engineering Experience are both free, though CMU's program is selective. MIT dynaMIT is also free but limited to Massachusetts middle school students.
2. Which camps are fully virtual?
The Junior Innovator Program and Veritas AI's AI Trailblazers both run entirely online, so you can participate from anywhere. The Junior Innovator Program pairs you with one-on-one mentorship from professionals at Google, Microsoft, and McKinsey as you build a real project around a problem you care about, making it a strong option if you're interested in entrepreneurship rather than a single academic subject.
3. Which camps focus on STEM subjects like coding, engineering, or data science?
iD Tech Summer Camps cover coding, robotics, and game design across 75+ campuses, while Ohio State's Data Science Summer Camp and Carnegie Mellon's Summer Engineering Experience focus on hands-on STEM projects. MIT dynaMIT also introduces engineering and problem-solving concepts, though it's limited to Massachusetts residents.