This list of day camp summer programs available to students across the nation. Links to websites are provided so that parents and students may investigate more about an individual program. While the Davidson Institute does not endorse any specific programs, this list includes programs that have been recommended by parents, professionals and young people associated with the Davidson Institute. Each listing includes the program’s location, a short description and a link.
See also:
Gifted Summer Programs: Listed by Topics of Interest
Gifted Summer Programs: Residential
Alabama – Space Camp
Space Camp provides a number of camp options for students of different ages who are interested in space exploration, aviation and aerodynamics.
Arkansas – Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) – Summer Laureate University for Youth
SLUFY is an educational program that provides unique learning experiences for high-ability students to explore and expand their talents and abilities. The program offers a variety of classes taught by a staff that includes graduate students seeking masters degrees in teaching the gifted and talented, certified master teachers, and other experts.
California – Academic Talent Development Program
This program offers challenging summer classes for K-11 students. ATDP courses offer students opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge of the subjects that interest them. Taught by outstanding university, public, and private school instructors, classes are designed to engage students’ hearts as well as their minds. Admission is based on the student’s overall academic profile. Grades, achievement test scores, an essay, and teacher recommendations are all considered.
California – AlphaStar Academy A-Star Program
Offers year-round courses and winter/summer camps in math, computer science and physics for gifted students in Bay Area, California. The program mainly focuses on problem solving skills for 4-12 grade students.
California – Bay Area Writing Project – Young Writers Camps and Teen Writing Camps (Berkeley)
The Bay Area Writing Project sponsors both the annual Young Writers Camps and Teen Writing Camps. Young Wirters Camps offer students entering grades three through nine a unique opportunity to develop their creative abilities and writing talents. The Teen Writing Camps are for incoming ninth through 12th graders. Enrichment opportunities for students who enjoy writing, literature and poetry, both camps are offered on the University of California Berkeley campus.
California – (ATS) California State University at Sacramento – Academic Talent Search
Academic Talent Search (ATS) provides academically challenging, fast-paced courses to highly able and motivated 7th-12th grade students.
California – Explore
Externships Providing Leadership Opportunities in Research and Education (EXPLORE) Program matches high-potential and gifted high school students with distinguished mentors, hands-on research opportunities, and professional experience in their field of interest.
California – Girls Garage
A dedicated workspace for girls and gender-expansive youth in grades 5-12 is located in Berkeley, CA. Attendees work on various projects and spend time reflecting on the day and process.
California – Research Mentorship Program – UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions
This competitive summer program engages qualified, high-achieving high school students from all over the world in interdisciplinary, hands-on, university-level research. Students will be paired with a mentor (graduate student, postdoc, or faculty) and choose a research project from a long list of disciplines offered by the program each year.
California – Stanford Medical Youth Science Program
A five-week immersive enrichment program focused on science and medicine that is open to low-income, first-generation high school juniors who live in Northern California.
California – Stanford Summer Symphony
Rehearses twice weekly (Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:30pm) for five weeks beginning in late June and usually presents its concert on the last Friday of July.
California – Star League
This learning center teaches Math, Computer Science, and Physics courses to gifted and highly motivated students during summer/winter camps and fall/spring semesters.
California – Summer Research Academies – UC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions
This dynamic summer experience engages qualified high school students in project-based, directed research in STEM, Humanities, and Social Sciences fields. Students will take a 4-unit university course in which they choose and develop a research topic specific to the track they select, under the direction of an instructor who is conducting active research in that field.
California – UC Berkeley Academic Talent Development Program
Enrichment and accelerated programs are on the U.C. Berkely campus. Course options are available for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Colorado – Aspen Summer Words
Each participant will be involved in four classes per day plus evening options. Two of the classes are designed to enhance leadership abilities. In addition, students will assist a teacher in the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) class of their choice.
Colorado – Colorado Math Camp
Colorado Math Camp is for elementary or middle school students who love math, and want to improve their math problem-solving and math-contest abilities. Students can sign up for Math Contest Mini-Camps in with beginner and advanced sessions in July.
Colorado – Summer Enrichment Program (Young Child Program at Northern Colorado)
Each participant will be involved in four classes per day plus evening options. Two of the classes are designed to enhance leadership abilities. In addition, students will assist a teacher in the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) class of their choice.
Connecticut – Talcott Mountain Science Center Summer Program in Avon
In addition to a school and Saturday programs for “intellectually excited” students, the Talcott Mountain Science Center also offers a summer day camp. The summer program theme varies each year.
Connecticut – University of Connecticut Confratute
This program is for educators to take summer classes about gifted and talented education.
Florida – Seacamp
Seacamp is a non-profit, marine science education facility located in the Florida Keys. The organization offers marine science education and summer camp experiences including SCUBA, sailing, board sailing, and arts & crafts to students from 10-17 years of age.
Florida – Stetson University HATS Program
Stetson sponsors a variety of classes for high achieving students that stimulate their unique interests and challenge them in their strongest subject areas.
Georgia – Xanadu Summer Programs
A summer enrichment program for gifted and high achieving students offered by the Office of Gifted and Talented Education in Atlanta Public Schools. Available for students in grades 10-12 looking to pursue a degree in computer science after graduation.
Illinois – Columbia College – Summer Arts Camp
College-level courses offered include media, performing and fine arts for students entering grades 9-12 interested in exploring the arts, media, and communications fields. .
Illinois – Northwestern University Center for Talent Development
CTD’s 2026 programs offer academic adventures that inspire and empower—whether diving into a favorite subject, earning high school credit through honors and AP® courses, or exploring new interests. This program serves outstanding students from PreK through grade 12, facilitating high achievement, self-confidence and a love of learning among all participants. Programs are available for students who wish to be residents or commuters. Program sessions last one to three weeks, and students can apply for one, two or three sessions, depending on the program.
Illinois – Summer Gifted Talented Program at Dominican University
For academically gifted students entering grades 2-8 in the fall, this program offers challenging and accelerated courses in Math, Science, Writing/Humanities, and Fine/Performing Arts, providing academic and social enrichment in a safe and supportive learning community.
Iowa – Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development
Offers a variety of summer programs for gifted learners in all grades.
Kentucky – Camp Innovate
Northern Kentucky University’s Camp Innovation Pathways to College Program is an innovative program designed for high potential youth to discover and explore advanced content and engaged learning.
Kentucky – Western Kentucky University – The Center for Gifted Studies
Offer two week-long day camps – Camp Innovate for students in grades 3-5 and Camp Explore for students in grades 1-3. Throughout the week, teachers experienced in gifted education guide the students in minds-on, hands-on learning that is differentiated for their particular needs and advanced levels.
Massachusetts – Boston Museum of Science – Explore It Summer Camp
The Boston Museum of Science offers hands-on, minds-on science learning and fun during six one-week sessions for children ages 5-7.
Massachusetts – College Gate & College Academy
This program provides students in ages 6-15 the opportunity to participate in project-based learning activities. Camps are broken up by age group.
Michigan – (ACE) Academics Camps of Excellence at Calvin College
ACE offers summer camps for kids and youth, ages 5-18. Designed to help bridge the gap between school years. Topics include math, science, literature, computer science, and economics.
Michigan – Michigan State University—Gifted University for Precocious and Passionate Youth (GUPPY)
Designed for young gifted and talented students in grades 4-6 to attend classes taught by MSU faculty and staff at Michigan State University for the week or weekend.
Minnesota – Concordia Language Villages Adventure Day Camps
Day camps for students ages 6-11 where students can learn a variety of different languages.
Minnesota – Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth
Offers summer day programs for gifted students of all ages. Students choose from unique STEM, humanities, and fine arts courses that are hands-on, inquiry-based, and beyond the scope of a traditional curriculum.
Mississippi – Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies Day Programs
Day camp for students in grades PK-6 offering students accelerated classes.
Missouri – Gifted Resource Council Summer Academies
The Gifted Resource Council’s Summer Academies offer a variety of two-week academic day camps in the St. Louis area. Choose from six Summer Academies focused on history, science, business/entrepreneurship and mathematics. These full-day sessions are for students completing kindergarten through eighth grade. Participants may attend two, four or all six weeks. Before/after care is available.
Missouri – Maryville University Stem Programs
Day camps for ages 4-12 and grades 6-8 where students can take a variety of STEM classes. Both morning and evening classes are offered.
Missouri – Mathematics Education for Gifted Secondary School Students (MEGSSS)
The MEGSSS Summer MathJam program offers math challenge and enrichment for math-talented students in the 90th percentile. Financial aid is available. Project MEGSSS bridges the gap between elementary and high school mathematics for mathematically talented middle school students. Coursework is offered to MEGSSS-qualified students for up to 3 years, including summer programming, which also serves as excellent enrichment for students unable to commit to an after-school program.
Missouri – College for Kids
Summer program for gifted and talented children in grades 3-9. Courses are designed to challenge and advance general skills already possessed by the student.
Missouri – Summer Pals and Summer Quest – Drury University Center for Gifted Education
Offers courses for gifted students taught by Drury University staff. The program is open to students in PK-5th grade.
New Hampshire – Manchester Community College Summer Camps
Students will learn about and experience 21st-century skills in STEM through hands-on learning and projects that can include building bridges, flying drones, programming robots, driving robots, and running state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. These camps are for students in grades 6-8.
New Jersey – Primoris Academy Summer Enrichment Program
Primoris Academy has created a wide variety of fun-filled and intellectually stimulating programs for preschoolers through seniors in high school. The programs are broken into four 2-week sessions and by ability, rather than age. Choose only one session, all four, or something in between. Each day also has the choice of full or half-day enrollment.
New Jersey – The Gifted Child Society – Summer Super Stars Camp STEAM Day Camp
This summer program is for gifted children in preschool up to grade 9. The summer day camp offers academic mornings with explorations of true Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, plus recreational afternoons filled with swimming and fun activities. TGCS offers full- and half-day options for preschool campers and special curricula and experiences for middle school campers who will be bridging to high school in the fall.
New York – Challenge Camp
Challenge Camp offers summer enrichment learning opportunities for bright and curious children ages 4-15. Located in Hartsdale, Westchester County, Challenge Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and offers over 100 STEM and Arts courses. These courses range from 3D printing to architecture to chess to cooking to magic to Minecraft to model rocketry to robotics to theater to video production and many options in between. The Afternoon Challenge includes enrichment and sports options to encourage students to challenge both their mind and body. Bus transportation, early drop-off / extended day options are available.
New York – Long Island University Center for Gifted Youth
The Long Island University Center for Gifted Youth conducts a four-week, non-residential summer program for gifted children entering grades 2 through 9 in the fall. This camp offers students a unique combination of academic and recreational activities within a university setting.
New York – Roswell Park Cancer Institute
This program offers high school students the ability to do summer scientific research at America’s Cancer Research Center.
New York – Usdan Summer Camps
Usdan’s 1,700 young musicians, dancers, artists, writers and actors establish lifelong friendships with those who share their passion for creative exploration. Usdan offers you a world class faculty and an incredible campus. Ages 5-18.
North Carolina – Coast Trek
Join MarineQuest to travel back in time to the age of giant prehistoric sharks and discover how North Carolina’s coast has changed over the years. While time traveling through their coastal habitats back to the future, Trekkies will use the tools of oceanography, meteorology and paleontology to experience first-hand how hurricanes and other forces of nature have created the coastline that we see today. The program is for preK-12th grade students Residential and commuter programs are available.
Pennsylvania – The Grayson School (Philadelphia, PA)
The Grayson School is a non-profit, independent private school for gifted students in the greater Philadelphia area grades preK-12. The goal of the school is to provide an individual learning experience for every child, tailored to their advanced educational needs.
Tennessee – Vanderbilt Program for Talented Youth – SAVY (Grades K-6) – Summer Academy at Vanderbilt for the Young (Nashville, TN)
Each summer, rising K-8th grade students take part in a variety of advanced courses taught by content experts. Weekly sessions are available for all grades in the months of June and July.
Texas – Lyle School of Engineering – Engineering Summer Camps
Engineering day camps for students in grades 6-12. Students will gain hands-on experience in courses taught by Lyle School of Engineering staff.
Texas – University for Young People
Courses offered through UYP are designed to foster gifted students’ (grades 1-12) critical and creative thinking skills. Curriculum at this level typically relies on a creative problem-solving framework, which involves defining a problem within a specific scenario, brainstorming ideas for solving it, and collaborating with others to implement and analyze the solutions. Through these activities, students develop key skills (such as critical analysis, idea generation, flexible thinking, effective communication, leadership, and teamwork) that are necessary for future academic success.
Texas – Baylor TIP Intermediate
Courses for Baylor TIP Intermediate students in grades 4-7 are designed to enable students to delve deeper into topics of interest that are not typically offered in traditional school settings. Building on students’ critical and creative thinking skills, curriculum is designed with advanced academic content that sometimes is not encountered until high school, and it often includes interdisciplinary connections. Students are encouraged to make personal connections with the material as they develop their identifies as scholars. They are also provided with ample opportunities to collaborate with other gifted students who have similar academic interests and different perspectives about the content.
Texas – Summer Wonders
Summer Wonders is a nonresidential, full or half-day program for campers of all ages that allows students to explore diverse subjects in a challenging, creative environment through an integrative, hands-on, non-traditional approach.
Vermont – Middlebury Summer Language Academy
A multi-week language and cultural immersion summer program for students. Daily activities normally include four hours of classroom instruction followed by a range of co-curricular activities.
Virginia – Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies (BCWS)
The purpose of the camp is to nurture eight year olds to adults a respect and sensitivity to the natural world through greater knowledge of self and nature.
Virginia – Summer Regional Governor’s Schools
Twenty Summer Regional Governor’s Schools are available throughout the state for high school juniors and seniors, providing opportunities in the arts, sciences and humanities. The schools are typically housed at a public school or on the campus of a college, community college, or university. The lengths of programs vary, with some lasting a week or less while others may last four or more weeks. Most students return to their homes at the end of each day’s activities.
Washington – Aspiring Youth: Summer Camps
Various enrichment activities for students packed with adventure, creativity, connection, and more. The program is open for 5-18 year olds.
Washington – Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington – Summer Programs
The Robinson Center for Young Scholars at the University of Washington offers summer academic programs for current 5-10 graders. All classes are offered on the UW-Seattle campus, and provide challenging and fun summer experiences for academically talented students.
Washington – Satori Junior Summer Camp
This camp is designed for students aged 8 through 11 (entering 4th, 5th, or 6th grade). Among the curricular choices for consideration are: archaeology, linguistic exercises including Japanese paintbrush calligraphy, fine art projects, problem-solving, guest speakers, integrated outdoor activities, and puzzles/inquiry sessions that nurture higher-level thinking.
Washington D.C. – Discover the World of Communication
Journalism camp for students in grades 9-12 for students interested in Journalism. Students have the opportunity to build a digital portfolio, producing broadcast and written news stories. All workshops are taught by American University School of Communication faculty and communication professionals.
Wisconsin – Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth
There is a variety of residential as well as online summer programs offered for students who have taken and passed specific tests and are 9-18.
Various Locations – American Academy of Medicine & Surgery (CA & HI)
The Basic-Intermediate Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Internship is a two week course of study for High School and Pre-Med students to initiate the steps toward mastering basic and advanced cardiothoracic surgery. Students will progress from basic surgical skills to completing advanced cardiothoracic procedures normally performed at an attending level.
Various Locations – Camp Invention
Camp Invention is a weeklong summer enrichment day program offered at your local elementary school for curious kids entering grades K-8.
Various Locations – Champ Camp
This program’s week-long science day camps and programs are offered throughout the summer in casual indoor or outdoor settings for kids 5-12.
Various Locations – CodeRev
Online and in-person camps where students can learn to code, 3D model, animate, and more. Open for all grades.
Various Locations – Emagination Computer Camps (GA, IL, MA, PA)
This camp offers typical fun camp activities with a touch of technology. Students 8-17 learn computer animation, web design, digital photography, Lego robotics and much more.
At EXPLO, students aged 12-14 unwind complexity through personalized, playful, and inquisitive project-based learning developed collaboratively with partners in industry—here, students make big-picture discoveries about the world, the future, and their place in it; they ignite their passions and consider what kind of life they want to live, questions they want to wrestle with, collaborations they want to build. From Pulitzer Prize winners to state Supreme Court justices, EXPLO faculty are excited to engage young minds. EXPLO alumni go on to be Forbes 30 under 30 awardees, Inventors of the Year, Rhodes and Fulbright Scholars, filmmakers, authors, and more.
Various Locations – Great Books Summer Program
This program gives middle and high school students an exceptional pre-college experience on some of the most beautiful and prestigious campuses in the world. Students enjoy a challenging curriculum, arts and literature electives, and social activities in a welcoming, fun, and well-supervised environment. Critical Thinking, Writing, Leadership, Entrepreneurship programs, and more. Rising grades 6-8, 9-12, and gap year. Residential, Day, and Online. One-week and multi-week programs.
Various Locations – iD Tech Camps, iD Coding & Engineering Academy, iD Game Design & Development Academy
This organization allows students to explore a top campus and make friends while mastering new tech skills and joining a community of more than 275,000 alumni. At iD Tech Camps, students ages 7-17 can learn to code, build websites, design video games, experience virtual reality, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, model and print 3D characters, and more! iD Tech also offers early-education STEM programs, all-girls tech camps, teen-only academies, and an online learning platform.
Various Locations – iMACS Hi-Tech Summer Camp (FL, NC)
This camp offers talented children a unique opportunity to explore and expand their intellectual world. Campers are immersed in academic pursuits such as playing strategic logic games, designing and building electronic devices and programming computers. Campers may either attend a full day program (grades 3 – 10) or individual one to two hour classes (grades 1 – 12).
Various Locations – John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
On-campus day programs on various campuses for students in grades 2-12. The programs bring together advanced learners from around the world to explore the arts and sciences, bioethics, engineering, public health, and more.
Various Locations – National Computer Camps (CT, GA, NY, OH)
This program offers both residential and non-residential options in curriculum that covers topics from video game design to computer languages and web page design.
Various Locations – Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG)
This program provides instruction in several dozen courses during its regular academic schedule and engages students in recreational activities every day. Numerous humanities, mathematics, sciences, and multidisciplinary courses are offered. In 2019, SIG day programs will be offered in the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas for students in grades 1-12.
Virtual – Art of Problem Solving Virtual Summer Camps
Virtual summer program to help students grow their critical problem-solving skills. For students in grades 3-10.
Virtual – Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Camp
High school students attend live, virtual classes that dive into the tech world and game design. The classes cover beginner to intermediate CS concepts, the step-by-step design process, and the basics of UX design.
Virtual – Stanford Pre-Collegiate Institutes High School
A two-week program where students can take classes taught by Stanford faculty. Open for grades 8-11.
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