The University of Maryland's College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences offers summer programs for kids of all ages. Many camps are offered annually, so even if your favorite option is full, refer to this list for next year. All camps are in person unless otherwise noted.
2025 Summer Camps
Advanced Physics Summer Program
Students entering grades 9-12
This two-week program is filled with hands-on lab activities, visits to cutting-edge research labs, discussions with professors and graduate students who conduct physics research and a project to make the discussions tangible. The program includes fun physics demonstrations and experiments, soldering, coding, robotics, learning about cool research areas and career options, and more. From Einstein's thought experiments to current code-breaking applications, students are introduced to topics not typically offered in high school.
Amazing Science Discovery Camp
Students entering grades 3-5
Each camp day is filled with exciting experiments, interesting projects and educational demonstrations. 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.
Brin Maryland Mathematics Camp
Students entering grades 9-12
This math camp exposes students to university-level math they would not normally see in high school, so it is aimed at those who have completed a year of calculus. The lecture courses include hyperbolic geometry, exotic sets and concrete abstract algebra. There will also be guest lectures and math- and puzzle-related activities.
Bug Camp: Insects, Science & Society
Ages 7-12
Insects are the most abundant animals on earth! Not only are they everywhere, but they also provide many necessary benefits to humans and human society. Through a variety of hands-on activities and interactive field trips, this camp teaches kids how amazing and valuable bugs truly are. Campers gain experience with science in the field and the lab, and come away with an understanding of the important relationship between humans and insects.
CompSciConnect
Students entering grades 6-8
During this three-year program, students learn more advanced skills each summer and meet once a month throughout the school year to maintain those skills. Students explore block-based programming (i.e., Scratch) (Yellow group); web design programming with HTML, CSS and JavaScript (Red group); and 3D game design programming (Terp group), along with cybersecurity/safety, cryptology, number bases, logic and computer use skills. The program emphasizes how these skills connect to other areas of study and to making the world a better place. Note: CompSciConnect is not accepting new campers in 2025.
Girls Talk Math
Students entering grades 9-12
Camp activities over the two weeks involve learning mathematics outside of the standard curriculum and attending mini-lectures on math, as well as recording and publishing a podcast about a famous female mathematician. Additional events may include panels and interviews with female mathematicians.
The Physics of Quidditch
Students entering grades 6-8
Campers learn about the physical universe by exploring the magic of the world of Harry Potter and the concepts of mechanics, optics, magnetism and modern physics. Campers are sorted into “houses” and compete in a weeklong 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.
Secure IT Summer Academy
Students entering grades 6-8
Is computing taking over the world too quickly? Do you wonder if the technology you use is safe? Who created the code behind your app? Students interested in the growing field of cybersecurity learn at this camp to think like a cyber detective and employ design thinking to protect the things they interact with daily (smart technologies, wearables, internet sites). They use creative problem-solving to design, code and protect various systems designed to help people across many fields.
Volcano Camp
Students entering grades 10-12 and UMD Terrapin Teachers
Prince George’s County high school students and future STEM teachers from UMD's Terrapin Teachers program get to do hands-on volcanology research. Students learn how to identify and analyze crystals in volcanic ash, and visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. See pictures and results from the 2024 camp.