Summer programs for kindergarten through high school students include credit-bearing, academic, and sport programs. Teachers may explore sustainable teaching and the benefits of movement in the classroom. These programs are offered by many CSU departments and organizations hosting events at Colorado State University.
K-12 Programs Portal
Credit-Bearing Programs
These summer programs are opportunities for high school students entering junior and/or senior year to earn college credit while developing their research, leadership and additional skills in an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
Black Issues Forum (BIF)
“BIF” is designed to provide students finishing their junior year in high school with an opportunity to enhance their leadership potential.
Participants will have the opportunity to interact with university faculty, staff, and current students as they discuss and evaluate the important issues of today that affect the African American community at the local, state, national, and/or global level.
Lorenzo de Zavala Youth Legislative Session (LDZ)
Please note (April 22): Two virtual opportunities are in planning for summer 2020. Details will be announced soon.
Hosted at Colorado State, the “LDZ” program is designed to give youth leaders the edge on successfully navigating, managing, and creating organizations.
The program is open to high-achieving students finishing their sophomore or junior years in high school (class of 2020 or 2021).
Native Education Forum (NEF)
The Native Education Forum (NEF) is a six-day summer program for students finishing their sophomore or junior years in high school (class of 2021 or 2022).
Students will gain university classroom experience, earn one academic credit, research issues critical to Native American/Indigenous communities, and receive valuable assistance from professionals in the university application process.
Academic Programs
These programs are presented by departments at Colorado State, as well as organizations providing summer camps through CSU Conference Services.
Many programs fall into more than one category and include common elements such as leadership and creativity. Programs are placed in the category that best describes the primary focus.
Age groups vary by program; please contact the unit presenting the camp for additional information.
Animals and Environment
Environmental Learning Center (ELC)
2020 summer day camp dates and descriptions are available; registration opens Wednesday, February 6, at 6 a.m. Ages 7-12.
This summer, the ELC offers eight, week-long summer day camps. While each camp has a theme, the overall focus is getting children outside, comfortable and connected to the natural world.
The ELC is an extension of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University.
Youth Summer Horsemanship Camps
Two sessions are offered for summer 2020: June 8-13 and June 14-19.
Registration opens February 17, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.
Ages 10-15 are invited to participate as an overnight camper and ages 10-18 are welcome as day campers. English and Western riding are welcome during both sessions.
Arts and Human Sciences
Food Science and Human Nutrition Summer Cooking Camps
These camps feature fun cooking activities for children ages 7-11.
Registration is open for July 13-17, 20-24, and/or July 27-31, 2020. Register for one, two, or three weeks.
Camp topics are:
- Cake Bake, Frost and Decorate
- Team Time with Pies and Tarts
- Edible Science: Dehydration, Fermentation, and ROCK CANDIES
The CSU Writing Project
Offered online and offline in a low-tech no-tech format for Summer 2020!
Registration is open for workshops offered June 22-26, 2020.
Summer 2020 marks the 16th year of the Young Writers’ Workshops offered by the CSU Writing Project for elementary, middle school, and high school students, grades 4-12. During these immersive workshops, participants experiment with creative writing techniques in various genres, work in writing groups, and learn from published writers.
Summer Music, Theatre, and Dance: Camps and Programs
Update as of April 16, 2020: The Kids Do It All theatre program remains open for July. Dance Lab is open for August. The 2020 Marching Band Brass, Woodwind and Color Guard Audition video auditions are due July 13.
Programs such as the LIFT Clarinet Academy may provide some materials online. Please visit the listings below for programs of interest.
Summer Music Camps, Institutes, and Master Classes
Experience a variety of music events designed for youth, middle/high school students, and adults. Camps and institutes offer students and adults specialized training, while master classes feature the world’s finest performers providing hands-on instruction in an open, informal setting.
Dance Lab: Pre-College Summer Program
Dancers ages 15-20 spend two weeks in an immersive college dance curriculum receiving individualized attention from CSU Dance faculty, mentorship from current CSU Dance majors, and unique insights from guest speakers.
August 2-15, 2020 on the CSU campus, located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 2020.
Kids Do It All: Summer Theatre Camp
Kids Do It All is one of the most innovative theatre programs in the country. Offered in June and July for youth who are ages 7-9, 10-11, and 12-13. Camp participants write, design and compose musical plays entirely of their own, experiencing a practical application of all aspects of theatre from acting, movement, voice, props and scene design, and songwriting. Six one-week camps are available, with another in Todos Santos, Mexico.
Industry and Leadership
Global Business Academy
July 5-17, 2020; Registration is open.
The Global Business Academy is a summer program for current high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Create great summer memories in this 13-day, action-packed experience and meet students from around the globe while learning how to use business to create a better world. You’ll gain lifelong skills in international business and leadership, greater confidence, new passions and interests to explore, and global friendships.
Women In Construction Management Summer Institute
High School Summer Institute
June 2-6, 2020
Applications available February 1, 2020.
Construction Management is a great choice for those who enjoy teamwork, solving tangible problems, critical thinking, and creating the world around them.
In this institute, participants ages 15-18 will develop confidence in their abilities and gain an understanding of their opportunities in construction management and related fields through field trips, classroom sessions, and hands-on activities.
Venture Validator Youth Summer Camp
June 8 – June 12, 2020
What are some of the problems that you see in your daily life, and what if you were able to help fix them?
At this half-day camp incoming 8th-12th graders will combine problems they want to solve with their ideas to fix them and then start the journey of launching a business to do just that. From minor inconveniences to some of the most stubborn problems we face as a society – like climate change, inequality, public health, and so many others – business has a role to play in finding solutions. It will take passionate entrepreneurs like you to make that happen.
Throughout the program students will be coached and mentored by leading CSU faculty members, local entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts. Students will conduct customer discovery and market research, create a business model, analyze their competitive landscape, prototype products and ultimately hone in on business ideas that they’ll pitch with the goal of creating successful ventures.
Interdisciplinary Programs
Honors Summer Institute
Registration is open for both sessons:
- Session 1: June 7-13, 2020
- Session 2: June 21-27, 2020
The Honors Summer Institute is a one-week camp for high school students with exceptional academic achievements. The program is an extension of the CSU Honors Program and engages students with sample classes from five different disciplines.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Please note: STEM-X programs offered by Poudre School District (PSD) are cancelled for Summer 2020. CSU faculty or staff may be involved as collaborators in specific programs. Please keep these programs in mind for summer 2020!
Anatomy Camp
July 5-11, 2020
Applications are open.
High school juniors and seniors interested in going into pre-med majors in college have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a one-week academic summer camp led by award-winning faculty in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Dissect real anatomical specimens, learn anatomy on human cadavers, and look at case studies to diagnose medical problems and study technology-based, cross-sectional anatomy.
Applied Physiology Camp
July 27-August 1
Day camp, but with an overnight stay at CSU Mountain Campus on July 31-August 1.
Registration will open on March 2, 2020.
Applied Physiology Camp is a hands-on academic day camp for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have a strong interest in science and are considering pursuing a career in a health-related field.
ENvison Engineering Camp
Sunday, June 7 – Friday, June 12, 2020
ENvision is a six-day residential program for rising seniors, juniors, and sophomores. The camp provides students with hands-on experiences in a variety of engineering fields.
Priority deadline to apply is Friday, April 24th and participants will be informed of an acceptance May 1, 2020.
Website is pending.
Fashion FUNdamentals
June 15-26, 2020
For students entering 6th-8th grades; 2020 updates are pending.
Participants develop solutions to real-world problems in the global fashion industry through hands-on application of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. Social programming focus areas include media literacy, body image, internet safety and anti-bullying, and highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and physical activity.
IT in Business
June 8-12, 2020
Summer program for high school students ages 14-18, entering grades 9-12. This half-day program is offered by the Computer Information Systems (CIS) department at CSU.
Information Technology (IT) not only touches every aspect of everyday life but is also the primary driver of business today.
In this program high school students explore how tech supports and shapes business through fun and educational hands-on projects.
Math Jam
This camp will be offered in an alternative format for summer 2020. Details coming soon!
Camp is scheduled for June 17-21, 2020.
A week of mathematical exploration and discovery led by CSU mathematicians for student entering grades 7-9! Let us show you how applicable, beautiful, creative, and cooperative a topic math can be.
This year, student will learn how mathematics plays a role in science, technology, engineering, and art. Most days will feature two in-depth and interactive sessions, but there will also be a campus-wide scavenger hunt and more!
Prove It! Math Academy
June 22-July 5, 2020
Offered as a free online class in summer 2020!
This program serves as a bridge between programs/contests emphasizing computational abilities and those that expect students to be well-versed in proof writing. Designed to help motivated, talented high school students reach their full potential.
Visit the Prove It! Math Academy website for eligibility and addition information.
Middle School Coding Camp
Two FREE Middle School Camps!
Camp Details:
- Camp 1 (open to any student): June 15 – 18 from 8am – 11:30am.
- Camp 2 (girls coding camp): June 22 – 25 from 8am – 11:30am.
The Computer Science Department at CSU offers two camps to middle schoolers to have the opportunity for being on campus at CSU, learning to code, and meeting experienced faculty and staff from the department. This action-packed, four-day camp will introduce students to problem solving, innovating and creating fun software applications using various programming languages and tools.
SciTrek for Future Scientists
June 22-26, 2020, 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. The application period is open and will close February 15th. Students entering grades 10th through 12th in August 2020 AND are 15 years of age by June 15, 2020 may apply.
Join the College of Natural Sciences Education & Outreach Center’s staff in conducting real scientific research activities in a variety of laboratory and outdoor field settings.
Summer Vet Program for Future Veterinarians
June 22-26, 2020, 12:45 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
The application period is open and will close February 15th. Students entering grades ten through 12 in August 2020 AND are 15 years of age by June 15, 2020 may apply.
Through presentations, demonstrations, laboratories, visits, and in-depth hands-on activities, students discover what modern veterinary medicine is about.
Organizations Hosted at CSU
National, regional, or local programs providing academic experiences on the CSU campus through Conference Services.
IDtech Camps
Virtual camps available for summer 2020!
Coding, game development, design programs, video production, animation, and more. For ages 7-17.
Silicon STEM Academy
Online Courses Available for Summer 2020!
June 8-12 and/or June 22-26, 2020
Half-day Summer TECH Camps with a stay all-day option in coding, game design and robotics.
Sport Programs
RAMS Athletics Sports Camps
NCAA guidelines will continue to be followed regarding camp offerings.
Registration will be open on a space-available basis when possible.
Camps include mini-camps, day camps and residential camps. Choose from basketball, football, soccer, softball, swimming, track and field, and volleyball. Camps are designed for a variety of ages; see specific camps for additional information.
Youth Sport Camps
Active summer fun for kids ages 5-13! Registration is open. Camps run from June 15-August 14, 2020.
Coeducational day camps focusing on skill development in a variety of sports while promoting the benefits of physical activity and healthy lifestyles for youth.
Programs for P-12 Teachers
EDUCATION IN MOTION: A Professional Development Seminar for preK-12 Teachers
June 8-11, 2020
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., daily
Colorado preK-12 teachers and administrators learn on campus for four exciting days of presentations, exploration, sharing resources, and expanding awareness and knowledge of the benefits of movement in the classroom.
National Writing Project Rocky Mountain Regional Conference
MIND, BODY, AND SOUL:
Finding Your Path toward
Sustainable Teaching
Fri. – Sun., June 12-14, 2020
This conference will be devoted to helping you nourish your mind, body, and soul as an educator by giving you space and time for professional renewal and personal restoration in community. Explore the concept of sustainable teaching, and learn more about how it can help keep you in the profession for the long haul.