Penn State Summer Camps

Penn State Summer Camps

Every summer Penn State Beaver offers a variety of children's academic enrichment and sports camps, all taught by Penn State-approved educators. Here's a complete listing of all youth camps. To register, go to beaver.psu.edu/CE/youth.htm or call the Office of Continuing Education at 724-773-3700. 




ACADEMIC STE(A)M/ARTS CAMPS

Penn State Beaver is proud to offer youth camps that embrace STE(A)M in a fun and educational way through the incorporation of:

--Science – To help campers understand the properties of objects and materials, and the changes of properties in matter in order to create
devices.
--Technology – To teach campers to use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
--Engineering – To convey to campers how to generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
--Arts – To build confidence in campers as they express themselves through creativity and performance.
--Math – To demonstrate to campers the use of visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems in the creation of different devices to complete tasks.

Crime Scene Investigation (ages 9 to 14)
Investigate a simulated crime scene! Role-play as detectives and scientists working in teams to analyze clues to solve the crime. Learn what an actual Crime Scene Investigator does. What special skills, knowledge, and abilities must they have? What education and experience is needed to qualify for the job? At this camp, you will learn to use forensic techniques to collect evidence, mathematical problem solving to analyze clues and interpret situations, and scientific reasoning to solve the crime.
Dates: Monday–Friday, June 19–23, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Cost: $120 (includes snacks and T-shirt)

You Be the Chemist® (ages 8 to 14)
Do you enjoy exploring and learning about the world around you? The focus of this camp is chemistry, chemistry and chemistry! Using the experiments designed by the Chemical Education Foundation®, learn to use scientific methodology to explore such topics as chemical reactions, polymers, thermal conductivity, solubility and more!
Dates: Monday – Friday, June 19 – 23, 2017
Times: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $120 (includes snacks and T-shirt)

Musical Theatre (ages 7 to 15)
The Curtain is Going Up! Young actors, singers, and dancers are introduced to the tools necessary for strong storytelling including: given circumstances, objectives, obstacles, tactics, and actions through the use of theatre games, exercises, and dancing. Performing arts are the core of the camp and every camper has the opportunity to shine no matter what their level of experience or artistic interest. At the end of the week, campers will perform for their families featuring the methods of musical theatre that they have learned.
Dates: Monday–Friday, June 19–June 23, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Cost: $120 (includes a snack and T-shirt)

Multimedia and Web Design (ages 7 to 14)
In this camp, you will  create your own personal website using HTML and WordPressTM and learn to  edit photos using photo editing tools. We recommend that you bring either a digital camera or a fl ash drive with photos so that you can  customize your site. Explore imaginative ways to add your photos and media to your own posted web pages. Compose an original song using GarageBand® and make your own custom video using iMovie®! Join us to learn the basics of multimedia and web design, HTML basics and progress to more advanced web page coding. Your projects will go live to the web so you can see your work from anywhere! 

Dates: Monday–Friday, June 19–23, 2017
Times: Ages 7-10: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; Ages 10-14: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Cost: $120 (includes snacks and T-shirt)


Robotics (ages 7 to 10)
Build and Program a Robot:
Use The LEGO® Mindstorm Invention Kit to design and build a robot. Use RCX programming code to make it operate as you wish. The programming language used by LEGO® was developed with the MIT Media Lab. Can your robot navigate through the maze without stumbling? On the last day of this camp, teams will compete operating robots through an amusing obstacle course.
Dates: Monday–Friday, June 26–30, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Cost: $120 (includes snacks and T-shirt)

Advanced Robotics (ages 11 to 15)
Adding to the activities in the Robotics camp, this advanced robotics camp uses C Code to program our robots to perform specific sequences and operations. We also will explore the VEX Robotics Design System.
Dates: Monday–Friday, June 26–30, 2017
Times: 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
Cost: $120 (includes snacks and T-shirt)

Make It and Take It: Sustainability
Projects Camp (ages 8 to 14) NEW!
Discover the importance of “Eco-Literacy” by creating environmentally-conscious projects. Create your own unique items to take home with you. Campers can choose to register for the entire week or for individual days/projects. Monday: Rope and string making Tuesday: Straw bale gardening and woodland creatures garden Wednesday: Woodcrafting
Thursday: Repurposing everyday materials. Friday: Weaving (includes a field trip Harmony Museum’s Weaver’s Cabin, Harmony, PA)
Dates: Monday - Friday, June 26 - 30, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.*
*Friday includes a field trip and will be an all-day camp, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Full week $175 (includes snacks, Friday fi eld trip, and take home projects each day). Single day fee: $30 (Mon.-Thurs.). Friday fee: $75 (Includes field trip). Register for the entire week and save $20!

Odyssey of the Mind (ages 8 to 15)
Odyssey of the Mind (OotM) is an international creative problem-solving program that engages students in their learning by allowing their knowledge and ideas come to life in an exciting, productive environment. Participants build self-confidence, develop life skills, create new friendships, and are able to recognize and explore their true potential. Throughout the week, campers will work together as a team to solve a problem. Campers will be required to build their set, make their own costumes, brainstorm, write and practice their skit, act, and maybe even sing or play an instrument...it’s all up to THEM! Parents will join campers on the last day to watch their problem come to life! www.odysseyofthemind.com
Dates: Monday–Friday, July 10–14, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Cost: $120 (includes snacks and T-shirt)

Wizardry School (ages 8 and up)*
Penn State Beaver is famous for this literary adventure camp based on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling children’s novels. Campers will be sorted into the Houses of Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or Hufflepuff. Dark Arts, Potions, Herbology, Quidditch, and writing your very own articles in the “Quibbler,” are just a few of the activities that you will experience throughout the week. This camp is designed to increase creativity, self-expression, self-esteem, individuality, team building, and motivation. Throughout the week campers will learn how to play Quidditch the Penn State way and will vie for the coveted Quidditch Cup. On the last day of camp, friends and family are invited to campus to cheer your campers on during the Quidditch Tournament and Awards Ceremony! *You MUST have read at least the first novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, to be accepted into “Hogwarts School” at Penn State Beaver. Please bring a bagged lunch. *Disclaimer: This event is not endorsed, sanctioned, or any other way supported, directly or indirectly, by Warner Bros. Entertainment, the Harry Potter book publishers, or J.K. Rowling and her representatives.
Dates: Monday–Friday, July 17–July 21, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Cost: $257 (includes snacks, T-shirt, field trip) continued on back

Intergalactic Academy (ages 7 to 14)*
Become one with the Force. Are you prepared to embark on the greatest adventure ever seen in a galaxy long ago and far away? The film series Star Wars has been an inspiration to generations of scientists, engineers, and devotees of every age of science. This camp will allow campers to immerse themselves in learning the way of the Force. All campers will learn the history of the light saber and go through the Jedi Training Course where basic combat will be taught for safe saber sparring. Jedi games and competitions will be held. Also, campers will enjoy interactive tours of NASA Johnson Space Center and learn how the fictional galaxies in Star Wars compare to the actual galaxies in the Universe. *Disclaimer: This event is not endorsed, sanctioned, or any other way supported, directly or indirectly, by 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios,
Lucasfilm and/or any representatives of those previously mentioned.
Dates: Monday–Friday, July 31–August 4, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Cost: $120 (includes snacks and T-shirt)

SPORTS CAMPS

For years, Penn State Beaver has hosted thousands of children who learn about teamwork, competition, fitness and gain/improve technical sports skills and self-confidence from Penn State Beaver’s athletes.

Softball Camp (ages 8 to 13)
Softball camp is designed to improve campers’ skills in all facets of the game. Hitting, defensive skills, base running, defensive strategies, and bunting will all be covered. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Date: Monday–Thursday, June 19–22, 2017
Times: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $125 (includes T-shirt)

Baseball Camp (ages 8 to 13)
This camp will teach the fundamental skills needed to be a successful baseball player. Hitting, bunting, defensive skills, base running, and game management will be covered. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Date: Monday–Thursday, June 19–22, 2017
Times: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $125 (includes T-shirt)

Fitness Camp (ages 8 to 14)
This coed camp is designed to promote fitness for life through a variety of physical activities. Campers will play a variety of games throughout the week–baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, running, miniature golf, soccer, tennis, and football to name a few. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Dates: Monday–Thursday, June 26–29, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $130 (includes T-shirt)

Boys’ Basketball Camp (ages 8 to 14)
This camp will teach the fundamental skills needed to be a successful basketball player. Shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, team defense, and rebounding will be covered. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Dates: Monday–Thursday, July 10–13, 2017
Times: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $125 (includes T-shirt)

Girls’ Basketball Camp (ages 8 to 13)
This camp will teach the fundamental skills needed to be a successful basketball player. Shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, team defense, and rebounding will all be covered. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Dates: Monday–Thursday, July 17-20, 2017
Times: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $125 (includes T-shirt)

Soccer Camp (ages 8 to 14)
This coed camp is designed to improve the campers’ skills in all areas of the game. Shooting, passing, dribbling, and defense are just a few of the skills that will be covered. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Dates: Monday–Thursday, July 24-27, 2017
Times: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $125 (includes T-shirt)

E-games Camp (ages 8 to 14)
This coed camp is designed for gamers of all experience levels. Campers will play a variety of games and have the opportunity to take part in tournaments and free play. Sports, adventure, and other genres will be covered. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Dates: Monday-Thursday, July 24-27, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $130

High School Volleyball Camp (ages 14 to 17)
This camp is designed for experienced players (this is not a camp for beginners). All aspects of the game will be covered each morning through drills. Each afternoon will be fi lled with competitive games and drills. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Dates: Monday–Thursday, July 31–August 3, 2017
Times: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $130 (includes T-shirt)

Volleyball Camp (ages 8 to 13)
All aspects of being a successful volleyball player will be covered, including the fundamentals of setting, passing, and defense. Games will also be played daily. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Dates: Monday–Thursday, August 7–10, 2017
Times: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $125 (includes T-shirt)

Golf Camp (ages 17 and under)
This coed camp is designed for beginning golfers with little or no experience in playing the game. Skills and other areas to be covered during the week will include putting, driving, hitting irons, chipping, rules, etiquette, and golf attire. We will conclude the week by playing an actual round of golf. Please bring a bagged lunch. 
Dates: Monday–Friday, August 7–11, 2017
Times: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $140 (includes T-shirt)