What programs does UMD offer for children during summer. How can parents enroll their kids in University of Maryland camps. Which age groups are catered to by UMD summer activities.
Diverse Summer Camp Offerings at University of Maryland
The University of Maryland (UMD) provides an extensive array of summer camps and programs designed to engage, educate, and entertain children of various age groups. These camps offer unique opportunities for young minds to explore different fields of study, develop new skills, and experience campus life at one of the nation’s top public research universities.
Academic Enrichment Programs
UMD’s summer offerings include several academic-focused camps that cater to high school students looking to get a head start on their college experience.
- Terp Young Scholars Pre-College Summer Program: This program allows rising high school sophomores to graduating seniors to earn 3 UMD credits.
- CMNS Jump Start Program: Tailored for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in computer, mathematical, and natural sciences.
- ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program: Geared towards rising 12th graders interested in engineering.
How do these academic programs benefit high school students? These camps provide invaluable exposure to college-level coursework, campus life, and potential career paths, helping students make informed decisions about their future academic pursuits.
STEM-Focused Camps at University of Maryland
UMD offers a variety of camps focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), catering to different age groups and interests.
Computer Science and AI Camps
- AI4ALL: For rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders interested in artificial intelligence.
- CompSciConnect: A computing camp for middle school students.
- Create Tech Summer Camp: Designed for high school students interested in computer science.
Physics and Mathematics Camps
- Advanced Physics Summer Girls Program: For rising 10th-12th graders.
- Amazing Science Discovery Camp: Catering to rising 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
- Physics Makers Program: For rising 9th graders.
- GIRLS TALK MATH CAMP: Designed for 9th – 12th graders.
- Physics of Quidditch: A unique camp for rising 5th-7th graders combining physics and the popular fictional sport.
Why are STEM camps crucial for young learners? These camps ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking skills, and introduce children to potential career paths in rapidly growing fields, setting a strong foundation for future academic and professional success.
Arts and Cultural Programs at UMD
The University of Maryland also offers camps that focus on artistic expression and cultural enrichment.
- Studio A Summer Art Camp: For children aged 6-12, this camp allows young artists to explore various mediums and techniques.
- Camp Shule: Offered by the Nyumburu Cultural Center, this camp caters to pre-K to 12th-grade students, providing cultural education and experiences.
How do arts and cultural programs contribute to a child’s development? These camps foster creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness, helping children develop a well-rounded perspective and appreciate diverse forms of art and culture.
Sports and Physical Activity Camps at University of Maryland
UMD’s summer camp offerings extend to various sports and physical activities, catering to different interests and skill levels.
Gymnastics and General Sports Camps
- SportsGymkana Summer Camp: Coed program for ages 5-7, and separate programs for boys and girls aged 8-16.
- Maryland Gymnastics Camps: Catering to beginners through Level 10 & Elite gymnasts.
Specific Sports Camps
- Maryland Lacrosse Open Camps: For high school classes of 2024 – 2031.
- Maryland Volleyball Camps: Open to any and all entrants, limited only by number, age, grade level, and/or gender.
- Nike Junior Golf Camps at UMD: For junior golfers ages 10 – 18 of all ability levels.
What benefits do sports camps offer to children? These camps not only improve physical fitness and sport-specific skills but also teach valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, contributing to overall personal development.
Specialized Programs for Unique Needs
UMD also offers specialized programs catering to specific needs and interests.
- COME HEAR: A program for young children (3-6 years old) with significant hearing loss, offered by the Maryland Cochlear Implant Center of Excellence.
- Bug Camp: For children ages 7 to 12 interested in entomology.
- RISE Research Summer Program: Geared towards young women in 9th – 12th grades, but open to all, focusing on engineering research.
How do specialized programs address unique learning needs? These camps provide tailored experiences that cater to specific interests or requirements, ensuring that all children have access to enriching summer activities regardless of their individual circumstances.
Terp Quest Summer Camp: A Comprehensive Day Camp Experience
Terp Quest Summer Day Camp is a recreational day camp managed by University Recreation & Wellness, offering a diverse range of activities for rising 1st through 7th graders.
Camp Details
- Location: Based in the Eppley Recreation Center on the north end of the University of Maryland campus.
- Duration: Six different camp weeks are offered.
- Activities: Wide variety of activities in top-notch facilities with high-quality staff.
- Unique Experience: No two days at Terp Quest are ever alike, offering new games, activities, and educational encounters.
Registration Information
- Registration Opens: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 (8:00am)
- Registration Closes: Open until filled. No registration after June 12, 2023
- Health Forms Deadline: June 19, 2023
Camp Schedule and Fees
| Dates | Day Camp Tuition (8:30am to 4:30pm) | Before Care Fees (7:30am to 8:30am) | After Care Fees (4:30pm to 5:30pm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1: June 26 – June 30 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
| Week 2: July 5 – July 7 (3-day camp week) | $180 | $25 | $25 |
| Week 3: July 10 – July 14 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
| Week 4: July 17 – July 21 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
| Week 5: July 24 – July 28 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
Why is Terp Quest Summer Camp a popular choice for parents? This comprehensive day camp offers a well-rounded experience, combining fun activities with educational elements, all within the safe and stimulating environment of a university campus.
Benefits of Attending University of Maryland Summer Camps
Participating in UMD summer camps offers numerous advantages for children and teenagers:
- Exposure to University Environment: Campers get a taste of campus life, which can inspire future college aspirations.
- Access to Top-notch Facilities: UMD’s state-of-the-art facilities provide an optimal learning environment.
- Expert Instruction: Many camps are led by university faculty, researchers, or experienced professionals in their fields.
- Skill Development: Camps offer opportunities to develop both hard and soft skills relevant to academic and personal growth.
- Social Interaction: Campers meet peers with similar interests, fostering friendships and networking opportunities.
- Exploration of Interests: The diverse range of camps allows children to explore various fields and potentially discover new passions.
- Summer Learning: These camps help prevent the “summer slide” by keeping children engaged in educational activities.
How do these benefits contribute to a child’s overall development? By combining learning with fun in a university setting, UMD summer camps provide a unique experience that can spark intellectual curiosity, boost confidence, and help shape future academic and career paths.
Preparing for University of Maryland Summer Camps
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable camp experience, parents and campers should consider the following preparations:
Before Camp Begins
- Review camp details and schedules thoroughly
- Complete all required forms and health documentation
- Discuss expectations and goals with your child
- Arrange transportation or familiarize yourself with drop-off and pick-up procedures
- Pack appropriate clothing, supplies, and any camp-specific items
During the Camp
- Maintain open communication with camp staff
- Encourage your child to fully participate and try new things
- Be punctual for drop-offs and pick-ups
- Address any concerns promptly with camp coordinators
After the Camp
- Discuss the experience with your child
- Provide feedback to the camp organizers
- Consider future camp opportunities based on your child’s interests and experiences
How can parents ensure their child gets the most out of the camp experience? By being well-prepared, maintaining open communication, and showing enthusiasm for their child’s activities, parents can help create a positive and enriching summer camp experience at UMD.
The University of Maryland’s summer camps offer a wealth of opportunities for children and teenagers to learn, grow, and have fun in a stimulating academic environment. From STEM-focused programs to arts, sports, and specialized camps, UMD provides a diverse range of options to suit various interests and age groups. These camps not only offer educational benefits but also provide valuable experiences that can shape a child’s future academic and personal development. By choosing a UMD summer camp, parents invest in their child’s growth, helping them explore new interests, develop important skills, and potentially discover lifelong passions.
Summer Camps | Office of Community Engagement
Please note this page is going through some changes.
Academic For-Credit
Terp Young Scholars Pre-College Summer Program
Rising high school sophomores to graduating seniors, 3 UMD credits
Office of Extended Studies
Learn about TYS
Studio A Summer Art Camp
For children aged 6-12
Studio A @ Adele H. Stamp Student Union
Learn About Art Summer Camp
Advanced Physics Summer Girls Program
For rising 10th-12th graders
Dept. of Physics
Learn about APSGP
AI4ALL
For rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders
Dept. of Computer Science
Learn about AI4ALL
Amazing Science Discovery Camp
For rising 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders
Dept. of Physics
Learn about ASDC
Bug Camp
Ages 7 to 12
Dept.
of Entomology
Learn about Bugs
Camp Shule
pre-K to 12th Grade
Nyumburu Cultural Center
Lean about Camp Shule
COME HEAR
Young children (3-6 years old) with significant hearing loss
Maryland Cochlear Implant Center of Excellence
Learn more about COME HEAR
CompSciConnect: A Computing Camp for Middle School Students
Middle school age
Dept. of Computer Science
Learn about CSC
College of Education Mathletics Camp
Current 6th, 7th, & 8th graders
College of Ed
Learn about Mathletics
CMNS Jump Start Program
Rising high school juniors and seniors
College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
Learn about Jump Start
Create Tech Summer Camp
High school age
Dept. of Computer Science
Learn about Create Tech
ESTEEM/SER-Quest Summer Program
For rising 12th graders
A.
James Clark School of Engineering
Learn about ESTEEM/SER
GIRLS TALK MATH CAMP
For 9th – 12th graders
Dept. of Mathematics
Learn about GTM
Physics Makers Program
Rising 9th graders
Dept. of Physics
Read about Physics Makers
RISE Research Summer Program
Rising 9th – 12th graders, geared toward young women, all welcome
School of Engineering
Learn about RISE
Sports
Gymkana Summer Camp
Coed ages 5, 6 & 7 program; 8-16 ages boys and girls programs
School of Public Health
Learn about Gymkana
Maryland Gymnastics Camps
Beginner through Level 10 & Elite
Maryland Athletics
Learn about Maryland Gymnastics
Maryland Lacrosse Open Camps
High School classes of 2024 – 2031
Maryland Athletics
Learn about Maryland Lacrosse
Maryland Volleyball Camps
Open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level and/or gender).
Maryland Athletics
Learn about Maryland Volleyball
Nike Junior Golf Camps at UMD
Junior golfers, ages 10 – 18, of all ability levels
Nike
Learn about Nike Camps
Physics of Quidditch
Rising 5th-7th graders
Dept. of Physics
Learn about Physics of Quidditch
Registration | Terp Quest Summer Camp
Terp Quest Summer Day Camp is a recreational day camp managed by University Recreation & Wellness. It is based in the Eppley Recreation Center on the north end of the University of Maryland campus and is open to all rising 1st through rising 7th graders.
Six different camp weeks are offered – each include a wide variety of activities in top notch facilities with the highest quality staff. No two days at Terp Quest are ever alike, and our campers (& staff) return year after year to try new games & activities, to participate in entertaining & educational encounters, and to see the University of Maryland campus in a whole new light.
Registration Opens: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 (8:00am)
Registration Closes: Open until filled. No registration after June 12, 2023
Health Forms must be completed by: June 19, 2023
Prior to registering for camp, please review the sections below for more information on camp dates, the registration process, and payment/refunds information.
Register for TerpQuest 2023 Camp
Click here for registration instructions
| Dates | Day Camp Tuition 8:30am to 4:30pm | Before Care Fees 7:30am to 8:30am | After Care Fees 4:30pm to 5:30pm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | June 26 through June 30 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
| Week 2 | July 5 through July 7 3 day camp week | $180 | $25 | $25 |
| Week 3 | July 10 through 14 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
| Week 4 | July 17 through July 21 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
| Week 5 | July 24 through July 28 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
| Week 6 | July 31 through August 4 | $300 | $35 | $35 |
Before beginning registration, please make sure you have explored all camp details and read about the TQ Experience.
Take the time to log into the Active Terp Portal and set up your child’s profile account.
You will also need the following information when registering:
- Your child’s age and birthdate
- Grade they will enter in the fall
- The week(s) you wish to participate in Terp Quest. See camp dates above.
- Whether or not you need to register for Morning and/or After Care (extra cost).
- Your child’s T-shirt size
- Your contact information. Be sure to use accurate contact information when setting up an online registration account and to update your information if you have registered for programs with TerpQuest or RecWell previously.
- A method of payment — VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express. If you wish to pay by check, you must do so in person at the Eppley Recreation Center Member Services Desk.
Registering for Camp- How To Video
- Waitlist
- Each camp week has a limited number of spaces.
If a week is full, a parent may choose to put his/her child on the waiting list for the preferred week. Fees are only collected if we are able to accept your child into camp. To put your name on our waitlist, contact [email protected].
- Each camp week has a limited number of spaces.
- Transfers
- Transfer requests can only be honored if space is available for age group and week to which you wish to move your camper. To request a transfer to a different camp week, contact [email protected].
- Cancellations & Refunds
- More than 10 business days before the start of camp: In order to be eligible for a full refund of the camp fee paid, LESS the $50 non-refundable registration fee per week of camp, parents must submit a cancellation request more than 10 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the start of camp week.
- 10 days or less prior to the start of camp: Parents/guardians who submit a cancellation request within 10 BUSINESS DAYS prior to the start of camp will receive a 50% refund of the camp fee after the non-refundable registration fee of $50 per week of camp canceled has been deducted.
If a week is full, a parent may choose to put his/her child on the waiting list for the preferred week. Fees are only collected if we are able to accept your child into camp. To put your name on our waitlist, contact 
