Day Camp Programs for Rising 6th – 8th Grade Students
Our application window is officially closed for summer 2026. Notifications of acceptances and those placed on the waitlist will be sent out on March 27th.
Summer Day Camps for Middle School Students
Campers learn in collaborative groups how engineers help society, and they experience engineering themselves through hands-on, creative investigations and design challenges. New activities are introduced each year, and every activity gives a unique perspective on the Engineering Design Process. Past activities have included designing earthquake-proof bridges, solar-powered boats, SNAP programming, nitrogen ice cream and many more fun challenges!
2026 Camp Information
Rising 6th–8th Graders
Imagine Engineering Camp I: Rising 6th-8th graders, July 6–10, 2026
Imagine Engineering Camp II: Rising 6th-8th graders, July 13–17, 2026
Come join a motivated group of middle school youth to explore and discover how engineers go about solving problems to help society! The curriculum is new every year. Campers may attend either week of Imagine Engineering camp, but not both as their curriculum is identical. However, you are able to attend a week of Imagine Engineering Camp and Computer Science Camp, if selected.
Computer Science: AI Play: July 13 – 17, 2026
Calling all curious kids in middle school! Are you ready to explore the amazing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and unlock its superpower potential? Join us for a thrilling summer camp adventure where you’ll learn to play, create, and code your way into the future of technology! explore AI technologies, specifically as used in digital game design, and prepare yourself for the future! Each day of this camp will focus on a different AI concept and will boost your confidence in designing, operating, and creating with AI.
NEW! Computer Science: SECURE IT: Introduction to Cybersecurity: July 20 – 24, 2026
Get ready to unlock a new passion this summer! Our Introduction to Cybersecurity Camp gives middle school students a gateway into one of today’s fastest-growing STEM fields. More details to come on this exciting new camp!
Come join us!
Camp Logistics
Camp Hours
Students can be dropped off between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m. and are picked up between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m.
Camp Location
Detailed drop-off and pick-up locations will be provided upon acceptance. Camps are held on NC State’s North campus. Students may take brief field trips to other campus locations or nearby engineering locations.
Food
Lunch and snacks will be provided each day. All dietary needs will be accommodated.
Camp Staff
Camp will be staffed by classroom teachers, engineering students and NC State engineering staff members. The staff-to-student ratio is approximately 1:6.
A Typical Day at Camp
At 9 a.m. students begin the morning by receiving a new engineering challenge. Students then split into small teams, working together to investigate the problem and find a solution. Students have plenty of break time and outside time to balance the challenging and fun design work they are completing. There is never a dull moment at the engineering camp. At the end of the day, all students gather to present their tested and improved designs.
Camp Fees
- Total Cost: $550 for a week of camp (including daily lunch)
- Total amount: Due April 8, 2026
- Financial Aid: A limited amount of financial aid may be available for families who demonstrate financial need. To be considered, you must submit accurate financial information as part of the application process.
- Refund Policy: Credit card payment is due at registration. Refunds are not available.
Applying to Camp
Eligibility
All students entering 6th through 8th in Fall 2026 are welcome to apply, including home-schooled, out-of-state or out-of-country students.
Applying Online
The only way to apply is by logging in to our Summer Programs Portal, which will be available between January 12 and February 27, 2026. Please bookmark the site so you can return to it to complete your application and check on the status.
Application Components
Your son or daughter is required to submit short personal answers to these two questions:
- What are two goals that you would like to achieve at camp?
- What problem would you like to solve?
The submission is typed into the online application.
Application Time Line
The deadline to apply is February 27, 2026. You will be notified of acceptance by March 27, 2026. Full payments are due on April 8, 2026.
Admission Decisions
Admissions decisions will be based on student interest as determined by his or her response of two short personal statements noted in Application Components above. Acceptance is not first come, first served — preference will not be given to early applicants. In recent years, we have not had enough room for all of the students who were interested in attending camp. If you applied to camp last year, and we were unable to find a spot for you, we will make an extra effort to find a place for you this year.