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Day Camp Programs for Rising 6th – 8th Grade Students

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!

Middle school campers participate in an activity in camp.

2025 Camp Information

Rising 6th–8th Graders

Imagine Engineering Camp I: Rising 6th-8th graders, July 7–11, 2025
Imagine Engineering Camp II: Rising 6th-8th graders, July 14–18, 2025

Come join a motivated group of middle school youth 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.

NEW! Computer Science: Ctrl+Alt+Explore: The Science & Coding Experience: July 21–25, 2025

Dive into the future of science and technology in this immersive Computational Thinking summer camp. This week-long adventure empowers students to apply computational methods to solve real-world scientific challenges, using block-based programming tools, campers will collaborate on interactive projects alongside expert educators and AI-based support systems. Highlights include creating digital models of ecosystems, solving interactive coding puzzles, and developing simulations, all while enhancing understanding of science and technology in a supportive, peer-driven environment. No previous coding experience? No problem! Our camp is designed to engage all skill levels, guiding students every step of the way.

Come join us!

More camp details below

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 and Centennial campuses. 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: $500 for a week of camp (including daily lunch)

Total amount: Due May 2, 2025

Financial Aid: A limited amount of financial aid may be available for families who demonstrate financial need. To be considered, families must submit the financial aid application included in the application website.

Applying to Camp

Eligibility

All students entering 6th through 8th in Fall 2025 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 13 and March 28, 2025. 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 March 28, 2025. You will be notified of acceptance by April 28, 2025. Full payments are due on May 2, 2025.

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.