Camps and Youth Programs

Clemson's Challenge for Academically Talented Students (C-CATS) recruits top students from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia to participate in high-powered weekend retreats at YLI Headquarters in Pickens, S.C. The program challenges students academically, physically and socially, offering tools and techniques to achieve and maintain high-quality performance in school and in life. Top Clemson students lead campus tours with their passion for sharing what makes Clemson one of the best public universities in the nation. Sessions focus on test-taking skills, learning styles, personal branding and adventure-based activities like a ropes course and climbing wall.

For more information, visit the C-CATS Website.

Have your child ‘try on’ Clemson for a week over the summer.

Is your rising 7th to 12th grade child (up to the age of 17) exploring different college majors? Give them a sneak peek at what college life is all about, and different subjects they can explore, through a Summer Scholars course this summer!

Every summer, the Summer Scholars program at Clemson University welcomes hundreds of campers who enjoy a one-week introduction to a variety of university learning options, while being immersed in our campus culture, either virtually or in-person.

Experience Clemson opportunity.

Students will engage in hands-on, immersive courses in their field of choice taught by Clemson instructors during the day. Afternoons include free time which can be spent exploring campus, attending a campus tour, or meeting a representative from Admissions or Clemson University Honors College. Evenings feature many of the recreational activities Clemson students enjoy, including bowling at The Underground, swimming at Fike Recreation Center, and a cookout on the beach at beautiful Lake Hartwell.

Camp on campus.

Participants taking in-person courses stay in a residence hall and eat meals in a dining hall throughout the week to complete their on-campus experience. Summer Scholars students will also meet current Clemson students, who serve as counselors to guide, mentor, and answer questions about life as a Tiger.

For more information, visit the Summer Scholars Website.

There are seven sessions starting in early June and going through the last full week of July. 

Registration Deposit - $200

The deposit secures your camper’s spot in the summer camp program.
The deposit applies to overall tuition.
Tuition - $1,200

Tuition covers room and board, classroom materials, instructors, field trips, camper gift bags and three meals per day Monday through Thursday, as well as dinner the night of check-in and breakfast and lunch on Friday.
All fees are due 30 days prior to the session start date.
Early Bird Discount of $150 if registered and paid-in-full before April 1, 2024.

The Clemson Career Workshop is a summer program designed to support readiness of high-achieving students from diverse populations to enter college. The Clemson Career Workshop enables rising high school seniors an opportunity to get an inside look into Clemson University while learning tips and tools needed to prepare for college and beyond. Furthermore, the Clemson Career Workshop provides students exposure to areas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

For more information, visit the Clemson Career Workshop Website.

In 2021, GE launched Next Engineers, a global college- and career-readiness program to increase the diversity of young people in engineering. The goal is to reach more than 14,000 students in four cities globally over the next five years. The program engages students (ages 13 to 18) in hands-on engineering concepts and careers and ultimately awards partial higher education scholarships to pursue engineering degrees.

For more information, visit the Next Engineers website. 

Each summer, top high school juniors and seniors from around the country gather together for a week at Clemson University to learn about the diverse industries of agriculture and natural resources. This program is designed to inform, inspire and challenge student participants to consider a career in the agricultural, natural resource and life science industries.

Emphasis Areas Include:

• Livestock Production
• Forestry & Natural Resources
• Plant Science

For more information, visit the South Carolina Commissioner's School for Agriculture Website.

The Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) is managed by the Clemson Honors College each summer on Clemson University campus locations throughout the state. SPRI is a partnership with the Governors School for Science and Math (GSSM) and every student at GSSM participates in a summer research experience. SPRI is designed help students gain direct experience with the scientific process, thus developing their understanding of the scientific method, the methods of discovery, subject matter expertise, critical thinking skills, data analysis and quantitative skills, creativity and communication skills. To do this, students are paired with researchers at various state universities and given an average of six weeks to conduct an original research project in a wide variety of subjects in both a field and laboratory setting. Students work with their research mentors and Governor's School faculty during their senior year to compile and analyze their research findings, prepare formal research papers, and present their work at the GSSM Annual Research Colloquium and at the SC Junior Academy of Science annual meeting.

For more information, visit the Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) Website.

Join us for hands-on, action-packed, thought-provoking science camps for grades 5-12 on the Clemson University campus! Both day and residential camps are offered.

Visit the Science Outreach Center Website to review camp descriptions and to enroll.

Information about Clemson-sponsored athletic camps and programs can be found on the Clemson University athletics website.

A South Carolina tradition for over 50 years, 4-H Summer Camp offers traditional camp activities with plenty of fun, friends and adventure! The jam-packed week includes team sports, water sports, paintball, archery, nature hikes, a ropes course and climbing tower, arts and crafts, a talent show and more. There’s even a mini-camp session for younger, first-time campers. Whether it’s your first time or your first in a while, 4-H Summer Camp is always sure to please!

4-H Summer Camp is held at the R.M. Cooper Leadership Center in Summerton, a 115-acre peninsula on beautiful Lake Marion. Camp Cooper features air-conditioned dorm rooms, a full-service dining facility, waterfront area with multiple docks and a water slide, gymnasium, nature trails and a climbing tower.

For more information, visit the 4-H Camp Website.

An exhilarating wilderness adventure awaits you at Adventure Summer Camp at Camp Hannon! Enjoy rock climbing, canopy tour, whitewater rafting and more—all in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North and South Carolina.

During this six-day program campers learn wilderness safety and the importance of teamwork while gaining self-confidence and a sense of responsibility. No experience necessary, but program activities are best suited for physically active youth who are committed to spending time away from home in a wilderness setting.

For more information, visit the Adventure Summer Camp Website.

Camp Lions Den is for individuals who have visual impairments, age 7 and older. Priority will be given to campers age 7-17 with any remaining spaces assigned to older participants.

Camp Lions Den offers an exciting setting where campers enjoy fun, challenging, and educational group activities. These may include but are not limited to: swimming, canoeing, fishing, drama, archery, crafts, pontoon boat rides, nature activities, overnight campouts and more! Campers develop independence through daily camp activities as they learn to do things for themselves.

Housing is provided in comfortable cabins with 10 single beds for campers and supervising staff. Showers and bathrooms are located within each cabin. We have an on-site health center and employ nurses to work and live here during camp.

For more information, please visit the Camp Lions Den Website.

Camp Odyssey is a fun, exciting week filled with cool activities, new friends and awesome staff! During the week, campers may participate in new adventures, including, but not limited to: archery, sailing, arts & crafts, overnight camping, swimming, canoeing, climbing tower and fishing.

Housing is provided in comfortable cabins with 10 single beds for campers and supervising staff. Showers and bathrooms are located within each cabin. We have an on-site health center and employ nurses to work and live here during camp.

For more information, please visit the Camp Odyssey Website.

Camp Sertoma is a week-long residential camp for children ages 7-12, who are either underprivileged or have a speech or hearing impairment. Camp Sertoma is a fun, exciting week filled with cool activities, new friends and incredible staff! During the week, campers may participate in new adventures, including, but not limited to: archery, sailing, arts & crafts, overnight camping, swimming, canoeing, climbing tower and fishing.

Housing is provided in comfortable cabins with 10 single beds for campers and supervising staff. Showers and bathrooms are located within each cabin. We have an on-site health center and employ nurses to work and live here during camp.

For more information, visit the Camp Sertoma Website.

Camp Sunshine is a weekend residential respite camp for children and adults with disabilities and is offered during the fall and spring. These weekends are designed to give families or caregivers a weekend off while their loved one enjoys new experiences unique to a camp setting. During the weekends campers participate in a variety of outdoor activities which may include: archery, fishing, pontoon boat rides, nature walks, canoeing, arts and crafts, and drama. Twenty-four hour supervision is provided by a trained staff and a camp nurse who love and work onsite.

For more information, please visit the Camp Sunshine Website.

Camp Voyager combines the best of today's technology with the thrill of the great outdoors, while providing a variety of innovative and fun activities. Highlights include and high adventure elements. In addition, campers get to work with a number of interactive technologies including Lego Mindstorms NXT robots, BB8 Sphero Robots, Ozobots, Drones, and Little Bits building blocks. Camp Voyager is held at the Youth Learning Institute Headquarters in Pickens, SC. With views of Table Rock Mountain, this property features air-conditioned dorms, gymnasium, game room and outdoor team’s course.

For more information, visit the Camp Voyager Website.

With shooting sports, ATVs, fishing and more, Camp Wildlife offers a chance to experience the great outdoors like never before! With activities based on age and experience, our exceptional outdoor programs promote self-esteem and self-reliance. Campers bunk in yurts and earn their hunter education certification!

Camp Wildlife is located at Camp Bob Cooper, near Summerton and Santee, S.C., on Lake Marion. Camp Bob Cooper covers 115 acres, perched on the shores of beautiful Lake Marion and offers campers a change of pace from their usual surroundings. Campers will have a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors.

For more information, visit the Camp Wildlife Website.

The Hidden History Camp is a one-week day camp open to Middle-schoolers ages 10-14 years about Hidden History at the University! Campers will experience a variety of interactive activities including historic site tours, archaeology digs, explorations of the archives and family history activities, all arranged to provide an unforgettable summer camp experience right on campus.

For more information, visit the Hidden History Camp page.

Jaycee Camp Hope offers an exciting setting where campers enjoy fun, challenging and educational group activities that include swimming, canoeing, fishing, drama, archery, crafts, pontoon boat rides, nature activities, overnight campouts and more. Campers develop independence through daily camp activities as they learn to do things for themselves.

Housing is provided in comfortable cabins with 10 single beds for campers and supervising staff. Showers and bathrooms are located within each cabin. We have an on-site health center and employ nurses to work and live here during camp.

Any individual with an Intellectual Disability age 7 or older may apply to attend Jaycee Camp Hope.

For more information, please visit the Jaycee Camp Hope Website.

This intensive riding camp gives riders a taste of what it’s like to ride on the Clemson Equestrian Team. Participants ride equestrian team horses twice daily in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) format under the instruction of the team’s head coach, while also experiencing the culture of Clemson University from a student perspective. Riders stay in the college dorms and enjoy a variety of fun and educational activities throughout the week in addition to daily riding sessions. Riders eligible for this camp are rising high school juniors, seniors, or incoming Clemson University freshmen. Attendees must be at least 16 years of age at the time of camp. HUNT SEAT ONLY; previous riding experience is required.

For more information, please visit the Tiger's Choice Equestrian Camp Website.

Open to rising 9th graders through soon-to-be college freshmen (ages 13-18), Tiger’s Rein caters specifically to western riders. This three-day equestrian day camp offers twice daily riding instruction with our western team coach. Riders will be divided according to riding level (prior riding experience is required) and will be given the opportunity to ride a variety of level-appropriate equestrian team horses. Lessons will focus on horsemanship and equitation skills and riders will utilize a variety of railwork and pattern exercises to hone their skills. Campers will enjoy recreational activities and educational workshops in addition to riding sessions. Space is limited, so prompt registration is suggested. Note: Overnight accommodations are not provided for this camp.

For more information, please visit the Tiger's Rein Camp Website.

An exciting summer day camp brings nature discovery to life. Children (6-11 years old) explore the Garden’s habitats through many fun hands-on activities and discover the wonders of the natural world. Splash through creeks, climb rocks and dip nets in the pond. On our adventure we’ll discover the plants and animals who make the Garden their home.

For more information, visit the Camp Botanical Garden's Youth and Family Programs page.

In this camp, creativity reigns for children 6-11 years old! The garden is our palette and provides our media - we will weave, craft, paint and explore many dimensions of our creative spirit through garden-based activities. Learn about famous artists who were inspired by the natural world and create your own masterpieces.

For more information, visit the Camp Botanical Garden's Youth and Family Programs page.

In this week-long day camp, children (6-11 years old) discover South Carolina’s antebellum past. Through hands-on crafts and other activities, we’ll explore everyday life for South Carolinians from the houses they lived in, the clothes they wore, and the food they ate and the games they played. The two historic houses in the Garden, the Hunt Cabin and Hanover House, provide the starting point for our adventure into the past.

For more information, visit the Camp Botanical Garden's Youth and Family Programs page.

In this camp, children will explore the various ecosystems of South Carolina. Using the Natural Heritage Garden as our guide, we’ll take a journey from the mountains to the sea, and we’ll discover the interesting plants, animals and people who have called these spaces home throughout our state’s history. Participants will enjoy daily hikes in the Garden, various games and activities, and learning about historical sites within the Garden. Take home projects will include hand-dyed shirts, pottery and more!

For more information, visit the Camp Botanical Garden's Youth and Family Programs page.

There's something for everyone on this great green adventure! We’ll focus on outdoor exploration and ways to enjoy and learn from the natural world. From day to day, campers will become gardeners, artists, ethnobotanists, field biologists and conservationists all while learning about the importance of teamwork, sustainability, and time spent in nature.

For more information, visit the Camp Botanical Garden's Youth and Family Programs page.

Go wild in this camp, inspired by the hit PBS kid’s show, Wild Kratts! Enjoy learning about the animal kingdom through outdoor exploration, games, crafts, special guests and more. Have a blast earning Creature Powers as you complete each day’s mission and answer the question, “What if?!”

For more information, visit the Camp Botanical Garden's Youth and Family Programs page.

Did you know that nature is full of amazing engineers if you know where to look? Learn how to unlock their secrets and become a change-maker who can find new ways to build, make, and do everything. CircleUP! STEM can give you tools to imagine and build a future with a healthy people and planet.

For more information, visit the Camp Botanical Garden's Youth and Family Programs page.