Summer Camps 2025
Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP)
Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP)
2121 Berkeley Way, Rm 2210, Berkeley CA 94720-1670
Phone (510) 642-8308 | Fax (510) 642-0510
ATDP website
Elementary Division
ATDP’s Elementary Division offers exciting three-week academic enrichment courses in mathematics, science, writing, computers, and more for students completing grades K-6.
- Dates: July 7 - July 25
- Location: Washington Elementary in Point Richmond
- Times: Morning (8:30 am - noon) or afternoon (1 - 4:30 pm.) For an extra fee, ATDP students can also attend an on-site half-day sports camp sponsored by Rec Sports.
- Level: Grades K-6
- Tuition and Program Fees: $750 - $800*
Application deadlines
- Early applications due: Wed., Feb. 26*
- Standard applications due: Wed., Mar. 26*
- Extended applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 29**
Secondary Division
ATDP’s SD offers 6-week enrichment and accelerated academic courses in writing, fine arts, languages, math, computer science, social science, and natural science for students completing grades 7-11. Courses are equivalent to a half-year or full year of high school curricula. Many courses are approved to count towards UC & CSU A-G college entrance requirements. Tailor-made programs are also offered for international groups.
- Dates: June 16 - July 25
- Level: Grades 7 - 11
- Location: Choose in-person on the UC Berkeley campus OR online
- Times: Morning (8:30 am-noon) or afternoon (1 - 4:30 pm)
- Weekly schedule: 2 or 3 days a week (varied)
- Tuition and Program Fee: $750 - $1,250*
Application deadlines
- Early applications due: Wed., Feb. 19*
- Standard applications due Wed., Mar. 17*
- Extended applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 23**
*ATDP offers limited need-based financial aid to qualified candidates.
** No financial aid is available for extended applications.
CAL Youth Camps
January 15: Early registration day for faculty, staff and student parents. Sign up on January 15 beginning at 10 a.m. for as many camps as you want. At 9:59 a.m. on January 16, registration will close until it reopens again for the general public on Jan. 28-30.
January 28-30: Camp registration opens for the general public. Registration opening dates are staggered over a three-day period.
Offering a wide variety of award-winning camps and year-round activities for ages 5-17, our enriching programs cover nearly every interest, whether it’s swimming or skateboarding, sailing or martial arts, learning or leading. You’ll find our camps in convenient locations right here on campus as well as in Albany and at the Berkeley Marina.
Multi-Activity Day Camps
With our comprehensive recreational day camps, campers get to sample an array of activities appropriate for their age and interests, with lots of time for fun, silliness, and time with friends.
| Name | Ages | About |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer Camp | 5-6 | Combines developmental sports, outdoor learning, exploratory science, arts and crafts, exploratory martial arts, and exploratory gymnastics. |
| Afternoon Adventures | 8-11 | Includes activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Bay, designing and flying your own kite, building and testing your own cardboard sailboat, and much more all packed into a half-day of adventure. |
| Blue Camp | 7-12 | Combines developmental sports, outdoor learning, science, and the arts to create a fun, well-rounded, diverse camp experience. |
| Discovery Camp | 10-12 | Paddle, observe, examine, and analyze a variety of Bay Area ecosystems – both on the water and on terra firma. |
| Eco Adventures | 12-14 | Allows campers to observe, examine, and analyze a variety of Bay Area ecosystems – both on the water and on terra firma. |
| Gold Camp (UVA) | 5-10 | A comprehensive recreational day camp that combines outdoor learning, sports arts, science and group games. |
Specialized Sports and Activity Camps
From screen time to hangtime, campers can try a new experience or advance from beginner to expert in our specialized camps.
| Name | Ages | About |
|---|---|---|
| Esports Camp | 12-14 | Gain new skills and learn about teamwork, leadership, and strategy in a high-tech, supportive, and inclusive environment centered around Esports: competitive, organized video gaming. |
| Media Production Camp | 12-14 | Explore the leading edge of digital media and video production, using professional equipment such as cameras and camcorders, computer editing software, audio recording software, lights, and more. |
| Skateboarding Camp | 8-16 | A nationally recognized program allowing campers to learn in a one-of-a-kind environment, with a variety of ramps and street obstacles. |
| Gymnastics Camp | 5-14 | Develop new gymnastics skills, play games, make new friends, and create lasting memories. |
| Martial Arts Camp | 6-16 | Quality instruction in martial arts, promoting fitness of mind and body. |
Adventures Youth Camps
For campers who describe their summers with action verbs…Play. Climb. Sail. Explore. These camps are all about new adventures, getting outside, moving, and exploring the Bay Area’s natural wonders.
| Name | Ages | About |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon Adventures | 8-11 | Includes activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Bay, designing and flying your own kite, building and testing your own cardboard sailboat, and much more all packed into a half-day of adventure. |
| Discovery Camp | 10-12 | Explore and experience the Bay Area through hiking, tide pooling, paddling, and more! |
| Paddle Adventures | 9-11 | Split the day exploring the water and land! Play, craft, and learn the fundamentals of stand-up paddleboarding and sit-on-top kayaking on the South Sailing Basin. |
| Rock Climbing Camp | 8-17 | Gain confidence in an exhilarating activity: rock climbing. Learn belay skills, knot-tying, top-rope climbing, and equipment care. |
| Sailing Camp | 10-17 | Learn and review the essentials of sailing on the beautiful San Francisco Bay, Campers are assigned to groups based on their skill level. |
| Sea Kayaking Camp | 11-17 | Learn the basics of sea kayaking, including paddling techniques, equipment, safety procedures, and rescue skills. |
| Windsurfing Camp | 10-17 | Provides campers with an introduction to the sport of windsurfing. |
EmbARC Summer Design Academy **2025 Information coming soon**
Wurster Hall, College of Environmental Design, UC Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: (510) 643-1188 | Fax: (510) 643-4752
embARC Summer Design Academy
Email: embarc@berkeley.eduWeb: embARC Summer Design Academy
embARC is an immersive summer design program at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design that brings together high school students from diverse backgrounds to explore architecture, urban design, and sustainable city planning through integrated components: an Architecture + Urban Design Studio, a Sustainable City Planning Workshop, a Digital Design Workshop, an Environmental Design Conversation Series and a Materials Exploration Workshop.
Why Should I Attend?
- Explore architecture, urban design, and city planning as possible college majors and careers
- Develop technical and time-management skills through college-level coursework
- Work with fellow students with similar interests
- Build a design portfolio to use when applying to college
- Be exposed to public policy issues that empower you to make a real impact on your community
- Earn college credit on an official UC Berkeley transcript and receive a certificate of completion
- Take part in building a project for a local nonprofit organization
Details
- Ages: Students who are at least 16 years old and entering their junior or senior year of high school
- Format: In-person
- Dates: July 1 - July 26, 2024
To Apply
To be considered for the program, you must submit your application by 1) the priority application deadline of March 11, 2024, or 2) the final application deadline of April 15, 2024 (if space is still available)
Submit the following:
- Completed embARC online application with essay
- $75 application fee
- High school transcripts that include all grades from 9th grade through the fall semester preceding your application
- Letter of recommendation from a high school guidance counselor, teacher, principal, or community leader
Additional Deadlines:
- Scholarship application - March 11, 2024
- Campus housing application - March 11, 2024
Summer Tuition and Fees:
- Domestic: $4938
- International: $7818
- Need-based scholarships are available for domestic students.
DISC (Design and Innovation for Sustainable Cities)
Email: summerdiscovery@berkeley.edu
Web: DISC: Design + Innovation for Sustainable Cities
DISC is an immersive five-week summer program for undergraduates that explores an interdisciplinary and multi-scalar approach to design and analysis in the urban environment. Disc* participants engage in the discourses of urban innovation, and develop creative solutions to tackle the urgent challenges global cities face today. Disc* is open to eligible students from any college or university. No prior experience in design is necessary.
- Ages: Current college students (must be 18 or older)
- Dates: July 1 - August 2, 2024
- Format: In-person
To Apply
To be considered for the program, you must submit your application by the deadline of May 13, 2024, for domestic students, and April 29, 2024, for international students.
Submit the following:
- Completed DISC online application with essay
- $75 application fee
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Current college transcripts
Summer Tuition and Fees:
- Domestic: $4,938
- International Students: $7,818
Summer [IN]STITUTE in Environmental Design
Email: summer-institutes@berkeley.edu
Web: Summer [In]stitute in Environmental Design
The Summer [IN]STITUTE allows students to test their enthusiasm for the material and culture of environmental design. The Institute consists of [IN]ARCH, [IN]LAND, and [IN]CITY, three introductory programs in architecture, landscape architecture, and sustainable city planning for post-baccalaureate students or senior-level undergraduates, as well as [IN]DESIGN, an online eight-week architectural design studio program with a focus on architecture, landscape architecture, and urbanism.
Students in the Summer Institute explore the methods and theories of the fields, experience the culture of design and planning studios, connect to top faculty and practitioners, and build a portfolio for graduate school application.
- Ages: Participants must hold a Bachelor's Degree or be a senior-level undergraduate
- Dates: [IN]ARCH, [IN]LAND & [IN]CITY - July 1 - August 9, 2024
- Format: [IN]ARCH, [IN]LAND & [IN]CITY - In-person
To Apply - To be considered for the program, you must submit your application by the deadline of May 13, 2024, for domestic students, and April 29 for international students
- Completed Summer [IN]STITUTE online application with essay
- $75 application fee
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of most recent undergraduate transcript
Summer Tuition and Fees
- Domestic: $4,938
- International: $7,818
iD Tech Summer STEM Campus
Phone: (888) 709-8324
Email: info@iDTech.com
Register Online: Summer Coding Camps & Tech Programs Held at UC Berkeley
This summer, your child can explore a prestigious campus, make friends as they master new tech skills, and join a community of 600,000 iD alumni who are changing the world with tech.
- Level: Ages 7-17
- Dates: June 9 - August 1, day & overnight options
- Registration Deadline: NA, but courses are already selling out
Lawrence Hall of Science Camps
Calling all young scientists! Enriching hands-on camps are available for children entering first through sixth grade. Campers become budding engineers, biologists, and astronomers when they immerse themselves in our classrooms, exhibits, Planetarium, and other learning spaces. Each two-week camp session is jam-packed with fun projects and activities to inspire and engage. Register now to secure your spot.
BOOST@BerkeleyHass
Register Online: BOOST@BerkeleyHass website
Level: Grade 9 - Grade 12
Berkeley Business Academy for Youth
Email: BBAY@Berkeley.edu | Website: BBAY website
Phone: (510) 643-8782
The Institute for Business and Social Impact at the BerkeleyHaas School of Business offers middle and high school students an opportunity to explore business and entrepreneurship. BBAY has both virtual school year programs and summer in person program opportunities for students rising 7th -12th grades. Students will learn from professors who are at the top of their field, PhD candidates, undergraduate students and staff as well as guest speakers from corporate America. Subjects taught include teamwork, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, accounting, marketing, finance, business model canvas, lean launch pad, presentation skills, and more. Each session culminates in a business plan project that students create in teams.
For more information, please visit the Berkeley Business Academy for Youth website.
Virtual Programs
Middle School Afterschool:
Applications are now being accepted. Deadline January 15, 2025
Program Dates: February 3, 2025 - April 16, 2025
Program Manager: Ana Rael
Each year, the MSAS program explores key business topics through a theme. This year, students will dive into the dynamic world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring its history, impact on the business landscape, and innovative potential. Through interactive sessions, students will not only learn how AI is reshaping industries but will also brainstorm creative AI-driven solutions to everyday challenges.
Academic Year Program:
Applications will be available June 2025 for the 2025-2026 session.
Program Dates: Fall and Spring Semesters - September 2025 - April 2026
Program Manager: Asra Khan
The Academic Year Virtual Program enrolls rising 10th-12th grade and first year gap year students. The program follows University of California's two-semester, one year study model (Fall and Spring semesters) and offers Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday sessions for1.5 hours in the afternoon. The theme and focus of the Academic Year Program is sustainability, impact entrepreneurship.creating a business plan using the Business Model Canvas and the Lean Launchpad Canvas. Through activities such as simulations, workshops, faculty teachings, meeting with alumni guest speakers and team projects, students are encouraged to think logically and critically about a business idea.
Summer Programs (In person)
Middle School Commuter Summer Program:
Level: Rising 7th-9th grades
Applications Opens - January 17, Deadline March 1, 2025
Program Dates: Monday, June 9 - Friday, June 20, 2025
Program Manager: Ana Rael
The 2025 middle school summer program offers middle school students currently enrolled in grades 6th-8th (rising 9th graders accepted) one cohort that runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 am-3:30 pm. Through instructions from BerkeleyHaas faculty, alumni industry experts, PhD candidates and college teaching assistants, middle school students (enrolled in grades 6th -8th at the time of applying) will learn business fundamentals and develop individual business plans.
High School Immersion Summer Program (in-Person/Residential):
Level: Rising 10th-12th grades
Applications Opens - January 17, Deadline March 1, 2025
Program Dates: Session I: Saturday, July 5 - Saturday, July 19, 2025
Session II: Saturday, July 19 - Saturday, August 2, 2025
Program Manager: Ana Rael
The 2025 high school summer immersion program offers two cohorts. Students live on the UCB campus for two weeks, taking classes at Haas School of Business from 9:00 am -3:00pm and participating in evening and weekend activities. Through instruction from Berkeley Haas faculty, alumni industry experts, PhD candidates and college teaching assistants, high school students (currently enrolled in grades 9th- 12th) will learn business fundamentals and create a business as a team.
Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Commuter Program
Sign up for an online information session
- Virtual Advising: See virtual advising options
- Email: precollege@berkeley.edu
- Website: Berkeley Pre-College Website
Application opens - Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 9:00am (PST)
Application deadline - Monday, June 2, 2025, 11:59pm (PST)
The Berkeley Pre-College Scholars: Summer Program offers international and domestic high school students the opportunity to join a community of scholars and pursue their academic goals at the world’s No. 1 public institution. Our Summer 2025 courses will allow you to earn Berkeley college credit and learn with Berkeley students and visitors from around the world. Choose from lower-division courses in Humanities, Social Sciences, ESL, STEM, and much more! Virtual, residential, commuter, and non-credit tracks are available.
For information on eligibility, activities, costs, and more visit the Pre-College webpage.
UC Botanical Garden Green Stuff Day Camp
200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, CA 94720-5045
Phone: (510) 643-2755
Email: greenstuffcamp@berkeley.edu
Website: UC Botanical Garden Summer Camp
Registration: January 22nd, 9 am
Dates: June 2nd - August 1st
Cost: $475 - $500 per week
Schedule: Mon - Fri, 9 am - 2 pm (Grades 1-2) 9 am - 3 pm (Grades 3-6)
Have your child spend a magical week at the UC Botanical Garden’s award-winning nature camp. Green Stuff camp is a fun hands-on science day camp for children entering Grades 1 to 4, with a special mixed ages “Alumni Week” for returning campers entering Grades 5 and 6. Examples of activities campers enjoy include:
- Go on a five senses tour of the Garden
- Learn about amazing plant adaptations and habitat diversity
- Collect seeds in our Crops of the World garden
- Become a young botanist and see plant parts up close under microscopes
- Keep a nature journal
- Experiment with growing your own seedlings
- Hunt for garden animals including birds, newts, lizards, and compost critters
- Discover how Native Americans of California used plants
- Make arts and crafts from plant material to take home
- Investigate in a different part of the Garden every day!
Green Stuff is a wonderfully small camp, limited to 10 children per week with 2 counselors, where each child gets very personal attention. The two counselors are a team of one lead staff with a degree and experience in childhood education paired with a well-trained UC Berkeley undergraduate or graduate student in Plant Sciences, both of whom have experience and a love for sharing with young children the wonders of the natural world.
Ages: Sessions are grouped by Fall Grade Level
Bay Area Writing Project - Youth Summer Programming
Email: bawp@berkeley.edu
BAWP Young Writers Camps give children who are interested in writing the time and opportunity to explore writing through a range of writing genres. Kids will be able to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and take writing risks that they might not be able to in a traditional classroom setting.
Remote Courses:
- Creative Writing: Science Fiction and Fantasy
- Creative Writing: Poetry and Short Form
- Creative Writing: Fan Fiction
- Creative Writing as a Bridge to Improved Academic Writing
In-Person Camps:
- The Art of Journaling at Park Day School (Oakland)
- Creative Writing at Kent Middle School (Kentfield)
- Room to Explore at UC Berkeley (Berkeley)
- Berkeley Writing Academy at UC Berkeley (Berkeley)
- Science Fiction at California High School (San Ramon)
- Visual Alternatives to Written Assignments at UC Berkeley (Berkeley)
- Creative Writing as a Bridge to Academic Writing at St. Ignatius (SF Sunset)
High School Writing Courses (Grades 9th - 12th)
There is something for everyone, from a 2-week in-person genre mash-up course to a 3-week course on writing scary stories. Your teens will be able to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and take writing risks that they might not be able to in a traditional classroom setting.
Remote Courses:
- Introduction to Creative Writing (3 Weeks)
- Introduction to Journalism (1 Week)
- College Essay Writing (1 Week)
- Poetry as (People) Power (1 Week)
- Jump Scare: Stories that Jolt (3 Weeks)
- Scenes by Teens (1 Week)
- Writing Wild (2 Weeks)
- College Essay Writing (1 Week)
- Creative Writing Lab Advanced (2 Weeks)
- Star One: Science Fiction (2 Weeks)
- Dream Inspired Creative Writing (2 Weeks)
- The Art of Argument (1 Week)
Other Camp Resources
- Berkeley Parents Network Summer Camp Information Forums - A moderated, parent-run online forum for local parents; subscribe to receive information on camps, as well as schools and pre-schools.
- 510 Families East Bay Summer Camp Guide
- Bay Area Kid Fun