If you’re a high school student in Illinois looking for something new to do over the summer, joining a camp can be a great option. Many summer camps are more than just extra classes or practice; they give you space to try new things, meet other teens, and spend time on something you actually enjoy.
Selecting a local program can help decrease additional housing and travel costs. Fortunately, many universities and organizations in Illinois offer summer camps for high school students. If you’re looking for academic options, you can explore science, writing, or coding camps. If you’re more creative, you can choose camps in art, music, and theater. You can also find options in sports, leadership, and outdoor adventures if you just prefer staying active.
Many summer camps for high school students are short-term, allowing you to explore new activities without requiring a full summer commitment and leaving time for other plans. Whether you want to prepare for college, explore a hobby, or just spend a few weeks doing something different, these camps offer plenty of choices.
Here are 15 Illinois summer camps for high school students worth checking out.
15 Illinois Summer Camps for High School Students
1. CTD’s Academic Summer Camps at Northwestern University
Location: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Cost: $2,970 – $6,025 (3-week camps) | $990 – $1,805 (1-week camps); Need-based financial aid is available
Cohort Size: Small class sizes (exact number not specified)
Dates: One- and three-week camps run between late June and early August
Application Deadline: One week before each session
Eligibility: Rising 6th-12th-grade students; Some courses may include extra requirements
Northwestern University’s CTD Academic Summer Camps offer an opportunity for students in grades 6-12 to take courses in subjects like math, engineering, science, technology, English, leadership, economics, and the humanities. Courses are either enrichment or accelerated. Enrichment introduces interdisciplinary topics and builds interest and skills, while accelerated classes move quickly, covering up to two semesters of material in three weeks. You’ll also get some access to Northwestern’s facilities, such as labs, libraries, and athletic fields, and will receive a written evaluation with feedback, grades (if applicable), and suggestions for future learning.
2. NCRHP’s Rural Health Careers Camp
Location: Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Cost: $100
Cohort Size: Maximum 50 students
Dates: June 23 – June 25
Application Deadline: Applications open in January
Eligibility: Rising high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who live in and attend school in a rural community with a population of 25,000 or fewer; Preference is given to incoming freshmen and underclassmen from specific counties
As a participant in the Rural Health Careers Camp, you’ll take part in over 15 hands-on labs and activities that introduce different health professions, while staying overnight in campus housing to experience college life. You’ll spend time with camp counselors who are health professions students, learn directly from healthcare providers about their work, and ask questions about their career paths. You’ll also meet other students who share your interests and participate in career workshops, evening speakers, and team-building games. Most activities take place at the camp, but one day is spent doing rotations at the UIC Health Sciences Campus, Rockford.
3. NIU Speech Camp
Location: Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL
Cost: $995
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th-grade students
During Northern Illinois University’s Speech Camp, you’ll practice memorizing pieces, writing speeches, and developing research skills with guidance from experienced coaches and members of NIU’s nationally ranked speech team. By the end of camp, you’ll have a completed speech draft, a polished script for interpretation events, or stronger limited prep skills. You will also learn how to choose topics for public address events, select strong scripts for interpretation, structure your speeches, and improve your delivery.
4. Saper Law Immersion Program
Location: Saper Law Offices, Chicago, IL
Cost: $875; Need-based scholarships are available
Cohort Size: Maximum 40 people per class
Dates: August 4 – August 8
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school and college students
The Saper Law Immersion Program is a week-long camp where students can explore the legal field. You’ll spend your days doing writing and negotiation exercises, mock legal proceedings, and field trips, with a focus on entertainment, business, and internet law. You’ll get to hear from lawyers who work in civil rights, immigration, and environmental law, as well as professionals from corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. Past speakers have included in-house counsel at major companies, former state officials, and attorneys from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to guest talks and workplace visits, you’ll also get to work on personal statements and try out LSAT-style practice questions.
5. Illinois Chamber Music Festival
Location: Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL
Cost: $950 (tuition) + $930 (room and board)
Cohort Size: 2-10 students per ensemble
Dates: July 13 – August 1
Application Deadline: April 23
Eligibility: High school, junior high school, and college students
The Illinois Chamber Music Festival takes place at Illinois Wesleyan University and includes strings, piano, winds, and harp. First-time students need to audition or submit a five-minute solo recording of their choice. At the camp, you’ll work on chamber music performance, ensemble playing, technique, and musical interpretation. The schedule includes daily coaching, elective classes (like musical theatre, international dance, music theory/history, or tennis), rehearsals or lessons, plus student and faculty performances. You’ll also get access to Wesleyan’s top practice spaces and performance venues.
6. Camp Shaw: Extreme Camp
Location: Camp Shaw, Manteno, IL
Cost: $795; Discounts ranging from $30 to $75 are available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not listed
Dates: June 21 – June 27 | July 12 – July 18
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 7-17
Camp Shaw’s Extreme Camp is for students who enjoy outdoor adventures. As a participant, you’ll get to try a variety of activities like archery, crafts, photography, nature exploration, music, theatre, sports, and ziplining. The pool and creek are open daily, giving everyone a chance to swim and cool off. In the July session, you can also choose the tent camping option, “Extreme Camp – Tents”, available only to a limited number of campers.
7. DePaul University: Game, Cinema, and Animation Summer Academy
Location: DePaul University Loop Campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $850 (non-refundable); a limited number of need-based partial scholarships are available
Cohort Size: Around 24 students per track
Dates: July 13 – July 17
Application Deadline: May 17 (priority deadline) | June 10 (final deadline)
Eligibility: Students who have finished their freshman year of high school by July 1, including graduating seniors
DePaul University’s Game, Cinema, and Animation Summer Academy provides high school students with hands-on experience in film, TV, and game development, utilizing the latest equipment and guidance from DePaul faculty. You can choose from six tracks. In Film and TV Production, you’ll work in teams to write, shoot, edit, and produce short films, often taking on multiple roles. In the Hand-Drawn Character Animation track, you’ll practice classical animation techniques and learn to use animation software. The 3D Modeling and Animation track covers the basics of animation and modeling, with opportunities to design and texture characters and objects for use in games. In the Game Development track, you and your team will design and build a 3D game while exploring different parts of the game creation process. The Screenwriting track will teach you script format, story structure, character development, and introduce you to the screenwriting industry. Finally, the Sound Design track covers sound recording, editing, and mixing for various media, with opportunities to collaborate on projects created by fellow students in the program.
8. Northern Illinois University’s Theatre Arts Camp
Location: Northern Illinois University campus, DeKalb, IL
Cost: $850 – $900 registration fee; $25 discount is available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: July 13 – July 18
Application Deadline: June 11
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 6-12
Northern Illinois University’s Theatre Arts Camp is a weeklong program for students interested in theatre. Each day you’ll rehearse for a production, which you’ll perform for family and friends at the end of the week. Mornings include a mix of workshops, acting classes, theatre games, production rehearsals with your assigned group and director, and improvisation activities to help you think on your feet and warm up for the day. Evenings are filled with social activities like bowling and games at the Huskie Den, a talent show, and either movie night or field night. You’ll also join counselor groups, which are smaller breakout sessions to relax and reflect after a full day.
9. JTB’s Summer Legal Institute
Location: Multiple locations, including Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: July 21 – July 25
Application Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: High school students
JTB’s Summer Legal Institute (SLI) is designed to help you build skills like reading, writing, financial literacy, critical thinking, public speaking, and professional etiquette that can benefit you in high school, college, and even law school. You’ll learn directly from attorneys at law firms and corporations who volunteer their time to lead hands-on activities and discussions. Through real-world examples, they’ll give you a clear picture of what working in the legal field is like. This program allows you to strengthen your skills and learn directly from professionals already practicing law.
10. English Studies Summer Camp for High School Students
Location: Eastern Illinois University campus, Charleston, IL
Cost: $425 (residential) | $225 (commuter) + $50 for extended stay; Scholarships are available
Cohort Size: Small class sizes
Dates: June 15 – June 21
Application Deadline: May 1 (regular) | May 15 (extended)
Eligibility: Students who will be in the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in the academic year following the camp, or those who have just graduated in the spring before the camp
Eastern Illinois University’s English Studies Camp offers Faculty-led courses that will let you explore areas like creative writing, literature, professional and academic writing, and media studies. You’ll pick two sessions to build your own program and work closely with faculty in small classes that focus on reading, writing, debating, and text analysis. The camp also includes plenty of social and recreational activities. Things kick off with an informal meet-and-greet for students and faculty and wrap up with a Student Showcase where you’ll present your work to family and the community.
11. UIC Engineering Summer Camp
Location: University of Illinois campus, Chicago, IL
Cost: $500 for one week + $32 per day for optional after-care; children of University of Illinois employees are eligible for discounts
Cohort Size: Maximum 30 students per group
Dates: July 21 – July 25 (high school students)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students (Track 3)
UIC’s Engineering Summer Camp gives students a hands-on look at different branches of engineering. Campers are split into small groups and rotate through five topics in five days: Biomedical, Chemical, Software, Environmental Sustainability Planning (ESP), and Mechanical & Industrial Engineering. Each day, you’ll tackle team-based challenges (in groups of 2-3) designed by UIC Engineering faculty and grad students. You’ll work on over 15 unique projects that might include coding, robotics, or biomechanics. Alongside projects, you’ll explore engineering careers in areas like autonomous vehicles, nanotechnology, and organ transplantation.
12. Northern Illinois University’s Visual Arts Camp
Location: Northern Illinois University campus, DeKalb, IL
Cost: $850 – $900 registration fee + $95 art supply fee; $25 discount is available
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: July 6 – July 11
Application Deadline: June 11
Eligibility: Students who have completed grades 8-12
Northern Illinois University’s Visual Arts Camp allows students to explore different art media while creating portfolio-quality work. You’ll experiment with new materials and techniques, take part in group art and recreation activities, and attend presentations by nationally recognized artists, historians, and studio artists. The camp ends with an art show open to family and friends. Each day, you’ll attend two studio classes. When registering, you’ll choose your class preferences, and assignments are given at check-in. Alongside studio work, you’ll also hear from guest speakers who will share their own career experiences in the visual arts.
13. Grainger Engineering Summer Camps
Location: Virtual or in person at the Grainger College of Engineering, Urbana, IL
Cost: $1,000 (residential); $600 (commuter); $550 (day camps); $150 (virtual) + $25 deposit
Acceptance Rate: 25-40%
Dates: Multiple one-week camps run between June 16 – August 2
Application Deadline: February – March
Eligibility: Rising 7th-12th-grade students
Grainger Engineering Summer Camps include demos, lab tours, classroom sessions, hands-on projects, and time with faculty, staff, and students from different engineering fields. You can try out more than ten engineering majors in the Survey of Engineering sessions, like the Exploring Your Options (EYO) camp, or choose a Deeper Dive into a Discipline (3-D) camp for a full week focused on one area. Deep-dive topics include Aerospace, Civil and Environmental, Chemical, Computer and Electrical, Mechanical, Nuclear/Plasma/Radiological, and Materials Science. Other options cover Bioengineering, AI and Programming, Cybersecurity, Electronics, Game Design, and even Agriculture.
One more option – Horizon Academic Research Program
If you’re looking for a competitive mentored research program in subjects like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, and chemistry, consider applying to Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs! This is a selective virtual research program that lets you engage in advanced research and develop a research paper on a subject of your choosing. Horizon has worked with 1000+ high school students so far and offers 600+ research specializations for you to choose from. You can find the application link here!
Image source – Northern Illinois University