If you are a high school student in Massachusetts looking for an accessible way to focus on a subject or activity this summer, a local summer camp can be a strong option.
A camp is shorter and more structured than regular programs, giving you the chance to work intensively on one area such as STEM, the arts, sports, or leadership. Through hands-on projects, guided instruction, and group activities, you can gain in-depth experience and build skills that go beyond what you usually cover in school.
Massachusetts is home to many organizations and universities that host summer camps each year, ranging from research labs and tech academies to arts conservatories and sports clinics. Choosing a local camp can also be a financially smart move if you live in the state, since it lowers travel costs while still giving you access to expert instructors, advanced facilities, and opportunities to grow your abilities.
With that, here are 15 summer camps in Massachusetts for high school students!
13 Summer Camps for High School Students in Massachusetts
1. Ocean STEAM Powered Women (O-STEAM) Fellowship – Woods Hole
Location: Woods Hole, MA
Cost: Free (all expenses covered)
Program Dates: August 10–16
Deadline: March 14
Eligibility: Current Massachusetts residents in 10th or 11th grade
The Ocean STEAM Powered Women (O-STEAM) Fellowship is a free, week-long residential program for female-identifying high school sophomores and juniors from Massachusetts. Hosted by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), WHOI Sea Grant, and Sea Education Association, the program introduces students to ocean science, engineering, and STEAM careers. You’ll live on campus in Woods Hole, build and test a hydrophone, analyze dolphin vocalizations, and work with oceanographic instruments. Activities include constructing ocean drifters, conducting water quality tests, and joining shipboard fieldwork and a whale watch (weather permitting).
2. MUN Institute Summer Camp
Location: Boston University, Massachusetts
Cost: Day Camp from $1,499 (lunch included), Overnight Camp from $2,850 (meals and housing included)
Program Dates: Day Camp: August 4–8 (Sold Out), Overnight Camp: August 3–9 (Sold Out)
Deadline: Not specified. Students should apply early in spring to secure a spot.
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–17
At the MUN Institute, you step directly into the role of a world leader while honing your debate, diplomacy, and public speaking skills. Over the week, you’ll participate in interactive Model UN simulations, collaborate on resolutions, and practice persuasive speechmaking in a supportive environment. The program combines lessons on global politics with improvisation games, trivia, and leadership challenges, so you’re constantly learning and having fun. You’ll also experience elements of campus life through university tours, social events, and dining hall meals. By Friday, you’ll take part in a capstone simulation that lets you represent a country, present an opening speech, and draft collaborative solutions to real-world issues.
3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies by program type; full financial aid available
Program Dates: Year-round, offered in seasonal cohorts (summer, fall, winter, spring)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students currently enrolled | Accepted students typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 or higher
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors for a fully individualized research experience. Over 12 weeks, you’ll design and execute an independent research project in areas such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, or engineering. By the end of the program, participants produce a polished research paper and may qualify for UCSD credit. Full financial aid is available, and many alumni have published their research in recognized journals. This is not a camp, but a focused mentorship designed to give students deep, hands-on research experience.
4. Horizon Academic Research Program
Location: Online
Cost: Varies by program type. Financial aid available
Program Dates: Year-round in seasonal cohorts (fall, winter, spring and summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students in good academic standing (typically >3.67/4.0 GPA); most accepted students are 10th–11th graders. Some tracks require prerequisites.
Horizon runs trimester-long research programs for high school students in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, and more. Unlike many programs, Horizon gives you the option to focus on either quantitative or qualitative research. After choosing a subject track, you’ll be paired with a professor or PhD scholar who will guide you through your project. By the end of the program, you’ll complete a 20-page research paper that you can submit to journals for possible publication. You’ll also receive a recommendation letter and detailed feedback to help you with future projects.
5. WNE-MHC Golden Bear Summer Camp
Location: Western New England University, Center for Sciences and Pharmacy, Springfield, Massachusetts
Cost: Free
Program Dates: June 23–27
Deadline: No formal deadline; first 35 registrants accepted
Eligibility: High school students ages 13–18; first 35 registrants accepted
At the WNE-MHC Golden Bear Summer Camp, you’ll explore careers in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, occupational therapy, and neuroscience through labs, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Sessions cover topics like community and hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutics, and DNA extraction. You’ll also discover the role of occupational therapists in helping individuals regain independence and learn how neuroscience integrates biology, psychology, and chemistry. Beyond academics, the camp introduces you to the college admissions process and strategies to prepare for healthcare careers
6. GameBreaker Girls Summer Lacrosse Academy
Location: Bridgewater State University, 131 Summer St, Bridgewater, MA
Cost: Day: $399; Half-Day: $279 (team discounts available)
Program Dates: July 14–16
Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Girls ages 6–16 of all ability levels
GameBreaker Lacrosse Academy offers an action-packed summer experience designed to improve individual skills, positional techniques, and team play. You’ll participate in daily drills, specialized stick routines, and scrimmages that emphasize both tactical knowledge and teamwork. With a low camper-to-coach ratio, personalized instruction is provided by experienced coaches led by Erica Adams, Head Coach at Bridgewater State University. The program includes skill development, competitive games, and age-appropriate groupings to maximize learning and fun.
7. PGC Fall Weekend Shooting College
Location: Starland Sportsplex & Fun Park, Hanover, MA
Cost: $395 Regular | $445 Premium
Program Dates: September 6–7
Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Incoming 7th–12th grade, male & female
The PGC Fall Weekend Shooting College is an intensive 2-day basketball camp focused on developing shooting skills, basketball IQ, and confidence. Players learn from top-rated specialists through a mix of classroom instruction, film analysis, and on-court drills, with personalized feedback to accelerate improvement. The program covers mechanics, footwork, mindset, and shot-tracking strategies, providing a step-by-step blueprint for consistent performance. Campers engage in game-like situations, practice habits used by elite NCAA and NBA players, and take home a customized plan for continued development. Sessions are small, capped at 64–96 players to ensure personalized attention, and emphasize both skill growth and fun.
8. adidas Tennis Clinic at Vineyard Family Tennis
Location: Vineyard Family Tennis, 618 Barnes Rd, Oak Bluffs, MA
Cost: Full Day $999 | Morning Half Day $629 | Afternoon Half Day $399
Program Dates: June 16 – August 22 (10 sessions of 5 day each)
Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Ages 5–18, all skill levels
The adidas Tennis Clinic at Vineyard Family Tennis offers summer tennis instruction for kids and teens of all abilities, combining individual skill development with team-based drills and match play. Each camper is grouped by age and ability, ensuring training is tailored to maximize improvement and enjoyment. Sessions are led by experienced coaches under the direction of Jorge Ortiz-Garcia, providing expert guidance in stroke technique, footwork, and game strategy. Full-day and half-day options accommodate varying schedules, while the scenic Vineyard courts and modern clubhouse create a fun, supportive environment.
9. Berkshire Lake Arts Camp
Location: Lake Ashmere, Berkshires, Massachusetts
Cost: $2,850–$4,850 depending on session and duration
Program Dates: Session 1: June 28 – July 10 | Session 2: July 12 – 18 | Session 3: July 19 – 31
Deadline: Early bird through November 15
Eligibility: Girls ages 7–15
Berkshire Lake Arts Camp is a summer program for girls that combines arts training with traditional camp activities in a lakeside setting. Each student builds a schedule based on her interests, with options such as ceramics, digital arts, printmaking, ballet, contemporary dance, musical theater, yoga, acting, swimming, and archery. The camp focuses on developing skills, building confidence, and creating a supportive community. Campers live in modern cabins, work in new studios, and can choose from flexible session lengths. Additional options like the Camper Assurance Program are also available.
10. Waltham Game Design Camp
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Cost: $1,000 per session
Program Dates: August 11 – 15
Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Open to all skill levels
Waltham Game Design Camp gives students the chance to spend a week fully immersed in game creation, where they learn the art, programming, and design that go into building interactive experiences. The camp mixes hands-on learning with friendly competition, as students test ideas in daily challenges, refine their projects, and join in small tournaments that keep the energy high. Each camper builds a portfolio piece that reflects their progress while collaborating with peers who share the same interests. The camp runs Tuesday through Saturday, with check-in in the morning and pick-up in the late afternoon, making it easy to fit into a family’s summer schedule. Families can also take advantage of flexible payment plans, including a deposit option and discounts for multiple sessions.
11. Springfield Area Girls Softball Summer Camp & Clinic
Location: Springfield College, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA
Cost: Overnight: $729 | Extended Day (9am–7pm): $629 | Full Day (9am–4pm): $529
Program Dates: July 21–24
Deadline: Limited spots remaining
Eligibility: Girls ages 7–17 of all skill levels
Directed by Kate Bowen, head softball coach at Springfield College, this camp gives you the chance to build your skills in batting, fielding, pitching, base-running, and position-specific techniques. Each day mixes drills, scrimmages, and small games so you can work on technical ability, improve your tactical play, and learn how to work as part of a team. With low camper-to-coach ratios and groups organized by age and skill level, you’ll get close guidance and training that matches where you are as a player. If you join as an overnight camper, you’ll stay in dorms with staff on-site to provide round-the-clock supervision. Day campers follow the same training schedule and activities before heading home in the evening. You’ll need to bring your own softball gear, water, and snacks, plus bedding and personal items if you’re staying overnight.
12. Camp Chris Leader in Training (LIT) 1 & 2
Location: Camp Chris, Massachusetts
Cost: LIT 1: $599 for 2 weeks | LIT 2: Cost-free if admitted
Program Dates: Multiple weeks, June 23 – August 15 (weekdays only; no camp on July 4)
Deadline: Limited spots per cohort
Eligibility: LIT 1: Age 14+ entering grade 9 | LIT 2: Grade 10+
At Camp Chris, the LIT program gives you a chance to step into a leadership role and bridge the gap between camper and counselor. You’ll gain hands-on experience by helping counselors, planning activities, and taking part in mentorship opportunities. Along the way, you’ll work on communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and social responsibility through workshops, community service, and group projects with your cohort. If you’re in LIT 1, you’ll join a structured two-week cohort that includes one field trip per session. If you continue to LIT 2, you’ll take on more responsibility and independence, with the flexibility of weekly registration starting in Week 3. You can also add extended learning options like tutoring or music lessons to round out your experience and keep developing your skills.
13. Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Location: Lenox, Massachusetts
Cost: Early enrollment fee: $15,650 (full session); $10,400 (first session); $8,900 (second session); Regular fee: $16,050 (full session); $10,700 (first session); $9,150 (second session)
Program Dates: June 24 – August 9 (full session); June 24 – July 20 (first session); July 20 – August 9 (second session)
Deadline: On a form basis (early enrollment deadline on October 1st)
Eligibility: Boys ages 6–16
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is a boys’ overnight camp in the Berkshires with more than 95 years of tradition. The camp runs on an elective-based program where you can choose from sports, outdoor adventure, STEM, media, and waterfront activities. With over 300 campers, you’ll be part of both cabin group activities and larger camp events that create a strong sense of community. You’ll have the chance to build skills, practice teamwork, and explore new interests while being guided by experienced staff.
14. BC High Summer Camps & Programs
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Cost: $125–$1,600, depending on program
Program Dates: June 23 – July 25 (Academic Credit Recovery); July 7 – 18 (Animation, Grades 9–12); July 28 – August 8 (AI for Social Good); other dates vary by specialty and sports sessions
Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Grades 9–12 (coed for academics/specialty, boys only for sports)
BC High runs a wide range of summer programs for high school students, covering academics, arts, and athletics. In the AI for Social Good course, you’ll work with machine learning concepts through coding labs and projects that apply AI to areas like healthcare or music. If you’re interested in animation, you can join an intensive 2D training program taught with guidance from industry professionals. The school also offers Academic Credit Recovery courses, which run for five weeks and let you make up credits you may have missed. Specialty Programs focus on areas like computer programming and art, offered in half- or full-day formats.
Image source – BC High