Summer camps give high school students the chance to dive deeply into a subject, develop practical skills, and explore new interests outside of the regular classroom. These programs are typically shorter and more focused than traditional courses, allowing you to concentrate on a single topic and gain hands-on experience with specialized tools and techniques.
California is home to a wide range of high-quality summer camps, hosted by universities, research centers, and professional organizations. Participating in a local program can be especially convenient if you live in the state, reducing travel and housing costs while still giving you access to expert instruction, advanced equipment, and opportunities to collaborate with peers who share your interests.
Below is a list of 12 summer camps in California for high school students that provide immersive learning experiences across STEM, arts, and other specialized areas.
1. Camp Integem: AI Robotics, Holographic AR Coding, AI Space Drones & 3D Game Design
Program Dates: Multiple sessions year-round (including June – August)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until full
Cost: $500 – $1,499 depending on session length and location
Location: 16 locations across California + Online options
Eligibility: Ages 12–18; beginner to advanced skill levels accepted
Camp Integem provides practical experience in AI-powered robotics, space drone operation, and 3D holographic augmented reality programming. Participants will learn to program AI behaviors, create interactive 2D and 3D animations, and develop AI-boosted games on platforms such as Unity, Minecraft, and Roblox. The curriculum emphasizes the applied use of industry tools such as NVIDIA AI frameworks and augmented reality SDKs. You’ll collaborate in grade-level cohorts to align their skill development pace and have the opportunity to earn certifications, such as NVIDIA AI Certificates. No prior coding experience is required, allowing beginners and advanced students to engage deeply with core AI and robotics concepts.
2. AstroCamp California Summer Program
Program Dates: Multiple one- and two-week sessions June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Cost: Approximately $1,000–$1,800 per session
Location: Idyllwild, CA
Eligibility: Ages 8–17
AstroCamp offers an immersive experience centered on physical sciences and astronomy, complemented by outdoor adventure activities. Participants engage in hands-on science labs exploring astrophysics topics like celestial mechanics and light properties, combined with experiential learning in mountain environments. The two-week sessions allow you to customize your schedule from over 40 science and traditional camp activities, encouraging exploration of scientific principles and leadership skills. A specialized “Geek Week” deepens focus on creative STEM applications through project-based electives. The camp strikes a balance between scientific inquiry and physical challenges, fostering development in both cognitive and practical domains.
3. Catalina Sea Camp – Toyon Bay 3-Week Summer Camp
Program Dates: Multiple 3-week sessions June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Cost: Approximately $6,000 per session
Location: Toyon Bay, Catalina Island, CA
Eligibility: Ages 12–17
This 3-week camp immerses you in marine biology, diving, and oceanography with a flexible schedule modeled after university-style course selection. You will participate in various activities, including advanced skin diving, kelp restoration, marine mammal labs, and underwater videography, to develop technical scuba and ecological research skills. The waterfront labs and dive decks provide hands-on experience with marine ecosystems, supported by experienced mentors who guide skill progression over multiple sessions. The program emphasizes building independence through personalized schedules while fostering deep connections with marine science and the environment.
4. Camp CHOP – Culinary Arts Camp
Program Dates: One- and two-week sessions June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Cost: Approximately $900 – $1,700, depending on session length
Location: Idyllwild, CA
Eligibility: Ages 10–17
Camp CHOP focuses on culinary science and food preparation techniques within a structured camp environment. You will develop practical cooking skills, including ingredient selection, knife handling, and recipe execution, progressing from basic to advanced culinary methods depending on the session length. The program also integrates teamwork and leadership skills through group kitchen projects and meal planning. The camp setting supports personal growth alongside technical culinary training, emphasizing process understanding and hands-on practice rather than competition or performance.
5. Tech Revolution STEM Summer Camps at UCLA
Program Dates: Weekly sessions from June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment; early enrollment discounts available through August 6
Cost: $400 – $600 per week plus $79 annual registration fee
Location: UCLA campus, Los Angeles, CA
Eligibility: Ages 6–16; all skill levels accepted
Tech Revolution offers an academy-style STEM camp with 60+ weekly courses spanning robotics, coding (Scratch, Python, Java), AI, game design (Minecraft, Roblox), 3D printing, digital media, filmmaking, and more. You will engage in project-based learning using industry-standard tools, such as Unity, while developing computational thinking, programming skills, and digital content creation. Campers benefit from low instructor-to-student ratios (~1:4–1:8), ensuring personalized mentorship. The curriculum integrates skill development with social activities, striking a balance between focused learning and peer interaction. Early arrival and extended day options provide schedule flexibility.
6. Live Aboard Camp – Channel Islands National Park
Program Dates: Session 1: June 22 – 27, Session 2: July 6 – 11, Session 3: July 27 – August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Cost: $2,395
Location: Santa Barbara Harbor, CA (live-aboard vessel)
Eligibility: Ages 11–17; prior swimming ability required
This 5-day live-aboard camp immerses you in marine ecology, island geography, and oceanography aboard a Coast Guard-inspected vessel in the Channel Islands National Park. You will develop practical seamanship skills, such as knot tying and chart plotting, and study marine biology firsthand through snorkeling in kelp forests. Additionally, you can explore island geology and ecology via guided hikes. Each day includes kayaking, snorkeling, and nature study under the supervision of maritime professionals and naturalists. Nighttime astronomy sessions provide instruction on celestial navigation and physics in a low-light pollution environment. The program emphasizes observational science methods, hands-on aquatic skills, and environmental awareness in a unique offshore setting.
7. Dunn School Summer Day Camps
Program Dates: Three 2-week sessions: June 16 – 27, June 30 – July 11, July 14 – 25
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until full
Cost: $760 per 2-week session; after-care available for $200 per session
Location: Dunn School, Los Olivos, CA
Eligibility: Students entering 3rd grade and above
Dunn School’s day camps offer intensive, two-week themed sessions designed to develop focused skills in STEM, art, multi-sport activities, music, and creative problem-solving, such as Dungeons & Dragons. You will engage in project-based learning and skill-building exercises aligned with your chosen track. The camp schedule includes daily, structured activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with optional supervised after-care until 4 p.m. Specialized sessions, such as rowing and counselor-in-training (CIT), provide leadership and physical skill development. The program balances cognitive and physical skill acquisition with social interaction in a supportive environment.
8. Molecular Medicine Sumer Camp
Program Dates:
- UC Berkeley: June 1 – 14, June 15 – 28
- UC San Diego: July 6 – 19
- Columbia University: July 20 – August 2
- University College London: August 4 – 16
- Alameda Commuter: June 17 – 27
- Online Workshops: Multiple sessions June – August
Application Deadline: Varies by session; letter of recommendation required for university-based and commuter workshops; not required for online workshops
Cost: Varies by location and format
Location: In-person at UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, Columbia University, University College London, Alameda (commuter only), and online
Eligibility: Ages 12–18 (varies by workshop); generally requires application, and some sessions require recommendation letters
These university-based workshops provide immersive instruction in molecular biology, neuroscience, immunology, cancer biology, and bioinformatics, led by Ph.D.-level instructors. You can learn molecular and cellular mechanisms of health and disease, experimental design, and modern drug development processes. The residential programs offer hands-on labs in campus labs, providing access to university resources and dorm living, which supports skill development in experimental techniques and scientific communication. Commuter and online options teach similar concepts with a focus on practical data analysis tools such as AI-enhanced bioinformatics and medicinal chemistry software. The program culminates in student-led original research projects to reinforce inquiry and scientific reasoning.
9. Pali Adventures Overnight Summer Camp
Program Dates: Weekly sessions June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until full
Cost: Approximately $1,000 – $1,500 per week
Location: Near Los Angeles, Southern California
Eligibility: Ages 8–16
Pali Adventures offers a modular overnight camp where you select a morning specialty from 29 focused programs across adventure, creative arts, and performance tracks. You will build skills in areas such as watersports, motorsports, flying trapeze, digital and traditional art, music performance, and theater. Afternoons are reserved for personalized recreational activities that promote social development and physical activity. The camp focuses on developing skills, encouraging self-expression, and fostering positive peer interactions in a safe and supportive setting. Specialty tracks offer a good mix of targeted skill-building and various hands-on learning experiences.
10. Maccabi Sports Camp – Teen Leaders & Core Sports Program
Program Dates: Session I (3 weeks): June 22 – July 13, Session II (2 weeks): July 16 – July 28, CIT (Counselor-in-Training): June 18 – July 29
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Cost: Session I: $5,695 (first-time tuition), $6,695 (general), Session II: $3,695 (first-time), $4,395 (general), CIT: $4,295
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Eligibility: Teens, rising 10th–11th graders for Teen Leaders
The Teen Leaders program integrates advanced skill-building in core sports, including baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, tennis, volleyball, and multi-sport, with leadership development. You will receive individualized coaching from head and assistant coaches while mentoring younger campers, leading camp activities, and taking initiative in problem-solving and critical thinking. Teen-specific programming includes supervised lounge access and off-site trips promoting social bonding and independence. The camp also offers a 10-day Rookie Camp for younger athletes and a Counselor-in-Training track for leadership skills. Financial assistance, installment plans, and multiple scholarships are available to increase accessibility.
11. Woodward Camp
Program Dates: Weekly sessions Sunday – Friday during summer (June – August)
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until full
Cost: Varies based on camp
Location: Woodward West, Tehachapi, California
Eligibility: Ages 8–17; all skill levels accepted
Woodward Camp is an overnight action sports camp offering instruction in skateboarding, scooter, BMX freestyle, dirt jumping, roller skating, parkour, multisport, and freestyle trampoline. Upon arrival, you will undergo skill assessments and be grouped by age and ability for tailored coaching. Daily schedules balance focused skill sessions, open-ride periods for freestyle practice, and recreational activities such as GoPro Lab creative projects and water sports. The camp includes full lodging, meals, medical support with 24/7 access to registered nurses, and use of extensive sports facilities. The environment fosters progressive skill development in a safe, structured setting.
12. Aqua Surf Summer Camps
Program Dates: Multiple one-week sessions from June 9 – August 29; Saturday morning camps in August – September
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until full
Cost: Varies; options for half-day ($150 – $250) and full-day ($300 – $500) sessions
Location: Santa Monica Beach, California
Eligibility: Ages 5–17; all skill levels accepted
Aqua Surf offers surf instruction tailored to individual skill levels, ranging from beginner to advanced, within a supportive group setting. You will develop core surfing techniques, water safety, and ocean awareness using personalized coaching and flexible student-to-instructor ratios that adapt to surf conditions and group ability. The program integrates leadership opportunities through a Counselor-in-Training track, emphasizing resiliency, social skills, and environmental stewardship. Sessions include full-day, half-day, and drop-in options, with equipment rental provided. Instruction balances skill progression with safety protocols in a dynamic coastal environment.
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!
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