2026 Summer Opportunties
Summer is a wonderful time for gifted students to explore their interests, challenge themselves academically, and connect with peers who share their curiosity and passions. This page highlights a variety of summer enrichment opportunities for advanced learners, including programs located in Wisconsin, online learning options, and camps in other states.
These experiences range from STEM research and academic courses to creative arts, leadership, writing, and outdoor exploration. Whether students are looking for a residential campus experience, a local day camp, or a flexible online program, these opportunities can help them deepen their knowledge, develop new skills, and continue their love of learning throughout the summer.
Arts, Creativity, and Performing Arts
Wisconsin Based Programs
Out-of-State Programs
Central Wisconsin School of Ballet (ages 3 to 22) ~ Offers training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and musical theater with professional instructors and guest artists
Children's Theater of Madison (PreK to 12th graders) ~ Exploration of performing arts, including arts, singing, and stage performance, in a supportive and creative environment
Graphic Novels Writing Camp (3rd to 8th graders) ~ Combines writing and illustration for students to create their own graphic novels
High School Writing Camps (9th to 12th graders) ~ Intensive programs for high school students to enhance writing, storytelling, and literary analysis skills
John Michael Kohler Arts Center (ages 7 to 12) ~
Offers a hands-on summer experience where they create mixed-media art, explore performing arts, and enjoy outdoor play in a creative, collaborative environment
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (ages 3+) ~ Free outdoor art-making programs that travel to parks, playgrounds, beaches, and festivals around Dane County, offering guided creative projects led by museum educators
Midwest Clay Project (ages 6+) ~ Provides ceramics-focused summer programs where students can develop skills in handbuilding, wheel-throwing, and glazing in a creative, hands-on setting
Monroe Street Fine Arts Center (ages 3 to 14) ~ Offers summer art camps with hands-on activities for young artists, fostering creativity and artistic exploration in a fun, supportive environment
Young Shakespeare Players ~ Theater camp where students develop acting, stagecraft, and performance skills while performing scenes from Shakespeare and other plays
Youth Press Corps (7th to 12th graders) ~ Gives students hands-on experience in journalism, including reporting, writing, and producing content for a youth-led publication
Wausau Conservatory of Music
(5th to 12th graders) ~ Music camps where students build musical skills, gain confidence, and collaborate with peers through hands-on music activities and performances
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (Michigan) (5th to 12th graders) ~ Participate in immersive programs in music, art, dance, theater, and other creative disciplines while studying with professional instructors in a residential camp setting
Interlochen Arts Camp (Michigan) (3rd to 12th grader) ~ Intensive summer arts programs offering immersive study in music, theater, dance, visual arts, creative writing, and film
Enrichment Programs
Wisconsin Based Programs
Online Based Programs
Out-of-State Programs
Center for Advanced Academics (3rd to 8th graders) ~ Offers enrichment and acceleration opportunities across multiple subjects for gifted and talented students
EAGLE Summer Camps (1st to 9th graders) ~ Offers broad enrichment programs, including arts, languages, chess, Science Olympiad, speech and debate, musical theater, and more
MCDS Summer Discovery (PreK to 7th graders) ~ Offers week-long camps featuring hands-on activities in STEAM, arts, sports, and outdoor exploration that encourage creativity and curiosity
MCDS Summer Research Academy (8th to 12th graders) ~ In-depth one-weekprogram where students explore advanced topics in science and humanities beyond the typical high school curriculum
Northwestern Center for Talent Development (6th to 12th graders) ~ Academic day and residential camps offeringchallenging courses in math, science, writing, and leadership to support gifted and high-achieving students
Pre College Academic Campus Experience (PACE) (UW-Madison) (4th to 8th graders) ~ Exploration in STEM, humanities, and creative arts on campus
SOAR Camp (3rd to 8th graders) ~ Residential summer camp in northern Wisconsin designed specifically for gifted students, offering intellectual, social, and creative challenges in a supportive environment
Summer Transitional Enrichment Program (STEP) (UW-Madison) (6th to 8th graders) ~ Designed to bridge the gap between grade levels, offering hands-on experiences in academic and enrichment courses
UW-Madison Precollege Programs (1st to 12th graders) ~ A wide range of academic enrichment programs programs including STEM, humanities, arts, and advanced courses to prepare students for future learning
UW-Oshkosh Precollege Programs ~ Offers summer workshops and camps that provide academic enrichment and hands-on learning experiences for middle and high school students across multiple disciplines
Coursera and edX Teen Courses (high schoolers) ~ College-level online courses in a variety of subjects, including STEM, humanities, business, and computer science
FutureLearn and Khan Academy Enrichment Pathways ~ Online courses offering skill-building in STEM, humanities, and test preparation
Academic Summer Day and Residential Camps (Illinois) (Northwestern Center for Talent Development) (6th to 12th graders) ~ Academic enrichment programs offering accelerated courses in subjects such as STEM, humanities, and leadership for advanced learners
Belin-Blank Center Summer Programs (University of Iowa) (2nd to 11th graders) ~ Offers advanced coursework and enrichment in a wide range of academic areas
Belin-Blank Junior Scholars Academy (Iowa) (3rd to 6th graders) ~ Specialized enrichment programs focusing on early talent development through engaging, hands-on learning
Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth (MITY) (1st to 11th graders) ~ Academic enrichment programs offering challenging summer courses in STEM, humanities, and the arts
Purdue GER²I Residential Camps (Indiana) (5th to 12th graders) ~ Research-based academic camps where gifted students explore topics such as STEM, humanities, and leadership in a university setting
Leadership, Civic, and Career
Wisconsin Based Programs
Online Based Programs
Out-of-State Programs
Madison College Career Discovery Youth Camps (3rd to 12th graders) ~ Allows students to explore academic and career pathways, including STEM, health sciences, trades, and creative fields, helping teens make informed decisions about future studies
Wisconsin Area Health Education Center – Upward Bound Summer Camps (high schoolers) ~ Provides students exposure to healthcare careers through hands-on learning, workshops, and mentorship
Wisconsin Association of Student Councils Leadership Camp (middle and high schoolers) ~ Leadership-focused program for student council members and student leaders, emphasizing team-building, communication, and civic responsibility
DECA Summer Leadership Academies (high schoolers) ~ Virtual academies focusing on business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership development
National Economics Challenge Workshops (high schoolers) ~ Virtual workshops for students to develop economics knowledge, analytical skills, and competition preparation
DoSomething Summer Challenges (teens) ~ Online civic engagement projects, empowering participants to take action on social causes and community improvement initiatives
Youth Service America Summer of Service Projects ~ Students engage in national civic action and service-learning projects, building leadership and community impact skills
Northwestern University Civic Leadership Institute (Illinois) (9th to 12th graders) ~ Leadership program that explores civic engagement, leadership skills, and social issues through interactive coursework and projects
Music and Performing Arts
Wisconsin Based Programs
Central Wisconsin School of Ballet (ages 3 to 22) ~ Offers training in ballet, jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre with professional instructors and guest artists
Madison Youth Choir (3rd to 12th graders) ~ Provides choral training, performance opportunities, and vocal development for youth in summer choir programs
UW-Madison Summer Music Clinics (6th to 12th graders) ~ Provides intensive music training, including performance, ensemble work, and music theory instruction
UW-Whitewater Summer Music Camps (middle and high schoolers) ~ Music camps with ensemble participation, private instruction, and performance opportunities for middle and high school students
Wausau Conservatory of Music (5th to 12th graders) ~ Music camps where students build musical skills, gain confidence, and collaborate with peers through hands-on music activities and performances
Nature, Outdoors, and Environmental
Wisconsin Based Programs
Aldo Leopold Nature Center (ages 4 to 16) ~ Offers nature-based day camps where students explore ecology, wildlife, and environmental science through hands-on outdoor activities and interactive learning
Earth Focus Day Camps (UW-Madison Arboretum) (K to 8th grade) ~ Explores environmental science and ecology through hands-on outdoor activities in the arboretum
Hoofers Sailing Summer Youth Programs (ages 10 to 17) ~ Youth sailing programs that teach sailing skills, water safety, and outdoor teamwork for a variety of ages and experience levels
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources State Parks Youth Programs (ages 3 to 11) ~ Provides outdoor learning experiences in wildlife, ecology, and environmental stewardship at state parks across Wisconsin
STEM, Math, and Science
Wisconsin Based Programs
Online Based Programs
Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) (UW-Madison) (9th to 12th graders) ~ Advanced courses in a variety of subjects to help build college readiness and academic skills
Badger Pre College Online (UW-Madison) (9th to 12th graders) ~ Virtual summer courses in STEM, humanities, and the arts for students seeking enrichment opportunities
Badger Summer Scholars (UW-Madison) (9th to 12th graders) ~ Residential program offering college-level courses and academic enrichment for motivated high school students
Camp Biotech (BTC Institute) (9th to 12th graders) ~ Provides hands-on biotech laboratory experiences, allowing students to explore DNA, protein analysis, and other advanced topics
Camp Invention (Kindergarten to 6th graders) ~ Hands-on programs where students engage in creative STEM activities like engineering challenges, problem-solving games, and innovation projects
Space Explorers (BTC Institute) (Kindergarten to 12th graders) ~ Exploration of space science, planetary systems, and STEM-based experiments
EAGLE Summer Camps (1st to 9th graders) ~ Offers broad enrichment programs, including arts, languages, chess, Science Olympiad, speech and debate, musical theater, and more
Earth Focus Day Camps (UW-Madison Arboretum) (Kindergarten to 8th graders) ~ Explores environmental science and ecology through hands-on outdoor activities in the arboretum
LEGO® Design and Robotics Academies (ages 4 to 14) ~ Hands-on program for students to learn engineering, coding, and robotics principles through LEGO design challenges and collaborative projects
MAYDM Camps (6th to 12th graders) ~ Offers engaging STEM experiences, including coding, robotics, and engineering challenges
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Elementary/Middle School Summer Programs (1st to 12th graders) ~ Hands-on STEM camps covering engineering, robotics, coding, and other technical fields for elementary and middle school students
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) High School Summer Programs (10th to 12th graders) ~ Advanced STEM programs for high school students with projects and workshops in engineering, technology, and problem-solving
Summer STEAM Experience (9th to 12th graders) ~ Explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through project-based learning and collaborative activities
UW-Green Bay Summer Camps ~ Camps in STEM, arts, and sports for students of varying ages, offering hands-on learning and enrichment in academic and creative disciplines
UW-La Crosse Summer Programs (6th to 10th graders) ~ Academic and enrichment camps designed to engage students in STEM, arts, and leadership activities, building knowledge, creativity, and confidence
UW-Madison Precollege Programs (4th to 12th graders) ~ A wide range of academic enrichment programs including STEM, humanities, arts, and advanced courses to prepare students for future learning
UW-Oshkosh Precollege Programs ~ Offers summer workshops and camps that provide academic enrichment and hands-on learning experiences for middle and high school students across multiple disciplines
UW-Platteville Precollege Camps ~ Focuses on engineering and technology, giving students the opportunity to explore STEM topics, work on projects, and gain practical skills in a college environment
UW-River Falls Summer Youth Programs ~ Offers a variety of science, engineering, and arts programs for middle and high school students, providing hands-on learning and enrichment experiences in academic and creative fields
UW-Stout Summer STEAM Experience (6th to 12th graders) ~ Hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) summer program, developing skills through project-based learning and collaborative experiences
UW-Whitewater Summer Precollege Programs ~ Summer academic programs including STEER (STEM), GAPS (sustainability), and music camps, providing hands-on learning in academic and creative fields
Youth Apprenticeship Program in Biotechnology (BTC Institute) (high schoolers) ~ Paid apprenticeship program giving high school students hands-on experience in biotechnology labs and exposure to careers in STEM
Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) Online Summer Courses (2nd to 12th graders) ~ Rigorous online math enrichment courses including advanced problem-solving, algebra, geometry, and contest preparation
FutureLearn and Khan Academy Enrichment Pathways (middle and high schoolers) ~ Online courses offering skill-building in STEM, humanities, and test preparation
Johns Hopkins CTY Online Programs (2nd to 12th graders) ~ Rigorous academic courses covering STEM, writing, humanities, and test preparation in fully online or hybrid formats
Math League and AMC Preparation (middle and high schoolers) ~ Online or hybrid courses and workshops helping prepare for math contests like AMC and Math League
MIT PRIMES (Research Mentoring in Math) (high schoolers) ~ A research mentoring program focusing on advanced mathematics and independent research projects
National Geographic Online Courses (middle and high schoolers) ~ Online courses exploring science, geography, conservation, and global exploration through multimedia lessons and projects
Science Olympiad Summer Training
(6th to 12th graders) ~ Training programs that focus on preparing for Science
Olympiad events through lectures, build-event workshops, practice tests, and mock competitions
Writing, Literature, and Communication
Wisconsin Based Programs
Online Based Programs
Out-of-State Programs
Graphic Novels Writing Camp (3rd to 8th graders) ~ Combines writing and illustration for students to create their own graphic novels
High School Writing Camps (9th to 12th graders) ~ Intensive programs for students to enhance writing, storytelling, and literary analysis skills
Rise Up and Write Camps (middle and high schoolers) ~ Focuses on advanced writing techniques and portfolio development for high school students
Young Writers Camp (3rd to 8th graders) ~ Helps children develop creative writing skills through workshops and peer feedback
National History Day Summer Workshops
(6th to 12th graders) ~ Online workshops providing guidance on research,
historical inquiry, and project creation for the National History Day competition
University of Iowa Young Writers Workshop (Iowa) (high schoolers) ~ Focuses on developing creative writing skills through workshops, mentorship, and literary study
Concordia Language Villages: Summer Language Immersion Programs (Minnesota) (ages 8 to 12) ~ Immersive cultural and language camps where students learn languages such as Spanish, French, Chinese, and more through experiential activities and cultural programming




