WMU Summer Camp Opportunities

This summer, Western Michigan University offers a wide variety of camps geared toward students of all ages. Our camps range from academic to sports, with a little bit of everything in between. Camps vary in cost based on requirements. Some camps will offer scholarships; see their website for details. For more information on any of our exciting camps, please click on the links below for each specific camp. General questions about this web page can be directed to PreCollege Programming at em-precollegeprogramming@wmich.edu or (269) 387-2773. The PreCollege Office does not have any information about the specific camps.

As camp information becomes available, it will be posted here. To add your WMU camp to this webpage, fill in your information on the webform. All camps listed are for Summer 2024. 

  • WMU Athletic Camps

    Check out all the different Athletic Camps that we offer at WMU!

    Specific camp information:

    • Men's Basketball Day Camp, June 10-13 for students in 1st - 9th grade. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Summer ID Camp (Soccer), July 28 for students in grades 8-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Bronco Elite Prospect Softball Camp, June 12 for students in grade 8-Junior College. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • One Day Prospect Camp (Football), June 20 for students in grades 9-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • One Day Prospect Camp (Football), June 18 for students in grades 9-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • 2024 Bronco Youth Camp (Football), June 12 for students in grades K-8. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Big Man Camp (Football), June 9 for students in grades 9-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • 7 on 7 Shootout (Football), June 9 for students in grades 9-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • WMU Special Teams Camp (Football), June 2 for students in grades 9-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • One Day Prospect Camp (Football), June 2 for students in grades 9-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Elite Goalkeeper Camp (Soccer), June 17-18 for students in grades 4-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Summer Team Camp (Soccer), July 23-35 for students in grades 9-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Summer ID Camp (Soccer), July 18 for students in grades 8-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Men's Basketball Team Camp, June 15 for students in grades 9-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • WMU Gymnastics Summer Commuter Mini-Camps, June 19-20 for students in grades 1-12. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Baby Broncos Softball Camp, August 15 for students in grades 2-7. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Summer Bronco Elite Prospect Softball Camp, July 30 for students in grade 8-Junior College. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Summer Bronco Elite Prospect Softball Camp, August 13 for students in grade 8-Junior College. More information can be found on the camp's website.
    • Youth Cheer Clinic, July 13 for students in K-College. More information can be found on the camp's website.
  • Camp Infinity Technology Summer Camp

     

    Camp Infinity comprises a series of sessions designed to introduce girls entering grades 5 through 8 this fall to computer and internet technologies through hands-on activities. Each session aims to engage students in age-appropriate topics, spanning game design, app development, and robotics programming.

     

     During the session from July 15-19, campers will have an opportunity to meet with professional women and men who work in technological fields and explore the many exciting and rewarding tech careers. Each week-long technology camp costs $100 per camper and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available!

     

     For campers in grades 5-6, the program involves programming Dash robots using block-based coding and creating animations and simple games using Scratch Programming. Additionally, participants will take part in mini-sessions that emphasize programming skills and real-world applications of technology. Campers will have the opportunity to meet women working in technological fields, providing insights into potential career options within the tech industry.

     

     Meanwhile, campers in grades 7-8 will construct fully functional apps using MIT App Inventor and enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills through programming Lego SPIKE Prime robots. Similar to the younger group, they will also engage in mini-sessions highlighting programming skills and real-world technology uses. Meeting with women professionals in technological fields will also be a part of their experience, allowing them to explore diverse career options within the technology sector.

     

     Throughout the sessions, campers will interact with both professional women and men working in technological fields, providing them with a broader perspective on the exciting and rewarding careers available in technology. The cost for each week-long technology camp is $100 per camper and includes a light breakfast and lunch. Scholarships are available, and individuals can contact camps@mcwt.org for more information. More Information.

  • Esports Camps

    WMU Esports summer camps are an introduction to competitive Esports.

    Each camp consists of five days going over a variety of topics that are critical to being a successful Esports competitor.

    Topics include:

    • Growth mindset
    • Productive communication
    • Learning from losses
    • How to give/receive feedback
    • Emotional management
    • Game mechanics
    • Game strategy

    All camps will meet Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. at the WMU Esports Arena. The last day of each camp will be a show match between the campers to exhibit all of the lessons learned during the week, and we encourage family and friends to attend. 

    • Beginner: June 24-28 or July 8-12: noon to 5 p.m. - Grades 6-8.
    • Advanced: July 15-19: noon to 5 p.m. - Grades 9-12.

    More information should be posted soon on their website. Contact Tavian Napier for more information.

  • College of Aviation - Recruitment and Outreach Camp

    Aviation Summer Camp is open to current high-school students who are interested in exploring the world of aviation! Please read all of the information thoroughly as we've made some big changes this year!

    There are four sessions to choose from for the upcoming 2024 Aviation Summer Camp program:

    • Session 1 | June 21 - 24
    • Session 2 | June 28 - July 1
    • Session 3 | July 12 -15
    • Session 4 | August 2 - 5

    All sessions will offer the same/similar activities to explore a variety of experiences in flight, aviation operations & management, and aircraft maintenance. Each session will allow for 16 high-school students and their guardian to attend. IMPORTANT: One guardian must be present with their camper during specified activities. Specific programming and schedules are subject to change based on weather, partner availability and other factors outside of our control. For more information check out their website.

  • 2024 GEAR UP Michigan Colleges Tour

    The 2024 Summer GEAR UP Michigan College Tour will be taking 20 GEAR UP students by charter bus to several Michigan colleges and universities: Saginaw Valley State University, Kettering University, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University. The tour spans over five days and includes housing, meals, and group development and educational activities throughout the day. Students in the 10th grade at Benton Harbor, Fennville, Hartford and Kalamazoo Central High Schools are eligible to apply on the GEAR UP website.

  • Float, Fly, and Lift! and Energy in Action! - Science and Engineering Camps for Elementary and Middle School Students

    Participants will explore the concepts of buoyancy, density, aerodynamics, energy and motion through a series of hands-on, design-build-test activities. Events will include harnessing wind power on both square-rigged and Bermuda-rigged boats, maximizing drag to slow a descent, building and launching water bottle rockets, and building a small hot air balloon. Most activities will be modeled after elementary-school-level Science Olympiad competitions. Participants will experience Floyd Hall and the surrounding parkland of the WMU Parkview Campus and explore WMU’s main campus in Kalamazoo. Float, Fly and Lift! camp is for grades 3-5 and Energy in Action! camp is for grades 6-8. Float, Fly and Lift! will be offered twice, July 15-19 and July 22-26; Energy in Action! will be offered once, July 15-19. More information can be found on the Science and Engineering Camp website.

     

  • West Hills Weekly Summer Tennis Camps

     West Hills is the perfect summer camp choice! And we're not just tennis. Our pros will provide your child with a daily tennis lesson, a snack break, and a different game each day. Age-appropriate games include wiffle ball, pickleball, dodgeball, obstacle courses, tag, and more! Guaranteed FUN for all.

     Camps run weekly beginning June 12 through Aug. 24

    Monday-Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon

    Ages: 6–8 years and 9–11 years

    Register now!

    We are excited to announce our new Summer Tennis Academy! Designed for aspiring young athletes hungry for success, our program is crafted to refine skills, enhance strategy, and foster a winning mindset.

    Led by seasoned coaches with the dedication and ability to develop champions, our academy offers intensive training sessions, tactical match play, and fitness conditioning to elevate your game to new heights. Join a community of driven peers, push your limits, and make lasting memories while pursuing your tennis dreams.

    “We believe that the structure provided by the academy and our willingness to hold players accountable will cultivate discipline and a strong work ethic which will serve them not only on their tennis journey but in their future endeavors as well” — Coach Cam

    Summer Strong Strength Training for Fall Sports Camp

    Train hard this summer and be in top condition this fall.

    We’ll train for your specific sport with a focus on strength, conditioning and agility. Get a group of friends and train together, or choose to train by yourself for a one-on-one program tailored to your individual needs.

     

  • Upward Bound Kalamazoo Camp

    Six week Academic Summer Camp for WMU Upward Bound. This camp is for Upward Bound high school students only. For more information contact Gustavo Echavarria by email or phone ((269) 387-2875)

  • Writing the College Admission Essay Workshop - ATYP - multiple offerings, online and in-person

    We will be offering a Writing the College Admissions Essay Workshop for students entering their senior year (2024-25). There will be several separate sessions of this class - some online and some in-person. To see the dates, click on Register Now.

  • Survivalcraft - June 17-21, 9 a.m. - noon (FULL)

    Surviving mobs of zombies and creepers in a game is one thing, but do you have real-life skills? Test yourself with daily challenges and learn the science of survival. Design and build shelters, create fires, produce drinking water and more. Team up with other survivors and see if you have what it takes. Led by Jenny Metz Brenneman. Grades 6-9, June 17-21, 9 a.m.-noon. There is a $10 materials fee for this camp. Registration is open.

  • Intro to Virtual Reality - June 24-28

    Students are introduced to the basics of building virtual reality worlds and environments that are compatible with VR devices, including smart-phone VR headsets! Understand how to create, place, and manipulate objects using computer programs and groups of coding provided by the instructor.  Note: this is a coding camp, not a gaming camp. Led by Marty Trautman. Grades 6-9, July 8-12 or June 24-28, 1-4 p.m.  Registration is open.

  • Chess - June 24-28 9 a.m.-noon

    Students experience chess instruction and play in a fun-filled environment designed to improve their skills whether they are interested in casual or competitive chess. This program includes a mix of instruction (students are expected to understand the basic rules of chess and play somewhat regularly) and play time. Historic and competitive end games and openings will be taught. Led by Tim McGrew. Grades 6-9, June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon or July 8-12, 1-4 p.m. Registration is open.

  • The Art of Hand-Lettering - July 8-12, 9 a.m.-noon

    Hand-lettering is an art form in which letters are constructed individually and illustrated by hand. Create a variety of projects such as signs, greeting cards, prints, and more. Like calligraphy – but different! Students will learn how to write letters in a variety of styles and how to embellish and illustrate their work. Neat handwriting not required. Led by Ashley Koch. Grades 6-9, July 8-12, 9 a.m.-noon. A $10 materials fee is included.  Registration is open.

  • Scratch Multimedia Games - July 15-19, 1-4 p.m.

    Scratch is a computer program that uses block-like puzzle pieces to enhance learning the core concepts of computer programming. Utilize a programming language designed to produce rich, interactive media while developing important 21st century skills. Work at your own pace to create an original animation or game. Led by Marty Trautman. Grades 6-9. July 15-19, 1-4 p.m. Registration is open.

  • Math Games and Competitions - July 15-19, 9 a.m.-noon

    Like solving math problems and puzzles? Want to participate in math competitions? This camp is ideal for students who enjoy math and solving challenging problems. The course will introduce students to a few of the concepts and approaches of solving competition math puzzles. Examples of these are seen in MATHCOUNTS, AMC, the Art of Problem Solving and other national math contests. Led by Ashley Koch. Grades 6-9, July 15-19, 9 a.m. to noon.  Registration is open.

  • Codebreaking - June 17-21, 1-4 p.m.

    How do spies do it? How do cryptographers break codes and discover the secrets of the enemy? Discover the origins of encoding, create new codes, and decode the projects of your fellow students! Using basic mathematics and modular arithmetic, raise the level of your math skills and math reasoning, all while channeling your inner Alan Turing. Led by Marty Trautman. Grades 6-9, June 17-21, 1-4 p.m.  Registration is open.

  • Game Development with Unity and Motion Capture - July 15-19, 1-4 p.m. (FULL)

    Students will work together to make 3D video games in the new Virtual Imaging Technology Lab at WMU's College of Fine Arts. Students will use Unity software to build their game environment, use the lab's Optitrack motion capture system to record movements, and put it all together into their own game. Finished games will played on a 28' LED wall. Led by Kevin Abbott and Lab Staff. Grades 6-9, July 15-19, 1-4 p.m. Registration is open.

  • Intro to Vet Medicine - June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon (FULL)

    Dip your paws into this fascinating world! A hands-on exploration of veterinary medicine includes animal behavior and handling, species differences in anatomy and physiology, laboratory procedures, and careers, with plenty of time for real-life case discussions and questions. If you’ve ever considered being a veterinarian, or just love animals and science, this camp is for you! Led by Eva Rand. Grades 6-9, June 24-28, 9 a.m.-noon. Registration is open.

  • Laptop Orchestra (LOrk) - June 17-21, 1-4 p.m.

    We will turn our computers into live, interactive, musical instruments, creating sounds from scratch and then hacking into the computer to remap the keyboard and trackpad to trigger the sounds. Sometimes we repurpose game controllers or even tilt the laptop side-to-side! Neither previous experience with computer programming or musical performance is required. Computers and other materials will be provided. Led by David Loberg Code. Grades 6-9, June 17-21, 1-4 p.m. Registration is open.

  • The Art of Stage Makeup - July 15-19, 1-4 p.m. (FULL)

    Each day we’ll read an excerpt from a play, then design the makeup for one of the characters. Students will learn how to design and apply makeup for old age, opposite gender, vampire gore, animal and insect, and fantasy characters. At the end of each day,  students will come home looking like someone new! This class is great for students interested in theater or just for fun. Led by Nikki Dobos. Grades 6-9, July 15-19, 1-4 p.m. Additional $10 materials fee. Registration is open.

  • Kalamazoo Chinese Academy STARTALK Institute Chinese Summer Program

    The Kalamazoo Chinese Academy STARTALK Institute will host a summer camp for 70 beginner- to intermediate-level students in grades 5-9 to learn the Chinese language in an immersive environment. The summer program is funded by the STARTALK grant and is FREE for all participants. The program theme is “Amazing Beijing” and this theme will guide all standard-based instruction and learning throughout the program.

    Students will undergo a virtual cultural tour to Beijing in Mainland China. This non-residential, in-person summer camp experience is funded by the National Security Agency (NSA). Out-of-state students will have the option to attend the summer camp virtually. The STARTALK program is a project funded by the National Security Agency and administered by the National Foreign Language Center. STARTALK’s mission is to increase the number of U.S. citizens learning, speaking, and teaching critical need foreign languages. 

    More information is available on their website and registration will be available there soon.

  • Dollars and Sense

    The week-long Dollars and Sense camp is designed to help students in 8th - 12th grades prepare for the future and learn how to manage money. Camp attendees will have the opportunity to:

    • Discover career pathways.
    • Plan for college or a skilled trade.
    • Build a financial plan to fund post-secondary education.
    • Practice budgeting, saving and investing.
    • Learn about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies.
    • Explore insurance and risk management.
    • Gain knowledge about real estate.
    • Compete in virtual investing, budget and other personal finance games.
    • Meet business professionals and interact with real-world work environments, learning from experts.
    • Create a life cycle plan that takes campers from high school through retirement.

    The ultimate goal is for your student to understand and apply basic concepts in personal finance, such as budgeting, paying for education, saving for retirement and more. Content is taught by experts from the private sector and the Haworth College of Business Department of Finance and Commercial Law.

    Each module is discussion-based and designed to be fun and engaging.

    Participants will have the opportunity to make presentations to financial professionals demonstrating the knowledge they have learned. There will be giveaways for campers who attend all sessions.

    More information and registration is available on the camp website.

  • Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project - Archaeology Summer Camp

    The Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project is seeking enthusiastic participants to join Western Michigan University in excavating and uncovering the history of Fort St. Joseph. Campers will learn about archaeology and the history of Fort St. Joseph at the Niles District Library. In addition, they will perform lab activities and excavate at the site alongside WMU archaeologists and students.

    •  July 16-19: Experienced Learners (For camp attendees in the last 5 years), Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 3pm, Cost: $100
    •  July 22-26: Entering Grades 6-12, Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm, Cost: $150
    • July 29-August 2: Lifelong Learners and Educators. SCECHs available. Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm, Cost: $150

    More information can be found on their website.

  • Rock Wall Climbing Camp

    This 4-day rock wall climbing camp will help your child improve their skills at our climbing wall. Each day will focus on learning climbing techniques, culminating in a climbing competition on Thursday. They will learn to belay and have open climb at the end of each day to practice what they have learned.

    Camp runs June 17-20 for students in grades 3 - 6. Check out their website for more information.

  • NOMA Detroit Project Pipeline - Kalamazoo Location

    Project Pipeline serves a diverse population of students, all of whom are underrepresented in architecture and adjacent professions. Using the built environment as a classroom, Project Pipeline challenges youth to  grasp the significance of architecture in their daily lives, as well as the broader cultural, social, and historical implications.

    By connecting young people to real-world architects, planners, and other design professionals, we foster the next generation in preparation for
    college and a life of service. We equip them with skills and tools to be advocates of change through design, and  contribute to their communities
    critically and constructively. Nation-wide, Project Pipeline has served over 10,000 students and counting.

    Held July 24-26. More information is available on the camp's website. 

  • Military Science and Leadership

    The ROTC Summer Leadership Camp provides high school aged students the ability to experience three days conducting military-like activities with like-minded peers, mentored by senior ROTC cadets and cadre.

    You will receive:

    • A personal leadership evaluation
    • Test of your physical abilities
    • Opportunity to see if ROTC is for you
    • Information about scholarship opportunities

    This is a coed, over-night camp. There will be separate male and female floors with male and female camp cadre.

    Camp is for students going into 9th grade through entering college as a first year student. Dates for the camp are August 5-7. More information can be found on the camp website. 

  • WMU New York Voices Vocal Jazz Camp

    The New York Voices created this camp 16 years ago with the jazz vocalist in mind looking who is looking to expand their knowledge and grow their creative garden.  The individual members of NYV share their vast experience as educators, performers, producers, arrangers and songwriters with YOU in this exciting six-day musical immersion.  In addition to NYV, the camp faculty includes many of their long time friends and colleagues from the leading learning institutions of music.  WMU professor and Camp Director Greg Jasperse takes over the baton after many years cultivating this creative playground with NYV and continues his role in the extended special faculty.

    As happens more often than not, special guest artists and teachers Rosana Eckert and Jay Ashby round out the faculty, though that is TBA until the full registration is taken into account.  Additional leading instrumentalists fill out the roster to offer their wealth of experience in the activities throughout the week.  This unique camp is open to high school and college students, professional musicians, choral directors and anyone interested in improving and developing their knowledge of the vocal jazz genre. Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader, Peter Eldridge, and the rest of the faculty will work with the students in their assigned ensembles as well as in the wide variety of electives, one on one coaching and other special events offered to deepen the understanding of practicing the art of vocal jazz.

    Pre-established groups are welcome and encouraged to attend and will be provided a group one on one coaching.

    More information is available at their website.