14 Camps for High School Students in Massachusetts
As a high school student, camps provide a way to explore subjects you care about through short, focused programs that prioritize project work over lectures. Rather than committing to a long pre-college course, you spend one or two weeks building projects, solving real problems, and learning how different fields work outside the classroom. Many of these camps are run by independent organizations instead of universities, which keeps the structure flexible and skills-based.
Why should you attend a camp in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to research institutions, tech ecosystems, and academic organizations that support a wide range of summer camps across science, leadership, technology, and the arts. In these programs, you can design games, conduct experiments, develop business ideas, or explore creative fields while learning from mentors and collaborating with peers. Whether you live in Massachusetts or are visiting for the summer, these camps provide an engaging way to explore your interests and build new skills in a short time.
To help you get started, we’ve narrowed down to 14 camps for high school students in Massachusetts.
If you are looking for internships in Massachusetts, check out our blog here.
1. √Mathroots @ MIT
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus, Cambridge, MA
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: July 1 – 15
Application deadline: March 3
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or attending high school in the U.S. (before the last year of high school) who are between the ages of 14 and 18
√Mathroots is a free, two-week residential mathematics program hosted by MIT PRIMES for students interested in advanced problem-solving. You participate in lectures, collaborative workshops, and group problem sessions that focus on creative mathematical thinking beyond standard curricula. The camp emphasizes understanding mathematical reasoning, proof techniques, and elegant problem-solving strategies. Guest lectures introduce you to broader perspectives in mathematical research and competition mathematics. It also fosters collaboration among peers who share a strong interest in mathematics.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies based on program type; financial aid is available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple 10- to 15-week cohorts in a year, including winter, fall, spring, and summer.
Application deadline: Rolling basis. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students | AI Fellowship applicants should either have been AI Scholars participants or have some familiarity with AI concepts or Python.
Veritas AI introduces you to artificial intelligence through structured coursework paired with guided mentorship from researchers at top universities. In the AI Scholars program, you participate in ten live sessions that cover core topics such as machine learning, data science, and model evaluation while collaborating with peers in small groups. You learn how to work with datasets, train models, and interpret outputs using practical examples over abstract theory alone. For students seeking a more advanced experience, the AI Fellowship focuses on one-on-one mentorship to develop an independent research project from the ground up. Many participants choose to submit their final work to student research journals or present it in academic showcases.
3. Kode with Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Multiple locations across the country
Cost: No cost
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not selective; eligible applicants accepted on a first-come, first-served basis
Dates: Multiple two-week sessions from June to August
Application deadline: March
Eligibility: Open to girls, gender nonconforming, and trans students between the ages of 13 and 18
Kode With Klossy Summer Camps are free, two-week programs designed for young women and gender-expansive students interested in building technical skills in coding and data-driven fields. As a participant, you will be placed into one of several tracks, including web development, mobile app development, machine learning, or data science, depending on your background and availability. Each track emphasizes hands-on learning through the creation of a functional final project, such as a responsive website, an iOS app, or a machine learning–based chatbot. Instruction also includes discussions on topics like algorithmic bias, user experience design, and ethical decision-making in technology. Throughout the program, you engage with guest speakers and mentors who work in a variety of tech roles. By the end of the camp, you leave with a completed project.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote – you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort. You can apply here.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program places you in a 12-week, one-on-one research mentorship with a Ph.D. scholar in your chosen academic field. You begin by identifying a focused research question in disciplines such as economics, psychology, computer science, or international relations. With consistent mentor guidance, you move through the full research process, including literature review, methodology design, data analysis, and academic writing. Many students use their final paper as part of academic portfolios or future applications. By the conclusion of the program, you will produce a polished research paper.
5. WNE-MHC Golden Bear Summer Camp
Location: Western New England University, Center for Sciences and Pharmacy, Springfield
Cost: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23–27
Application deadline: No formal deadline; first 35 registrants accepted
Eligibility: High school students ages 13–18
The WNE-MHC Golden Bear Summer Camp introduces you to healthcare-related fields such as pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, occupational therapy, and neuroscience through hands-on exploration. Program sessions include demonstrations and labs covering topics like community and hospital pharmacy, medication compounding, and DNA extraction. You also examine how neuroscience integrates biology, psychology, and chemistry to study the nervous system. Exposure to occupational therapy focuses on how practitioners support individuals in daily functioning and rehabilitation. Alongside academic content, the camp helps guide you in college preparations and healthcare career pathways.
6. High School Model UN Camp
Location: Boston University
Cost: Day Camp from $1,499 (lunch included), Overnight Camp from $2,850 (meals and housing included)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; small cohort size
Dates: Overnight Camp: Aug 2–8 | Day Camp Aug 3–7
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students ages 14–17
The High School Model UN Camp places you in immersive simulations where you practice diplomacy, debate, and public speaking through roleplay. Over the course of the week, you participate in multiple Model UN simulations, collaborate on resolutions, and deliver speeches representing assigned countries. The camp combines lessons on global politics with interactive activities such as improvisation exercises, trivia, and negotiation challenges. You also engage with peers in team-based discussions that mirror real diplomatic processes. The camp includes exposure to campus life through tours and shared meals at the host university. The experience concludes with a final simulation where you apply research, collaboration, and public speaking skills to a current global issue.
7. AFA CyberCamps
Location: Various locations across the U.S., including Westfield Technical Academy
Cost: Standard Camp: $1,200 per week | Advanced Camp: $1,500 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Varies by hosting location
Dates: Multiple camps held from June to August
Application deadline: Varies by host institution
Eligibility: Standard Camps are open to all high school students with proficiency in English; Advanced Camps require prior cybersecurity knowledge
AFA CyberCamps introduce you to cybersecurity concepts through week-long programs organized by the Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot initiative. You can enroll in either the Standard or Advanced track depending on your prior experience with computer systems. In the Standard camp, you work with Windows and Linux virtual machines while learning about system configuration, account management, and basic security practices. The Advanced camp expands into command-line tools, Linux process management, networking concepts, and security protocols through Cisco NetAcad materials. Team-based challenges are integrated throughout the week to reinforce applied learning. The camp typically concludes with a CyberPatriot-style competition that simulates real-world cyber defense scenarios.
8. Berkshire Lake Arts Camp
Location: Lake Ashmere, Berkshires
Cost: $2,850–$4,850, depending on session and duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small camp size
Dates: Session 1: June 28 – July 10 | Session 2: July 12 – 18 | Session 3: July 19 – 31
Application deadline: Typically November
Eligibility: Girls ages 7–15
Berkshire Lake Arts Camp is a summer program for girls that blends visual and performing arts instruction with traditional camp activities in a lakeside environment. You build a personalized daily schedule by selecting from a wide range of options, including dance, theater, ceramics, digital arts, printmaking, music, swimming, and outdoor recreation. Each camper’s experience differs based on interests, allowing you to focus deeply on one discipline or explore multiple areas. Facilities include modern cabins and dedicated studio spaces designed for creative work.
9. Waltham Game Design Camp
Location: Bentley University, Waltham
Cost: $1,000 per session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Likely not selective
Dates: 6-day weeks & 3-day half-weeks in the summer
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Open to all skill levels
Waltham Game Design Camp immerses you in the process of creating games by combining design, art, and programming in a collaborative setting. Throughout the week, you work on hands-on projects that challenge you to develop mechanics, visuals, and code while refining ideas through iteration. Daily activities include studio time, team challenges, and friendly competitions that test both creativity and problem-solving skills. You are encouraged to experiment with different roles before choosing a focus area that aligns with your interests. Collaboration with peers plays a central role, mirroring real-world game development workflows. By the end of the camp, you will produce a portfolio piece that demonstrates your understanding of interactive design.
10. Camp Chris Leader in Training (LIT) 1 & 2
Location: Camp Chris
Cost: $499 for two two-week LIT1 program, LIT2 is cost-free if admitted
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple week-long sessions between June and August
Application deadline:
Eligibility: LIT 1: Students ages 14+ entering grade 9 | LIT 2: Grade 10+
The Camp Chris LIT program gives you practical leadership experience by positioning you between camper and counselor roles. You assist staff with daily activities while developing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through guided mentorship. LIT 1 follows a structured two-week cohort model that includes leadership training and a scheduled field trip. If you continue into LIT 2, you take on increased responsibility with more independence and flexible weekly registration. The program also incorporates workshops, group projects, and community-oriented activities. Optional add-ons such as tutoring or music lessons allow you to further customize your experience.
11. Tufts University – Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp
Location: Tufts University – Medford / Somerville campus
Cost: Commuter: $4,225 | Residential: $5,750 (Limited need-based scholarships available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Moderately selective
Dates: July 5–17
Application deadline: May 1
Eligibility: High school students who are rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bootcamp at Tufts University is a two-week program where you explore venture creation as a way to address real-world challenges. Campers work in teams to design startups, small businesses, or nonprofit concepts from initial idea through development. The curriculum covers foundational topics such as business modeling, innovation frameworks, and go-to-market strategies. Mentorship comes from Tufts students and alumni who share insight into entrepreneurial pathways and campus resources. Team-building activities are also covered to support collaboration and leadership development. The experience concludes with a Demo Day where you present your venture to a panel for feedback.
12. Rice University NeuroCamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: To be announced
Application deadline: Applications open in March and are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: All high school students
RNS NeuroCamp introduces you to neuroscience through a curriculum that combines lectures, demonstrations, and guided experiments. You study foundational topics such as neuron function, neurotransmission, neuroanatomy, and neurological disorders. The program also explores areas like computational neuroscience and the philosophy of mind to broaden your understanding of the field. Independent at-home experiments allow you to practice basic lab skills under instructor guidance, while professional development sessions led by Rice University’s Center for Career Development cover academic planning and STEM pathways. Panels with neuroscientists and college students provide further insight into research careers and undergrad preparation.
13. CU Denver GenCyber Summer Camp
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 15 – 19
Application deadline: Rolling; applications accepted until camp is full
Eligibility: High school students in Colorado
The CU Denver GenCyber Summer Camp introduces you to cybersecurity concepts through hands-on labs and interactive simulations. You explore topics such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, social engineering, and online safety while learning how cyberattacks occur and how systems are protected. The program includes practical work with tools like Raspberry Pi kits and Kali Linux to simulate penetration testing and system configuration. You study networking fundamentals, common attack types, and defensive technologies such as firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems. Ethical considerations around privacy, data protection, and responsible online behavior are integrated throughout the curriculum.
14. Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC)
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,750; need-based financial aid available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 64 online participants
Dates: Session One: June 15 – July 3 | Session Two: July 6 – 24
Application deadline: February 2
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
SUMaC is an intensive mathematics program that introduces you to advanced topics such as abstract algebra, number theory, or algebraic topology. Over several weeks, you attend daily lectures, problem-solving sessions, and workshops designed to mirror the pace of a college-level math course. Assignments are challenging and encourage deep engagement with mathematical structures and proofs. While the program does not offer grades or credit, the workload reflects serious academic rigor. You also complete a research-style project that allows you to investigate a mathematical question in depth.
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