15 Summer Camps for High School Students in California
Summer camps for high school students give you the chance to explore a subject in depth, build practical skills, and discover new interests outside the regular classroom. These programs are usually shorter and more focused than traditional courses, allowing you to concentrate on one topic and gain experience with specialized tools, techniques, and projects. Whether you are interested in coding, science experiments, or creative arts, there’s a summer camp that fits your goals.
Why choose a summer camp in California?
California offers a wide range of summer camps across technology, science, healthcare, arts, and outdoor education, supported by universities, research institutions, nonprofits, and specialized training centers. Across these camps, you can engage in focused skill-building through coding projects, laboratory investigations, healthcare simulations, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you are a local or out-of-state student, you can find opportunities that help you build your profile and explore your interests.
To help you get started, here are 15 summer camps for high school students in California.
If you are interested in summer research programs in California, check out our blog here.
1. Camp CHLA: Health Care Career Exploration
Location: CAMP CHLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: None
Dates: Session 1: June 15 – 19; Session 2: July 27 – 31
Application Deadline: January 5 – 19
Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who live in Los Angeles County
Camp CHLA: Health Care Career Exploration is a free, five-day summer program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles that gives you an inside look at real careers in healthcare. During the camp, you’ll hear directly from healthcare professionals about their work and career paths, practice practical skills like CPR and first aid, and experience the hospital environment through observations and interactions with clinical teams. The program helps you understand different medical roles, build useful health and safety skills, and connect with peers who share an interest in healthcare. It is a valuable opportunity if you’re considering a future in medicine or health professions.
2. Veritas AI: AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Financial aid is available
Dates: Varies according to the cohort
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students who have either completed the AI Scholars program or exhibit experience with AI concepts or Python
Veritas AI, founded and run by Harvard graduate students, offers programs for high school students who are passionate about artificial intelligence. Students looking to get started in AI, ML, and data science would benefit from the AI Scholars program. Through this 10-session boot camp, students are introduced to the fundamentals of AI & data science and get a chance to work on real-world projects. Another option for more advanced students is the AI Fellowship with Publication & Showcase. Through this program, students get a chance to work 1:1 with mentors from top universities on a unique, individual project. A bonus of this program is that students have access to the in-house publication team to help them secure publications in high school research journals. You can also check out some examples of past projects here and read about a student’s experience in the program here.
3. SAGE Camp at SLAC
Location: SLAC, Menlo Park, CA, or Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: June 21 – 27
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Students currently in 9th-11th grade (and under 18) from eligible regions, especially those in Northern California, for the SLAC camp
SAGE Camp at SLAC is a free, one-week residential summer program hosted by scientists and engineers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University that introduces you to real-world STEM careers. Through hands-on projects, lab tours, job shadowing, team activities, and career talks, you’ll explore how science and engineering work beyond the classroom while building leadership and communication skills. Beyond the camp week, you become part of the larger SAGE community, which offers continued mentorship, networking, and future opportunities such as internships and professional development.
4. Lumiere’s Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Need-based financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Current high school students with a minimum GPA of 3.3
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas that you can explore as a high schooler. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
5. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual and in-person; Sites vary, but include San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: Varies by location; San Francisco, CA: July 21 – August 1 or August 4 – 15
Application Deadline: Not specified; Opens in the spring
Eligibility: Young women and gender-diverse teenagers aged 13-18
Kode With Klossy offers free, two-week summer camps for high school students who want to learn coding and explore technology. As a participant, you will choose to participate in one of four tracks: data science, website development, machine learning, or mobile app development. In the program, you will work on hands-on projects that show you how coding is applied in real life. You might build a website, work with data and basic machine learning tools, analyze information using Python and SQL, or design and develop an iOS app with Swift. By the end of the camp, you will have practical experience and a project that demonstrates the skills you have learned.
6. AstroCamp California Summer Program
Location: AstroCamp, Idyllwild, CA
Cost: Varies
Dates: Multiple sessions from June 6 to August 1
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students aged 8-17
AstroCamp is designed to give you hands-on experience in science and astronomy, combined with outdoor adventures. You’ll explore topics like stars, planets, light, and physics through fun experiments and interactive science labs. During the two-week sessions, you will get to choose from over 40 science and traditional camp activities, so you can focus on what interests you most while also building teamwork and leadership skills. A special “Geek Week” lets you delve deeper into creative STEM projects and try out hands-on experiments. By mixing scientific learning with physical activities like hiking, climbing, and ropes courses, AstroCamp helps you grow both mentally and physically, while making the summer fun and memorable.
7. Camp CHOP
Location: AstroCamp, Idyllwild, CA
Cost: Varies
Dates: One- and two-week sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students ages 10-17
Camp CHOP focuses on culinary science and food preparation techniques within a structured camp environment. As a participant, 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 fosters teamwork and leadership skills through collaborative kitchen projects and meal planning. The camp environment promotes personal development alongside technical culinary training, with a focus on process comprehension and practical experience rather than competition or performance.
8. Camp Integem
Location: 16 locations across California + online options
Cost: Varies by session length and location
Dates: Multiple sessions year-round (including June – August)
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students between the ages of 12 and 18; Beginner to advanced skill levels accepted
At Camp Integem, you’ll get hands-on experience with AI-powered robotics, space drones, and 3D holographic augmented reality programming. You will learn how to program AI behaviors, create 2D and 3D animations, and build AI-enhanced games on platforms like Unity, Minecraft, and Roblox. The camp uses industry tools such as NVIDIA AI frameworks and augmented reality SDKs, so you’ll get real-world experience. You will work with students at your grade level, so you can learn at a pace that suits you.
9. Catalina Sea Camp: Toyon Bay 2.5-Week Summer Camp
Location: Toyon Bay, Catalina Island, CA
Cost: Approximately $5,950 per session
Dates: Multiple 3-week sessions June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling until full
Eligibility: Students aged 12-17
The two-and-a-half Catalina Sea Camp immerses you in marine biology, diving, and ocean science through a flexible schedule similar to a college program. You’ll get to choose your courses and take part in hands-on activities like advanced skin diving, kelp forest restoration, marine mammal labs, and underwater videography. Through these experiences, you’ll build skills in scuba diving and marine research. With access to waterfront labs and dive decks, you’ll get direct experience studying ocean ecosystems. Experienced mentors support you throughout the program, helping you improve your skills over time. The camp encourages independence and confidence by letting you design your own schedule, while also helping you form a deep connection with marine science and the ocean environment.
10. Tech Revolution STEM Summer Camps at UCLA
Location: UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: $769 – $1,099 per week
Dates: Weekly sessions from June 15 to August 21
Application Deadline: Rolling; Early enrollment discounts available through August 6
Eligibility: Students aged 6-16; All skill levels accepted
Tech Revolution is an academy-style STEM camp that offers 60+ weekly courses in areas like robotics, coding (Scratch, Python, Java), AI, game design using Minecraft and Roblox, 3D printing, digital media, and filmmaking. You’ll learn through hands-on, project-based activities using industry tools like Unity, while building strong programming, problem-solving, and creative skills. With a low instructor-to-student ratio, you’ll get personalized guidance and support throughout the camp. The program balances focused learning with fun social activities, so you can collaborate with other students and make new friends. Early arrival and extended day options are also available, giving you more flexibility to fit the camp into your schedule.
11. Pali Adventures Overnight Summer Camp
Location: Pali Adventures, Running Springs, CA
Cost: Varies
Dates: Weekly sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling enrollment until full
Eligibility: Students aged 8-16
Pali Adventures is an overnight camp where you’ll get to shape your own summer experience. As a participant, you’ll choose a morning specialty from 29 different programs, ranging from adventure sports to creative arts and performance. Options include watersports, motorsports, flying trapeze, visual art, music, and theater, allowing you to focus on what excites you most and build real skills through hands-on practice. Afternoons are more relaxed and give you time to enjoy group activities, stay active, and connect with other campers. The camp provides a fun and supportive environment that encourages self-expression, confidence, and teamwork, while balancing structured learning with plenty of opportunities to explore and socialize.
12. Designer Camp
Location: WeWork Irvine Spectrum Center, Irvine, CA
Cost: $1,495
Dates: OC Designer Camp 101: July 14 – 18; OC Fashion & Styling Camp: July 21 – 25 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 7th-12th graders
The OC Designer Camp and OC Fashion & Styling Camp let you explore design from different perspectives. In Designer Camp 101, you will discover areas like branding, photography, interior styling, and visual merchandising. You will take part in workshops, hear from industry professionals, and go on behind-the-scenes tours to see how design works in real settings. In the OC Fashion & Styling Camp, you will focus on fashion, learning skills such as sketching, draping, styling, and trend forecasting. In both camps, you will build a portfolio that you present at the end of the week, giving you a foundation to continue developing your creative work after the program.
13. Chapman University Music Camps
Location: Chapman University, Orange, CA
Cost: $1,495
Dates: Instrumental Camp: June 21 – 27; Vocal Camp: July 12 – 18
Application Deadline: May 22 (instrumental Camp); June 5 (Vocal Camp)
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders
Chapman University’s Summer Music Camps are immersive, week-long residential programs that offer two tracks: one for instrumentalists and one for vocalists. If you join the Instrumental Music Camp, you will take part in ensemble work for woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion, and choose electives such as film scoring, music technology, songwriting, and jazz improvisation. You will attend daily studio classes and masterclasses led by Chapman faculty and guest artists. In the Vocal Music Camp, you will focus on large choir rehearsals, small ensemble work, and voice classes designed for your vocal range, along with daily instruction and masterclasses. Both programs conclude with a final performance at the Musco Center for the Arts, where you will showcase what you have learned during the camp.
14. Bytes and Bots Summer Camps
Location: Bytes & Bots, Irvine, CA
Cost: $300
Dates: Several sessions across June – August
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 6-18
Bytes and Bots runs week-long summer programs that allow you to learn coding, robotics, electronics, game design, and related skills through hands-on projects. Each camp focuses on a different theme, such as building and programming LEGO robots, creating functional electronics using sensors and Python, or designing original video games. The open lab format encourages you to test ideas, solve problems, and work at your own pace. Throughout the program, you’ll apply STEAM concepts to real projects, blending creativity with technical skills. Programming tracks focus on logical problem-solving and interface design, while robotics challenges emphasize engineering principles and practical application.
15. Summer Health AI Bootcamp
Location: Virtual
Cost: $2,000 program fee + $45 application fee; Financial aid available
Dates: Session A: June 15 – 26; Session B: July 6 – 17
Application Deadline: December 15 – February 20
Eligibility: High school students (14+) residing in the U.S.
The AIMI Summer Health AI Bootcamp is a two-week virtual program for high school students who are curious about the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence. As a participant, you will learn how AI is applied in medical settings and how health-related models are designed, trained, tested, and evaluated to tackle real-world problems. You will take part in online lessons, interactive group discussions, and small breakout sessions that give you hands-on experience with AI concepts in healthcare. You will also get to explore the challenges and ethical considerations involved in using machine learning in medicine. Beyond technical learning, you will participate in social activities and "Meet the Expert" sessions, where professionals from universities, industry, and government share insights about their research, work, and career journeys. By the end of the program, you will gain practical skills, a deeper understanding of healthcare AI, and exposure to potential future career paths in this exciting field.
Image source - Lumiere Education