15 Summer Camps for High School Students in Massachusetts
If you are a high school student looking to make productive use of your summer, attending a summer camp can be a practical way to explore interests and develop skills. Summer camps are typically short-term, focused programs that allow you to engage deeply with a specific subject while still leaving room for rest and other commitments. Unlike pre-college programs that mirror full academic courses, camps often emphasize applied learning, collaboration, and practice sessions led by experienced instructors or professionals. These experiences can help you better understand your interests while building tangible skills and connections with peers and mentors.
Why should you attend a summer camp in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers a wide range of summer camps that reflect the state’s strengths in education, arts, technology, and athletics. You’ll find camps hosted by colleges, independent organizations, and specialized facilities across the state, covering areas such as creative writing, music, visual and performing arts, leadership training, computer science, and competitive sports. These camps can be a suitable option for students living or studying in Massachusetts, as well as for out-of-state students interested in exploring the region through a structured summer experience.
To help you navigate your options, here’s a list of 15 summer camps for high school students in Massachusetts.
If you are looking for internships in Massachusetts, check out our blog here.
1. WNE-MHC Golden Bear Summer Camp
Location: Western New England (WNE) University, Springfield, MA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 35 students
Program Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students aged 13-18
The WNE-MHC Golden Bear Summer Camp is a free, in-person healthcare exploration camp hosted by WNE University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The camp covers practical topics such as community and hospital pharmacy, medication compounding, pharmaceutics, DNA extraction and purification, and the role of occupational therapists in offering support with daily living tasks. You will participate in hands-on activities, labs, and demonstrations that introduce you to careers in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, occupational therapy, and neuroscience. You will also gain exposure to how genetics, biology, chemistry, and psychology intersect in modern healthcare, particularly through sessions focused on neuroscience and personalized medicine. The camp includes structured guidance on preparing for healthcare careers and navigating the college application process.
2. Veritas AI
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: Multiple 12-15-week cohorts throughout the year,
Application Deadline: Rolling basis; Varies by cohort. You can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students; AI Fellowship applicants should either have 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 who are looking to get started with 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. Assumption University’s “Gateway to Cyber” Summer Camp
Location: Assumption University, Worcester, MA
Cost: Free
Cohort Size: 30 students
Program Dates: July 14 – 18 (tentative; based on previous years)
Application Deadline: June 15 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from Massachusetts; Priority will be given to rising juniors and seniors, as well as students from underrepresented groups in cybersecurity (minorities and women)
Hosted by the Assumption University Center for Cybersecurity, the camp introduces you to core cybersecurity concepts. You will participate in a week-long program that combines hands-on learning with interactive and fun activities, culminating in a one-day exercise facilitated by Assumption University faculty and undergraduate student mentors. Throughout the camp, you will work with practical tools and scenarios involving topics such as password cracking techniques and defenses, multi-factor authentication, social engineering, basic programming, Wi-Fi hacking, capture-the-flag activities, and drone telemetry and hacking. In addition to technical skills, you will examine legal, ethical, and social issues in cybersecurity and learn how foundational principles like confidentiality, integrity, and availability apply to everyday security situations. The camp also includes structured opportunities to engage with guest speakers from the cybersecurity field and to explore potential career pathways in cybersecurity.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies; Full financial aid available
Acceptance Rate: Approximately 12.5%
Program Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: High school students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement
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. Camp Chris Leader in Training (LIT) Program
Location: St. John’s Prep, Danvers, MA
Cost: LIT1: $499 for two weeks; LIT2: Free if admitted
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts from June 22 to August 14
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: LIT1: Students entering grade 9 (14+); LIT2: Students in grades 10 and above who have completed at least one cohort of LIT 1 with either Summer at St. John’s or a similar camp program
Camp Chris’s LIT Program is a leadership development initiative for high school students in grades 9 and above. As a participant, you will be placed within camp groups, where you will work alongside counselors to help lead activities, support younger campers, and observe day-to-day camp operations. The program is offered in two levels, with LIT1 focusing on foundational leadership skills such as self-awareness, communication, and relationship-building, and LIT2 emphasizing increased independence, conflict resolution, and interview skills. Throughout the program, you will receive ongoing mentorship and feedback from experienced camp staff through structured reflection, goal-setting cycles, and weekly conferences. The experience concludes with formal feedback and evaluation from camp leadership, providing insight into your readiness for future leadership or counselor roles.
6. Tufts University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp
Location: Tufts University, Medford/Somerville, MA
Cost: $4,225 (Commuter); $5,750 (Residential)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 5 – 17
Application Deadline: December 2 – May 1
Eligibility: Rising high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors, as well as recent high school graduates; Students applying to the residential camp must be between the ages of 15 and 19
Tufts University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp introduces you to venture creation through hands-on, team-based activities. You will work in small teams to develop a for-profit or nonprofit venture, learning practical frameworks for problem identification, solution design, go-to-market strategy, and sales planning. Throughout the program, you will work with Tufts students and alumni mentors while participating in workshops, team-building activities, and pitch practice sessions, all facilitated in collaboration with the Derby Entrepreneurship Center. The bootcamp culminates in a Demo Day-style pitching event where you present your venture to a panel of judges, simulating an early-stage startup accelerator experience. You will also gain firsthand insight into daily life on the Tufts campus, with structured orientation, shared workspaces, and opportunities to connect with peers interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.
7. Capitol Debate Camp at Babson College
Location: Babson College, Wellesley, MA
Cost: $2,599 (Commuter); $3,399 (Residential)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 12 – 23
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students aged 10-17
The Capitol Debate Camp at Babson College provides you with hands-on training in public speaking and debate through structured practice sessions. You will work on building and delivering speeches, developing arguments, and responding to opposing viewpoints through guided exercises in cross-examination, refutation, and persuasive closing statements. The camp emphasizes practical skill development, including vocal control, non-verbal communication, speech organization, and strategic questioning, following a detailed checklist to track and guide your progress. You will regularly apply these skills in live debates and speaking sessions held in Babson’s technology-equipped classrooms. Beyond instructional sessions, the camp includes opportunities to connect with peers in a residential campus setting and participate in structured evening activities.
8. Boston Model UN Camps
Location: Boston University, Boston, MA
Cost: Day Camp starts at $1,200, while Overnight Camp starts at $2,550 (tentative); Financial aid available
Cohort Size: 34 students per class
Program Dates: August 2 – 8 (Overnight Camp); August 3 – 7 (Day Camp)
Application Deadline: Exact dates not available (the earlier you apply, the higher your chances of getting in)
Eligibility: High school students (17+); Students applying to the Advanced Model UN Camp must have previous experience at at least 2 MUN Conferences or a MUN Camp
Boston Model UN Camps offer weeklong, in-person summer programs for high school students at the Boston University campus. You can choose between a High School Model UN Camp for beginners and an Advanced High School Model UN Camp for students with prior conference experience. Throughout the week, you will participate in daily MUN simulations, public speaking and debate labs, research and resolution-writing sessions, and collaborative problem-solving activities focused on U.S. and global issues. There will also be a final simulation on Friday, where family and friends will be invited to observe you representing a country or global leader, delivering speeches, debating peers, and drafting solutions. The camps emphasize mentorship, with experienced Model UN mentors providing daily feedback and guidance on diplomacy, negotiation, and leadership during polarized discussions. An optional one-on-one virtual tutoring add-on is available before camp, offering personalized sessions focused on public speaking and possible solutions.
9. Greenwood Music Camp
Location: Greenwood Music Camp, Cummington, MA
Cost: $8,000; Scholarships available
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Program Dates: July 4 – August 9
Application Deadline: November 1 – February 1
Eligibility: High school students (14+); Greenwood Music Camp is currently accepting applicants for the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn
Greenwood Music Camp is a residential summer chamber music program for middle and high school students studying orchestral instruments and piano. You will be assigned to a chamber ensemble and spend each week rehearsing major works through both coached and independent rehearsal sessions, leading to a public performance on Saturdays. Alongside chamber music, you will receive individual lessons with a faculty instrumental teacher and have time to work on solo repertoire. The camp also offers optional composition meetings, where you develop original works and present them during a composers’ concert in the final week. The program emphasizes community engagement, including ensemble performances for fellow campers and at a non-denominational Village Church each Sunday. Outside of rehearsals, the residential camp also includes time for structured recreation and community activities, such as biking, hiking, sports, and evening game nights.
10. Girls Softball Camp at Springfield College
Location: Springfield College, Springfield, MA
Cost: $749 (Overnight); $549 (Full Day); $649 (Extended Day); Team discounts available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Fairly welcoming
Program Dates: July 13 – 16
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students (ages 7-17) of all abilities
The Girls Softball Camp at Springfield College is an in-person summer camp open to high school athletes seeking skill development and game experience. You will train on Potter Field, a modern on-campus turf facility with batting cages and bullpens, and participate in daily drills focused on batting, fielding, pitching, base running, and position-specific skills. The camp emphasizes individualized instruction through low camper-to-coach ratios, with groups organized by age and ability to support targeted feedback and progression. You may also have the chance to work directly with experienced coaches, including college and high school coaches, as well as college players. In addition to structured skills development sessions, you will get to apply what you’ve learned in small games and scrimmages designed to reinforce tactical decision-making and teamwork.
11. Berkshire Lake Arts Camp
Location: Lake Ashmere, Berkshires, MA
Cost: $2,850 (1-Week Session); $4850 (2-Week Sessions)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: June 28 – July 10 (Session 1); July 12 – 18 (Session 2); July 19 – 31 (Session 3)
Application Deadline: Rolling; Early bird discounts: November 15
Eligibility: Girls aged 7-15
Berkshire Lake Arts Camp is a residential summer program for girls that blends focused arts training with traditional camp activities in a lakeside setting in Massachusetts. You will create a personalized schedule based on your interests, choosing from options such as ceramics, digital arts, printmaking, dance styles including ballet and contemporary, musical theater, acting, yoga, swimming, and archery. Each day combines structured studio classes with time for recreation and community-based activities. You will live in modern cabins and work in dedicated arts studios, supporting consistent practice and collaboration with peers and instructors. The program emphasizes skill-building within a supportive camp environment, with flexible session lengths that allow you to tailor the experience to your schedule.
12. WriCampia
Location: Camp Danbee, Peru, MA
Cost: $4,200; Limited financial aid available
Cohort Size: Around 200 campers, with 8-14 campers per bunk
Program Dates: August 10 – 21
Application Deadline: Rolling, until camp fills up
Eligibility: Students entering grades 5-12
During WriCampia, you will spend each morning in small, instructor-led writing workshops where you work on original pieces through guided exercises, group games, and individualized feedback from professional authors and playwrights. Alongside writing, you can choose from a wide range of afternoon electives and project-based tracks, such as filmmaking, songwriting, visual arts, portfolio writing, or role-playing games, which culminate in a final project or showcase. The camp also offers structured opportunities to share work through readings and submissions to the annual camp anthology. Rising 12th graders may apply to serve as Counselors-In-Training, allowing you to take on leadership responsibilities while remaining fully engaged in workshops and camp activities. The camp balances focused creative work with evening community events and collaborative activities that help you connect with peers and share creative works.
13. adidas Tennis Camp at Vineyard Family Tennis
Location: Vineyard Family Tennis, Oak Bluffs, MA
Cost: $999 (Full Day); $629 (Morning Half Day); $399 (Afternoon Half Day); Team discounts available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Fairly welcoming and open to teens of all ability levels
Program Dates: Multiple sessions in June – August
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students (ages 5-18) of all ability levels
The adidas Tennis Camp at Vineyard Family Tennis is a summer training program open to players of all ages and skill levels. You will take part in daily on-court sessions focused on technical development, including forehands, backhands, serves, grips, and specialty shots such as drop shots, lobs, and top spin. Tactical training emphasizes court movement, decision-making, and match strategy, with opportunities to participate in singles and doubles matches. Players will be assessed at the start of the program and grouped by age and ability to ensure drills and match play are tailored to their levels. Training takes place on Har-Tru clay courts at Vineyard Family Tennis, with low camper-to-coach ratios allowing for individualized feedback from experienced coaches. Camp formats include full-day and half-day options, making it flexible for students balancing other summer commitments.
14. Girls Lacrosse Academy at Bridgewater State University
Location: Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
Cost: $419 (Day Camp); $293 (Half Day); Team discounts available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: July 20 – 22
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Girls (ages 6-16) of all ability levels
Girls Lacrosse Academy at Bridgewater State University is a summer training program that focuses on developing individual stick skills, positional techniques, and team concepts through structured daily instruction. You will participate in position-specific drills for attack, midfield, and defense, along with individual and group stick work designed to strengthen fundamentals. Tactical learning is reinforced through situational gameplay, including fast breaks, ground balls, clears, and small-sided games. Daily scrimmages and competitive formats such as 6v6 and 7v7 allow you to apply skills during live games. Players are grouped by age and ability level, with low camper-to-coach ratios, offering you access to individualized attention and consistent feedback from experienced coaches. Full-day and half-day options offer scheduling flexibility while maintaining a comprehensive training experience on a collegiate campus.
15. Kode With Klossy Summer Camps
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Program Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: April 7 (tentative; based on previous years)
Eligibility: Young women and gender expansive teens aged 13-18 who feel comfortable learning in a female-identifying environment
Kode With Klossy Summer Camps are free, two-week virtual programs for high school students interested in computer science and technology. You will be placed into one of four focused tracks—web development, mobile app development, machine learning, or data science—where you will learn core programming concepts through structured, hands-on projects. Depending on the track, you may build responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, develop iOS apps with Swift, train a chatbot using Python, or analyze datasets using SQL and data visualization tools. Camps are taught by licensed educators and supported by instructor assistants, providing direct guidance and consistent feedback throughout the program. In addition to technical instruction, you will participate in a speaker series featuring women working in tech fields, offering exposure to real-world applications and career pathways.
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