Learn. Explore. Experience Elon.

Elon University’s academic camps give students the chance to explore big ideas, build skills and experience learning in a university setting. Designed for curious middle schoolers and college-bound high school students, these programs combine hands-on academics, faculty-guided instruction and an engaging campus experience. Whether students spend a week diving into emerging technology or two weeks living and learning on campus, each camp offers a meaningful introduction to how learning happens at Elon.

Learn more about Phoenix Summer for rising juniors and seniors

Learn more about AI Play for middle-school students

Explore Elon’s Summer Sports Camps

Phoenix Summer

A Two-Week Residential Experience

Live on campus. Explore new ideas. Get a head start on college life. 

Phoenix Summer is a transformative two-week residential program at Elon University designed for motivated high school students who are ready to challenge themselves academically, build confidence, and experience college life firsthand.

What is Phoenix Summer?

Phoenix Summer immerses students in hands-on, college-style academics while fostering curiosity, independence and community. During the day, students choose from engaging, interdisciplinary courses taught by Elon University faculty members. Evenings and weekends are filled with creative activities, social events and signature Elon experiences that help students connect with peers and feel at home on campus.

This program balances intellectual exploration with fun, friendship, and personal growth, giving students a meaningful preview of college life.

Who Can Attend?

Phoenix Summer is open to rising juniors and rising seniors who are eager to learn, explore potential academic interests and prepare for the transition to college.

When & Where

Dates: July 6–17, 2026
Location: Elon University (residential, on-campus)
Students live in residence halls, dine on campus and take part in daily programming designed to mirror the rhythm of college life.

Academic Experience

Students select two course to focus on during the program. Courses emphasize discussion, collaboration, creativity and hands-on learning. Course offerings include:

  • Order in the Court! An Introduction to Law and Justice
  • Chemistry in the Kitchen
  • Exploring Astronomical and Poetic Light
  • Start-Up Sprint: Concept to Creation

Life Beyond the Classroom

Phoenix Summer is about more than academics. Outside of class, students enjoy:

  • Evening games, creative arts, and social activities
  • Career and college readiness programming
  • Weekend off-campus excursions
  • Signature experiences such as the Elon Challenge Course

These experiences help students build friendships, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. Phoenix Summer is designed to help students begin to understand the balance of academic rigor and social-emotional well-being.

Cost & Enrollment

Program Cost: $4,000
Enrollment: Limited spaces available

Why Phoenix Summer?

  • Experience college-level learning in a supportive environment
  • Live independently on a beautiful university campus
  • Build confidence, curiosity, and college readiness
  • Form meaningful connections with peers from diverse backgrounds

Phoenix Summer is an ideal opportunity for students who want to explore academic interests, gain independence and take a confident step toward their future.

Contact Us

For questions or additional information, please contact:

AI Play

Computer Science Summer Day Camp for Middle School StudentsAI Play graphic with a hexagon martian with a game controller for eyes and small smile

Calling all rising 6th-8th graders interested in video games designing, operating and creating with AI! 
Are you ready to explore the amazing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and unlock its superpower potential? In this camp, you will explore AI technologies, specifically as used in digital game design and prepare yourself for the future. Join us for a thrilling summer camp adventure where you’ll learn to play, create and code your way into the future of technology.

Camp Dates

June 15-19, 2026

Camp Hours

Students can be dropped off between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m. and are picked up between 3:30 and 3:45 p.m.

Camp Location

Detailed drop-off and pick-up locations will be provided upon registration. Camp will be held in the Lindner Building. Students may take brief field trips to other campus locations.

Food

Lunch and snacks will be provided each day. All dietary needs will be accommodated.

Camp Staff

Camp will be staffed by Elon students and faculty. The staff-to-student ratio is approximately 1:6.

A Typical Day at Camp

At 9 a.m. students begin the morning with a game-based introduction to an AI concept. Students then split into small teams, working together to investigate and apply the concept. Students then eat lunch, take a break or spend some time outside. Then they are introduced to additional activities that give them practice building and understanding AI. There is never a dull moment at the camp. At the end of the day, all students gather to discuss what they learned and how it impacts society.

Camp Fees

Total Cost: $500 for a week of camp (including daily lunch)
Total amount: Due at registration

Eligibility

All students entering 6th through 8th in Fall 2026 are welcome to register, including home-schooled, out-of-state or out-of-country students.

Contact Us

For questions or additional information, please contact: