Elon Summer Academic Camps
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.
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 6-16, 2027
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 three course to focus on during the program. Courses emphasize discussion, collaboration, creativity and hands-on learning. Course offerings include:
- Coffee, Cookies & Snow Cones: Think Like an Economist
- Sense-sational Science: How Your Mind Builds Your Reality
- Sensory Writing in Nature
- Order in the Court! An Introduction to Law and Justice
- Fab, Fit, Fun: A Media Health Clinic
- From Idea to Record: Create, Produce & Record Your Own Song
- Press Start: Game Design and Virtual Reality Development
- Sensing, Actuation, and Intelligence: The Fundamentals of Robotics and Automation
- What is Artificial Intelligence? A Classic Perspective
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: Camp is limited to 36 students
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:
Academic Accommodations and Accessibility
Students who may need accommodations related to a documented disability during their program at Elon can contact the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility (AAA) at 336-278-6568 or accommodations@elon.edu. AAA covers the following accommodation areas: academic, housing, dining and emotional support animals. Explore the AAA office website for more information. We encourage you to contact our office to discuss any needs.
AI Summer Camp
Computer Science Summer Day Camp for Middle School Students
Are you ready to explore the amazing world of Artificial Intelligence 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.
2027 Camp Dates
June 14-18, 2027
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 on Elon University’s campus. 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. On the last day, teams pitch an idea for an AI tool to their families. Families will come to campus Friday afternoon for a showcase.
Camp Fees
Total Cost: $500, with a $100 non-refundable deposit at registration and the balance due by June 1, 2027. Elon faculty and staff receive a $50 discount. Note: There are no sibling discounts for this camp.
Eligibility
All students entering 6th through 8th in Fall 2027 are welcome to register, including home-schooled, out-of-state or out-of-country students. Registration closes June 1 and the camp is limited to 24 children.
Contact Us
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Academic Accommodations and Accessibility
Students who may need accommodations related to a documented disability during their program at Elon can contact the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility (AAA) at 336-278-6568 or accommodations@elon.edu. AAA covers the following accommodation areas: academic, housing, dining and emotional support animals. Explore the AAA office website for more information. We encourage you to contact our office to discuss any needs.
Academic Accommodations and Accessibility
Students who may need accommodations related to a documented disability during their program at Elon can contact the Office of Academic Accommodations and Accessibility (AAA) at 336-278-6568 or accommodations@elon.edu. AAA covers the following accommodation areas: academic, housing, dining and emotional support animals. Explore the AAA office website for more information. We encourage you to contact our office to discuss any needs.