Southern Illinois University Carbondale announced on May 22 that registration is still open for its 2026 summer camps, offering a wide range of academic, art, music, athletic, and outdoor programs for children and teenagers.
The university said the camps are designed to help youths learn new skills, explore interests, connect with peers, and have enjoyable experiences during the summer. Organizers say SIU’s camps stand out because they are led by professionals in their fields—including professors, coaches, and experts—assisted by SIU student leaders.
Among the offerings are art camps through the Student Center Craft Shop where participants can create wearable art or personalized board games. Music options include drum major camp and band sessions for junior high and high school students. Academic programs feature STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) camps for middle schoolers from local districts who meet income qualifications. These include hands-on workshops in areas such as biomedical engineering and automotive technology.
High school students can join the four-week STEM Research Academy to work on research projects with faculty or design their own. The Challenge to Excellence Camp returns for its 42nd year with sessions focused on theatre, geology, astronomy, psychology and more. Other specialty camps cover nursing careers—offering practical experience with simulators—as well as gamification, robotics, aviation and agriculture education leadership.
Athletic opportunities include baseball (with a prospect showcase), soccer (with discounts available to faculty/staff families), volleyball and basketball camps. The R.E.C. Sports Kids Camps offer activities like swimming and hiking at the Student Recreation Center while Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center hosts EDVenture Camps featuring outdoor exploration themes such as Nature Detectives or Survival 101.
Registration is first-come-first-served at camps.siu.edu; some sessions are nearly full but additional slots may be added due to demand. Adults can also access hundreds of continuing education courses online or participate in community programs coordinated by Events and Outreach.
