12 Best Pre-College Summer Camps for Middle School Students

Summer break is a golden opportunity for middle schoolers to pursue their passions, gain new skills, and experience the joy of learning in an engaging environment. Pre-college summer camps offer young students exposure to academic, artistic, and technological fields while fostering personal growth and building lifelong friendships. Here’s a detailed look at 12 outstanding summer camps tailored for middle schoolers.

1. iD Tech Camps

Focus: Technology, coding, game design, robotics, AI
Location: Campuses like MIT, Stanford, and NYU

iD Tech Camps are ideal for tech-savvy middle schoolers eager to explore coding, robotics, and game design. Programs are project-based and interactive, giving students hands-on experience with real-world tools like Python, Java, and Unity. Beyond technical skills, students gain problem-solving abilities and collaborate on exciting projects, such as developing games or programming robots. With small class sizes, students receive personalized attention from industry-experienced instructors.

• Highlight: Held at top universities, giving students a taste of campus life.
• Duration: 1-2 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students interested in STEM careers.

2. MIT Spark (by Learning Unlimited)

Focus: STEM, arts, game design, humanities
Location: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA

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Spark is a unique weekend enrichment program hosted by MIT, offering dozens of short, exploratory classes for curious middle schoolers. Students can explore topics ranging from robotics and computer science to philosophy and theater. Classes are taught by MIT students in a fun, informal setting that fosters experimentation and learning. With an expansive course catalog and freedom to choose, Spark gives young learners a taste of MIT-style learning.

3. Summer Discovery

Focus: Business, fashion, engineering, leadership
Location: Universities like UCLA, Georgetown, and Michigan

Summer Discovery combines academic rigor with fun extracurricular activities. Middle schoolers can explore topics like business fundamentals, fashion design, or engineering while participating in leadership-building exercises. With professional instructors and engaging curricula, students develop valuable skills while enjoying campus life. Recreational activities, such as campus tours and evening events, make the program well-rounded and enjoyable.

• Highlight: Real-world learning opportunities, like pitching business ideas or designing clothing.
• Duration: 2-6 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students looking for a mix of academics and extracurricular fun.

4. Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs

Focus: Cooking, fashion, sports management, leadership
Location: Philadelphia, PA

Julian Krinsky Camps offer a variety of unique programs that cater to niche interests. Students can learn to cook gourmet meals, dive into the world of fashion design, or explore sports management careers. The camp’s immersive approach combines hands-on activities with expert-led workshops, allowing students to gain real-world insights into their chosen fields. The Philadelphia setting adds cultural enrichment through local trips and events.

• Highlight: Access to specialized instructors and industry professionals.
• Duration: 1-3 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students interested in hands-on creative or career-oriented experiences.

5. Emagination Tech Camps

Focus: Coding, game design, digital art, robotics
Location: Campuses nationwide

Emagination Tech Camps blend STEM education with fun, allowing students to explore technology in a supportive and engaging environment. Programs include coding in languages like Python and Java, game design using Unity, and robotics challenges. With an emphasis on creativity and teamwork, students work on projects that integrate digital and engineering skills. Weekend activities and social events enhance the camp experience.

• Highlight: Combines technical skill-building with creative exploration.
• Duration: 1-2 weeks.
• Ideal for: Middle schoolers passionate about technology and design.

2. MIT Museum Summer Programs

Focus: Engineering, coding, innovation, design
Location: MIT Museum, Cambridge, MA

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The MIT Museum hosts summer programs that introduce middle school students to creative problem-solving, robotics, and invention. Using real-world tools and guided by MIT educators, students explore design thinking and prototype engineering projects. The camp combines STEM discovery with museum resources, giving kids an exciting look into innovation and technology.

• Highlight: Immersive STEM projects in an authentic MIT environment
• Duration: 1–2 weeks
• Ideal for: Students who love engineering challenges and hands-on experimentation

7. Blueprint Signature Camps

Focus: Medicine, engineering, architecture
Location: College campuses across the U.S.

Blueprint Signature Camps offer hands-on learning experiences in fields like medicine, engineering, and architecture. Students engage in activities such as building models, solving medical case studies, or designing structures. The program also incorporates college readiness workshops, giving middle schoolers an early glimpse into higher education and professional careers.

• Highlight: Combines academic learning with career exploration.
• Duration: 1-2 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students interested in specialized academic fields.

8. SOCAPA Summer Camps

Focus: Filmmaking, photography, music
Location: New York City, Los Angeles, Vermont

SOCAPA offers arts-focused programs that let middle schoolers explore their creative talents. Whether it’s directing a short film, composing music, or perfecting photography techniques, students receive professional-level training. With access to industry-grade equipment and expert mentorship, SOCAPA fosters creativity and confidence.

• Highlight: Immersive arts programs in culturally rich locations.
• Duration: 1-3 weeks.
• Ideal for: Creative students passionate about the arts.

9. Yale Peabody Museum Summer Camps

Focus: Natural history, archaeology, environmental science
Location: Yale University, New Haven, CT

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Hosted by the Yale Peabody Museum, this summer camp lets middle schoolers dive into paleontology, biology, and Earth science. Through specimen handling, fossil exploration, and interactive labs, students gain a deep understanding of nature and science. The camp also includes outdoor activities, museum access, and guided experiments that keep learning dynamic and fun.

• Highlight: Field-based learning with real museum specimens and Yale educators
• Duration: 1–2 weeks
• Ideal for: Curious students passionate about nature, science, and discovery

10. Appel Farm Arts Camp

Focus: Visual and performing arts
Location: Elmer, NJ

Appel Farm offers a nurturing environment where middle schoolers can explore their creativity through classes in painting, theater, dance, and music. The camp emphasizes self-expression and community, with daily performances and collaborative projects. Students leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the arts.

• Highlight: Focus on building confidence and artistic skills.
• Duration: 2-4 weeks.
• Ideal for: Creative students seeking a supportive arts-focused camp.

11. EXPLO at Wellesley

Focus: STEM, arts, and humanities
Location: Wellesley College, MA

EXPLO at Wellesley offers a diverse range of courses, from engineering and robotics to creative writing and psychology. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning and hands-on projects. With access to Wellesley’s beautiful campus, students enjoy both academic enrichment and fun outdoor activities.

• Highlight: Encourages exploration across multiple disciplines.
• Duration: 2-3 weeks.
• Ideal for: Students curious about STEM and liberal arts.

12. World Scholars Academy – Junior Programs

Focus: Leadership, global business, STEM, and writing
Location: Online and select international hubs (including U.S.)

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World Scholars Academy offers Junior Academies specifically for students aged 12–14, covering subjects like leadership, economics, medicine, and engineering. Taught by instructors from top universities (including Ivy League and Oxbridge), the program develops communication, analytical, and presentation skills in a pre-college format.

• Highlight: Ivy-level academic mentorship for middle school students
• Duration: 1–2 weeks
• Ideal for: Academically driven middle schoolers exploring global and professional pathways

Making the Most of Your Summer

Pre-college summer camps offer middle school students a unique opportunity to explore their passions, build skills, and make lasting connections. Whether your interests lie in technology, arts, or leadership, these programs provide a supportive environment to foster growth and curiosity. Find a camp that aligns with your goals, and embark on an unforgettable summer experience!