Youth Programs and Camps - Penn State Conferences and Institutes

Sparking curiosity. Inspiring discovery. Shaping futures.

Conferences and Institutes partners with Penn State colleges to develop and execute educational, engaging, and (most importantly) safe programs for young people. Our programming experts manage the planning and logistical details of the camp and ensure compliance with all relevant youth policies and procedures, freeing the camp director to focus on the curricular aspects of the program.

We take great pride in being leaders in youth programming, given its strong alignment with Penn State Outreach’s Commonwealth Commitments to inspire discovery, prepare students, and serve Pennsylvania.

Why Host a Youth Program?

Youth programs can make a transformative and lasting impact on young learners. These programs provide students with a unique opportunity to learn about college life, explore and expand their interests, build their confidence, discover career possibilities, and make new friends.

A study of 80 camps by the American Camp Association (ACA) found that parents, camp staff, and children reported significant growth in self-esteem, independence, and leadership. View the full report on the ACA website.

Youth programs can also help cultivate and reinforce student interest in the disciplines the camps are focused on, which can support recruitment efforts and create a pipeline from K-12 to Penn State. Youth programs also provide powerful professional development experiences for Penn State students who serve as counselors.

Penn State Weather Camp counselors pose in front of large screens displaying national weather forecasts. — Working at a summer camp helps students grow their leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Youth Program Services We Offer:

Manage housing and dining contracts
Coordinate catering and purchase snacks/drinks
Develop and monitor budget
Process payments
Register participants
Manage all pre- and post-camp communications
Answer general questions about camp
Reproduce and assemble camp materials
Coordinate the hiring of counselors selected by the department
Train counselors on Penn State youth policies
Provide 24/7 support to counselors for youth emergency issues
Manage on-site check-in and check-out

Youth Program Feedback

My student came home talking about plans to work toward his goal of applying to Penn State to study architecture. It’s amazing how four days could so inspire a young man and make such a positive impact! I’m very thankful for this opportunity.

—Summer camp parent

The collaboration throughout the year-long planning process was exceptional. We received tremendous support while running our programs!

—Youth program partner

I loved the environment provided by the students and teachers. I felt safe to fail and grow within the program.

—Summer camp participant

Featured Youth Camps

Architecture and Landscape Architecture Summer Camp is for high school students who are fascinated by architecture, design, and the built environment. It offers young people the opportunity to immerse themselves in the kinds of activities that take place in university-level professional design programs in architecture and landscape architecture.
Weather Camp is a weeklong residential camp for eighth through twelfth graders who have a passion for meteorology. For more than 25 years, Weather Camp has inspired curiosity and confidence through an immersive, hands-on exploration of meteorology. Campers dive into many aspects of weather science, including learning how storms form and why forecasts change, reading weather charts, using forecast models, and launching a weather balloon.
MINING ROCKS! Penn State Mining Summer Camp is a residential camp for high schoolers to learn about minerals in their daily lives. Students learn about extraction and processing of critical minerals and the role of mining engineers.