Summer Camp FAQs

CAMP APPLICATION AND REGISTRATION QUESTIONS

When is payment for summer camp due?
No payment is due at the time of application.

A deposit of $150 is required during registration. This deposit will be applied to camp tuition.

The full amount for the summer camp is $1,100.

Are there any scholarship opportunities?
Yes. At the time of application, students will be automatically evaluated for a scholarship. To be considered for a scholarship, applications must be submitted by February 16, 2024. Students who apply prior to the deadline will be notified of their scholarship award in early March.

Eligibility Requirements

Students entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2023.
Demonstrate an interest in the communications field.
Essay of 500 words or less.

How to apply for summer camp?

Fill out and submit your application using our online form. The application IS TO BE COMPLETED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. Any questions can be directed to:

Emily Miller at emiller@psu.edu
Maritza Smith at mzs1217@psu.edu

DEADLINES

Application/Registration Timeline

Scholarship deadline to apply: February 16, 2024
Notifications: Early March
All students selected to participate in summer camps must complete additional registration by May 3, 2024. Registration details and instructions will be sent directly to parents/guardians via email.

Students should plan for the following schedule:

Check-in: Sunday, July 7, 2024
Tentative: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Parent session: Sunday, July 7, 2024
Tentative: 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Check-out: Friday, July 12, 2024
Tentative: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

What is the cancellation/refund policy?
Refunds for camp cancellation are as follows:

Cancellation prior to May 7 - 100% refund minus $150 deposit.
Cancellation prior to June 7 - 30% refund minus $150 deposit.
Cancellation less than 30 days prior to the camp start date: NO REFUND.

What is the registration process for 2024 summer camp?
Once accepted to the camp, registration must be completed online through Destiny.

The Outreach Department will now be your primary contact for camp-related questions including drop-off and pick-up times, registration forms, payment, and items to bring to camp. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Colette Rodger at cms324@psu.edu

After May 3, you will not be able to register online. You will need to fill out a registration form and mail it to:

Penn State
PO Box 410
State College, PA 16804-0410

Please contact Colette Rodger at cms324@psu.edu for a registration form.

Your registration will not be complete until payment is received. We will not be able to hold your spot without a deposit. Your spot may be released to another student if all documentation is not received by May 3rd.

CAMP WEEK QUESTIONS

Is this a day camp or an overnight camp?
This is an overnight camp that runs for a week from Sunday to Friday. Check-in occurs on Sunday followed by a Parent Session. Check-out is on Friday.

What are the daily hours of the camp activities?
Activities generally start at 8 a.m. and end at various times, depending on which camp your child is in. Usually, they end between 8 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. each day.

Are meals provided during the camp?
Yes. All meals are provided at the cost of the camp. Campers are welcome to bring snacks to keep in their dorm rooms. Each room has a small refrigerator and a microwave.

How are dietary restrictions/food allergies handled?
Campers will specify any dietary needs during the camp registration process. All dietary accommodations will be documented and implemented. Food allergies must be disclosed to the camp planner in advance at CMS324@psu.edu or 814-863-5100. Learn more at Penn State Campus Dining (814-867-5277, foodallergies@psu.edu).

How will housing be provided?
Students will be housed on campus. Campers are assigned two per room. Males and females will be housed in separate buildings.

What oversight will be provided in the dorms?
Campers will be supervised at all times by camp counselors. The housing commons desks are maintained 24 hours. University staff will be housed in the building to assist with any problems or emergencies.

How will roommate assignments be determined?
Roommate assignments are made by program staff. Mutual requests for preferred roommates who are enrolled in the same camp will be honored. Occasionally, a camper may have a single room based on the enrollment numbers. Special requests for a single room must be submitted in advance for consideration.

Do participants need to bring any equipment or is everything provided?
No equipment is needed during the camp.

Will transportation to campus be provided?
No. Parents/guardians are responsible for getting campers to the campus on Sunday, July 7, 2024, as well as picking them up at the end of the camp on Friday, July 12, 2024. Penn State employees are not permitted to pick up campers at the airport or bus station.

What transportation services will be provided during the camp?
All transportation needs during the camp will be provided.

Who are the counselors and instructors for the camp?
Camp counselors are current PSU students with completed background clearances and will remain with the campers 24 hours per day. Camps are taught by Penn State faculty and staff who also have all clearances.

How will campers’ medications be handled?
Medications will be collected at check-in, and parents will submit the Daily Medication Log. Medications collected will be kept in a lockbox that will be with the lead counselor at all times during the camp. If you have a medication that requires refrigeration, please contact Colette Rodger at cms324@psu.edu

How will medications be administered?
Campers must self-administer their medication. Counselors will not administer ANY medications to campers, nor can they buy or provide any type of medication including over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, Advil, cough medicine, etc.)

After Checking in, then what happens?
After checking in, parents and students may bring luggage to their room and help with settling into assigned rooms. After that, parents are free to depart.

Are there any mail services provided?
Mail services are NOT available for youth camps unless prior arrangements have been made with Dion Dillon.

(Updated Feb. 1, 2024)