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Registration opens in February 2025 for our 2025 Engineering summer camps! Our on-campus summer engineering camps are interactive, social programs that will fuel your child's passion for engineering. Campers will explore the engineering design process and sharpen new math and science skills. The high-quality curriculum is delivered by ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno engineering faculty, students and engineering professionals from the community in a fun, engaging environment. 

What our camps offer:

• Focused-learning time: Eight hours of hands-on lessons, engaging discussions and short lectures.
• Teambuilding and breaks: Our day includes icebreakers, team building activities, energizers and breaks to keep campers engaged!
• High-quality instruction: Content is developed by ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno engineering faculty and engineering students.
• Social interaction: Campers will participate in team activities, group reflections and get-to-know-you activities.
• A 6:1 student-teacher ratio.

For more on registration, scholarships, refunds and a disclaimer, see the registration section.

Camp descriptions and schedules

Below are descriptions for middle school and high school camps.

Middle school camps 

These two middle school camps are for ages 12-14.

Engineering Everywhere: Introduction to Engineering

June 23-27

Engineering touches every aspect of our lives, from the roads we drive and the medicines we take to the technology that connects us. This camp, for those who are just starting their engineering journey, will delve into the exciting field of engineering by focusing on the Engineering Design Process to solve complex problems. Through a combination of engaging, hands-on activities and real-world applications, participants will: 

• Design, build, and test projects: Work on creative engineering challenges that showcase the problem-solving strategies of various engineering fields
• Learn from experts: ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno faculty and College of Engineering students will lead interactive sessions and provide guidance, inspiration and valuable insights into the profession.
• Experience engineering in action: Participate in field trips to engineering sites to see professionals tackling real-world challenges and making a difference
• Collaborate on real-world problems: Engage in teamwork activities that mirror the collaborative nature of engineering, emphasizing the critical role of communication, creativity and cooperation in the field

Whether you're curious about civil, mechanical, biomedical or computer engineering — or simply enjoy building and creating — this camp is the perfect place to spark interest and explore possibilities! 

Engineering Adventures: Exploring Engineering

July 14-18

From clean water solutions and designing transportation systems to building sustainable communities and advancing aviation, engineering plays a vital role in solving modern challenges. This camp offers hands-on activities, engaging lectures, field trips and a unique exploration of how engineering is integrated into aspects of university life and beyond. Here’s what you can look forward to: 

• Hands-on engineering projects: Tackle real-world challenges, such as designing a water filtration system or creating aerodynamic rockets. Each activity emphasizes problem-solving, creativity and practical skills.
• Focused learning sessions: Dive into various engineering fields like environmental, civil and mechanical engineering through interactive lectures led by University faculty and professionals. Explore how these disciplines work together to tackle the world’s biggest problems.
• Exciting field trips: Step beyond the classroom to visit sites where engineering comes to life, such as water reclamation plants and aviation-related industries. 
• An integrated experience: Your day might start with an exploration of environmental engineering concepts, followed by building a water filtration system and end with a tour of a reclamation site or the University’s sustainability projects. You might explore aerodynamics through a lecture, construct a model rocket or see aviation engineering in action on a site visit.

This camp provides an immersive and inspiring look at how engineering touches every corner of our lives, from the University campus to the skies above and even to the luxury spaces we enjoy. Perfect for curious minds ready to explore and innovate, this camp offers a one-of-a-kind experience that will spark a passion for engineering and problem-solving! 

High school camps 

These two high school camps are for ages 15-17.

Engineering In-Depth

July 7-11

Engineering impacts every part of our lives, from infrastructure and medicines we need to the technology that drives innovation. This camp is designed for high school students eager to and learn how each major degree program within the College of Engineering tackles today’s complex challenges. While our middle school camp focuses on the engineering design process, this one focuses on applying that to the different fields of engineering. Through hands-on experiences and real-world applications, participants will: 

• Explore Engineering majors: From civil and mechanical to biomedical and computer engineering, you’ll discover how each discipline approaches problem-solving in unique ways. Activities will demonstrate the specialized tools, techniques and strategies used in these fields.
• Design, build and test projects: Work on creative, hands-on challenges that introduce real-world problems engineers face daily. Projects will emphasize the processes specific to various majors.
• Learn from experts: ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno faculty and College of Engineering students will lead workshops tailored to each major. Those mentors will share their knowledge, experiences and guidance to inspire the next generation of engineers.
• Experience Engineering in action: Visit engineering sites and labs to see professionals working on cutting-edge projects that improve the world. These field trips will highlight how each major degree program contributes to solving real-world challenges.
• Collaborate like engineers: Tackle teamwork challenges that emphasize the skills engineers rely on every day: communication, creativity and collaboration. Working in teams allows the participant to think like an engineer and develop solutions that matter.

Civil and Environmental Engineering by J-U-B Engineering

July 21-25

Civil engineers ensure that our infrastructure, from roads and bridges to buildings, is safe. Environmental engineers maintain our waterways and supplies, provide safe drinking water and design stormwater systems to prevent flooding. This camp offers students a chance to learn the ins and outs of civil and environmental engineering by following the Engineering Design Process. They will meet with ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno faculty and students to learn about key practices that will enhance critical thinking, time management and problem-solving skills. What this camp offers: 

• Interactive engineering labs and activities: Led by ÐÔ°®ÎåÉ«Ìì, Reno Civil and Environmental Engineering faculty, participants will explore various aspects of this field through engaging, hands-on projects, including making a concrete canoe, utilizing state-of-the-art driving simulators, and engaging in 3D printing projects. 
• Field trips to see engineering in action: Campers will step outside the classroom and into the real world to witness the work of civil and environmental engineers. Visits may include water treatment facilities and construction sites to see how modern engineering principles are applied to minimize environmental and societal impact.
• Mentorship and skill building: Meet University faculty and students who will guide participants through the camp experience, sharing their expertise and providing valuable insight into the field. Participants will develop essential skills like critical thinking, time management and problem-solving: all foundational to success in any engineering discipline. 

This camp is an opportunity to learn how civil and environmental engineers shape the world around us, offering an inspiring glimpse into how these professionals create safe, sustainable and efficient communities. Ideal for students curious about engineering and eager to make a positive impact, this camp is a gateway to exploring a rewarding and impactful career. 

Registration, scholarship info, refunds and disclaimer

Registration will open in February 2025. Please check back for pricing and registration links.

Scholarship information 

Scholarships to cover camper registration are available to those who qualify. For more information about this process, please contact Chris Sturmer.

Refund policy

If you choose to cancel or leave a camp session for any reason;

• 14 days or less prior to the camp session starting date, you will not be eligible for a refund.
• 15 or more days prior to the camp session starting date, you will be eligible for a refund.

Disclaimer 

The University reserves the right to decline a child’s participation where a child has previously attended a University camp where the participant’s prior behavior violates any rule of the University or where a participant and has had documented incident(s) of behavior that is/are detrimental to the best interest of other participants, counselors, University staff or other persons associated with the camp.