College of Humanities and Sciences

Sponsoring Department: Anthropology
Dates: June 1 - 5
For: Rising 6th - 8th grade

This summer camp focuses on exploring and sharing Virginia’s natural and cultural heritage through the digital and 3-D printed resources created by the Virtual Curation Lab. Participants would tour nearby historic Hollywood Cemetery to complete a mapping and 3-D scanning activity, and then learn about Virginia’s natural history during the last Ice Age and human history from the first human inhabitants in this region, all through 3-D printed replicas. Activities would include fossil and artifact identification, 3-D scanning, some 3-D printing, and for sharing, participants would develop scientific Zines and create a small exhibit on what they have learned using 3-D printed replicas.

Sponsoring Department: Sociology
Dates: June 8 - 12 
For: Rising 6th - 8th grade

Young Leaders Sociology Camp: Understanding People, Community & Change is a week-long sociology summer camp at VCU designed for middle school students who want to better understand the world around them and their role in shaping it. Rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu, that we are stronger and more human when we work together,  this camp helps students build self-awareness, confidence and leadership skills while exploring topics such as fairness, identity, history and well-being. Through guided discussions, creative projects, mindfulness practices and collaborative activities, students learn how to think critically, communicate effectively and advocate for themselves and others. The program provides a safe, inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and young people from different backgrounds learn alongside one another. By the end of the week, students leave with strengthened confidence, a deeper understanding of community and social responsibility, and a greater sense of their own voice and potential.

Sponsoring Department: Robertson School of Communication
Dates: June 15-19
For: Rising 6th - 8th grade

What if computers could help you brainstorm stories, design images and explore new ideas while you stay in control? In this hands-on bootcamp, middle school students discover how generative AI works, where it shows up in games, social media and school tools, and how to use it responsibly. Campers learn media literacy skills that help them spot misinformation, understand bias and protect their privacy online. Each day blends creative challenges, collaborative projects and guided experiments with real AI tools. Students leave with practical skills, stronger critical thinking and a new appreciation for imagination in a digital world.

Sponsoring Department: Anthropology
Dates: June 22-26
For: Rising 6th - 8th grade

This five-day summer camp introduces middle school students to the fascinating world of primates. Campers will explore how different primates live, behave, and adapt to a wide range of environments, while learning why these animals are important to conserve and how they contribute to healthy ecosystems, including our own. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and interactive games, students will compare humans with our closest living relatives and discover both what makes us unique and what connects us to the natural world.

Sponsoring Department: Chemistry
Dates: June 22-26
For: Rising 9th - 12th grade

Hosted on the VCU campus and taught by general chemistry professors, this fun and dynamic summer camp gives high school students an exciting taste of college life. Students will tour our state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities and collaborate with our world-class faculty, graduate students, and other high school researchers while diving into hands-on science. From building a simple spectroscope to performing food dye chromatography and designing a water purification system, these engaging projects spark curiosity, boost confidence, and build teamwork in a college learning environment!

Sponsoring Department: African American Studies
Dates: June 22 - 27
For: Rising 9th - 12th grade

The VCU Gabriel Summer Scholars Institute in African American Studies is a six-day college immersion experience aimed at giving students a rigorous, dynamic and fun introduction to the world of Black Studies. Students will meet scholars and college students, visit African American sites significant to Richmond, from art and history museums to an urban farm/art park, the James River, Library of Virginia, and the university’s collections.

Sponsoring Department: Philosophy
Dates: June 22-26
For: Rising 9th - 12th grade

VCU Philosophy Camp is a day camp for high school students interested in asking big questions, learning about new perspectives and seeing the world in a new way. Students will spend each day at camp digging into a diverse array of engaging activities that introduce them to the exciting world of philosophy. Students will play games, perform theatrical dialogues, create and share presentations, pose questions to expert guest speakers, race around VCU’s campus on a scavenger hunt and make lifelong friends in deep conversations about timeless questions. This year, the camp theme is “Justice.”

Sponsoring Department: Kinesiology and Health Science
Dates: June 15-19
For: Rising 9th - 12th grade

The VCU KHS Summer Camp offers high school students a hands-on immersion into the world of exercise science and physiological research. Throughout this week-long program, participants will conduct gold-standard assessments including VO2 max testing, Wingate anaerobic power trials, and bioelectrical impedance analysis to map the 'human machine.' In the afternoons, students transition from the lab to the computer to analyze their own performance metrics using SPSS software, mimicking the workflow of a professional sport scientist. This program bridges the gap between athletic interest and academic inquiry, providing a unique 'behind-the-scenes' look at the diverse career paths within the kinesiology and health science field.

Register for Summer Camps

Gabriel Summer Scholars Institute: $200/week
All other camps: $300/week

In some cases we are able to provide financial assistance. Please email CHSsummercamp@vcu.edu to inquire.

You may drop off your camper between 8:45 - 9 a.m.

You can pick up your camper between 4:30 - 5 p.m.

All campers should be dropped off at the VCU STEM Building, located at 817 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284.

Since we don't have a designated loading lane, please find a parking spot and meet us at the front of the building. This helps us avoid any traffic jams on Franklin Street.

Yes. There is on-street metered parking or parents may pay to park in the West Broad Street Deck, located at 1111 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220.  

For middle school camps, rising 6th - 8th grade in Fall 2026.

For high school camps, rising 9th - 12th grade in Fall 2026.

Campers should pack lunch, a water bottle, and snacks. For some camps, long pants and closed toed shoes may be required, and program directors will communicate those requirements to you before the start of camp.

No. Campers should arrive with a packed lunch.

Cancellations before May 1 will receive half of the payment back. Cancellations on May 1 or later will not be eligible for a refund. To cancel, please email CHSsummercamp@vcu.edu.

Yes, you may switch camp sessions up to May 1, 2026. Please email CHSsummercamp@vcu.edu to request a switch.

Please email CHSsummercamp@vcu.edu and the specific instructor of the camp.