Introduction 

Whether you are an ambitious high school student or involved parent, deciding how to spend the summer is an almost impossible task. There is an increasingly overwhelming number of options available, and choosing from among them can feel flat-out daunting!

If you live in North Carolina, you may be interested in attending a summer program at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill). Unfortunately there is not much information on Google about the various programs available, so we put together this guide! We hope this will give you a good sense of the different program options, pros/cons, and more!

I also happen to be a recent UNC-Chapel Hill graduate myself, so I'm excited to put this guide together for students interested in the campus!

Why UNC-Chapel Hill? 

Ranked 5th overall among public universities by U.S. News and World Report, UNC-Chapel Hill is known nationally for its commitment to academic excellence and student life. Some of the many benefits include:

• Access to UNC Resources: UNC-Chapel Hill has several state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, labs, and athletic equipment available for campers’ use. For instance, Wilson Library located in the center of campus houses both the North Carolina Special Collections and the Collection of Souther of Folklife. Both are available to visit upon request and hold rare manuscripts and artifacts difficult to access elsewhere. While at UNC, you can also get a head start on the undergraduate admissions process at Jackson Hall or take a tour of UNC Football’s Kenan Memorial Stadium. 
• Networking Opportunities: Summer programs on UNC’s campus bring together students from diverse backgrounds and parts of the country, fostering meaningful connections lasting well beyond their time at camp. Who knows? That friend you make at a week-long summer camp may be a future college classmate! 
• Personal Growth and Academic Enrichment: While these summer programs are meant to be enjoyable, they also provide structure so that students can see  themselves making headway in what they are passionate about. Spending time on a college campus gives students the opportunity to envision their own futures, sparking excitement for college and beyond.

Types of Summer Camps Available at UNC-Chapel Hill

There are several categories of summer camps at UNC, each designed to spark curiosity and build invaluable skills. While most of the programs focus either on academics or athletics, there are still opportunities for students to engage with the arts while at UNC. Here’s a closer look at the types of options available: 

1. Academic Camps

UNC-Chapel Hill’s academic camps attract students interested in broadening their understanding in STEM, the humanities, or the social sciences. These programs challenge students to think critically while building a spirit of collaboration with other students.

• STEM-Focused Programs: Camps at UNC give students the opportunity to tackle real-world problems and get a better sense for a future career in STEM. For example, high school students interested in a career in medicine may benefit from attending Outset’s one-week camp where students not only learn about the process of becoming a physician, but also interact daily with the faculty of the UNC School of Medicine to participate in real-world scenarios. Other STEM programs include those offered by the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center or, for those students interested in developing coding skills –  iD Tech. 
• Humanities and Social Sciences Workshops: For those inclined towards history, literature, or the social sciences, UNC offers camps where students analyze topics in the humanities while building key rhetorical skills that are crucial for their future academic success.The N.C. Scholastic Media Institute affords high school students the opportunity to receive top-tier training at UNC’s award-winning Hussman School of Journalism. Students receive training in new paper writing, literary magazine, and yearbook to name a few. Students who have completed their junior year of high school are allowed to register for summer courses through UNC Summer School and gain invaluable skills from professors in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. 

2. Athletic Camps

For students passionate about sports, UNC-Chapel Hill’s athletic camps provide a supportive atmosphere where they can develop their skills alongside UNC’s talented coaches and athletes.

• Carolina Basketball: Steeped in UNC’s storied legacy in college basketball, Carolina Basketball School offers male athletes the opportunity to learn alongside players and coaches such as Hubert Davis, allowing them to develop technical skills, learn the value of teamwork, and improve overall physical conditioning. 
• Other Sports Camps: Camps in other sports are available as well, including programs with the nationally known UNC Women’s Soccer  and UNC Football teams. These camps offer collegiate-level training and the opportunity to help young athletes enhance their playing abilities and potentially prepare for future careers as Division I athletes. In addition to soccer, football, and basketball, students can also select camps in baseball, lacrosse, swimming, track&field, and wrestling to name a few. To learn more, go to the Coaches’ Private Summer Camp page.

3. Art Camps

Unfortunately UNC does not have many art camps! For creatively inclined students, check out these programs that are near or affiliated with the campus:

• Ackland Art Museum: Students interested in the visual arts are given the opportunity to get exposure to original works of art by participating in an immersive guided tour at the Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill.
• Visual Arts, Theater, and Music Camps: While not on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus, UNC School of the Arts is a partner institution that hosts several visual arts, theater, and music camps each summer. For more information, visit the UNC School of the Arts Summer Programs page.

Registration Requirements and Financial Commitment 

Each of these summer camps has its own eligibility and age criteria, as well as registration requirements. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when enrolling for a summer camp at UNC-Chapel Hill:

Eligibility and Enrollment

• Age and Grade Requirements: Most camps are designed for high school students, although specific age and grade levels vary by program. For example, Outset’s pre-med program is designed primarily for student grades 9-12, but many of UNC’s sports camps allow for children of all ages. 
• Application Process: The application process often includes submission forms and personal information such as a health record, followed by any additional requirements specified for the program. For example, all camps will most likely require immunization records, but arts and sports camps may require students to send in an audition video or try-out for a team. Also, apply early! Deadlines typically fall a few months before the program start date.

Cost and Financial Aid

• Tuition Fees and Payment Plans: Unfortunately, with most summer camps, there are certain fees used to help cover the cost of staff, living expenses, and any special materials needed. Some programs offer sliding scale (income-driven) tuition or delayed payment plan options to help families manage the costs, but you should be prepared to make a plan if you think that cost could be an issue. 
• Scholarships and Financial Assistance: UNC-Chapel Hill may also provide scholarships and financial aid options for eligible applicants. Some programs work directly with the university to provide financial assistance, while others have their own method of how to handle scholarships. Either way, do not let finances get in the way of you your child taking part in an incredible opportunity. 

Testimonials and Success Stories

From the many testimonials, students seemed to highlight these three key aspects in relation to their experiences: 

• Personal Growth: Many students report increased self-confidence, refined skills, and new perspectives after attending a UNC camp.
• Lifelong Friendships: Camps provide a unique social environment where students form close bonds with peers who share similar interests, often resulting in lasting friendships.
• Academic and Career Influence: Several alumni mention that their camp experience influenced their college applications, area of study, and even career choices, underscoring the camp’s role in their growth.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose a Summer Camp at UNC-Chapel Hill?

Summer programs at UNC-Chapel Hill stand out for their dedication to student growth, unique academic and extracurricular options, and access to the university’s wide-range of resources. Attending a summer camp at UNC-Chapel Hill allows students to explore their own interests, while also making valuable connections and getting a feel for college life. For students or parents of students looking to make their summer memorable, UNC-Chapel Hill’s summer camps are an excellent choice.