15 Physics Camps for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 10 min read
If you are interested in physics, summer camps can be a useful way to explore the subject beyond your regular school curriculum. These programs introduce you to topics such as astrophysics, quantum mechanics, and experimental physics while allowing you to work with instructors and researchers. Many camps also include activities such as experiments, coding, and data analysis that help you understand how physics is studied in academic settings.
How are camps different from other programs in high school?
Physics camps are usually short-term programs that focus on specific topics within physics through structured lessons, experiments, and group projects. Many are hosted by universities, national laboratories, or research institutions and include activities such as lab demonstrations, coding exercises, telescope observations, and discussions with scientists. These programs also give you the chance to collaborate with peers who share similar academic interests while exploring advanced physics concepts in a focused setting.
To help you get started, here are 15 physics camps for high school students worth exploring.
If you’re looking for online STEM programs, check out our blog here.
Location: Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA.
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 19-24
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students (often juniors/seniors) with an interest in physics (no strict prerequisites)
Saint Joseph’s Physics Research Camp invites you to step into a real university lab and experience what being a physicist feels like. The camp brings together teachers and students to tackle past International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT) problems, giving you the chance to explore real-world physics challenges. Over the one-week experience, you’ll design experiments, collect and analyze data, and take part in engaging physics debates modeled after the IYPT’s famous “physics fights”. By the end of the camp, you’ll collaborate with your team to present your findings, meet guest physicists, and explore the university’s research facilities, gaining a glimpse into the academic world that awaits you.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies by program; financial aid is available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Varies by program and cohort: Spring (March - June), Summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), and Winter (December - February).
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort, typically in February, May, September, and December. The Winter Cohort deadline is November 16. Apply here!
Eligibility: High school students with strong academic records.
The Lumiere Research Scholars Program gives you the chance to explore the Physics Track, designed for high school students eager to dive deeper into astrophysics and engineering. Founded by researchers from Harvard and Oxford, this program lets you take on a 12-week to 12-month research project entirely online, giving you the flexibility to work from anywhere. You’ll collaborate one-on-one with a Ph.D. mentor, gaining personalized guidance as you learn how real academic research works. By the end of the program, you’ll have produced a substantial research paper that reflects your growth and curiosity in physics.
Location: Bay Area (California), Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Gallup (NM)
Cost: Free (Stipends and travel funds are available)
Application rate/ cohort size: Selective, ~ 40 students
Dates: June 30 - July 25
Application Deadline: March 21
Eligibility: High school students who are at least 16 years old by the first day of camp and interested in physics, math, or computer science (no strict prerequisites, intro workshops provided).
QCaMP Student Summer Camp is an intensive four-week program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy that immerses high school students in the world of quantum science. You will spend about 7 hours each day exploring concepts such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum sensing through interactive lessons, coding activities, and lab experiments. The curriculum, developed by top scientists, gives you hands-on experience with quantum computing platforms while strengthening teamwork through group projects and problem-solving sessions. You will also join workshops on research communication and STEM careers led by national lab mentors. Beyond technical learning, QCaMP helps you think like a scientist, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and a deeper understanding of how physics and computing drive innovation in the real world.
Location: Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, and Boston
Cost: Varies according to program. Financial aid available
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions throughout the year
Program Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Eligibility: Students aged 13-18 currently enrolled in middle/high school
The Academic Insights Program allows high school students to take undergraduate-level classes at universities worldwide. The program pairs you with academics from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard in classes of 4-10 students. You'll attend university-style lectures and 1:1 weekly sessions with your tutor. The program includes practical experiences such as dissections in medicine, building robotic arms in engineering, and moot courts in law. You can choose from over 20 subjects, including architecture, artificial intelligence, business management, computer science, economics, medicine, philosophy, and more. By the program’s end, you will complete a personal project and receive written feedback and a certificate of completion. You can find more details about the application here.
Location: University of Memphis (Manning Hall), Memphis, TN.
Cost: $120 registration fee
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 23-27
Application Deadline: May 26
Eligibility: All high school students, no previous physics required.
The University of Memphis Physics & Materials Science Camp invites high schoolers to spend a week exploring how physics shapes everyday life. Each June, you’ll join an in-person experience filled with interactive activities, experiments, and lab tours. You might dive into areas such as computer chips and semiconductor technology, black holes and galaxy formation, and polymer materials for medical and space applications. One of the most exciting parts of the week is visiting the university’s research labs, where you’ll see advanced equipment in action and learn from faculty and graduate students. Guided by their mentorship, you’ll apply physics to real-world problems and end the camp by presenting your own project at a lively science fair.
Location: Oakland University, Rochester, MI (physics building).
Cost: $200 includes all materials; need-based scholarships available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, 20+ students
Dates: June 23-July 3.
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (open until full)
Eligibility: Rising juniors, rising seniors, and graduating seniors who received an A or B in AP Calculus or in an equivalent IB math class. Knowledge of AP Physics is a plus.
Over two weeks, you will dive into the groundbreaking discoveries of Einstein, Rutherford, and Bohr to learn how scientists revealed the secrets of atoms and light. Through interactive lectures and lab demonstrations, you’ll explore concepts like electric fields, atomic spectra, and the photoelectric effect to see how theory comes alive. You will also visit university labs, hear from OU faculty about topics such as dark matter and imaging science, and get a glimpse of what studying physics in college feels like. By the end of the program, you will better understand how the universe works and feel inspired to keep exploring the world of science.
Location: Casper College, Casper, WY (camp run in partnership with Texas A&M’s IQSE)
Cost: Free (tuition, housing, and meals covered for selected participants)
Application rate/ cohort size: Selective, 28 students
Dates: Two weeks, July 14-25
Application Deadline: Priority given to applications submitted by April 30
Eligibility: High school students and high school teachers interested in quantum science
The Quantum Science Camp gives you a great chance to dive into quantum mechanics and laser fusion science through a two-week immersive experience. You’ll explore foundational quantum topics such as superposition, entanglement, quantum computing, and quantum eraser experiments before expanding into advanced areas of laser fusion and experimental quantum technologies. Guided by Texas A&M faculty, you’ll engage in hands-on labs, interactive experiments, and collaborative projects that turn theory into real-world discovery. Each day, you’ll connect with professors, graduate students, and guest speakers to gain firsthand insight into how quantum research shapes the technologies of tomorrow.
Location: Virtual (Stanford and APS online).
Cost: Free (sponsored by APS and Stanford).
Application rate/ cohort size: 150 students worldwide (many countries represented).
Dates: July 8 - June 26 (Monday-Friday, daily virtual classes).
Application Deadline: May 1.
Eligibility: Female-identifying or nonbinary students (grades 9-11) who have completed at least one year of high school physics.
SPINWIP is a free virtual physics camp hosted by Stanford University and the American Physical Society for female-identifying and nonbinary high school students. Over three weeks, you’ll dive into quantum mechanics, relativity, and particle physics through daily lectures, team problem-solving, and coding mini-projects. You’ll also be paired with a Stanford mentor, such as a graduate student or lecturer, for weekly one-on-one sessions that guide your learning and growth. Career panels with women physicists offer insight into academic and research paths. Although entirely online, the camp builds a strong international community where you’ll connect and collaborate with peers who share your curiosity for physics.
Location: Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI.
Cost: $150 deposit (balance covered by sponsors); full scholarships available to all.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, ~60 students
Dates: June 22-27.
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders; must love science and math (strong precalculus background recommended)
Hillsdale College offers you a Summer Physics Camp to spend a week exploring the “Laws of Nature” through hands-on learning. Each day, you’ll delve into core areas of physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, relativity, and optics, through interactive labs, demonstrations, and discussions. You’ll get to build, experiment, and analyze like a real scientist, guided by Hillsdale’s faculty. The camp’s mix of projects and theory is perfect if you’re curious about becoming an experimentalist, engineer, or theorist. Alongside the science, you’ll also explore the history and philosophy behind modern physics, deepening your understanding of how the field shapes our world.
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL.
Cost: $1,999 (includes housing, meals, and activities)
Application rate/ cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple sessions (6 days, 5 nights) throughout summer (exact dates vary).
Application Deadline: Rolling basis until sessions are full
Eligibility: Ages 15-18 (high school); completion of algebra/physics recommended.
The Advanced Space Academy at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center gives you a chance to experience astronaut-style training through a one-of-a-kind NASA-inspired program that connects physics, engineering, and space science. During this immersive week-long experience, you will build and launch rockets, explore orbital mechanics, and take part in mission simulations such as International Space Station operations. Each activity blends scientific concepts with teamwork and problem-solving, guided by aerospace professionals. You will also tour exhibits like the Saturn V Rocket and discover how your passion for STEM can lead to real careers in the space industry.
Location: New Mexico School for the Arts, Santa Fe, NM
Cost: Free (includes lunch and snacks; stipend awarded to participants)
Application rate/ cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 2 - June 13
Application Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Female high school students from New Mexico, New Mexico tribal communities, or East Hawai‘i Island who have completed Algebra I or higher, and can commit to full participation during the two-week program. Priority is given to local students.
New Mexico Consortium Summer Physics Camp for Young Women invites high schoolers across New Mexico to explore how physics powers our world through energy and environmental science. Over two weeks, you’ll learn from scientists at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, diving into topics like solar, wind, and nuclear energy. The camp features lab demos, robotics activities, and team engineering challenges that help you apply physics to real-world problems. You’ll also gain valuable professional skills through resume-building and college preparation workshops. Completely free and offering stipends, the camp gives you a chance to be mentored by leading NNSA lab scientists while building confidence in your future STEM path.
Location: Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY.
Cost: $650 (program fee). Financial aid is available.
Application rate/ cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 14-18
Application Deadline: May 1
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10-12 in fall 2025 who have not yet completed a high school physics course.
The Physics Summer Camp at Stony Brook University’s Institute for STEM Education gives you the chance to discover how physics shapes the world through hands-on experiments and creative projects. Over five exciting days, you will dive into topics like mechanics, electricity, and light while working in small lab groups to design and test your own builds under the guidance of experienced instructors. Each session encourages you to think like a scientist by asking questions, experimenting, and observing results. You might find yourself building Rube Goldberg machines, exploring optical lenses, or studying motion. The week wraps up with a showcase where you present your projects to peers and instructors. With no prior physics background required, this camp offers an engaging and supportive way to experience the excitement of scientific discovery.
Location: Fermilab, Batavia, IL.
Cost: Free
Application rate/ cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One week in summer, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
Application Deadline: January 7
Eligibility: Current 9th-12th graders at Illinois public high schools
The SAGE Camp at Fermilab is a one-week summer program for Illinois high school students interested in particle physics and accelerators. During the camp, you’ll explore the world of subatomic science through lab tours, hands-on projects, and interactive sessions with Fermilab physicists and engineers. You’ll get a rare behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge research facilities, including accelerator tunnels and experimental setups. Career panels with scientists and engineers give you insight into real STEM pathways, while the camp’s close-knit cohort fosters lasting friendships and mentorships. This free program is a gateway into the exciting world of experimental physics at a world-class lab.
Location: University of Maryland, College Park, MD.
Cost: $375 of the camp fee
Application rate/ cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 28 - August 8 (Monday - Friday)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (applications typically open within the first week of the New Year)
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders with a strong interest in physics.
The Advanced Physics Summer Program at the University of Maryland invites you to dive into physics beyond what most high school classes offer. Over two immersive weeks, you’ll take part in hands-on lab experiments, coding simulations, robotics, soldering, and creative projects that explore advanced topics like quantum mechanics, relativity, and antimatter. You’ll visit cutting-edge research facilities such as the UMD Quantum Lab, hear from professors and graduate students about their work, and collaborate with peers on experiments inspired by real research. From Einstein’s thought experiments to modern code-breaking applications, each day helps you connect complex theories with real-world innovation and experience what it feels like to think and create like a physicist.
Location: Various US campuses
Cost: $9,800 of program fee, financial aid available.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective, 35 students
Dates: Five weeks, starting from June through August.
Application Deadline: January 24 for international, and February 21 for domestic applications.
Eligibility: Rising juniors (15-18 years old) with completed physics and precalculus; US and international students are eligible.
The Astrophysics Track at the Summer Science Program gives you a fully immersive five-week residential research experience, where you live and learn like a physicist. As a member of a small team, you’ll calculate the orbit of a real near-Earth asteroid using telescope data and numerical methods. Each morning, you’ll attend lectures on astronomy, physics, and coding to build your theoretical foundation. In the afternoons and evenings, you’ll gather data with telescopes, analyze it, and refine your models. You’ll collaborate closely with fellow students, live in dorms, and present your findings at the end of the program. Along the way, you’ll get firsthand exposure to the life of a researcher, strengthen problem-solving skills, and become part of a community of young potential scientists.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a research mentor to develop a research paper.
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