8 Leadership Camps for Middle School Students
Middle school is a time of self-discovery, where students begin to shape their passions, strengths, and future aspirations. Leadership camps offer a way to nurture these interests, providing hands-on experiences that develop essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Beyond learning how to lead, you will gain the confidence to think creatively, take initiative, and collaborate effectively with others.
Participating in leadership camps not only builds confidence but also sets the foundation for high school success and beyond. Early exposure to leadership through projects, workshops, and real-world challenges prepares you for more advanced roles in school clubs, community organizations, and even future careers.
In this blog, we’ll explore 8 of the best leadership and business summer camps for middle schoolers.
Note: The following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
Location: Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Dates: July 8 – 11
Eligibility: Grades 7-12
Cost: $350 (use code ACCESS for a $25 discount)
Deadline: Registration typically opens in December
The Logic, Leadership, & Life Skills summer camp hosted by the Leadership Society of Arizona aims to empower teens by focusing on personal strengths, emotional mastery, and happiness. The camp offers an interactive 4-day program that presents college-level curriculum through engaging activities. You will have the chance to complete licensed professional development training. You will also set goals, learn leadership skills, and receive personalized guidance from certified life coaches.
Location: University of Maryland/Washington, D.C., Emory University, Atlanta, GA, or Bentley University/Boston, MA
Cost:
Residential Option: $3,145
Day Option: $2,645
Scholarships available
Eligibility: Grades 5-8
Application Deadline: Applications are recommended by March
Dates/Duration: Multiple sessions available from June to July, 6-day programs
This leadership program immerses middle school students in simulations, hands-on activities, and decision-making workshops. In the American Presidency Workshop and Simulation, you’ll get to roleplay as a member of an American presidential campaign team. You’ll simulate a day in office as president, practicing the skills that leaders use to deal with crises. You will explore topics like government and entrepreneurship while participating in site visits to key landmarks in Washington, D.C., including Capitol Hill. Leadership simulations are designed to build your collaborative skills.
Location: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA
Dates: TBA. Two sessions were offered in the past:
June 25 – 28
July 16 – 19
Cost: $550. Scholarships available on a first-come, first-served basis
Eligibility: Grades 7-9
Deadline: TBA. You can sign up for updates here
The Ronald Reagan Student Leadership Program is a 4-day leadership training for middle school students. The program emphasizes hands-on, interactive learning with activities focused on communication, leadership, and independent thinking. It also includes a service project with community partners such as Operation Gratitude. You will get to experience an immersive simulation and a tour of the Ronald Reagan museum. You will also receive a Certificate of Completion.
Location: Silicon Valley, CA, and additional locations
Cost: $1,495 – $2,295
Eligibility: Ages 11-15
Application Deadline: Rolling applications, recommended by April
Dates/Duration: TBA. Two sessions were offered in the past:
June 10 – 21
July 8 – 19
Camp BizSmart is an entrepreneurship camp where students collaborate to solve real-world business challenges. With mentorship from startup leaders, you will design products, create business models, and pitch ideas to investors. The program focuses on leadership, team management, and business development. You’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and more.
Location: Columbus, OH
Cost: $115 (Registration fee includes various programming and meals)
Eligibility: Grades 6-12
Application Deadline: October 15
Dates/Duration: November 8 – 9
FBLA’s leadership conference helps middle school students explore business leadership through workshops, seminars, and competitions. The camp focuses on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and leadership. You’ll participate in business and leadership skill labs as well as professional development breakout sessions. You will also have opportunities to meet professionals in business and compete in leadership events.
Location: Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA; Simmons University, Boston, MA; or International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth Port, MA
Cost: $635 – $795 per week, depending on program. Scholarships available
Eligibility: Grades 6-12 or 7-10, depending on the program
Dates: Multiple week-long sessions from June to August
Deadline: Rolling
The Summer Institute in Global Leadership offered by the United Nations Association of Greater Boston provides immersive week-long Model UN programs for middle and high school students. Throughout the sessions, you will engage with thematic topics, enhance public speaking and negotiation skills, meet guest speakers, and collaborate on global issues. In the past, the program offered leadership institutes on Human Rights, Global Health, Women in Leadership, International Security, Advanced Leadership, Wildlife Conservation, Emerging Technologies and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and Climate Resilience.
Location: New York City, NY, or virtual
Cost: $5 – $50, depending on program (scholarships available)
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 who reside in the 5 boroughs of New York
Application Deadline: October 6
Dates/Duration: Multiple year-round events. See the full calendar here
This institute combines leadership skills development with community service and career exploration. You will work on group projects focused on making an impact in your community while building leadership skills such as public speaking and conflict resolution. The leadership institute offers two paths—the Exploration Path and the Changemaker Path. Students on the first path explore a range of college and career options. The second path gives you the chance to work on a capstone project related to environmental advocacy, STEM, or business.
Location: Training centers in Nashville, TN
Cost: $99
Eligibility: Students ages 10 – 18 from the Nashville area
Application Deadline: Rolling
Dates/Duration: June 17 – 28
Youth About Business offers a hands-on experience for students interested in entrepreneurship and leadership. You will have the chance to learn about investments and business practices from financial advisors. You’ll learn about corporate structure and asset management training. The program offers you hands-on experience through training centers, local small businesses where you’ll get to apply your classroom knowledge.
One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & an Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure!
To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!
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 where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.