15 Winter Camps for Middle School Students
- Stephen Turban
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Middle school students looking to explore advanced academics during winter break can consider participating in a camp. Similar to summer camps, winter camps help you learn more about subjects of your choice while getting industry exposure. These camps also develop practical skills through activities, projects, and games. A camp can prepare you for high school academics, and many of them give you exposure to subjects not traditionally offered in middle school.
To help you choose, we have compiled a list of 15 winter camps for middle school students based on their academic rigor, networking opportunities, and scope for personal development.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 8 weeks starting June 2 (Summer Cohort I) or July 14 (Summer Cohort II)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: Middle school students
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is an online program for middle schoolers. After being matched with a mentor, you will delve into your academic interests in this rigorous program. The mentors are scholars from top research universities like Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE. During the 8-week program, you will work on a project that is related to a topic and subject you are interested in. A Harvard & Oxford PhD, who met as undergraduates at Harvard, founded this program. You can find the application in the brochure.
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies; financial aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (weekend spring cohort) or 25 hours over 2 weeks (weekday summer cohort)
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
Middle school students can learn the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Veritas AI’s Trailblazers Program. You will learn Python, data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. The course has 25 hours of programming and a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Lectures and group sessions facilitate your learning. Previously, students have built a machine-learning model to classify music genres and created a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Location: Oakland/Piedmont and Berkeley, CA
Cost/Stipend: $80 per day (drop-in half day), $135 per day (drop-in full day), $280 (first week half day) or $480 (first week full day)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: December 23–27 or December 30–January 3 (except January 1)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students aged 6–16
Middle school students interested in math could consider participating in this winter math camp. Classes cover a range of topics like number theory, algebra, geometry, combinatorics, graph theory, logic, and the basics of computer science. You will learn these concepts through games, contests, magic tricks, and more. After the lunch break, you will enjoy fun activities in art and science. Depending on your grade or math level, you will be placed in groups for the camp. Half-day and full-day options are available.
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Cost/Stipend: $65 (half day) or $100 (full day)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: To be announced
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Kids aged 6–14
Hot Ground Gym’s Winter Break Camp is designed for elementary and middle school students. With various camps to choose from, you can participate in obstacle courses, teambuilding challenges, and HGG games. The camp aims to help you develop hand-eye coordination with target practice and social skills. You will be encouraged to collaborate with other participants and take up leadership roles, which will boost your leadership and problem-solving skills confidence. Participating in hands-on activities will keep you active and engaged throughout the winter break, making returning to school a smoother transition.
Location: Chicago, Evanston, Schaumburg, or Naperville, IL
Cost/Stipend: $550 per week (tentative)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: To be announced
Application Deadline: To be announced. Check here for updates
Eligibility: Rising 1st–7th graders
Kids STEM Studio offers STEM-based camps for middle school students. You will participate in projects and activities as well as create products. This camp teaches you the work of a scientist, engineer, programmer, and so on. The core camp curriculum deals with robotics, coding, game design, Minecraft, and engineering. A typical day at camp is split between technology and engineering components. You can also take home engineering models. Outside this tech focus, you will partake in games and outdoor recess.
Location: Austin, TX
Cost/Stipend: $425 (tentative)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: January 1–5
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students aged 5–12
If you are a middle schooler who wants to learn magic tricks and explore your creativity, Fantastic Magic Camp may be a suitable option. In this camp, you will learn to perform magic tricks, build your own puppets, learn juggling skills, and participate in games. The camp is led by experienced magicians and educators. It focuses on building your confidence and creativity. You will also learn to perform your own magic show, developing your communication skills in the process.
Location: 2 locations in California
Cost/Stipend: $2,200
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: 8–10 per class
Dates: 5 Saturdays from January 24–February 28 (no class on February 14)
Application Deadline: To be announced. Check here for updates
Eligibility: Students aged 7–16
Blue Angel Snow offers a ski and snowboard camp for middle schoolers. Over 5 Saturdays, you will learn the foundations of skiing and snowboarding. More advanced learners learn techniques to improve their skills. The teaching and safety measures adhere to industry standards. Instructors ensure a balance of technical teaching and fast-paced skiing or snowboarding on the slopes, so you learn in a safe but fun environment.
Location: Fresno, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: January 5–9
Application Deadline: To be announced. Check here for updates
Eligibility: K–12 students
The Winter Enrichment Camps invite students to participate in various activities. You will benefit from hands-on teaching that helps develop your critical thinking and teamwork skills. The camps will incorporate various themes, namely, adventure, college and career discovery, creative arts, and sports and fitness. You will also partake in physical activities outside the classroom.
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Cost: To be announced. Check here for updates
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: December 16–20 | December 30–January 3 | February 14–17
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students aged 3–18
The Peak 2 Pacific Winter Camp offers the opportunity to connect with nature and develop new skills. Students participate in leadership, team-building, and strategic activities. You will go on beach walks and intertidal adventures while learning about marine biology. Some of the peak adventures include hiking, bouldering, and terrestrial/creek ecology. Swimming, surfing, kayaking, and other activities may not be available in the winter. Teens can support the program as leaders and counselors in training.
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Cost/Stipend: $175
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: December 30–January 3 (no camp on January 1)
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 3–8
Page Youth Center offers winter sports camps for middle school students. The volleyball camp will help improve your skills in the sport and stay active during the winter break. The camp lasts for a week, and you can enjoy the sport alongside other friends and peers. 5th and 6th-graders can also opt for the basketball camp. Beyond the sport itself, the camp aims to foster teamwork, perseverance, cooperation, and sportsmanship among students.
Location: Pershing Park Baseball Facility, Santa Barbara, CA
Cost/Stipend: $150 (early bird) or $250
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: December 22–24
Application Deadline: December 22
Eligibility: Kids aged 5–13
The Vaquero Baseball Camp has summer and winter sessions. If you’re looking to improve your baseball skills, this camp may suit your requirements. The camp is not limited to one kind of player but teaches batting, fielding, position play, and pitching. You will learn the game by spending time on the baseball diamond and through training. Do note that you must bring your own equipment.
Location: Online or in-person in Santa Monica or Palo Alto, CA
Cost/Stipend: $105 per day, $489 per week (full day), or $60 per day (half day)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: December 16–20 | December 23–27 (no class on December 25) | December 30–January 3 (no class on January 1)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students in grades 4–8, ages 11–15
This Winter Tech Camp offers various tech-based camps for middle schoolers. The Modding in Minecraft Game Design Macro teaches you to create teleporting swords, blocks, mobs, bows that shoot arrows that summon ender dragons, entire worlds, and more through programming. You can enroll whether you’re a beginner or you have some experience. This is a week-long camp available for a full day or half day. Structured activities are integrated into the curriculum, and you can take your work home.
Location: Arrillaga Outdoor Education Recreation Center (AOERC) or Roble Field, Stanford, CA
Cost/Stipend: Not specified; $100 per week non-refundable deposit
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: February 17–21
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students aged 5–12
Classic Camp Cardinal is a 5-day winter camp at Stanford University. At this camp, you can participate in various sports such as Basketball, Soccer, Pickleball, and Indoor Hockey. These are organized at Hoover Tower and the Red Barn Equestrian Center. You can also participate in arts and craft activities. This is a full-day camp, and you must bring your own lunch and snacks.
Location: Moorpark, CA
Cost/Stipend: $575
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: December 23–27 (no camp on December 25) or December 30–January 3 (no camp on January 1)
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: None specified
Middle schoolers who want to learn horse riding can opt for Moorpark’s Fall/Winter Day Camp. Here, you will learn the skills needed to become proficient at the sport. The camp teaches techniques in all arenas: hunter, jumper, and equitation. Your lesson plan may depend on your existing riding level. The camp and academy also provide pathways to competitions and becoming proficient riders.
Location: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
Cost/Stipend: $1,000 per course; tuition aid available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Tuesday and Thursday classes run for 8 weeks; Saturday classes run for 4 weeks (exact dates to be announced)
Application Deadline: To be announced
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–8
The Science Alliance Middle School Program allows middle schoolers to explore scientific discoveries and meet scientists. You can choose the topic you want to learn, such as anthropology, astrophysics, conservation science, Earth science, and evolutionary biology. Individual sessions are run for each topic and are typically held once a week. You can expect to learn new science skills through this program. You will also explore the Tree of Life, our universe, and humankind.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD 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.
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