News

2026 Summer Camps and Academies at VU

2 female youth wearing safety glasses conduct a chemistry lab experiment in a fume hood

February 23, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. - Vincennes University is offering a wide selection of exciting camps and academies for students from elementary to high school this summer. Youth can explore career options across a variety of diverse fields, ranging from Surveying to Culinary Arts, with many immersive, hands-on activities and experiences. Students can also improve their sports skills at camps hosted by VU Athletics coaches. Some programs even let students experience college life firsthand by living in a residence hall.

Director of University Events and Special Projects Laura Carie said, "We are excited to welcome youth to the Vincennes and Jasper campuses this summer to experience what VU offers. These transformative academic and sports camps help students gain confidence, explore careers, and in some cases, earn college credit or work-based learning hours. VU faculty and staff are looking forward to providing high-quality, engaging programs that showcase our facilities and foster connections.”

ACADEMICS

Surveying Camp

June 3-5, 2026

1 male and 1 female high school students outdoors with surveying equipment and notepads wear safety vests

Ever wonder how the world is built? Students will stop into the shoes of a land surveyor and get hands-on with professional-grade equipment to bring projects to life. They will also preview the residential college experience by staying in a residence hall on the Vincennes Campus. The camp is structured in a way that allows campers to earn one college credit that can be used toward any Surveying Technology degree completion at VU or be transferable to other colleges. Campers will also enjoy recreational activities on campus with current VU Surveying majors allowing for them to experience a true college atmosphere.

VU Jasper Summer STEM Academy

June 9-11, 2026

2 young males sit at collaborative robot stations with the student in forefront wearing glasses and operating a cobot moving blocks

Students going into grades 7-10 across southern Indiana can join a STEM camp that offers hands-on experiments and guidance from professionals. Campers connect with local employers to learn about career options in the area. Each student works on a STEM project in a field they choose, guided by VU faculty, so they can build skills in a subject that interests them. At the end of the program, students share their projects with their families at a showcase that highlights their creativity and hard work.

Techmester

June 15-17, 2026

3 male highschoolers wear safety glasses and stand in a VU lab filled with CNC and precision machining equipment

For rising high school juniors and seniors, this annual residential camp offers a deeper dive into high-demand career paths, including Accounting, Robotics, Conservation Law Enforcement, Culinary Arts, Health Sciences, and Precision Machining. Campers complete an expert-led team challenge in a program tailored to their interest in VU’s state-of-the-art labs. Techmester is an excellent opportunity to earn 25 hours of work-based learning experience. The camp also provides a preview of the college atmosphere with campers living in a residence hall and participating in evening social activities.

Summer STEM Academy

June 21-24, 2026

3 highschoolers with one female sitting with wires connected to her body while the a male and female student look at a laptop with skeletons hanging in the background of a science lab

This residential camp welcomes high school juniors and seniors to the Vincennes Campus, where they dive into exciting STEM career paths and daily campus adventures. Engaging hands-on activities are at the heart of the academy, and students can even earn a college credit. Plus, participants get a true taste of college living, including eating in the dining center, staying in a residence hall, and making the most of VU’s incredible recreational facilities.

ATHLETICS

Todd Franklin Basketball Camps

Team Shootouts (ages 13-18), June 3-5, 2026

Individual Camp (age 12 and under), June 10-12, 2026

Offensive Skills Camp (age 12 and under), June 17-19, 2026

A male college student and young male players dribble basketballs on a court

Nyla Johnson Basketball Camps

Individual Skills (ages 14-18), June 10, 2026

Team Camp (ages 13-18), June 15-16, 2026

Elite Camp 1 (ages 14-15), June 20, 2026

Individual Camp (ages 13-16), June 22-24, 2026

Elite Camp 2 (ages 16-18), June 27, 2026

A large group of female youth sitting in a half circle on a basketball court as a male coach talks to them

Register now and explore all of VU’s summer academy and camp options at vinu.edu/camps and govutrailblazers.com/inside-athletics/community-connection/camps/athletic-camps

Look for additional camps and more details to come.

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