SUMMER CAMPS

Youth Programs

ACADEMY

Overnight Camp

ACADEMY, now in its fourth decade, offers a week-long summer camp designed for academically gifted and highly motivated students with a passion for learning. The program includes a variety of classes, cultural events, and recreational activities, providing a platform for intellectually curious students to connect with peers and nurture their love for learning.

Eligibility Criteria for ACADEMY Applicants:

Completed 5th to 8th grade
Maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher
Display above-average intelligence, leadership skills, special talents, exceptional abilities in visual and performing arts, and/or unique creative or critical thinking skills

ACADEMY Camper Portal (5th & 6th graders) ACADEMY Camper Portal (7th & 8th graders)

Camp Schedule & Sessions

Camp Schedule and Information
ACADEMY 2026 will be held on Southern Oregon University campus. Dates will be published in early January.

Sessions

Session 1 is for students finishing grades 5 and 6, and Session 2 is for those finishing grades 7 and 8.
Both sessions run simultaneously and last for one week.
Students who have completed grades 10-12 can apply to become Junior Counselors.

Tuition & Cancellation Policy

Tuition
The ACADEMY program is self-supported and receives funding from student tuition, donations, and grants. As 2025, the weekly camper tuition is set at $960, while the Junior Counselor tuition is $675.

There is a $25 discount for returning students and a $25 sibling discount. For siblings, the first sibling pays the regular price, and subsequent siblings receive a $25 discount.

All students can apply for ACADEMY tuition assistance based on their demonstrated financial need. To request tuition assistance, students should include it in their online application. Students and their families will be notified about tuition assistance in early June if they are awarded funds.

Tuition payment is required only after acceptance to ACADEMY, and payment details are provided in the acceptance notifications.

Cancellation Policy
Leaving an overnight camp program is discouraged. It is important that students make a commitment to fully participate. Schedule outside appointments, music lessons, athletic practices, and tryouts for times outside of the week of camp. We cannot credit, refund, or prorate tuition for any absences, no-shows or days missed due to illness or injury.

The following cancellation and refund policy applies to all cancellations, regardless of reason:

Cancellation of camp attendance a week or more before camp begins, families can receive a full refund, minus the $50 cancellation fee.
Cancellations less than one week before camp begins, families receive a 50% refund, minus the $50 cancellation fee.
Cancellation after the start date will not be refunded, nor will account credits be issued. Additionally, students who no-show, or withdraw from camp will not receive a refund or account credit.

What is the cancellation fee?
The $50 cancellation fee is applied to any cancellation, made four (4) weeks or less, prior to the start of camp, and initiated by the student or family.

Living Groups & Counselors

Living Groups & Counselors
Students are placed in co-gender living groups consisting of 10-12 students. The Living Group Counselor assigned to your student will play a significant role in their experience. These counselors are college students with a background in youth programs and counseling. Furthermore, the counselors are chosen for their leadership abilities and passion for engaging with young individuals. Parents have the chance to meet with their student’s counselor during check-in to discuss any queries, share information, and address concerns.

Roommate Requests

Roommate Requests
One of the highlights of ACADEMY is the opportunity for students to form new and enduring friendships during their time on campus. While we do accommodate roommate requests, we also encourage students to branch out and meet new peers. If your child would like to request a specific roommate, they can do so through a designated section in the post-acceptance forms. It’s essential for both students to indicate their roommate preference on their applications for the request to be considered. Please note that requests made by only one student may not be fulfilled.

Residential Halls

Residential Halls

ACADEMY students reside on the Southern Oregon University campus.
Students are accommodated in rooms on the same floor as their Senior Counselor.
Students are housed in single-gender halls.
If you require alternative living arrangements, please specify in your application or contact our office for further assistance.

Meals & Dietary Accommodations

Meals & Dietary Accommodations

All meals will be provided at The Hawk, located within the residential Raider Village on the SOU campus.
Students can choose from a diverse selection of nutritious and balanced meals.
Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are regularly offered.
Special arrangements can be made for students with food allergies or sensitivities.
Dietary restrictions and allergies should be documented as part of the student paperwork upon acceptance.

Counselors, Head Residents, and Course Instructors
ACADEMY would not be possible without the support of our counselors and program staff. We encourage individuals to apply to our open positions:

Junior Counselors: current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, $650 program fee (as of 2025)
Senior Counselors: current college students, paid position
Head Residents: directors of camp, paid position
Instructors: classroom teachers; paid position

Parent Testimonal
“I wanted to send out a special thank you to all the Youth Program staff who put together an amazing week of enrichment, recreation, leadership building, and community bonding. Our daughter attended this past week and I’ve never heard her talk so glowingly about an opportunity. Everything from preparing the classes and curriculum, to the hiring of kind and caring staff, to the coordination of the events including the night at OSF, was just a magical experience for [her] and she’s already talking about wanting to attend again next year! She’s attended [another camp] for two years, and she said that SOU Academy exceeded her experience there. Thank you for taking such great care of our daughter and to provide her with an experience that she’ll remember for a lifetime!”

ACADEMY Parent

SUMMER CAMPS

ACADEMY

SOU Youth Programs