(Above) Participants get involved in hands-on activities in the medical field during the Pathways to Saluki Medicine camp. (Photo by Russell Bailey) (Below) Youths hone their skills during Saluki baseball camp. (Photo by Amihere Benson)
May 29, 2025
You can still sign up for an SIU summer camp as season kicks off
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The much-anticipated summer camp season has arrived at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, but there is still time to sign children up for fun, adventure and incredible learning experiences, courtesy of the diverse camp options.
The schedule during the next couple of weeks and throughout the summer features an assortment of academic, athletic, art, music, outdoor and nature camps for children from first grade through high school.
Promoting higher-level thinking
Participants in Challenge to Excellence, set for June 1-6 for grades 6-8, will engage in a variety of learning experiences that promote higher level thinking skills in math, art, psychology, drama, biology and other subjects. Activities will include a STEM-inspired theater dance class, exploring the use of magnetic resonance imaging and conducting MRI scans, and hands-on activities pertaining to the physics of car crashes, culminating with a secret project to simulate keeping a precious “passenger” safe in a vehicular accident. A second Challenge to Excellence camp for grades 9-12 is set for June 15-20.
STEAM camps
The grant-funded science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) camps will provide great learning opportunities for youths in grades 6-8 from the Carbondale, Cobden and Murphysboro school districts who meet specific income qualifications. The STEAM for All girls camp is June 9-13, while STEAM for All boys camp is June 23-27. Participants will create electronic circuits, take part in automotive electronics activities at the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center, do 3D math printing and biomedical engineering activities, work with artificial intelligence and much more.
Intro to medicine
High school students with an interest in the medical field won’t want to miss the overnight Pathways to Saluki Medicine camp, set for June 8-13, featuring interaction with professionals in a variety of medical professions and hands-on activities such as a suturing clinic and CPR training.
Recreation and sports
All new for 2025 are the R.E.C. Sports Kids Camps from SIU’s Recreational Sports and Services. Sessions will take place June 9-12 for grades 1-5 and June 23-25 for grades 6-8. Campers will delve into numerous recreational opportunities across campus and the amenities of the Student Recreation Center. They will explore Campus Lake, participate in a field day competition at the Rec Center and much more.
A wide variety of sports camps are happening too, thanks to Saluki Athletics, including Saluki baseball camp. The first session is June 9-12 for ages 7-10, while the second session is June 23-26 for ages 11-14. Participants will learn hitting, base running, outfield and infield play, pitching, bunting and all the fundamentals, and they will play games – all in Itchy Jones Stadium.
Crafts
The Craft Shop, located on the lower level of the Student Center, is offering numerous camps throughout the summer as well. For instance, children in grades 1-3 can enjoy a Clay Dinner Party June 9-13, making plates, bowls, cups, food and various other items using wheel throwing and hand-building techniques.
Learn more
Explore all of the SIU camp options and find online registration at camps.siu.edu. Events and Outreach and Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center coordinate most of the camps, while Saluki Athletics and other campus units handle the rest.
Media Advisory
SIU’s summer camps offer many opportunities for reporters, photographers and news crews to obtain interesting activity stories, photographs and videos. Contact Christi Mathis at cmathis@siu.edu for details about camp plans as well as times and dates offering the most opportune options.