With classes, assignments, and exams on hold, summer gives you a chance to explore interests that often get pushed aside during the school year. Whether you’re drawn to technology, medicine, business, engineering, the arts, or the outdoors, Bay Area summer camps for high school students offer a practical way to learn by doing, try something new, and meet students who share similar interests.

Picture yourself spending a few weeks designing robots, exploring entrepreneurship, carrying out science experiments, producing films, performing on stage, sailing on the San Francisco Bay, or diving into a subject you may one day study in college. These experiences bring together students from different backgrounds to collaborate, create, and develop skills that aren’t always taught in a traditional classroom.

The Bay Area is a particularly interesting place to spend a summer. With its mix of universities, technology companies, research centers, hospitals, arts institutions, and outdoor spaces, students have access to a wide range of learning opportunities. Even if you already live in the region, a summer camp can introduce you to new communities, mentors, and experiences that you might not come across during the school year.

What kinds of Bay Area summer camps are available for high school students?

One of the biggest advantages of the Bay Area is the sheer variety of programs available. Students interested in STEM can find camps focused on engineering, robotics, coding, research, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. Others may be drawn to programs in entrepreneurship, leadership, debate, filmmaking, music, theater, design, or visual arts.

The best camp often depends on what you hope to gain from the experience. Some programs are designed around academic exploration and university-style learning, while others focus on skill development, creative expression, athletics, or outdoor adventure. Looking closely at the activities, projects, and experiences offered can help you find a program that matches your interests.

To help you find the right fit, we’ve put together a list of 15 Bay Area summer camps for high school students worth exploring!

For more options, you can consider the online research program and summer programs in  other locations.

Key Takeaways

• Costs range from free, as with Santa Clara’s Summer Engineering Seminar and SAGE Camp at SLAC, to $4,000 for the Clinical Anatomy Summer Program at Stanford.
• Several free programs are restricted to local or regional students, including SAGE Camp at SLAC, which is limited to public high schoolers in Northern California.
• Programs span a wide range of interests beyond STEM, including music at Blue Bear School of Music, theater at ACT, sailing at South Beach Yacht Club, and visual art at Creative IQ.
• Program length varies from one week, as with the Stanford Jazz Institute, to five weeks, as with Pacific Summer High School Institute’s residential sessions.
• Many camps welcome international students, including Santa Clara’s Summer Engineering Seminar, Pacific Summer High School Institute, and Academy of Art University’s Pre-College Art & Design Experience.
• Several programs offer hands-on technical experience, including Camp Integem’s work with AI, robotics, and augmented reality, and CASP’s surgical-skills workshops at Stanford.
• Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School is one of the few programs open to students worldwide aged 15 to 18, combining career-focused project work with employer site visits and personalized 1:1 coaching.

15 Bay Area Summer Camps for High School Students

1. Santa Clara Summer Engineering Seminar (SES)

Location: Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Cost: Free
Dates: Year 1: Session One: July 12-16; Session Two: July 19-23 | Year 2: Session Three: July 26-30
Application Deadline: March 31st
Eligibility: 10th-11th grade students; Open to international students

Santa Clara Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) offers a free, five-day immersive learning experience to high school students. You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, workshops, and interactive work opportunities. You will explore a range of topics in mechanical engineering, computer science and engineering, bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, and more.

You’ll work on academic projects while experiencing University life and gaining knowledge from the engineering faculty and undergraduate students at the Santa Clara School of Engineering. The program is an award-winning initiative focusing on humanitarian engineering. 

Why it stands out: You will experience college-level art and design education through studio projects, critiques, and hands-on creative work while developing technical skills and design thinking.

2. Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School

Location: University of California , Berkeley, San Francisco
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students worldwide aged 15-18

Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. Participants engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters.

The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. You can find more details about the application here!

Why it stands out: You’ll explore university-level concepts in fields like medicine and psychology, giving you early exposure to the academic pathways behind real careers.

3. Pacific Summer High School Institute

Location: University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA
Cost: $3800
Application Deadline: November  –  May (Specific dates vary)
Dates: Session 1, June 1-11; Session 2, June 16-26
Eligibility: 9th-12th grade students worldwide (including high school students from San Francisco)

Pacific Summer High School Institute offers a two-week residential learning experience to high school students. You’ll engage in hands-on learning through working in laboratory settings, studios, makerspaces, and fields. You’ll have the chance to explore a range of courses in engineering and technology, performing and visual arts, business and society, health and science, and athletics.

The program allows you to explore your interests in different areas while also engaging in activities outside of academic learning, such as swimming, karaoke, volleyball, watching movies under the stars, arts and crafts, and more.

Why it stands out: You will explore academic and career interests through hands-on courses and projects while experiencing residential campus life and a wide range of social and recreational activities.

4. Stanford Athletic Camps

Location: Stanford University campus
Cost: Varies by camp type
Dates: Multiple sessions between June and August; Sessions vary by sport
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students ages 7-18; Open to international students

Stanford Athletic Camps allows high school students to explore more than 20 sports-specific camps based on their interests. You’ll get to choose from a range of sports, including gymnastics, soccer, golf, basketball, track, tennis, swimming, and more. The camps are offered at different levels, from allowing you to develop basic skills to competition-level preparation.

You’ll interact and engage in training with like-minded peers while gaining hands-on learning experience through practice playing sessions and guidance from a range of professionals, including coaches, trainers, and expert athletes at Stanford. 

Why it stands out: You will develop your skills in a chosen sport through expert-led training, competitive play, and personalized coaching in a collegiate athletic environment.

5. Blue Bear School of Music Summer Camps

Location: Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Varies by camp
Dates: Varies based on the camp
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students in grades 1 through 12; Open to international students

Blue Bear School of Music Summer Camps offers an engaging experience to high school students interested in music. You’ll learn through a curriculum designed by Bonnie Hayes, a well-known artist and educator. The program offers a range of opportunities, including rock camps, beatmaking camps, songwriting camps, and DJ camps.

You’ll receive instrument-specific instructions and learn along with like-minded peers. You’ll learn to write and perform songs in a supportive environment. 

Why it stands out: You will develop your musical skills through specialized camps in songwriting, rock music, beatmaking, or DJing while learning, creating, and performing alongside peers in a supportive environment.

6. Creative IQ Summer Art Camp

Location: Creative IQ Art Studio, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Varies by camps
Dates: Multiple camps from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Students ages 7-17; International students are welcome

Creative IQ Summer Art Camp is a weekly learning opportunity for high school students. You’ll explore art along with other indoor and outdoor activities. You’ll learn from artists and professionals and gain exposure to a range of activities, including painting, craft projects, sculpture, and drawing.

Every week, you’ll be working on a unique oil painting, exploring multiple art concepts including color theory, perspective, composition, and value, and also get to participate in creative games and other engaging activities. If you’re interested in exploring art through hands-on learning and gaining creative confidence, then this program could be a good option to consider.

Why it stands out: You will explore art through hands-on projects in painting, drawing, sculpture, and crafts while developing creative skills and confidence under the guidance of experienced artists.

7. Stanford Jazz Institute

Location: Braun Music Center on the Stanford University campus
Cost: Varies. More information here
Dates: July 26-31
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: Vocalists and instrumentalists ages 14-18; international student eligibility not specified

Stanford Jazz Institute offers a one-week intensive learning experience to high school students. You’ll receive mentorship from well-known artists, musicians, and educators while engaging in a collaborative learning environment. You’ll participate in a range of activities, including masterclasses, theory improvisation, small ensembles, arranging musicianship, and more.

You’ll engage in customized learning and develop skills based on your interests while enjoying jam sessions and participating in festival performances through the residential option offered by the program. The program culminates in an ensemble performance by you at a concert.

Why it stands out: You will develop your jazz performance skills through masterclasses, ensemble work, improvisation, and mentorship from renowned musicians while collaborating with peers and performing in a final concert.

8. Camp Integem

Location: Multiple locations across the Bay Area. Check details here
Cost: Varies by program type
Dates: Multiple one and two-week sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Kids and teens ages 6-18 (K-12); Open to international students

Camp Integem adds a technology-focused option to this list of Bay Area summer camps for high school students, with most of your time spent building things rather than sitting through lectures. Depending on the course you choose, you might create augmented reality games, program robots, design 3D environments, work with artificial intelligence tools, or explore space technology.

Projects are designed to be hands-on from the start, so you’ll regularly test ideas, fix problems, and improve your work as you go. The programme combines coding, design, and engineering in a way that encourages experimentation across different fields. By the end of the session, you’ll have built something you can actually demonstrate and explain.

Why it stands out: You will explore emerging technologies through hands-on projects in AI, robotics, coding, 3D design, and augmented reality while creating innovative solutions and interactive experiences.

9. ACT Acting Intensives

Location: 30 Grant Avenue Studios in San Francisco
Cost: Tiered based on duration, ranging from $400 (4-day) to $950 (2-week)
Dates: Vary by program
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th grade students; International student eligibility not specified

ACT Acting Intensives allow you to focus on a specific area of theatre depending on what interests you most. You can choose from programmes centered on Shakespeare, audition preparation, improvisation, devised theatre, or scene work for stage and screen.

Most of your time is spent rehearsing, performing, and receiving feedback from teaching artists connected to the American Conservatory Theater. Classes are practical and performance-based, with students regularly working in pairs or groups. As rehearsals progress, you’ll learn how actors analyze scripts, develop characters, and respond to scene partners. 

Why it stands out: You will develop acting and performance skills through rehearsals, theatre workshops, and collaborative stage work while exploring different areas of acting.

10. ACT 1 Week Musical Theater Intensive

Location: 30 Grant Avenue Studios in San Francisco
Cost: $525
Dates: August 3-7
Application Deadline: First-come, first-served
Eligibility: High school students; International student eligibility not specified

ACT’s 1 Week Musical Theatre Intensive focuses on the skills needed for musical theatre auditions and performances. Throughout the week, you’ll work on singing, movement, acting, dance calls, and cold readings while receiving feedback from theatre professionals. Students are given audition material and learn how to prepare it effectively through guided rehearsals and practice sessions.

You’ll also spend time improving stage presence, musical interpretation, and performance confidence. Homework often involves learning lyrics and preparing material for the next day. The programme concludes with an open class presentation where you’ll perform for guests.

Why it stands out: You will strengthen your musical theatre and audition skills through singing, dance, acting exercises, and personalized coaching while preparing for a final performance.

11. SAGE Camp at SLAC (Science Accelerating Growth and Engagement)

Location: SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford campuses in Menlo Park & Palo Alto, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: March 17th
Dates: June 21-27
Eligibility: Grade 9th-11th high school students attending a public high school in Northern California; Must be below 18 years of age

SAGE Camp at SLAC is a free residential programme that helps students explore future careers while spending a week on the SLAC and Stanford campuses. The programme introduces you to different fields through activities, discussions, and interactions with professionals. You’ll meet people working in STEM careers, learn about their educational paths, and take part in activities that develop observation, analysis, and critical thinking skills. .

Workshops encourage students to reflect on their interests and future goals while exploring possibilities they may not have considered before. Living on campus also gives you a chance to connect with students from different backgrounds. 

Why it stands out: You will explore a variety of career pathways while developing analytical, observational, and critical-thinking skills through mentorship, hands-on activities, and a supportive residential community.

12. Academy of Art University’s Pre-College Art & Design Experience (PCADE)

Location: Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free
Application Deadline: June
Dates: June 15 -24
Eligibility: High school students who are below 19 years old; Open to international students

Academy of Art University’s Pre-College Art & Design Experience (PCADE) gives you access to college-level creative courses before graduating from high school. You can choose subjects such as animation, game design, filmmaking, fashion, photography, fine art, or illustration, depending on your interests. Classes are taught by university instructors and focus on developing practical skills through projects and studio work.

You’ll spend most of your time creating, revising, and discussing your work while learning how artists and designers approach their craft. The programme also introduces students to the expectations of art and design education at the university level. Both in-person and selected online options are available.

Why it stands out: You will explore college-level art and design through specialized courses in creative fields while developing technical skills, creative confidence, and your unique artistic voice.

13. Nueva Summer Camp: Upper School Parliamentary and Public Forum Debate Camp

Location: The Nueva School | Hillsborough Campus, Hillsborough, CA
Cost: $850/week + $50 registration fee
Application Deadline: Opens March 3rd
Dates: July 13-24
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th-grade students worldwide; international student eligibility not specified

Nueva’s Parliamentary and Public Forum Debate Camp is designed for students who enjoy discussing ideas, challenging arguments, and thinking on their feet. Throughout the programme, you’ll learn how parliamentary and public forum debates are structured, how evidence is used effectively, and how strong arguments are built.

Practice rounds take up a large part of the camp, giving you regular opportunities to speak, respond, and improve. Instructors provide feedback on argumentation, rebuttals, questioning techniques, and public speaking. Discussions often draw from current events, policy issues, and broader social topics.

Why it stands out: You will strengthen your debate, public speaking, and critical-thinking skills through interactive activities, multidisciplinary discussions, and collaborative learning in subjects ranging from science and mathematics to literature and design.

14. Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) at Stanford University

Location: Stanford University, Stanford, CA
Cost: $4,000
Dates: Vary by program sessions. More information here
Application Deadline: March 6th
Eligibility: High school students ages 15 and above; Open to international students

Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) at Stanford University offers a one-week immersive experience to high school students. You’ll study human anatomy, and many other health-related fields, including dentistry, physical therapy, medicine, biomedical engineering, surgery, EMT/ paramedics, and more.

You’ll participate in surgical-skills workshops, attend lectures,s and engage in hands-on lab activities. You’ll get to explore health-related careers through interactions with guest speakers and also gain knowledge from the medicine faculty at Stanford.

Why it stands out: You will explore human anatomy and healthcare careers through hands-on lab activities, surgical-skills workshops, and mentorship from Stanford faculty and medical professionals.

15. South Beach Yacht Club Youth Sailing Camp

Location: South Beach Yacht Club, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Varies by session. More information here
Dates: Multiple sessions from June to August
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Basic/Intermediate Sailing Camp: Students ages 8-13 years; Advanced/Lasers & Double-handed: Students aged 10-17 years; international student eligibility not specified

South Beach Yacht Club Youth Sailing  Camp offers a hands-on learning experience to high school students. You’ll engage in a supportive and fun environment while gaining knowledge about a range of topics, including boat handling, sailing terminology, wind awareness, knot tying, and teamwork.

The program offers different levels of learning on prior sailing knowledge and experience, from a basic/intermediate camp to an advanced camp. Each group of six students will be assigned one instructor to guide them.

Why it stands out: You will develop sailing skills through hands-on instruction in boat handling, wind awareness, navigation basics, and teamwork while learning in small groups with personalized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bay Area Summer Camps for High School Students

What kinds of summer camps are available for high school students in the Bay Area?

The Bay Area offers camps across a wide range of interests, including STEM, business, healthcare, music, theater, visual art, and outdoor activities like sailing. Programs like Santa Clara’s Summer Engineering Seminar and Camp Integem focus on technology and engineering, while others like Blue Bear School of Music and ACT Acting Intensives focus on creative and performing arts. Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School offers a career-focused option that spans multiple industries through project-based learning and employer visits.

How much do Bay Area summer camps cost?

Costs vary widely, from free programs like Santa Clara’s Summer Engineering Seminar and SAGE Camp at SLAC to $4,000 for Stanford’s Clinical Anatomy Summer Program. Mid-range options include Nueva’s Debate Camp at $850 per week and ACT’s two-week acting intensive at $950. Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School offers bursary support that can reduce costs for eligible students.

Can international students attend these camps?

Yes, many Bay Area camps are open to international students, including Santa Clara’s Summer Engineering Seminar, Pacific Summer High School Institute, and Academy of Art University’s PCADE. Some free, locally funded programs, like SAGE Camp at SLAC, are restricted to regional students and not open internationally. Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School is open to students worldwide aged 15 to 18.

What age do I need to be to apply?

Age requirements vary by program, generally falling between 13 and 19 years old. Stanford Athletic Camps accept students as young as 7 for some sports, while CASP at Stanford requires students to be at least 15. Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School accepts students aged 15 to 18 from anywhere in the world.

Are there free summer camp options in the Bay Area?

Yes, several strong free options exist, including Santa Clara’s Summer Engineering Seminar, SAGE Camp at SLAC, and Academy of Art University’s Pre-College Art & Design Experience. These programs are often need-based or regionally funded, so eligibility can be limited to local or in-state students. Checking each program’s residency requirements early can help you plan ahead.

Do these camps help with college applications?

Yes, participating in a Bay Area summer camp can demonstrate initiative and sustained interest in a subject, which admissions officers value. Programs like CASP at Stanford give students direct exposure to healthcare careers through hands-on lab work, while Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School provides personalized feedback on a student’s resume and profile. A completed project, portfolio, or presentation from any of these programs gives students concrete material for applications and interviews.

What’s the difference between academic camps and skill-based camps?

Academic camps, such as Santa Clara’s Summer Engineering Seminar and CASP at Stanford, focus on exposing students to university-level coursework and research environments. Skill-based camps, like Blue Bear School of Music and South Beach Yacht Club’s sailing camp, focus on developing a specific talent through repeated practice and instruction. Immerse Education’s San Francisco Summer School blends both approaches by combining academic exposure with practical career skills like resume building and professional coaching.

Learning Beyond Classrooms and Campuses

Choosing a summer camp can help you explore interests in a setting that feels practical, social, and different from school.

The bay area summer camps for high school students featured here include engineering, medicine, art, music, debate, sailing, technology, and career-focused programmes.

Beyond the activities, these experiences can build independence, confidence, collaboration, and curiosity while introducing you to new communities and surroundings.

Want to thrive beyond the programme itself? Visit our Student Life and Cultural Immersion blogs for guidance on academics, friendships, well-being, accommodation, and cultural experiences.