Challenge to Excellence

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Last Updated: Aug 22, 2024, 03:42 PM

Challenge To Excellence Camp

June  9 - 14, 2024, Challenge to Excellence (7th-8th grades)
June 23 - 28, 2024, Challenge to Excellence (9th-12th grades)

Now in its 41st year, Challenge to Excellence is one of the most respected and long-standing summer residential programs for academically-talented students in the Midwest. The program’s major goal is to provide students with opportunities to “stretch themselves” in learning experiences that promote higher level thinking skills and creativity in a variety of academic subjects, such as math, art, psychology, drama, biology and many others. Camp staff are creative teachers and counselors who are dedicated to providing safe, fun learning experiences for campers.

Many of our former campers have matriculated at our finest universities and are now teachers, doctors, engineers, journalists, computer scientists and pharmacists. One of our former Challenge to Excellence students received a Pulitzer Prize for journalism. 

Camp Activities

Structured, supervised activities including activities from the STEM Education Research Center, College of Education and Human Services, College of Engineering, Theatre and art will be provided to all campers throughout their stay, as well as recreation and social engagement opportunities. Campers have the option to register for daytime attendence (commuter) or staying overnight (residential). 

Campers have the option to register for daytime attendence (commuter) or staying overnight (residential). 

Challenge Campers

Camp Details

  • Cost

    Program Date:

    June 9 - 4, 2024, Challenge to Excellence (7th-8th grades)
    June 23 - 28, 2024, Challenge to Excellence (9th-12th grades)

    • Commuter: $450
    • Residential:  $585

    (Payment may be split into two payments, please call and register by phone if setting up installment pays)

    Cancellation Policy: Cancellations before May 31, 2024 will be refunded, less $35.

  • Registration

     

    Online: 
    Camp I, Grades 7 & 8, June 9-14

    Camp II,Grades 9-12, June 23-28

    By phone: 
    Call 618-536-7751 and register with a VISA, Discover or Mastercard.  

    Fax or Mail:
    A completed Registration Form containing a check or credit card payment can be mailed to SIU/Events & Outreach, MC 6705, 1265 Lincoln Dr., Carbondale, IL  62901. Forms containing credit card info can also be faxed to 618/453-5680. 

    Camp Release Form
    Required with all camp registrations

  • What's Included?

    • Meals from Monday to Friday
    • Educational supplies and materials
    • Limited accident medical insurance
    • Camp T-shirt
    • Recreational activities

    Program Check-in: SIU Campus, East Campus, 4pm on Sunday - the first day of each camp.

    Program Times: Varies each day but generally 8am – 6pm

    Program Location: SIU Carbondale Campus

    Program Requirement: The Camp Release Form is required for camp participation and must be received in our office prior to camp beginning. 

     

  • Admission Criteria

    The academic program consists of several courses/learning experiences designed to challenge campers in mind, body, and spirit. All activities encourage campers to use their creativity and problem-solving skills.  It is recommended that students score at the 90th percentile or above on the math, science and/or language arts sections of an achievement test however, the camp welcomes all students who are up to a challenge.

     

"Challenge to Excellence Camp was the best camp I ever went to! I didn't know anybody when I went last summer but now I can't wait to see the friends I made again this year! We had sooo much fun.

 

Chloe Miller, Olney
“I was so happy that she was able to participate in something not only fun, but something that would help her grow educationally. She had the opportunity to learn about things she never would have gotten in school. She loved the psychology class!”
Chloe's Mom, Karen St. Pierre

Questions?

Dr. Jose Martinez, Camp Director

For camp questions

 

Rebecca Dycus

For registration questions