Challenge to Excellence | Conference Services | SIU

Challenge to Excellence 2023

June 26 - 30, 2023, 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. Read what some of our campers and parents have said about the Challenge to Excellence program:

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 recreational and socially engagement opportunities. 

What's Included?

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