Kids U Summer Camps

The camps are organized by grade 3-12.

Grade 3, Rising:

NEW! Code Breakers (Grades 3-5, rising) July 6-10

Calling all future coders, programmers, & designers! Learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges each day and be on your way to becoming the next tech star! Whether you want to be a Silicon Valley CEO or the high school student who just made a million dollars for programming in her bedroom, this course has the essentials you need to begin your journey. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Fee: $209.  

Grade 4, Rising:

NEW! Code Breakers (Grades 3-5, rising) July 6-10

Calling all future coders, programmers, & designers! Learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges each day, and be on your way to becoming the next tech star! Whether you want to be a Silicon Valley CEO or the high school student who just made a million dollars for programming in her bedroom, this course has the essentials you need to begin your journey. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Fee: $209.

Grade 5, Rising:

NEW! Code Breakers (Grades 3-5, rising) July 6-10

Calling all future coders, programmers, & designers! Learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges each day, and be on your way to becoming the next tech star! Whether you want to be a Silicon Valley CEO or the high school student who just made a million dollars for programming in her bedroom, this course has the essentials you need to begin your journey. Projects will be available on a Black Rocket website to share with friends and family. Returning students can create more advanced projects that build on previous years. Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Fee: $209.  

Fun with Forensics: Adventures in Chemistry (Grades 5-7, rising) July 6-10

Become an investigator by exploring scientific and chemical principles and techniques used to detect criminal acts. In this camp, you’ll examine synthetic blood, trace evidence, organize and record data, think critically, conduct simple tests, and combine your data to solve a crime. Note: You’ll need to wear long pants, sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes. Guest forensic speaker. Fee: $179.

Grade 6, Rising:

Krav Maga Self-Defense (Grades 6-12, rising) July 6-10

In this camp, you’ll learn a practical and realistic self-defense system that teaches you how to prevent, deal with, and overcome all kinds of situations. You’ll prepare in the subjects of self-defense, self-protection, and environmental awareness, learning the skills necessary to defend yourself through unique and comprehensive teaching methods that are both fun and competitive. You’ll learn proper punching, kicking, falling, and ground defense techniques. Realistic scenarios are always emphasized in training and are an important part of the curriculum. Note: Please wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle and towel to class. If possible, please bring boxing gloves to class. (The gloves are not required, but would be helpful.) Fee: $189.   

Fun with Forensics: Adventures in Chemistry (Grades 5-7, rising) July 6-10

Become an investigator by exploring scientific and chemical principles and techniques used to detect criminal acts. In this camp, you’ll examine synthetic blood, trace evidence, organize and record data, think critically, conduct simple tests, and combine your data to solve a crime. Note: You’ll need to wear long pants, sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes. Guest forensic speaker. Fee: $179.

NEW! Python Programmers (Grades 6-10, rising) July 6-10

Want to learn the world’s fastest-growing programming language favored by Google and NASA? Discover how to code with Python using accessible web-based platforms that guide students through a series of daily lessons. Build fundamental tech literacy while creatively solving software engineering challenges! Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Fee: $249.

Grade 7, Rising:

Krav Maga Self-Defense (Grades 6-12, rising) July 6-10

In this camp, you’ll learn a practical and realistic self-defense system that teaches you how to prevent, deal with, and overcome all kinds of situations. You’ll prepare in the subjects of self-defense, self-protection, and environmental awareness, learning the skills necessary to defend yourself through unique and comprehensive teaching methods that are both fun and competitive. You’ll learn proper punching, kicking, falling, and ground defense techniques. Realistic scenarios are always emphasized in training and are an important part of the curriculum. Note: Please wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle and towel to class. If possible, please bring boxing gloves to class. (The gloves are not required, but would be helpful.) Fee: $189.  

Flora Quest: Exploring Plant Diversity (Grades 7-8, rising) July 6-10

Embark on an exciting journey of discovery as we explore the amazing diversity of plants all around us. In this hands-on class, you’ll visit a greenhouse, explore the dry-pressed plants at the herbarium, and take walks around campus to learn about the fascinating plants that surround us every day. As part of the class, you’ll create your own mini plant collection, with the opportunity to contribute your best specimens to the UT Herbarium. Along the way, you’ll deepen your understanding of the diverse world of plants and grow your appreciation for the natural world. This camp is supported by a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (DEB-2046467). Fee: $189.  

Fun with Forensics: Adventures in Chemistry (Grades 5-7, rising) July 6-10

Become an investigator by exploring scientific and chemical principles and techniques used to detect criminal acts. In this camp, you’ll examine synthetic blood, trace evidence, organize and record data, think critically, conduct simple tests, and combine your data to solve a crime. Note: You’ll need to wear long pants, sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes. Guest forensic speaker. Fee: $179.

NEW! Python Programmers (Grades 6-10, rising) July 6-10

Want to learn the world’s fastest-growing programming language favored by Google and NASA? Discover how to code with Python using accessible web-based platforms that guide students through a series of daily lessons. Build fundamental tech literacy while creatively solving software engineering challenges! Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Fee: $249.

Grade 8, Rising:

Krav Maga Self-Defense (Grades 6-12, rising) July 6-10

In this camp, you’ll learn a practical and realistic self-defense system that teaches you how to prevent, deal with, and overcome all kinds of situations. You’ll prepare in the subjects of self-defense, self-protection, and environmental awareness, learning the skills necessary to defend yourself through unique and comprehensive teaching methods that are both fun and competitive. You’ll learn proper punching, kicking, falling, and ground defense techniques. Realistic scenarios are always emphasized in training and are an important part of the curriculum. Note: Please wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle and towel to class. If possible, please bring boxing gloves to class. (The gloves are not required, but would be helpful.) Fee: $189.   

Flora Quest: Exploring Plant Diversity (Grades 7-8, rising) July 6-10

Embark on an exciting journey of discovery as we explore the amazing diversity of plants all around us. In this hands-on class, you’ll visit a greenhouse, explore the dry-pressed plants at the herbarium, and take walks around campus to learn about the fascinating plants that surround us every day. As part of the class, you’ll create your own mini plant collection, with the opportunity to contribute your best specimens to the UT Herbarium. Along the way, you’ll deepen your understanding of the diverse world of plants and grow your appreciation for the natural world. This camp is supported by a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (DEB-2046467). Fee: $189.

NEW! Wearable Print Lab: Upcycled T-shirts & More! (Grades 8-12, rising) July 6-10

Tired of your old, boring clothes? Want to jazz up your wardrobe with unique clothing, customized by you? Join us for “Wearable Print Lab: Upcycled T-Shirts and More!”, a one-week workshop for grades 8-12, where students will learn how to screen print on t-shirts and more! Throughout the week, students will learn how to create and print their own t-shirt designs using professional screen printing equipment. This workshop will teach students fundamental printmaking principles that are applicable within various artistic and digital processes. Note: Students are required to wear closed-toed shoes and bring at least 5 plain white t-shirts to design on. Students are also encouraged to bring any clothing items that they would like to breathe new life into, but it is not required. Fee: $249.

NEW! Cover Stories: Designing Album, Movie, and Book Covers (Grades 8-12, rising) July 6-10

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Brat: what do these iconic albums have in common? They are instantly recognizable because of their powerful cover designs. In this workshop, students will learn how visual design shapes the way we experience music, movies, and books. Guided by two music lovers, students will explore album covers, movie posters, and book covers, learning basic principles of design such as color, typography, composition, and visual storytelling. Using accessible materials, students will create their own original covers while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and visual confidence. By the end of the week, each student will have an album cover, movie poster, and book cover. Note: Students are required to bring a sketchbook of any size. Students may also bring old magazines and hardcover books to use in the projects, but they are not required. Fee: $189.

NEW! Python Programmers (Grades 6-10, rising) July 6-10

Want to learn the world’s fastest-growing programming language favored by Google and NASA? Discover how to code with Python using accessible web-based platforms that guide students through a series of daily lessons. Build fundamental tech literacy while creatively solving software engineering challenges! Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Fee: $249. 

Grade 9, Rising:

Krav Maga Self-Defense (Grades 6-12, rising) July 6-10

In this camp, you’ll learn a practical and realistic self-defense system that teaches you how to prevent, deal with, and overcome all kinds of situations. You’ll prepare in the subjects of self-defense, self-protection, and environmental awareness, learning the skills necessary to defend yourself through unique and comprehensive teaching methods that are both fun and competitive. You’ll learn proper punching, kicking, falling, and ground defense techniques. Realistic scenarios are always emphasized in training and are an important part of the curriculum. Note: Please wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle and towel to class. If possible, please bring boxing gloves to class. (The gloves are not required, but would be helpful.) Fee: $189.   

ACT Prep Course (Grades, 9-12 rising) July 6-10

Test scores are more important than ever for students desiring to receive scholarships and to be admitted to the best possible college. In Tennessee, just a few points increase in scores can provide access to thousands of scholarship dollars. This highly interactive course involves both a pre-test and a post-test using actual retired ACT exams. Exams are graded and analyzed for each student. Materials and assessment services are provided by Cambridge Educational Services, a premier provider of test preparation services. Class size is limited to ensure time for individual assistance. The course review is customized for the class and uses classroom lessons, practice test questions, skill reviews, and exercises in areas of English, reading, math, and science. You’ll choose one four-hour period to take the pre-test, spend four days in intensive review, and take the post-test. Fee: $319.  

NEW! Wearable Print Lab: Upcycled T-shirts & More! (Grades 8-12, rising) July 6-10

Tired of your old, boring clothes? Want to jazz up your wardrobe with unique clothing, customized by you? Join us for “Wearable Print Lab: Upcycled T-Shirts and More!”, a one-week workshop for grades 8-12, where students will learn how to screen print on t-shirts and more! Throughout the week, students will learn how to create and print their own t-shirt designs using professional screen printing equipment. This workshop will teach students fundamental printmaking principles that are applicable within various artistic and digital processes. Note: Students are required to wear closed-toed shoes and bring at least 5 plain white t-shirts to design on. Students are also encouraged to bring any clothing items that they would like to breathe new life into, but it is not required. Fee: $249.

NEW! Cover Stories: Designing Album, Movie, and Book Covers (Grades 8-12, rising) July 6-10

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Brat: what do these iconic albums have in common? They are instantly recognizable because of their powerful cover designs. In this workshop, students will learn how visual design shapes the way we experience music, movies, and books. Guided by two music lovers, students will explore album covers, movie posters, and book covers, learning basic principles of design such as color, typography, composition, and visual storytelling. Using accessible materials, students will create their own original covers while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and visual confidence. By the end of the week, each student will have an album cover, movie poster, and book cover. Note: Students are required to bring a sketchbook of any size. Students may also bring old magazines and hardcover books to use in the projects, but they are not required. Fee: $189.

Bones, Crimes, Careers: Forensic Anthropology (Grades 9-12, rising) July 6-10

This camp explores how scientists and investigators determine non-human from human remains, what bones can tell us archaeologically, and how this information is used to solve crimes. You’ll learn how to determine the age, sex, and stature of remains and discover job opportunities in the various fields of anthropology. Fee: $179.  

NEW! Python Programmers (Grades 6-10, rising) July 6-10

Want to learn the world’s fastest-growing programming language favored by Google and NASA? Discover how to code with Python using accessible web-based platforms that guide students through a series of daily lessons. Build fundamental tech literacy while creatively solving software engineering challenges! Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Fee: $249. 

Grade 10, Rising:

Krav Maga Self-Defense (Grades 6-12, rising) July 6-10

In this camp, you’ll learn a practical and realistic self-defense system that teaches you how to prevent, deal with, and overcome all kinds of situations. You’ll prepare in the subjects of self-defense, self-protection, and environmental awareness, learning the skills necessary to defend yourself through unique and comprehensive teaching methods that are both fun and competitive. You’ll learn proper punching, kicking, falling, and ground defense techniques. Realistic scenarios are always emphasized in training and are an important part of the curriculum. Note: Please wear tennis shoes and bring a water bottle and towel to class. If possible, please bring boxing gloves to class. (The gloves are not required, but would be helpful.) Fee: $189.   

ACT Prep Course (Grades, 9-12 rising) July 6-10

Test scores are more important than ever for students desiring to receive scholarships and to be admitted to the best possible college. In Tennessee, just a few points increase in scores can provide access to thousands of scholarship dollars. This highly interactive course involves both a pre-test and a post-test using actual retired ACT exams. Exams are graded and analyzed for each student. Materials and assessment services are provided by Cambridge Educational Services, a premier provider of test preparation services. Class size is limited to ensure time for individual assistance. The course review is customized for the class and uses classroom lessons, practice test questions, skill reviews, and exercises in areas of English, reading, math, and science. You’ll choose one four-hour period to take the pre-test, spend four days in intensive review, and take the post-test. Fee: $319.

NEW! Wearable Print Lab: Upcycled T-shirts & More! (Grades 8-12, rising) July 6-10

Tired of your old, boring clothes? Want to jazz up your wardrobe with unique clothing, customized by you? Join us for “Wearable Print Lab: Upcycled T-Shirts and More!”, a one-week workshop for grades 8-12, where students will learn how to screen print on t-shirts and more! Throughout the week, students will learn how to create and print their own t-shirt designs using professional screen printing equipment. This workshop will teach students fundamental printmaking principles that are applicable within various artistic and digital processes. Note: Students are required to wear closed-toed shoes and bring at least 5 plain white t-shirts to design on. Students are also encouraged to bring any clothing items that they would like to breathe new life into, but it is not required. Fee: $249.

NEW! Cover Stories: Designing Album, Movie, and Book Covers (Grades 8-12, rising) July 6-10

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Brat: what do these iconic albums have in common? They are instantly recognizable because of their powerful cover designs. In this workshop, students will learn how visual design shapes the way we experience music, movies, and books. Guided by two music lovers, students will explore album covers, movie posters, and book covers, learning basic principles of design such as color, typography, composition, and visual storytelling. Using accessible materials, students will create their own original covers while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and visual confidence. By the end of the week, each student will have an album cover, movie poster, and book cover. Note: Students are required to bring a sketchbook of any size. Students may also bring old magazines and hardcover books to use in the projects, but they are not required. Fee: $189.

Bones, Crimes, Careers: Forensic Anthropology (Grades 9-12, rising) July 6-10

This camp explores how scientists and investigators determine non-human from human remains, what bones can tell us archaeologically, and how this information is used to solve crimes. You’ll learn how to determine the age, sex, and stature of remains and discover job opportunities in the various fields of anthropology. Fee: $179.    

NEW! Python Programmers (Grades 6-10, rising) July 6-10

Want to learn the world’s fastest-growing programming language favored by Google and NASA? Discover how to code with Python using accessible web-based platforms that guide students through a series of daily lessons. Build fundamental tech literacy while creatively solving software engineering challenges! Students will work in pairs or teams for most of the program. Fee: $249. 

Grade 11, Rising:

ACT Prep Course (Grades, 9-12 rising) July 6-10

Test scores are more important than ever for students desiring to receive scholarships and to be admitted to the best possible college. In Tennessee, just a few points increase in scores can provide access to thousands of scholarship dollars. This highly interactive course involves both a pre-test and a post-test using actual retired ACT exams. Exams are graded and analyzed for each student. Materials and assessment services are provided by Cambridge Educational Services, a premier provider of test preparation services. Class size is limited to ensure time for individual assistance. The course review is customized for the class and uses classroom lessons, practice test questions, skill reviews, and exercises in areas of English, reading, math, and science. You’ll choose one four-hour period to take the pre-test, spend four days in intensive review, and take the post-test. Fee: $319.  

NEW! Cover Stories: Designing Album, Movie, and Book Covers (Grades 8-12, rising) July 6-10

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Brat: what do these iconic albums have in common? They are instantly recognizable because of their powerful cover designs. In this workshop, students will learn how visual design shapes the way we experience music, movies, and books. Guided by two music lovers, students will explore album covers, movie posters, and book covers, learning basic principles of design such as color, typography, composition, and visual storytelling. Using accessible materials, students will create their own original covers while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and visual confidence. By the end of the week, each student will have an album cover, movie poster, and book cover. Note: Students are required to bring a sketchbook of any size. Students may also bring old magazines and hardcover books to use in the projects, but they are not required. Fee: $189.

Bones, Crimes, Careers: Forensic Anthropology (Grades 9-12, rising) July 6-10

This camp explores how scientists and investigators determine non-human from human remains, what bones can tell us archaeologically, and how this information is used to solve crimes. You’ll learn how to determine the age, sex, and stature of remains and discover job opportunities in the various fields of anthropology. Fee: $179.    

Applications That Slay: Writing Your Story for College Admissions Committees (Grades 11-12, rising) July 6-10

In this engaging and interactive camp offered as part of the Summer Writing Academies by UT’s Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center, experienced tutors will guide you through brainstorming ideas, crafting a compelling story, and revising it to perfection. They will demonstrate how to elevate a college application essay from good to great. By the end of the camp, you’ll have a complete essay that showcases your unique voice and sets you apart from other college and scholarship applicants. Fee: $169.   

Grade 12, Rising:

ACT Prep Course (Grades, 9-12 rising) July 6-10

Test scores are more important than ever for students desiring to receive scholarships and to be admitted to the best possible college. In Tennessee, just a few points increase in scores can provide access to thousands of scholarship dollars. This highly interactive course involves both a pre-test and a post-test using actual retired ACT exams. Exams are graded and analyzed for each student. Materials and assessment services are provided by Cambridge Educational Services, a premier provider of test preparation services. Class size is limited to ensure time for individual assistance. The course review is customized for the class and uses classroom lessons, practice test questions, skill reviews, and exercises in areas of English, reading, math, and science. You’ll choose one four-hour period to take the pre-test, spend four days in intensive review, and take the post-test. Fee: $319.  

NEW! Cover Stories: Designing Album, Movie, and Book Covers (Grades 8-12, rising) July 6-10

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Brat: what do these iconic albums have in common? They are instantly recognizable because of their powerful cover designs. In this workshop, students will learn how visual design shapes the way we experience music, movies, and books. Guided by two music lovers, students will explore album covers, movie posters, and book covers, learning basic principles of design such as color, typography, composition, and visual storytelling. Using accessible materials, students will create their own original covers while developing creativity, problem-solving skills, and visual confidence. By the end of the week, each student will have an album cover, movie poster, and book cover. Note: Students are required to bring a sketchbook of any size. Students may also bring old magazines and hardcover books to use in the projects, but they are not required. Fee: $189.

Bones, Crimes, Careers: Forensic Anthropology (Grades 9-12, rising) July 6-10

This camp explores how scientists and investigators determine non-human from human remains, what bones can tell us archaeologically, and how this information is used to solve crimes. You’ll learn how to determine the age, sex, and stature of remains and discover job opportunities in the various fields of anthropology. Fee: $179.   

Applications That Slay: Writing Your Story for College Admissions Committees (Grades 11-12, rising) July 6-10

In this engaging and interactive camp offered as part of the Summer Writing Academies by UT’s Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center, experienced tutors will guide you through brainstorming ideas, crafting a compelling story, and revising it to perfection. They will demonstrate how to elevate a college application essay from good to great. By the end of the camp, you’ll have a complete essay that showcases your unique voice and sets you apart from other college and scholarship applicants. Fee: $169.