Our rigorous camps are designed for students entering grades 2-12 who are interested in exploring STEAM content in hands-on, engaging ways. They challenge campers think critically, work collaboratively and explore and apply complex concepts. Campers should come prepared to challenge their curiosity and creativity to investigate real-world problems and solutions.

Our high school camps are designed to provide a college experience to those considering postsecondary education. Students attend camp sessions during the day, stay overnight in the residence halls and eat in the dining halls.

Our camp staff are trained to support and encourage campers with a wide variety of learning skills and abilities, including high achieving students and students with special needs. Please contact us at STEAMcamps@niu.edu should you wish to further discuss your student's needs.

Our expert STEAM instructors come from a variety of content backgrounds and help to create a positive camp experience by facilitating a safe, fun and engaging adventure. Our camp counselors are often college students, pre-service, or classroom teachers who serve as role models and mentors and provide assistance to our campers. All of our camp staff are required to pass an extensive background check and complete appropriate training.

No, we welcome campers from across the United States and internationally.

Each of our camps cap the total number of campers per session at 20. Multiple camp sessions are offered each week resulting in up to 80 students total on campus. Throughout each camp, students often work together in small groups to complete design challenges, laboratory investigations and other activities. The adult-camper ratio is approximately 1 to 10.

Campers should plan to bring casual, school and weather appropriate clothing for each day, including at least one pair of long pants. All campers are required to bring one pair of sturdy, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. We also recommend all campers bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for evenings and air-conditioned rooms and a raincoat or poncho. Additionally, campers should bring a personal pillow, bed linens (for twin sized bedding) or a sleeping bag, bath towel, all personal hygiene necessities, shower shoes and sunscreen. Campers attending sessions located at Lorado Taft should also bring bug repellent. Campers may also choose to bring money for snacks, souvenirs, etc. A parent information email, with additional information will be provided prior to the start of the camp session.

Please refer to the behavior contract. Campers should not bring any video gaming systems or laptop computers. Please note when considering packing technology and other valuables that NIU is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.

A parent or guardian must complete the online application and pay the appropriate deposit, ($100.00 for early registrants, increasing as the camp start date draws near). A link to the appropriate form is at the top of each camp session’s description page. By applying online, you will be automatically enrolled to pay the fee balance with a payment plan (see question #6 below). Follow the instructions on the form for payment information and completion of online application forms. After your initial registration and deposit, you will receive an invitation to complete the remainder of your camper's application via email from an online system called CampDocs. Please note that most of our communication is through email, so be sure to use an email address you check often.

The camp registration fee covers all camp instruction and materials. For residential camps, the camp registration fee covers lodging and meals. For full day camps, the camp registration fee covers lunch. For ½ day campers who register for both a morning and afternoon session in the same week, the camp registration fee covers lunch.

Yes! The best way to take advantage of our discounts is by registering early to receive the early bird rate. Also, we love to see repeat campers and camper siblings, so we do offer family discounts. Please see the camp fee page for more details. Please note: we work hard to keep our camp fees as low as possible for all campers, so discounts are minimal and available only to families. At this time we are not able to offer discounts to organizations registering more than one camper.

To reserve the camper's spot in the camp, you need to provide a deposit. If you are applying more than 60 days prior to camp, you will be charged a $100.00 deposit at that time and then will be charged two additional times: at 60 days prior to camp, you will be charged 50% of the camp fee minus the $100.00 deposit and at 30 days prior to camp, you will be charged the remainder of the fee. If you apply within 60 days of camp, you will be charged 50% of the camp fee at the time and the remainder 30 days prior to camp. If you apply within 30 days of camp, you will be charged the full amount at registration. Please take this payment plan into consideration when providing us with a card number as all charges will be made same account.

Thanks to generous donors, NIU STEAM is often able to offer financial assistance to a limited number of residential campers, based upon need. In an effort to serve as many applicants as possible, we offer partial scholarships. Our scholarships cover 90% of the tuition fee for a residential camp. It is the responsibility of the camper’s family to cover the remaining balance. The camp scholarship application can be requested by emailing STEAMcamps@niu.edu no later than April 30, 2024. Our scholarship funding is limited and our requests typically outnumber the funding available so we highly encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Many local organizations offer financial support for campers. We suggest checking with your local service groups, booster clubs and your school guidance counselor.

Northern Illinois University is in DeKalb, IL, located 65 miles west of Chicago and 45 miles southeast of Rockford. NIU is a comprehensive educational institution that has a regional and national reputation for the quality of its students, faculty, staff, facilities and research activities. NIU's 514-acre main campus in DeKalb is located one mile north of the East-West Tollway (Interstate 88) near the junction of state highways 38 and 23. Some of our camps take place at the NIU Lorado Taft Field Campus in Oregon, IL, 35 miles west of DeKalb. However, students attending those camps should be dropped off and picked up at NIU DeKalb. The group will travel together by bus to Lorado Taft.

NIU STEAM Camps are structured and rigorous. Students should plan to attend all camp sessions and activities with their camp group.

7:30 a.m. - Breakfast

8:15 a.m. - Two morning sessions with a short break between

Noon - Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Two afternoon sessions with a short break between

5:00 p.m. – Dinner

6:00 p.m. – Free time

7:00 p.m. - Evening activity

9:00 p.m. - Campers return to residence halls

9:30 p.m. – Quiet time

10:00 p.m. - Lights out

In the evenings, campers will participate in a variety of social and recreational activities. Some examples of evening activities may include a movie night, stargazing and playing video games in the NIU Esports Arena. Campers will also have at least an hour of free time every night that they may use to relax and call home.

A message with detailed instructions regarding arrival and drop of will be sent by email to the camper’s parent or guardian approximately one-two weeks prior to camp check in. For residential camps, camper check in takes place on Sunday, early evening, in the mail lobby of the assigned residence hall on NIU’s DeKalb Campus. For campers participating in a session at NIU’s Lorado Taft Field Campus, check in will take place early in the evening on Tuesday. Campers will travel together by bus from the DeKalb campus to Lorado Taft. Day campers will check in each day in the building of their camp session space.

NIU DeKalb Camps

Campers reside and dine in residence halls on NIU's campus in DeKalb, Illinois. The residence hall is air conditioned. Two campers share a room. Adult supervision is provided at all times as camp counselors stay in the residence hall along with the campers.

NIU Lorado Taft Camps

The Lorado Taft Outdoor Education Center is a 141-acre campus near Oregon, IL. Middle school campers in the Lorado Taft sessions (noted in the camp description) reside in bunkhouses and dine family-style in the conference center dining hall. There is adult supervision at all times as camp counselors live in the bunkhouse counselor rooms alongside the campers. Camper staying at Lorado Taft will return to the NIU DeKalb campus on Friday to finalize family presentations.

Note: Linens and pillows are NOT provided. Campers should plan to bring their own pillows and linens.

Campers may request a specific roommate on the CampDoc application forms.

Campers participating in our residential camps are required to stay overnight in the residence halls on campus.

Snacks will be available, but campers will not be served a full meal on Sunday. Please plan accordingly.

NIU DeKalb Camps

Parents and campers should look for a NIU STEAM banner in the residence hall lobby to find the check-in table for our camp. There may be a few other camps checking in at the same time. Campers will sign in and will receive their nametag and room key at this time. Parents of campers with medication or any health or learning concerns should speak with the designated camp directors at this time. Parents are also welcome to accompany campers to their room to help them settle in. Once campers check in, they are not able to leave the assigned area without speaking to camp administration. We ask that parents leave prior to the start of camp orientation.

NIU Lorado Taft Camps

Parents and campers should look for a NIU STEAM banner outside the STEAM Classroom, room 146 in Swen Parson Hall. Campers will sign in and receive their nametag at this time. Parents of campers with medication or any health or learning concerns should speak with the designated camp directors at this time. We will board the bus and head to Taft together.

At 3 p.m. on Friday during the week of camp, all campers will present a short group presentation sharing what they have done and learned throughout the week. Campers are excited to share their experience with family members, so you won't want to miss their presentation, if possible. Each family will receive information on their camper’s presentation at check-in Sunday or in a separate parent letter.

NIU DeKalb Camps

Campers will pack up before breakfast Friday morning, so they’ll be ready to go upon completion of their presentation. Once they’re finished presenting on Friday afternoon, campers whose parents are present may head with them to the residence hall and retrieve their possessions. They will need to return their room key to the residence hall front desk and sign out.

Parents or guardians who are not able to attend the presentation should pick their child up at the residence hall promptly at 4 p.m. Campers will be escorted to the residence hall by counselors at the end of the presentations.

NIU Lorado Taft Camps

Campers will be bussed to NIU DeKalb with their luggage on Friday morning. At the end of the presentation on Friday afternoon, campers whose parents are present may leave with them to retrieve their possessions from our secure location.

Parents or guardians who are not able to attend the presentation should pick their child up at the designated location promptly at 4 p.m. Parents will be notified of this location. Campers will be escorted to the designated location by counselors at the end of the presentations.

NIU DeKalb Camps

When you arrive on Sunday, you can drop off campers and luggage in front of the residence hall they will be staying at for the camp. Please move your vehicle to a nearby parking lot and park in any unmarked parking spot while completing check-in and settling your child in their room.

Parking information for pick-up on Friday will be sent to parents prior to check-in as it may vary depending on residence hall assignment. Check your parent information email for details.

NIU Lorado Taft Camps

Drop-off and pick-up parking is in the Parking Deck on Carroll Ave. at NIU’s Main Campus in DeKalb, IL. For pick up, the presentation and luggage storage will both be nearby.

All campers will be dropped off and picked up from the main DeKalb campus.

Yes, we simply ask that you please notify us prior to camp check in so that we may prepare a free parking permit prior to their arrival. While the camper is at camp, campers will not be allowed to drive their vehicle.

A parent or guardian must give the camp director a dated and signed letter that explains:

Who is picking the camper up and their relationship to the camper (aunt, uncle, friend, etc.).

The date and time the camper will be picked up.

The date and time the camper will return (if applicable).For safety reasons, we will not release any camper without a dated and signed letter from their parent or guardian. The individual picking up the camper will be required to show valid identification.

For most campers, the answer is NO. These options are most valuable for our international campers or for out of state campers who are flying in. If you have health insurance in the United States, you are most likely covered. Please double check your coverage if you use an HMO and we are outside your usual coverage area. Travel insurance does not make sense for anyone driving to camp. Each family needs to evaluate their own situation.

In addition to the standard Cancellation Refund Policy stated on our website, NIU STEAM also offers optional cancellation insurance for $100. This fee provides for a full refund of camp fees for cancellation for any circumstances, as long as NIU STEAM receives notification by email (STEAMcamps@niu.edu) prior to 6:00 pm CT on the camp check in day. Further, this insurance provides for a prorated refund of camp fee if a camper needs to leave camp early for an reason, including sickness, family emergency or other unforeseen circumstances.

All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent to STEAMcamps@niu.edu.

Day Camp Cancellation Policy

If you cancel prior to May 1, you will receive a full refund minus a $25 cancellation fee. If you cancel 30 days prior to the start of the camp session, you will receive a refund of fees paid minus $50. Between 30 and 15 days prior to the start of the camp session, a refund of 50% will be given. There will be no refunds given for cancellations within 15 days prior to the start of camp, except in cases of documented emergencies.

Residential Camp Cancellation Policy

If you cancel prior to May 1, you will receive a full refund minus a $50 cancellation fee. If you cancel 30 days prior to the start of the camp session, you will receive a refund of fees paid minus $100. Between 30 and 15 days prior to the start of the camp session, a refund of 50% will be given. There will be no refunds given for cancellations within 15 days prior to the start of camp, except in cases of documented emergencies.

Campers eat in the dining hall for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Please alert us to any food allergies and/or dietary restrictions on the health form. Your child will be choosing food cafeteria style in the residence hall. A variety of prepared items is available each day, with options for students with dietary restrictions clearly labeled. The only items that are not labeled are commercial foods, such as the cereal dispensers, for example. For those items, students will be expected know what brands are safe for them or not. The dining staff has been trained in preparing gluten free meals, but we must be notified in advance if this is required. If we provide snacks for special events, we will be sure to accommodate any allergies. Note that Lorado Taft is a nut-free campus.

For most illnesses, the camper will be isolated from the other campers with a counselor to watch over them while you are notified to come pick them up. We can arrange, with your permission, to bring a camper to an immediate care center if needed, a useful option for campers from a greater distance.

If you have additional questions, please contact NIU STEAM at 815-753-0533 or STEAMcamps@niu.edu.