Students participate free of charge thanks to support from Dr. Matt Heard, Associate Professor of Biology. Funding was generously provided by the Rob Fisher Endowed Fund for Environmental Science to Dr. Heard.
With immersive science research opportunities, supportive & engaged professors, and state-of-the-art lab facilities, Belmont is so much more than a music school. During this summer, middle and high school students can flourish during hands-on pre-college experiences in our College of Sciences and Mathematics (CSM). Our camps are unique because they are developed and taught by our very own faculty, so not only will you receive a nationally-recognized education, but you will also get to become a member of the Belmont community and experience what makes our students thrive!
From data science to neuroscience, gaming, and physics, dive into science and math this summer!
Registration for summer 2026 camps will open soon!
Please review all of our camp offerings below.
If you would like to receive updates about our future summer camps, please sign up for our newsletter. We will use this list to announce the opening of registration for new camps. Emails will only be sent 1-2 times a year.
Please email with any questions you might have and we will get back to you within one day.
Summer 2026 Camp Schedule
| Camp Name | Dates | Ages | Cost* |
| Research Immersive Summer Experience in Molecular & Cellular Biology (RISE-MCB) | June 8-July 2 | 14+ | $1,700 |
| Research Immersive Summer Experience in Data Science (RISE-DS) | June 8-July 2 | 14+ | $1,700 |
| Game Design and Programming (GDP) | June 8-12 | 14+ | $425 |
| Chem-mystery: Introduction to Forensic Chemistry | June 8-12 | 14+ | $425 |
| The Math of Games | June 15-19 | 14+ | $425 |
| Good Vibes Acoustic Science | June 15-19 | 14+ | $425 |
| Bruin Artificial Intelligence | June 15-19 | 14+ | $425 |
| STEM Explorers for Middle School Students | June 15-19 | 10-13 | $425 |
| Sports Analytics | July 6-10 | 14+ | $425 |
| Visualizing our Invisible Surroundings Immersion at Belmont Labs (VISIBL) | July 6-10 | 14+ | $425 |
| Biology at Belmont | July 6-10 | 14+ | $425 |
| Astronomy Camp | July 13-17 | 14+ | $425 |
| From Brain to Behavior at Belmont (BBB) | July 13-17 | 14+ | $425 |
* email Beth Bowman if the cost of camps is prohibitive to your participation
2026 Camp Details
Camp Purpose: RISE provides students with exposure to data science, statistics and original scientific research through coursework and guided group research projects.
Camp Description: The world is filled with too much data to analyze. Yet, the work of Data Scientists is to comb through thousands and millions of data points to make sense of the information and predictions from it. You can learn the statistics behind these analyses and work on a real data science project during our RISE in Data Science summer program.
Students will be enrolled in a 3-hr introductory statistics class and will receive college credit in this class for their participation (equivalent to the AP Statistics Exam). Students will also be led by faculty in the analysis and predictive utilization of data of students choosing. Students will not only gain data science skills, but will work in a team setting to advance a project and will improve their communication skills through presentations.
Any specific requirements for participants: Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 as well as a math and science GPA of 3.0. Students are not allowed to take a vacation during the RISE program.
Can I participate again if I participated last year? The statistics course will be the same, but if you are interested in a different data science project, please email Beth Bowman (beth.bowman@belmont.edu).
Instructors: Dr. Christina Davis & Dr. Will Best
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: RISE in Molecular and Cell Biology (RISE-MCB) provides students with exposure to statistics and original scientific research in molecular and cell biology techniques in a true laboratory setting.
Camp Description: Students will be enrolled in a 3-hr introductory statistics class and will receive college credit in this class for their participation (equivalent to the AP Statistics Exam). As an extension to the morning statistics session, students with specific interest in biological systems will have the opportunity to perform research in the afternoon.
Cells are the smallest unit of life and yet are incredibly complex! In this hands-on laboratory camp, you’ll step into the role of a cell and molecular biologist, exploring how molecules inside cells generate energy, build essential structures, store genetic information, and communicate. You’ll learn and perform real research techniques that clinicians and scientists use to study and uncover new therapies for human disease. Guided by scientific curiosity, you’ll uncover how human cells function and gain a deeper appreciation for the molecular mechanisms that sustain life.
Any specific requirements for participants: Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 as well as a math and science GPA of 3.0. Students are not allowed to take a vacation during the RISE program.
Instructors: Dr. Will Best & Dr. Sara Ramirez
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Dates: June 8 - 12
Camp Purpose: The participants will learn how to use creativity and logic to create their own interactive video games. The camp combines creativity and basic programming to making their own version of a computer game.
The Camp differs from other coding camps as it allows for the students to interact with computer science and programming concepts. The camp is focused on creating, developing, and coding games, not on just playing games or coding in general. Furthermore, the camp introduces concepts on how development and coding in general takes place on teams.
Camp Description: The Game Development and Programming camp will help students bridge the gap between arts and STEM as they practice creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
All participants will learn about: creativity, coding, logic, variables, basic data structures, conditionals, sequencing, looping, random numbers, and physics-based game design.
The participants in the camp will work during the week to develop a game from scratch. Each day the participants will engage in activities to learn about coding and game development concepts followed by guided hands-on exercises that will have them apply the concepts learned to the game they are coding.
Any specific requirements for participants: HS students at the junior or senior level. Ideally, the student has taken algebra. No need for previous coursework on coding or programming experience but having it would help.
Can I participate again if I participated last year? This camp will be very similar to last year.
Instructor: Dr. Esteban Parra Rodriguez
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: To show students the prominent role chemistry plays in forensic science and inspire them to see chemistry as a tool to solve mysteries and puzzles.
Camp Description: Students will explore the world of forensic chemistry all in one puzzling week! Students will spend the week solving forensics-based puzzles using practical chemistry laboratory techniques and data collection and analysis. Together we will collect mock samples for analysis with chemical techniques such as paper chromatography, flame analysis, and chemical separations. Students will also develop lab safety skills, foundational for any future lab work. Outside the lab, students will explore the job of a forensic chemist, participate in “chem-mystery investigations”, and get a taste of Belmont’s campus.
While this camp is similar to the camp offered last year, repeat participation is allowed because many of the activities are different. Participants would still really enjoy the camp and find it engaging, even if they participated last year.
Any specific requirements for participants: Students must wear closed-toed shoes and long pants every day, even though it’s hot outside.
Instructor: Dr. Emily Moses and Jeff Gustafson
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: Introduce high school students to recreational mathematics
Camp Description: Do you take the deal on Deal or No Deal? Where should the chip be placed on the game Plinko on The Price is Right? What’s the best wager in Final Jeopardy!? It’s a little bit of a secret: with some math or statistics, we can make a pretty good guess or even have a right answer! Let’s find out those answers together!
While this camp is similar to the camp offered last year, repeat participation is allowed because many of the game shows explored are different. Participants would still really enjoy the camp and find it engaging, even if they participated last year.
Any specific requirements for participants: Algebra, with a grade of B or higher.
Instructor: Dr. Ryan Fox
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: To decode the acoustic universe, moving beyond listening to master the physics of sound through hands-on experimentation, creative engineering, and real-world application in music, nature, and technology.
Camp Description: Stop just listening – start engineering. This isn’t a passive lecture; it’s your chance to step into the ultimate acoustics lab. Over the week, you’ll go hands-on with the physics of sound, learning how vibrations become music you stream and technology you rely on. You’ll design, build, and test your own acoustic projects, manipulate frequencies, and dissect how resonance makes or breaks a performance space. By the end, you won’t just hear the world, but you’ll understand the fascinating science and physics that creates every sound wave around you.
Any specific requirements for participants: No additional requirements.
Instructor: Dr. Krista McBride and Dr. Matt Zeh
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: The participants will learn how artificial intelligence works. The participants will engage in activities to learn how Artificial Intelligence is created and used to: classify data, make predictions, or generate new outputs.
The Camp differs from other coding camps because in addition to writing the code, creating, and training models, the camp also introduces concepts on prompt engineering and covers the training, usage, and ethical implications of AI.
Camp Description: The Bruin Artificial Intelligence camp at Belmont University will help students bridge the gap between arts and STEM as they practice creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. All participants will learn about: what is artificial intelligence and machine learning, basis of coding in Python, training AI models, prompt engineering, ethical use of AI. The participants in the camp will work during the week in activities to develop an understanding of AI as well as train AI models for small tasks. Each day the participants will engage in activities to learn about coding and artificial intelligence concepts followed by guided hands-on exercises that will have them apply the concepts learned.
Any specific requirements for participants: HS students at the junior or senior level. No need for previous coursework on coding or programming experience but having it would help.
Instructor: Dr. Esteban Parra Rodriguez
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: STEM Explorers will allow middle school students to explore science across all disciplines, from math through animals.
Camp Description: Do you like exploring the world around you? Do you like to understand the order and logic behind objects and life? STEM is for you! Come explore math and science with hands-on activities and learning. In this camp, we will explore different parts of STEM, from math to physics, chemistry to biology, if you love science in school, come get an immersive experience in a college setting!
Any specific requirements for participants: No additional requirements.
Instructors: Dr. Chase Kinsey, Jeff Gustafson, Dr. Christina Davis, Dr. Blake Dunshee
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: To expose students to sports statistics, analysis, and data science through statistical ideas and guided group projects through various sports.
Camp Description: Sports analytics has become a growing field with sports teams using data to make data driven decisions in almost all aspects of team structure and training. Through hands-on projects and interactive workshops, students will learn core concepts in data analysis, visualization, and interpretation, gaining valuable skills in Excel, R, and data visualization tools. Participants will work on real-world datasets to uncover insights and solve problems, culminating in a final presentation of their findings. Led by experienced instructors and industry professionals, this program offers a unique opportunity to discover how data shapes decisions in sports. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to learn!
Any specific requirements for participants: Algebra, with a grade of B or higher.
Instructors: Dr. Will Best
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: For underrepresented MNPS juniors / seniors to gain exposure to and experience with microbiological techniques to explore microbes in the environment.
Camp Description: We are surrounded by billions of microscopic organisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists. In the VISIBL program, local MNPS high schools students spend a week in labs at Belmont University making these invisible microbes visible.
Any specific requirements for participants: This camp is only for teacher-nominated MNPS rising juniors or seniors and the camp instructor works directly with teachers to identify participants. Therefore, individual students cannot register for this camp. However, there are occasionally a few extra spots for additional participants. Student from an underrepresented or disadvantaged background may email the instructor, Dr. Becky Adams (rebecca.adams@belmont.edu), to be placed on a backup email list. Dr. Adams will reach out by June 1 if there are additional spots for participants.
Can I participate again if I participated last year? No; this camp will be very similar to last year.
Instructor: Dr. Becky Adams
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: The Biology at Belmont camp will introduce students to a wide range of biological concepts – from cell biology to organismal physiology and ecology.
Camp Description: The best way of learning is by doing! Students will spend each day engaged with material across biological fields. Day one is all about microscopy. Day two will focus on plants and fungi. Day three and day four include invertebrates and vertebrates. Finally, day five is all about field biology and ecology. Students will learn microscopy, organismal dissection techniques, and practice field collection techniques.
Any specific requirements for participants: No additional requirements.
Instructor: Dr. Chase Kinsey
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: The Astronomy at Belmont camp will introduce students to how scientists use data, observation, and inquiry to understand our universe — from familiar objects like the Sun and Moon to distant galaxies, black holes, and the expanding cosmos.
Camp Description: The best way to learn about the universe is to explore it! Throughout the week, students will engage with hands-on activities that mirror the work of modern astronomers. Participants will build skills in sky observation, image analysis, scientific reasoning, and data interpretation. Through guided experiments, interactive demonstrations, and small-group projects, students will learn how astronomical discoveries are made — and will practice making discoveries themselves. No prior experience is needed — just curiosity, imagination, and a desire to understand the universe we live in.
Any specific requirements for participants: No additional requirements.
Instructor: Dr. Christina Davis
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Camp Purpose: From Brain to Behavior at Belmont (BBB) is an immersive summer camp designed to spark your curiosity about neuroscience, psychology, and the fascinating connection between the brain and behavior. Through hands-on activities, interactive lectures, and creative projects, you’ll explore how the brain works and how it influences everything we think, feel, and do.
Camp Description: Are you curious about how your brain creates thoughts, memories, and emotions? Do you want to learn how psychology and artificial intelligence (AI) intersect to shape the future of human-computer interaction? If so, BBB is the perfect summer experience for you! As a BBB Scholar, you'll dive deep into the world of neuroscience and psychology through exciting hands-on activities and experiments. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll get to do:
- Dissect a Real Sheep Brain 🧠: Get hands-on experience exploring brain anatomy by dissecting a sheep brain. Don’t worry—we’ll guide you every step of the way!
- Build Your Own Neuron 🎨: Using fun craft supplies like pipe cleaners and play dough, you'll design your own model of a neuron to understand how brain cells communicate.
- Design Human-Computer Interaction Games 💻🎮: Learn how psychology and AI come together in designing interactive experiences. You’ll create your own human-computer interaction game that reflects principles of cognition and user experience.
- Explore Neurotransmitters 🧬: Discover how chemicals in your brain affect mood, behavior, and cognition through engaging lectures and activities.
- Debunk Popular Psychology Myths 🔍: Ever heard that we only use 10% of our brains? Think again! We’ll explore common myths in psychology and reveal the science behind them.
- Create a Scientific Poster 🎤📊: Throughout the week, you’ll work on a capstone project where you’ll summarize your newfound knowledge in a professional scientific poster presentation. You’ll present your work at the end of the camp during our Poster Session & Closing Ceremony.
Along with these exciting activities, you’ll also get to tour research labs, interact with college students during Q&A sessions, and even explore AI applications in data analysis! Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in neuroscience or psychology—or just want to understand more about how your brain works—this camp will give you valuable insights that you can apply throughout your life. Plus, you'll get to collaborate with other students who share your passion for science!
Any specific requirements for participants: No additional requirements
Instructor: Dr. Lingfei Luan and Dr. Jinhee Park
- You can learn more about these faculty on our Faculty Page
Registration is Limited: Space is limited to 24 students in most camps, so please register quickly before the camp fills up. While we do not anticipate it, if any camps do not have enough participants sign up, we may have to cancel the camp. Should this happen, we will provide a notice and full refund to all who previously registered. Previous registrants will be notified by April 15 if a camp is canceled.
More Info
Schedule - Each camp will run on the same schedule:
- 8:15: Check In
- 8:30: Instruction & Activities
- 10:00: Fun Group Activities
- 11:00: Instruction & Activities
- 12:30: Lunch
- 1:30: Instruction & Activities
- 4:00: Check Out
Pricing
For 2026, each camp will run at $425/week, which includes the cost of lunch in our cafeteria. We are not able to provide refunds beyond 180 days after purchase of the camp.
If you would like to participate in one of our CSM camps but the cost is prohibitive, please email the CSM Camps Director, Beth Bowman, beth.bowman@belmont.edu
Eligibility
Most Belmont CSM camps are for high school students and participants must be at least 14 by the time of their participation. Students who will graduate high school this upcoming summer may also participate. Participants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to participate. Each camp may have more specific requirements for participation, found within the camp description. Most camps will enroll up to 24 students.
The STEM Explorers for Middle School Students camp is for students that are between the ages of 10 and 13. Participants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to participate.
Registration Deadline
Registration will close April 15th.
You may register for more than one camp, but cannot participate in two camps running concurrently. Please email Beth Bowman with any questions about late registration or payment and she will respond within the day. Reimbursements can only be processed up to 180 days after registration.
FAQs
We survey participants of our camps each year. Check out their feedback from last year!
Student feedback (it is hard to pick a favorite quote!):
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“It was so awesome — I wish more people knew about it!”
- "My favorite part was all of the labs — I loved the opportunities to learn and discover new things."
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“This is a really cool experience that isn’t offered a lot of places.”
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“I really enjoyed learning new things and discovering things I didn’t know before.”
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“It was tons of fun!”
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“Meeting new people with the same interests as me was amazing.”
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“I liked how nice everyone was on campus. I don’t think I had someone not smile at me all week.”
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“Getting a feel for what college classes are like and being on the Belmont campus was so cool.”
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“I felt comfortable to participate — the teachers were so supportive.”
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“The meals and time with friends were great.”
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“The teachers had a great spirit and did a great job — better than most of my school teachers.”
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“Learning how to use tools that will help me pursue my career was my favorite part.”
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“I loved all the fun experiments and learning how they apply to real life.”
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“Every day I went home with a smile."
Parent feedback:
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“My kids loved this camp and made many friends.”
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“Belmont STEM camp is way better because they actually got to do hands-on activities in real science labs.”
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“Learning more about a topic of interest was his favorite part.”
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“The reward for the amount of time and work she put in is indescribable.”
- “My child could not wait to tell everyone about what she learned each day.”
- “It was truly such a wonderful experience. I can’t speak highly enough."
- “Meeting new friends with similar interests and engaging with college professors was wonderful.”
- “It was a pleasure to get to know more about Belmont and the wonderful professors & staff.”
- “I was seriously so impressed with this camp.”
- “The faculty and camp staff were very professional, friendly, and engaging.”
- “She enjoyed both of her professors and how hands-on the learning was.”
Enough with the anecdotes. What about the stats from students? (We are scientists after all!)
- 98% yes: "Based on your experience this summer, would you encourage your friends or colleagues to participate in this program?"
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90% agree: "I have a good understanding of the lectures present"
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81% agree: "The lectures were exciting and interesting"
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98% agree: "I have a good understanding of the hands-on work I did"
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98% agree: "The hands-on work I did was exciting and interesting"
In most camps, students will be working with 1-2 faculty members and 1-2 student supporters. The faculty 100% run the camp, so students will have a lot of time to get to know faculty. Most of the day will include hands-on activities. For a brain break during the morning, students will have the option of a fun community-building or college-exploration activity. Lunch is provided at the Belmont cafeteria. We will email you about 2-3 weeks before the camp to give you even more details about the camp and how to prepare!
We will email you about 2-3 weeks before the start of the camp with this information. Most camps require a laptop but we can provide one if you don't have it. Some camps will require special clothing for lab safety.
We do not have aid at this time, but we sometimes have support come through. This often doesn't happen until March or April. Please email Beth Bowman if you would like to check into this.
While we are happy to provide a full reimbursement for camps, unfortunately, reimbursements can only be processed up to 180 days after registration. After this time, no reimbursement can be provided.
Registration for Summer 2026 will open soon!
Please email Beth Bowman for any questions, beth.bowman@belmont.edu
Ready to Join?
Cost
$425/week
Register soon!
Registration Deadline
The registration deadline for the 2026 camps will open soon! Please email Beth Bowman with any questions about registration.
Questions?
Beth Bowman, PhD
Summer Camp Director
beth.bowman@belmont.edu
615.460.6021