Summer at Alma

Summer at Alma

Choose from summer camps focused on arts, science, leadership and service, and athletics. Dive deep into an area of interest, learn new skills, and make new friends!

Academics

Alma College Research Network (ACORN)

Do you ever wish you were the forensic scientist on the crime scene? Do you enjoy hands-on scientific and mathematical research? If so, then the Alma College Research Network (ACORN)  program is for you.

First-year science and mathematics students have the extraordinary opportunity to engage in research before they even step foot on campus! Prior to their freshman year, selected students are invited to begin their academic journey through the ACORN summer research opportunity alongside Alma faculty and other students.

Dates: June 11 - June 15, 2023

Cost: There is no cost for this camp.

Register for this camp

e-STEM Math Enrichment

The e-STEM Math Enrichment Camp is a seven-week mathematics enrichment program for students in 4th through 6th grades. Grade 7 students may sign up for Grade six lessons to strengthen their foundational skills. The goal of this camp is to counter summer learning loss and bridge students to their next grade. Multiple sessions will be offered per week and all lessons will be held through Zoom. Applicants will receive communication to choose their weekly lesson times.

Dates: Check back for 2023 dates.
Cost: There is no cost for this camp.
Register for this camp.
Explorers Week (STEM) - grades 2- 6

Students currently in grades 2–6 will have a chance to explore topics in math, science and engineering in a week-long day camp setting. The program includes a variety of hands on, student-centered experiences where they have the opportunity to learn more about each topic. Students will have two different classes each morning. The afternoons are filled with challenges and activities. Students will move about in small groups led by a counselor.

Lunch and snacks are provided each day. This camp is offered free of charge by Alma College through a grant. There is a limit of 55 students.

Dates: June 12 - June 16, 2023

 

Cost: There is a $25 registration fee per student, with a discount for families with more than one child attending.

 

Register for this camp

Global Challenge

During five days on the Alma College campus, students develop solutions to real-world international issues through a simulation of the United Nations Security Council. Your team might work on critical issues like disease outbreak, international terrorism, climate change or other global concerns. Work with an exceptional group of incoming and current students - including our nationally recognized Model United Nations team - alumni mentors and expert faculty. Students who attend Global Challenge and enroll at Alma College in fall 2023 receive a $200 tuition credit in October 2023

Dates: June 11 - June 15, 2023

Cost: $350 for high school students and $200 for incoming Alma students. 

Register for this camp.

Pre-College Art Program

The Pre-College Art Program is a one week drawing course designed for students at all levels and abilities ages 14–19. This course explores traditional methods of drawing with a focus on portraiture. The program aims to introduce students to the rigor and content discussed at the college level. All drawing materials are provided. 

Dates: June 5 - June 9, 2023

Cost: $80

Register for this camp.

Research Week (STEM) - grades 7 - 11

Each morning students in grades 6-11 will work in small groups on a week-long project in one of the STEM disciplines. Each group will work alongside Alma College faculty and/or students as they complete this work. The students will have a chance to present their work at the close of the week. In the afternoons students will work on engineering challenges, social enrichment activities and learn more about the possibilities in life after high school. Snacks and lunch will be provided. These camps are provided by Alma College through a grant, therefore there is no cost for the camps, however, there is a $25 registration fee. There is a limit of 40 students.

 

Dates: June 19 - June 23, 2023

 

Cost: There is a $25 registration fee per student, with a discount for families with more than one child attending.

 

Register for this camp

Performing Arts

Bagpipe
At Bagpipe Camp you will learn more about bagpipe maintenance, improving technique, competition preparation, improving the tonal quality of your bagpipes, tune memorization, and more. Check in for the camp begins Sunday, July 9 after the bagpipe competition. For Ages 12 and up.
Dates: July 9- July 12, 2023
Cost: $455
Register for this camp.
Bagpipe Competition

Bagpipe bands are invited to what promises to be an exciting day of competition on the beautiful campus of Alma College. This competition follows the MWPBA rules for tune requirements.

Date: July 9, 2023

Cost:

  • Entry Fee Practice Chanter - $10
  • Entry Fee Grade V - $12
  • Entry Fee Grade IV - $24
  • Entry Fee Grade III, II - $36

Register for this competition.

Choral Conducting

This camp is designed for singers who love choir and who may be considering a career as a choir director and music teacher. Conducting lessons and master classes will be taught by Dr. Will Nichols, conductor of the Alma College Choirs. Voice lessons will be taught by Alma College voice faculty. Interested participants should be entering their junior or senior year in high school and active as student leaders in their high school choirs.

Dates: July 9 - July 12, 2023

Cost: $425. $100 scholarship available to students who are recommended by their high school choir conductor.  

Register for this camp.

Percussion Workshop

Develop your skills as a performer and a leader in concert percussion, as well as perform in a concert with traditional percussion ensembles, steel drum bands, marimba ensembles, and more. We will help you develop musicianship and technical skills on all instruments including marimba, vibraphone, drum set, timpani, steel drums, hand drumming, world percussion, orchestral percussion and much, much more.

Open to grades 6-12 and incoming students of any skill level. You will be taught by the directors Dave Zerbe and Aaron Krause, and top members of the renowned Alma College Percussion Ensemble, as well as internationally recognized clinicians.

For more information email Aaron Krause at krauseal@alma.edu or explore our videos.

Dates: July 9- July 15, 2023

Cost: Staying on campus - $550   Commuter - $250

Register for this camp

Professional Development for Educators

STEM Core Option 1: Technology

K-12 teachers take technology tools and explore how to apply them in a classroom setting. This experience is completely on-line and designed for K-12 teachers using various levels of technology in the classroom. Activities include designing websites, researching tools to support math and science units and creating classroom-ready technology enhanced artifacts. This CORE experience is being taught by Jessie Store.

There is a stipend of $500 per teacher and $500 for classroom materials.

Dates: June 19 - July 14, 2023

Cost: Free

Register

STEM Core Option 2: AST - Ambitious Science Teaching

This is a workshop centered around the Ambitious Science Teaching (AST) framework and supporting teachers in making curricular and NGSS-related connections to phenomena-based teaching. K-12 teachers will learn about the tools and knowledge to implement the AST core practices in their own classrooms, whatever level they teach.

This CORE experience is being taught by Brian Hancock. Meetings will take place in a synchronous online format from 9:00 a.m. - noon EST.

Participants will receive a stipend of $500 and $250 for classroom supplies and the AST book.

Dates: July 10 - July 14, 2023

Cost: Free

Register

Service

Plaid Serves

Prospective and incoming students are invited to join Alma College in the opportunity to serve and utilize their own unique skill-sets to bring leadership to identify and meet the needs of their community through a service-based camp experience.

This five-day service and leadership experience provides students the opportunity to serve within the mid-Michigan community through various service projects. In addition, students will learn the importance of community organizing and how to use their knowledge to become a leader and encourage others to serve.

Students who serve as high school leaders (faith-based youth groups, National Honor Society, Interact Club, etc.), are considering a profession in the nonprofit sector, aim to serve the community through health professions, or are interested in international studies are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

Dates: June 11 - June 15, 2023

Cost: This experience costs $350 per student and includes housing in our newly remodeled residence halls that are at the heart of campus, meals, travel, site materials, and hands-on learning activities. Students who attend camp and ultimately enroll at Alma College will receive a credit of up to $350 on their account October 1 of their first year.

Register for this camp.

Athletics and Cheer

Visit www.almascots.com for a complete list of all Alma College Athletics camps and events.