Harvard Summer Camps: Unlocking New Skills and Fun in the Heart of Campus
Let’s be honest, when you think “summer,” Harvard probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But guess what? Harvard’s summer camps are where learning meets adventure, giving you the perfect chance to level up your skills, dive into your passions, and have some fun—all on one of the most prestigious campuses in the world. Whether you’re a budding athlete, a future doctor, a coding whiz, or someone who just loves a good debate, there’s something here for you. Ready to see what’s on offer? Let’s dive in!
1. Harvard Crimson Sports Camps: Get Game Ready
Remember when sports were just for fun? Well, now you can take that passion and sharpen it at Harvard Crimson Sports Camps. Whether you’re already crushing it on the field or just starting out, these camps will push your athletic skills to new heights. Coached by the best of the best—Harvard’s own—this is where you fine-tune your game and learn what it takes to perform like a champ.
| Age Group | 8–18 years old |
| Duration | 2–7 days |
| Location | Harvard’s world-class athletic facilities |
| Focus | Sports (basketball, soccer, lacrosse, rowing, etc.) |
| Coaches | Harvard’s sports coaches |
| Cost | Varies by sport and length of camp |
No matter if it’s soccer, basketball, rowing, or tennis, these camps aren’t just about running drills—they’re about building character, teamwork, and leadership skills. You’ll leave ready to take your game (and mindset) to the next level.
2. Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops: Master the Art of Persuasion
Ever thought about owning the room with your words? At the Harvard Debate Council Summer Workshops, you’ll do just that. This isn’t just for the speech geeks—it’s for anyone who wants to up their game in public speaking, critical thinking, and argumentation. Plus, it’s all guided by Harvard’s top debate experts.
| Age Group | 12–18 years old |
| Duration | 2–3 weeks |
| Location | Harvard University |
| Focus | Debate, public speaking, argumentation |
| Coaches | Members of the Harvard Debate Council |
| Cost | Varies (financial aid available) |
Here, you’ll learn to think on your feet, crush arguments, and deliver speeches that will leave your audience in awe. Who knows—this might be your first step towards a future in law, politics, or even international relations.
3. Harvard Medical School MEDscience Program: Get a Taste of the Doctor Life
So, you’re obsessed with medicine and dream of becoming a doctor? The Harvard MEDscience Program will give you a real shot at trying on that white coat. It’s a one-week deep dive into the world of healthcare, with hands-on simulations that will make you feel like you’re stepping into an episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
| Age Group | 15–18 years old |
| Duration | 1 week |
| Location | Harvard Medical School |
| Focus | Hands-on medical simulations, healthcare |
| Extras | Teamwork-based medical simulations |
| Cost | Varies (financial aid available) |
You’ll work in teams to diagnose and treat “patients” in high-stress medical scenarios. And if you’ve been thinking about pre-med, this experience will help you figure out if a career in healthcare is really your calling.
4. Harvard Youth Leadership Initiative: Future Leaders, Step Forward
Leaders aren’t born—they’re made. At the Harvard Youth Leadership Initiative, you’ll work on your leadership skills in workshops and group projects designed to teach you how to take charge, communicate effectively, and solve big problems. This camp is all about preparing you for a future where you make things happen.
| Age Group | 13–18 years old |
| Duration | 1–2 weeks |
| Location | Harvard University |
| Focus | Leadership development, public speaking |
| Extras | Team-building projects, mentorship from leadership experts |
| Cost | Varies (financial aid available) |
By the time you leave, you’ll have a toolkit of leadership strategies and the confidence to take on anything from leading student organizations to starting your own initiative. Ready to make a difference? Here’s your starting line.
5. Harvard Youth Coding Camp: Get Your Geek On
If you love tech, the Harvard Youth Coding Camp is where it’s at. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a budding programmer, this camp will have you coding your own games, apps, or websites in no time. The instructors are pros, and they’ll teach you the ins and outs of coding languages like Python, Java, and HTML/CSS.
| Age Group | 12–18 years old |
| Duration | 1 week |
| Location | Harvard University |
| Focus | Programming (Python, Java, HTML/CSS) |
| Extras | Hands-on coding projects |
| Cost | Varies (financial aid available) |
By the end of the week, you’ll have built something cool from scratch, and you might just be hooked on coding for life. Whether you’re interested in game development, app design, or web creation, this camp gives you a solid foundation in tech.
So, What’s Next?
Harvard’s summer camps are about way more than just learning—they’re about growing, challenging yourself, and making memories. You’ll meet people from all over the world, push your limits, and dive deep into your passions. So, if you’re ready to make this summer your best one yet, there’s a Harvard camp waiting for you!
Whether you want to excel in sports, debate, medicine, leadership, or coding, these camps offer the chance to explore your interests while experiencing life on one of the world’s most iconic campuses. What are you waiting for? Time to make your summer epic.
