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Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chem Camp
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BIOCHEM CAMP (AGES 13 - 14)

FAQ | REGISTRATION | FACULTY

BYU Biochem Camp

Have you ever wanted to perform experiments with proteins and DNA? Does making mutant cells and glowing proteins sound fun?

Explore and perform experiments with molecules that make all living organisms work.

For youth ages 13 or 14 at the time of the camp. Mature 12-year old youth that have completed a full year of junior high may also submit an application.

2026 BIOCHEM CAMP DATES

Session 5 (ages 13 - 14)

June 23-25
Tuesday - Thursday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Session 6 (ages 13 - 14)

June 29-July 1
Monday-Wednesday
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

BIOCHEM CAMP COST

Ages 13-14 camps will be $325.

Students working in lab

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Participate in real hands-on biochemistry and molecular biology experiments with close mentoring from BYU students and professors.
  • Learn about and explore the molecules of life: DNA, RNA, protein, enzymes, and sugar.
  • Take lab tours and hear about careers in chemistry and life sciences.
Students working in lab

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • For ages 13-14 at the time of the camp. Mature 12-year old youth that will have completed a year of junior high can submit an application to biochem camp.
  • Campers are randomly selected from applicants.
  • There will be two BioChem Camp sessions.
    • SESSION 5 (ages 13–14): June 23-25, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (lunch provided)
    • SESSION 6 (ages 13-14): June 29-July 1, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (lunch provided)
  • Due to the nature of the experiments conducted, we cannot allow youth to attend sessions that are not for their age.
  • BioChem Camp costs $325.
    The cost includes experiments, activities, supplies (goggles, lab coat, etc.), personal instruction from BYU counselors, snacks, and lunch. The normal cost of the camp is also heavily subsidized. Families with significant financial need can apply for a limited number of scholarships made available by very generous private donors. Please email chemcamp@chem.byu.edu for more information.
  • If two campers both want to attend a specific session of BYU Chem Camp together, please make a note of it on the application form. We will do our best to accommodate these requests.
  • BioChem Camp (ages 13–14)

    Campers will participate in hands-on lab activities each day. For example, campers will isolate and examine their own DNA, harness the power of bacteria to grow glowing proteins, and examine how cellular DNA repair systems protect organisms (like us!) from the sun. In all these investigations, appropriate safety measures will be followed, and a dedicated BYU student counselor will supervise.
  • Each prospective attendee must fill out a short application to attend a BYU Chem Camp. Upon acceptance applicants must register and pay the registration fee.
  • BioChem Camp

    SESSIONS 5-6 for 13–14 year olds are three-day camps that begin at 9:00 a.m. Drop off will occur between 8:45-9:00 a.m. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Pick up occur between 2:45-3:00 p.m.

    Drop off and pick up for all sessions will be located at the south end of the BYU campus near the Botany “Duck” Pond.

    Additional schedule details will be sent to parents after registration is complete.
  • Applications are now open. Acceptances will be send in March-April.

Students working in lab

BIOCHEM CAMP REGISTRATION

How do I register for Chem Camp?

Applications are currently open. See the Apply Now tab for more details. Applicants will then be randomly selected to register for camp sessions. Starting in March, accepted applicants will be given instructions on how to register. You will be contact by an email from chemcamp@chem.byu.edu.

Students working in lab

BIOCHEM CAMP FACULTY

Daniel Ess

Professor Daniel Ess runs a computer simulation research group to discover the details of chemical reactions for reactions related to catalysis and energy. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers. Professor Ess teaches organic chemistry and publishes in chemical education journals.

Besides his time and passion for chemistry, Professor Ess enjoys playing and watching all sports and listening to live music.

James Moody

Professor James Moody and his team of researchers are working to develop new tools to make it easier to get atomic scale pictures of proteins. Professor Moody and his team also study and engineer enzymes that make and use free radicals to do amazing chemistry. Professor Moody teaches undergraduate and graduate biochemistry. When not in the lab, Professor Moody enjoys running, hiking, camping, drawing, and spending time with his family.

CONTACT

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For Questions

contact
chemcamp@chem.byu.edu
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Former Directors

Joshua Anderson

Professor Josh Andersen leads a team of researchers seeking to understand how tumor cells become resistant to chemotherapy and other stresses that occur within the tumor environment. Professor Andersen teaches undergraduate and graduate biochemistry.

When not in the lab, he loves to run, ski, mountain bike and fly fish.