Chem Camp (Ages 9

CHEM CAMP (AGES 9 - 12)

Come explore chemistry as you make molecules and measure changes you can’t see with your eyes. Experiments include titration, making batteries, identifying solutions, chromatography, ester synthesis, electrolysis, and macromolecule testing. There are two identical camp sessions (session 1 and 2) for 9–10-year-old children and two identical camp sessions for 11-12-year-old children. Camp (session 3 and 4). Ages are defined as the ages children will be at the time of camp. Mature 12-year-old youth that will have completed a full year of junior high before camp are invited to submit an application to BioChem Camp.

2025 CHEM CAMP DATES

CHEM CAMP COST

Ages 9–10 $155; Ages 11–12 $165
Generous donors have made tuition scholarships available. If you currently cannot afford the registration fee, please apply and indicate that you need a tuition scholarship.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Participate in chemistry experiments with close mentoring from BYU students and professors.
Explore chemistry as the central science, and its relationship to physics, biology, and medicine.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Toggle Item
Who may participate in a Chem Camp?

For ages 9–12 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.
Toggle Item
How are applicants selected?

BYU Chem Camps are committed to ensuring that high quality science experiences are available to all members of our community. Equal numbers of girls and boys participate in each camp. Campers are randomly selected from applicants.
Toggle Item
When will the Chem Camps take place?
There will be four sessions.
- SESSION 1 (ages 9–10): July 9-10, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- SESSION 2 (ages 9–10): July 11-12, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- SESSION 3 (ages 11–12): July 16-17, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- SESSION 4 (ages 11–12): July 18-19, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Toggle Item
What if I have children of slightly different ages? Can they attend together?

Due to the nature of the experiments conducted, we cannot allow youth to attend sessions that are not for their age.
Toggle Item
What do the Chem Camps cost?

Chem Camp (ages 9–10) Registration fee is $155.

Chem Camp (ages 11-12) Registration fee is $165.

The cost includes experiments, activities, supplies (goggles, lab coat, etc.), personal instruction from BYU counselors, snacks, and lunch. Families in financial need (eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches at school) can apply for a tuition scholarship to cover registration. You will apply for a scholarship after you receive an acceptance letter, not during the initial application process. Scholarships are made available by very generous private donors. The normal cost of the camp is also heavily subsidized by very generous private donors.
Toggle Item
What if my child wants to attend a session with a friend/sibling/cousin?

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.
Toggle Item
What activities will campers be doing?

Chem Camp (ages 9–12)

Campers will participate in hands-on lab activities each day. For example, during the 9-10 camps experiments include titration, making batteries, identifying solutions, and chromatography. During the 11-12 camps, experiments include ester synthesis, titrations, electrolysis, chromatography, and macromolecule testing. During all these experiments appropriate safety measures will be followed, and a dedicated BYU student counselor will supervise campers.
Toggle Item
What are the requirements to attend BYU Chem Camps?

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. For students eligible for free or reduced-cost school lunches, a fee tuition scholarship is available. Email chemcamp@chem.byu.edu for more information abut a tuition scholarship.
Toggle Item
What is the daily schedule for Chem Camps?

Chem Camp

SESSIONS 1 and 2 are for 9-10 year olds are both two-day camps that begin at 9:00 a.m. Drop off will occur between 8:30-8:45 a.m. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Pick up occurs between 2:45-3:00 p.m.

SESSIONS 3 and 4 are for 11–12 year olds are both two-day camps that begin at 9:00 a.m. Drop off will occur between 8:30-8:45 a.m. Snacks and lunch will be provided. Pick up occurs 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.
Toggle Item
When is the application due? When will we find out whether we have been accepted?

Applications will open October 1, 2023. Acceptances will be extended beginning in March 2024. Like the BYU Chem Camp Facebook page to receive updates.

CHEM CAMP REGISTRATION

How do I register for Chem Camp?

Applications will open January 2025. 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.