Extension 4-H and STEM Summer Camps

Central State University Extension is excited to offer summer camps for local youth each summer. Over the course of several weeks during the summer months, we host both day and overnight camps for youth ranging from third grade through high school. We even offer a bridge program, where recent graduates can receive college credit and up to $14,000 in scholarships to attend Central State University.

Central State is proud to be Ohio's only public HBCU and 1890 Land-Grant Institution. Students and dedicated faculty and staff are advancing agriculture, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics every day. The future is bright for Marauders!

4-H camps

Discovery Day Camp

An African American youth wears protective glasses while doing a science experiment at a Central State University Extension summer camp

The Discovery Day Camp welcomes rising third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders to a week of fun, hands-on learning in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math, and agriculture (STEM-Ag). Hosted by our 4-H team, this camp will give your child opportunities to learn, make friends, have fun, and get outside! Best of all, this camp is free to all youth. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seed to Bloom Ag-STEM Institute Residential Camp

The Central State University 4-H Ag-STEM Institute Residential Camp offers rising sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a range of activities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and agriculture (STEM-Ag). Campers will have hands-on learning experiences ranging from robotics to gardening and will learn about STEM careers, all while staying on Central State's scenic campus in Wilberforce, Ohio.

Each camp session runs for one week, generally from Sunday to Friday. Due to the popularity of this camp, we offer it during two different weeks; however, campers may only attend for one week. Best of all, this camp is free to all youth! Applications generally go live in March, with initial review of applications and acceptance letters sent in April.

Next Generation in Ag Residential Camp

The Central State University 4-H Next Generation in Ag Residential Camp offers rising ninth-, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students the amazing opportunity to immerse themselves in activities, experiments, research, and projects with our Land-Grant research staff. Through this hands-on experience, campers will learn about current areas of agricultural research at Central State and ag-related careers.

a student in a 4-H summer camp at central state university uses an electronic device

Each camper will get to work closely with our research staff and will benefit from their guidance and mentorship on both academic pursuits and professional development topics.

To ensure all campers who are selected to attend will be successful, this application asks for information about the camper's academic standing and requires a positive letter of recommendation from their science or math teacher. This camp session is two weeks long and generally runs from Sunday to Friday, with campers enjoying traditional camp activities during the weekend. Best of all, this camp is free to all youth! Applications generally go live in March, with initial review of applications and acceptance letters sent in April.

Other camps

Climate Smart Summer Bridge Program

Central State University | Registration closed

Dr Lowell with students demonstrating field crimping

The Climate Smart Summer Bridge Program accepts applications from incoming freshmen committed to attending Central State and major in an AGRISTEM or agriculture program. It is a five-week residential camp. In addition to receiving college credit, participants will also be eligible to receive up to $14,000 in scholarship awards to complete their degree at Central State and have opportunities to engage in research and work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. To learn more about the program, email cestascshp@centralstate.edu.

Defense STEM Education Consortium (DSEC) Summer Bridge Program