Bug Camp
Summer 2026
We are excited to share that, YES, we will be holding Bug Camp in Summer 2026. We hope to release more information about registration by March 1st.
Insects are the most abundant animals on earth! Not only are these creepy-crawlies everywhere, they provide many necessary benefits to humans and human society. Through a variety of hands-on activities and interactive field trips, Bug Camp: Insects, Science & Society will teach kids how amazing and valuable bugs truly are. Campers will gain experience with science in the field and the lab, and will come away with an understanding of the important relationship between humans and insects.
Bug Camp: Insects, Science & Society is supported by the University of Maryland’s Department of Entomology and the University of Maryland Extension, 4-H Youth Development.
Topics & Activities
- Field trips around the UMD campus to local bug habitats
- Bug bodies and life stages
- Interacting with bugs in their natural environment
- Lab experiments with live bugs
- Team building & games
- Arts & crafts
- Pollinators & Pests: How humans and bugs get along
- Bug habitats and houses
General Information
- Bug camp is for youth ages 7-12 (at time of session)
- The camp is non-residential and will be held daily from 9:00am – 3:00pm on the UMD College Park campus with after care available from 3:00-4:30pm at additional cost.
- There are two one-week sessions of Bug Camp. The sessions are identical in content.
- Session 1 most likely: June 22 - 26, 2026
- Session 2 most likely: July 6 -10, 2026
- Camp fees: $450 camp fee (shirt included)
- Camp and aftercare fee: $575 ($450 camp fee (shirt included) plus $125 for aftercare)
- Financial Aid: We will be offering need-based financial aid for a limited amount of campers. Those selected in the lottery who have interest in applying for financial aid will be prompted to apply for aid at time of registration. Those who apply for financial aid but are not awarded will be able to release their spot to someone on the waitlist OR be billed for the full camp fee. Payment will be due prior to the start of camp.
Lottery, Registration & Waitlist
Bug Camp is piloting a lottery system for this summer's camp. Unlike the previous first‑come, first‑served model, all applications submitted during the lottery window will have an equal chance of being selected. Our hope is that the system will offer more equitable access to camp this year and alleviate stress around registration. Please note that entering the lottery does not guarantee a spot in Bug Camp 2026.
Lottery Guidelines for Families
Lottery window: The lottery opens TBA at noon and closes TBA at noon.
Submitting the lottery application:
- Please submit one lottery application for each camper you'd like to register for the camp.
- We understand that having siblings attend camp during the same week may be important for some families. We will do our best to accommodate these requests. The application includes a section where you can list additional siblings. This helps us link applications so that, to the best of our ability, all siblings are placed in the same session if one is selected. A separate lottery application should still be completed for each camper. Please link only your child and their siblings on the camp lottery application, not friend groups. Listing only siblings ensures fair processing.
- Enter the age the camper will be at the time of camp.
- Select session you would like to register for. If you choose "no preference" and are selected in the lottery we will assign you the session with the most availability.
Results & Registration: Families will be notified of lottery results via email between TBA. Those selected in the lottery will receive a confirmation email that includes their camp session assignment and instructions for completing registration.
Waitlist: The waitlist will be limited to 10 spots per session. Families not selected in the lottery will be informed whether they have been placed on the waitlist and, if so, their position. If openings occur, waitlisted families will be contacted in order of their placement.