A Summer Camp Like Nothing Else
Spend a week immersed in your passions–choose one major course and one minor course for the week and spend your time in breakout sessions where you’ll build new skills through hands-on experience.
On your final day of camp, you’ll be able to showcase your accomplishments with your peers, family, and friends at an exciting camp expo.
Dates:
July 19-25, 2026
Ages:
Rising 9-12th Graders
Cost:
Take 15% off using the ‘Early Bird’ promo code
Residential camp: $1,200 per camper
Day camp: $800 (5:30pm pickup) or $950 (9:00pm pickup) per camper
Deposit: $400-$475
This covers the entire cost of camp including meals, activities, t-shirts, and dorm rooms (for overnight campers).
Daily Schedule
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 8:45 am | General Session (all-camp meeting with announcements and guest speakers) |
| 9:30 – 11:30 am | Major Part 1 |
| 11:30 – 12:30 pm | Lunch/Free Time |
| 12:30 – 2:30 pm | Major Part 2 |
| 2:30 – 3:15 pm | Snack and Mid-day Assembly |
| 3:15 – 5:15 pm | Minor |
| 5:15 – 6:00 pm | Free time |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| 7:00 – 9:30 pm | Evening Activity |
| 10:30 | Lights Out |
Majors
|
Course Name |
Description |
Instructor |
|
Competitive Speech |
Hosted by the Bradley University Speech Team—the most successful collegiate speech program in history—this week-long camp gives high school students the chance to learn from the best. Through expert guidance from nationally recognized coaches and faculty, you’ll strengthen your writing, performance, and research skills. Whether you aim to excel in competition or build confidence for the future, this camp provides the tools and training to help you succeed. | |
|
Creative Writing |
Creative Writing is a way to make sense of yourself, the world around you, and how the two are interwoven. This major is designed to introduce you to principles, techniques, and tools for writing fiction and poetry. Acquiring the skills to write good character-based fiction will prepare you to write in any genre. Poetry will focus on the sound of language, original insight, and vivid, concrete images. | |
|
Cybersecurity |
Cybersecurity is one of today’s fastest-growing challenges. In this hands-on hackathon, you’ll step into the role of a security expert to uncover vulnerabilities in a local business and design strategies to protect its data and physical assets. | |
|
Digital Music Technology |
Get hands-on with the art and technology of sound. In this immersive experience, you’ll explore digital music production and sound design using professional tools and techniques. Learn how electronic music is created through sound synthesis, signal processing, and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), and discover how computers can become powerful instruments for | |
|
Engineering Exploration |
Explore the many sides of engineering! In this immersive weeklong program, you’ll spend each day with a different department—Civil & Construction, |
Engineering |
|
Environmental Engineering & Water Supply |
Clean drinking water is vital, yet millions lack access. In this camp, you’ll become an environmental engineer and tackle the question: How can we provide safe water to communities? | |
|
Game Art |
Dive into the creative world of Game Art! Through hands-on projects, students will explore the artistic principles and technical concepts behind the visual style and presentation of games. | |
|
Learn to Play by Ear |
In this performance-based class, students learn the time-honored tradition of self-expression through the art of improvisation. Participants will learn to play jazz, New Orleans, and funk tunes completely by ear, culminating in a joyous performance at the end of the week! Students of all musical abilities are | |
|
Music Conducting |
Step onto the podium and take the lead! In this major, you’ll explore the art and technique of conducting through hands-on practice. Learn how leadership, rehearsal technique, gesture, score study, and musical interpretation come together to shape a performance—and discover what it means to bring music to life from the conductor’s stand. | |
|
Music for Video Games |
Ever wondered how music shapes the feel of your favorite game or movie? In this major experience, you’ll learn to create original music, soundscapes, and sound effects for media projects. Using digital audio workstations, participants will compose for game scenes, cinematic clips, and images. | |
|
Musicals with Morgan! |
This exciting major will focus on musical theatre songs for young performers. Broadway veteran and Bradley alum Morgan Siobhan Green will work with students on choosing material, and on acting/singing techniques for performing songs from the wonderful world of musical theatre! |
Morgan Siobhan |
|
Painting |
Explore the creative and technical sides of painting! Students will learn how to work confidently with painting materials, practice safe studio methods, and develop essential skills such as working with value, building underpaintings, and mixing color. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, you’ll discover how to bring your ideas to life. | |
|
Robotics |
Step into the world of robotics and turn your ideas into reality! Learn how to combine computing, sensors, and smart design to build and test your own creations. Work to solve real-world challenges and see your robots come to life. | |
|
Short Filmmaking |
Discover the art of visual storytelling through short films! In this hands-on course, you’ll learn the essentials of scripting, cinematography, sound, and editing as you bring your ideas to life. Collaborate with classmates, experiment with film language, & develop the skills to craft impactful short films from concept to screen. | |
|
Video Game Development |
Discover how video games move from concept to creation. Using Unity, you’ll learn the fundamentals of game development and level design through hands-on projects that let you customize and extend real game assets. Perfect for creative minds who want to build—and play—their own designs. |
Minors
|
Course Name |
Description |
Instructor |
|
Auditioning with Morgan! |
This fun minor will focus on that all-important moment for young performers: the audition. Broadway veteran and Bradley alum Morgan Siobhan Green will work with students on choosing material, preparation, acting, and even controlling your nerves, at auditions! |
Morgan Siobhan |
|
AI for Video Creators |
Harness the power of artificial intelligence to elevate your video productions! In this cutting-edge minor, you’ll explore a hybrid workflow that seamlessly blends live-action footage with AI-generated visual effects. Learn to develop consistent characters and maintain a unified artistic style across your projects. Work hands-on with the latest AI tools to enhance your storytelling capabilities, experiment with innovative techniques, and discover how emerging technologies are revolutionizing the filmmaking process. Leave with the practical skills to integrate AI into your creative workflow while maintaining your unique artistic vision. | |
|
Competitive Speech |
Build your skills across every aspect of speech and debate in this comprehensive, hands-on minor. Work with accomplished college coaches and faculty as you craft compelling speeches, deliver dynamic performances, and sharpen your research and argumentation. Explore techniques for public address, interpretive events, and debate while gaining confidence in both prepared and limited-preparation formats. From storytelling and creative writing to character development and persuasive speaking, this camp offers a well rounded foundation for success in competition—and beyond. | |
|
Construction Management & Engineering |
Make a real difference for animals in need! In this camp, you’ll design and build high-quality animal shelters for the Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS). Start by creating your plans using computer-aided drafting (CAD), then bring them to life with hand tools and power tools in the Business and Engineering Convergence Center. In this major you build something that truly matters. | |
|
Entertainment Engineering |
This minor bridges theatre and engineering, giving students hands-on experience with automated theatrical systems—including the large turntable stage being installed in Bradley’s Hartmann Theatre this summer. Students will explore the mechanics behind stage automation and apply their learning by designing and building a working model of a theatrical mechanical system. | |
|
Entrepreneurship: From Concept to Creation |
Have a business idea—big or small—but not sure where to start? In this hands-on, project-based experience, you’ll explore how everyday ideas can grow into real ventures. Whether it’s lawn care, babysitting, gaming, or an app concept, you’ll learn to dream boldly, design a practical plan, and develop your first actionable steps. By the end, you’ll have the confidence, creativity, and toolkit to turn an idea into something real. | |
|
Intelligent Investing |
Strategies for successful investing could make or break your personal finances or your future business. Learn how to save, invest and plan. Test your solution in a portfolio competition to win an award! | |
|
Jazz Combo |
Learn the art of group communication and improvisation in a small group setting. Participation in the “Learn to Play by Ear” major is required as well as an audition of three choruses on a concert F blues (from a provided track). Enrollment is limited and by audition only. Contact Todd Kelly ([email protected]) for details on auditioning for this major. | |
|
Music Audition Skills |
Learn how to play or sing an effective audition, including how to learn the music, practice skills, and audition preparation. This course will focus on the required music for ILMEA auditions as well as preparation for college music auditions. | |
|
Public Speaking |
Find your voice and learn how to make it count! In this week-long focus, you’ll master the essentials of confident, effective speaking—crafting messages that | |
|
Reduction Relief Printmaking |
Learn to make beautiful color prints using the exciting method of reduction linoleum cutting. For this method of printing, layers of color are applied from a single block. The surface of the block is carved away in stages so that each layer reveals the one before it and adds new information to the image. Students will each make at least one finished work of art with at least three colors. | |
|
Video for Broadcasting |
Get an introduction to the dynamic world of broadcast video! In this minor, you’ll learn the basics of live production and on-camera operation tailored for broadcasts. Through team projects, you’ll gain experience in planning and producing content for a live audience, building skills in communication and quick decision-making. This course is ideal for anyone interested in the energy and precision of creating video for broadcast. | |
|
Web Design |
Design and build your own personal website, learning essential skills like layout design, color theory, and user experience. By the end of the week, each participant will have a fully functional website to showcase and the confidence to continue their digital design journey. |
Request more information from Camp Managers
Christopher Marsh, Camp Director
FAQs
Students who are entering 9th through 12th grade in Fall of 2026.
No.
Residential camp: $1,200 per camper ($400 deposit)
Day camp: $950 per camper ($450 deposit)
$200 deposit
(Register now for 15% off using the “Early Bird” discount code)
This covers the entire cost of camp including meals, activities, t-shirts, and dorm rooms (for overnight campers).
No. We cannot offer course credit for the summer camp classes.
They might want to in order to purchase items at the bookstore and food courts. But meals and snacks are provided, so bringing money is entirely optional.
The camp takes place at 1501 W. Bradley Avenue, Peoria IL 61625 on the campus of Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Overnight campers will stay in certified student housing within walking distance of all classes. View the camp campus map.
All travelers are responsible for getting to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
There is a Chicago area Sunday July 6th shuttle available (for a $75 per camper charge) that will bring campers from a drop-off point at the parking lot of the Rosemont, IL David & Buster’s (9870 Berwyn Ave, Rosemont, IL 60018) to camp. Drop off time will be 12:30-1:00pm.
All campers must be picked up at the Bradley University campus on Saturday July 25th.
The last day of camp (Saturday July 25th) is dedicated to an expo where campers present their accomplishments. Families are encouraged to attend the expo as well as the luncheon banquet that follows.
Campers will spend the week of camp diving into the disciplines of the majors and minors they selected. Campers will also enjoy social and recreational activities such as indoor and outdoor games, movies and more.