Academic Camps for Excellence (ACE)

ACE students at computers

Camps for the academically-gifted child

Calvin College offers summer camp opportunities for children and teens who enjoy academic challenges. Taught by talented Calvin professors or high school teachers who are experienced in their fields, these camps will get students excited about science or computers in a whole new way.

For specific camp info (date, cost, registration, etc.), please click into the individual camps pages below.

Science camps

Interested in natural phemomena? Always curious about the natural world around you and how things work? Our science camps are for you! Select from one of three science camps and prepare for exciting, hands-on learning.

Computer camps

Bring your songs and ideas to this year's Imaginary Worlds Camp, where we'll be creating music videos and games using the latest version of Scratch, a new software package from MIT.

Enrollment details (applies to all ACE camps)

To be eligible for an ACE camp, a child needs to meet one of the following requirements:

taken a Midwest Academic Talent Search test (ACT, SAT or EXPLORE)
scored in the 95th percentile or above on a standardized achievement test such as CTBS, Stanford, Iowa, etc.
scored Level 1 (Advanced) on the MEAP test

If none of the above, please call 616-526-8801 before proceeding with application.

Registration and confirmation

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with notifications of acceptance sent by e-mail or postcard beginning in March 2012. Applications received after June 1 will be honored only if space is available.

Cancellation policy

Prior to June 15, 90% of the camp fee will be refunded upon receipt of a written request for cancellation. After June 15, refund requests will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The college may cancel or postpone any session because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a session is cancelled or postponed, the college will refund 100 percent of registration fees.

Fees

All instruction, supervision, materials, supplies and an ACE t-shirt are covered by the fee. Snacks and lunches are not provided.

Financial aid

Information and applications for partial financial aid are available upon request. Those who qualify for federal free or reduced lunch programs are given first priority, but other requests are considered based on availability of funds.

Liability

Activities and demonstrations in these programs are designed to be safe and students are taught standard laboratory safety techniques. However, the college does not provide insurance for its camps and its liability must be based on fault. Heath and insurance information will be required from all participants.