Those looking for a summer experience for their children that blends high-energy fun with cutting-edge learning can participate in some popular on-campus programs returning this summer.

Registration is officially open for the 2026 Summer Youth Programs, including Sheldon Institute and STEAM Camp. Both programs serve those entering kindergarten through ninth grades and will run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

From digital animation and biotechnology to pool time and "Epic Quests," youth program organizers aim to have something for every young creator, engineer and artist.

Sheldon Institute returns with two weeks of sessions, July 20 to 24 and July 27 to 31.

Participants can pursue their passions in an interdisciplinary environment. Levels for this year will include:

  • Junior Artists and Explorers (K-1st): Painting, dance and daily swimming
  • Curious Creators (2nd-3rd): Science experiments and recycled fashion
  • Master Makers (4th): Ukulele building and invention labs
  • The Creative Hub (5th-6th): Dungeons and discovery, animation and clay creations
  • The Innovation Studio (7th-9th): Biotechnology, game design and sustainable fashion

STEAM Camp will run Aug. 3 to 7 and Aug. 10 to 14. This camp will provide opportunities for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to come to life through hands-on action. Levels will include:

  • Tiny Techies (K-1st): Dino-discovery and "Create Your Own Pokémon"
  • Future Explorers (2nd-3rd): Space journeys and bubble physics
  • The Design Studio (4th-5th): Engineering marshmallow catapults and automata building
  • Master Innovators (6th-9th): Professional marbling, kinetics and visual storytelling

All programs will take place at the SUNY Oswego campus, with free, flexible drop-off from 8 to 9:15 a.m. plus free, flexible pick-up from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Organizers plan to offer supervised daily swimming at the Lee Hall Pool for Sheldon Institute participants.

Since spots fill up quickly, organizers recommend signing up early via oswego.edu/extended-learning/youth-programs. Questions can be directed to summeryouthprogram@oswego.edu

— Submitted by the Division of Extended Learning / SUNY Oswego Youth Programs and Barbara Shineman Summer Scholars