Summer Camps
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DNA Odyssey Camps
Intended for students currently in grades 7-10
The Odyssey is a 6 day, 5 night camp from Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon. During these overnight camps, students will experience dorm life in one of the residential dorms on the University of Notre Dame campus (multi-occupancy with roommates). A typical day will include time in the lab, various activities throughout campus, and dinner at the Dining Hall. Students will be supervised at all times by current Notre Dame students serving as camp counselors throughout the week.
Tuition includes housing, meals, lab supplies, and a keepsake T-shirt and water bottle. Limited need-based financial assistance is available, so please contact us before registering if assistance is required for your attendance. If you are interested in attending a week outside your intended age range, please contact us prior to registering.
DNA Catalyst Camp
For students currently in grades 7-10
The Catalyst is a 3 day, 2 night experience designed for students who want an immersive introduction to genetics in a shorter format. Campers stay in a Notre Dame residence hall, conduct hands-on experiments in the DNA Learning Center’s laboratory, and enjoy meals in the campus dining hall, all under the supervision of experienced camp counselors. Catalyst offers the energy and rigor of our residential camps in a condensed, high-impact experience.
DNA Workshops
For students currently in grades 8-10
DNA & Food/Taste
DNA & Sports Performance
Choose between the Day Program 2-Day Workshop or the Overnight experience. These workshops are designed for students who have an interest in genetics and features advanced, hands-on experiments. Tuition for workshops includes all lab supplies and a keepsake t-shirt.
Day Program Workshop
Drop off your student at 9:30am and pick up at 3:30pm. Lunch will be provided both days.
Overnight Workshop
Drop off your student at 9:30am with their overnight gear (a packing list will be provided). Students will conduct experiments in the lab, participate in activities around campus, and stay in a residential hall with students from the same program. Overnight campers will be provided meals during their stay. Pick up your student at 3:30pm on the last day.
Virtual Camp
Gene Expression Research
Intended for students completing grades 9 and up
This interactive program features authentic science research projects focused on gene expression. Students who previously attended a DNA Summer Camp are encouraged to sign up, but no previous experience is required. This camp will allow students to learn about gene expression throughout the body and under different environmental conditions. Physical equipment will not be mailed, this program will be conducted entirely online. Because it is interactive, it is essential that you ensure your availablity in your time zone.
Alumni Camp
Intended for returning campers
We were thrilled to hold our our first-ever Alumni Camp in 2026! This special program is designed for former DNALC students who want to reconnect, explore advanced topics, and spend time in the lab again. We hope to welcome your young scientist back to campus!
All programs have a minumum registration number required. For more information about any of these programs, please contact the DNA Center Administrator at 574-631-1506 or email AdminDNAcenter@nd.edu.