2026 Camp Dates coming soon!
Rising 11th – 12th Grade
Not many people have seen their own brain, much less studied their brain. However, high school students will have the opportunity of a lifetime this summer when the Department of Psychological Sciences in the College of Liberal Arts hosts their annual Auburn University Brain Camp.
Brain Camp is a fun, interactive camp for young leaders who are rising juniors and seniors in high school, or about to enter their freshman year of college to get hands-on experience using advanced technology and to learn from distinguished professors in the field of neuroscience. Students will be led by two faculty members in the Department of Psychological Sciences – Jeff Katz, Ph.D. (Mike and Leann Rowe Endowed Professor), and Jen Robinson, Ph.D., (Alumni Professor), and high school psychology teacher, Ms. Kathy Dodgen.
Students will practice different techniques used by neuroscientists, such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), which allows for the mapping of the brain’s neural tracks and assists in constructing 3-D replicas of the brain. The most memorable experience will be an introduction to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The Department of Psychological Sciences partners with the Auburn University MRI Research Center to give each student* the chance to have their brain scanned. Students who participate in the scanning will have a chance to map their own brain!
Pending funding decisions, scholarships may be available to offset the costs of the camp.
*= Campers and their parents will have to complete an MRI safety screening form in order to participate in the brain scanning. Students who have braces or permanent retainers will not be eligible to have their brain scanned.
Camp participants will experience campus-life while residing in Auburn's resident dormitories, eating at campus dining facilities, and enjoying evening social and recreational activities. Campers will have 24/7 counselor supervision.
HOUSING:
Campers will reside in dormitories. They are designed in suites consisting of two double-occupancy rooms connected by a bathroom.
MEALS:
Meals will be provided at The Edge at Central Dining. All dietary restrictions and allergies are taken into consideration for each meal.
FACILITIES:
The instructional activities and hands-on experiences for this camp will be held at the Auburn University MRI Research Center (AUMRIRC).
Applications are closed.
Camp Fees are $705 and include the following items:
- On campus housing
- All meals, snacks and drinks while at camp
- Program instruction, materials and equipment
- Transportation to and from off-campus field-trip sites
- Recreational activities
Cancellation:
All cancellation requests must be submitted via email. Please send your request to opce@auburn.edu.
Cancellation Procedure:
- Cancellation request received at least 6 weeks prior to the start date of the program: Full refund, less $100.
- Cancellation request received less than 6 weeks but at least 3 weeks prior to the program start date: Refund of 50%
- Cancellation request received less than 3 weeks prior to the program start date or “no show”: No refund.
Note: Refunds will be issued to the individual/organization who made the original payment.
What to Bring to Camp:
Please pack lightly – but do not forget to bring bedding, a towel, and toiletries.
Campers should refrain from bringing no more than one (1) suitcase and one (1) personal sized bag to camp.
Dorm Room:
- XL twin sheets/thick blanket or sleeping bag and pillow
- Alarm Clock
- Phone Charger
Toiletries:
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Soap
- Bath Towel
- Hairbrush
Clothing & Shoes:
- T-shirts: Loose fitting, tank tops must have straps three fingers wide and cover all undergarments
- Shorts: At least 3.5” inseam
- One (1) pair of jeans/long pants
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Tennis Shoes: We walk up to 6 miles daily!
- Closed toed shoes
- Swimsuit: For girls, a modest one piece swimsuit. For boys, no speedos or jammers.
- Flip-flops or Water Shoes: For the pool
- Sweatshirt or Jacket
- Dress up Outfit: Dressy casual (modest) outfit (e.g.: modest sundress, polo & khakis, pants & blouse)
- Rain Jacket or Poncho
Miscellaneous:
- Laundry Bag
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Beach Towel: For the pool
- Bug spray/Sunscreen
- $50 key deposit: Make check payable to Auburn University
Optional:
- Spending Money
For your awareness, some camps may be held during weeks of federal holidays also observed as official university holidays. Campus partners are asked to consider and plan camp activities according to the availability of services on such days. For a list of official university-wide holidays and observance dates visit the AU HR site.
For camp programming tips that recognize the federal holidays, please contact AYP at auyouth@auburn.edu or (334) 844-5100.
