Quinnipiac University
Students write observations while participating in field work.

Pre-College Summer Programs

Bobcat Nature Academy

The Bobcat Nature Academy summer experience takes students out of the classroom and gives them a front-row seat to the natural world. Throughout this 1-week camp, our instructors provide hands-on learning experiences on our campus and in surrounding environments like Sleeping Giant State Park.

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Overview

The natural world around us offers many opportunities to explore, question and learn. Participants will have the chance to learn about the local diversity using the scientific method to develop their own scientific hypothesis, test their hypothesis and present their findings. This summer, come explore the exciting world of ecology.

Most of the learning will happen outdoors, with a focus on a different group of organisms each day. Activities will include collecting aquatic invertebrates in the stream, using dichotomous keys to identify native trees, planting native plants for our pollinators and identifying rocks and minerals found throughout Sleeping Giant State Park. Participants will also learn more about environmental sustainability and be challenged to create ways to live more sustainably.

At the end of this program, you’ll walk away with:
  • Ability to define the scientific principles behind ecology, geology and environmental studies

  • Skills and techniques necessary to observe and quantify biodiversity and understand the role of adaptation in the diversity of life on Earth

  • Knowledge about the flora and fauna that live around us and how they play different roles in the ecosystem

  • An understanding of our role in the ecosystem and how to live more sustainably

Summer Promo Pack

Sport your Quinnipiac pride all summer long! All students who register and pay in full for a Pre-College Summer Program at Quinnipiac between March 22 and April 12 will receive a promo pack including a QU towel, a water bottle and a pair of sunglasses.

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Program Dates and Schedule

July 29, 2024 - August 2, 2024

Sample Daily Schedule: This is only a sample schedule and is subject to change due to a variety of factors.

Time Activity Detail

9:15 a.m.

Morning Academic Session

In a lab or classroom

10:30 a.m.

Morning Outdoor Lesson

The class will walk to Sleeping Giant State Park and study the natural world.

Noon

Lunch Break

Eat and socialize with your classmates.

1 p.m.

Afternoon Academic Session

In a lab or classroom

2:30 p.m.

Academic Outdoor Activity

The class will walk to Clark's Pond to study the aquatic natural world.

4 p.m.

End-of-Day Review and Debrief Meeting

A chance to reflect and discuss the day as well as look to the days ahead.

4:30 p.m.

Day Program Ends

Dismissal for commuter students.

5 p.m.

Dinner

Dinner will be provided for those students with full room and board.

6 p.m.

Evening Activities (Group Recreation, Games, Guest Speakers, Independent and Group Enrichment Projects)

The evening is reserved for overnight students to have fun, experience our on-campus amenities and bond with each other and staff through organized group enrichment activities.

10 p.m.

Quiet Time

 

 

Program Costs

Option 1: 1-week overnight program from Sunday to Saturday. Includes full room and board as well as evening and weekend activities: $1,680

Option 2: 1-week on-campus commuter program from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Includes lunch daily: $1,400

All options include:

  • One week of faculty-designed and delivered programming, administered online or on campus with educational support staff and program materials

  • Technology and software support

  • A Quinnipiac T-shirt

  • A digital badge for use on social media, resumes or portfolios

  • Access to special Quinnipiac Admissions events

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Discounts and Financial Aid

Partial financial support may be available for those who indicate the need for financial assistance in their online application. Financial support awards are based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.

We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all summer camps and experiences to current Quinnipiac employees, Quinnipiac alumni and employees of our corporate partners. 

Participation Requirements

Participants must be current high school students. Typically, participants are between the ages of 15 to 18 years of age at the start of the program. 

Equipment and Materials

All equipment and materials are provided, though it is expected that each participant has the appropriate outdoor summer attire for outdoor activities. Recommended items include lightweight long-sleeve shirts, long pants that cover the ankles, tall socks, a hat and shoes that completely cover the toes. Students should also bring a notebook and a pen or pencil to record observations and data.

Application and Payment Deadlines

Space is limited per session; applications are reviewed when they are received and students are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Registration: Students must register for summer programs prior to June 2, 2024.

Deposits: All students must submit a non-refundable $250 deposit at the time of registration to ensure a spot is reserved for 30 days.

Payment: Payment is due within 30 days of applying to fully register for a program.

Payment Methods and Refund/Cancellation Policy

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How to Register for Summer Programs

  1. Visit our registration page
  2. Create a new account or log in to your existing account
  3. Select the program(s) you wish to enroll in and click "Continue"
  4. Complete your registration details
  5. You will receive an email confirming space is available and providing information about next steps, such as how to make payment and completing the final required registration steps. If a program is full, a waitlist option will be provided.

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Our Program Instructors

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions among prospective students and families regarding our summer programs. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us and we'd be happy to chat.

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Accommodations

Quinnipiac University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as an institution of higher education. Students who have a current IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to share any accommodations or modifications they may require in order to access the fundamentals of a QU summer program or camp they plan to attend.

Students requesting disability-based accommodations should indicate this within the application as well as email summerprograms@qu.edu about any and all specific accommodation needs.

 

Rules & Regulations

Read Quinnipiac University’s Summer Camp and Pre-College Program Policies