Academic Camps and Programs
This summer, St. Ambrose University invites the Quad Cities community to participate in our summer camps and conferences. We offer LEGO Sumo camps, piano camps, Model UN camps, and more.
Registration opens February 17th, 2026.
Piano Camp
June 22-26, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Students entering grades 8-12 in the fall will attend daily activities at the Galvin Fine Arts Center and McCarthy Hall on the St. Ambrose University campus. Each day campers will receive daily lessons*, performance seminar, a specialty piano class, piano ensemble class where students can play duets with their fellow pianists, and have supervised practice. On the last day, campers will present a concert showcasing what they have learned throughout the week. Friends and family are invited to attend! *All campers are asked to come prepared with a minimum of two pieces to work on during the camp.
Model UN Camp
July 20-22, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
St. Ambrose University Model United Nations summer camp (grades 9-12) is a three-day conference at which key activities of the United Nations Security Council are simulated. This conference is designed to enhance critical and analytical skills essential for preparation for college level coursework and provide a unique academic experience to help craft that standout college admissions resume. To register multiple students or a team(s), contact Theresa Barber at 563-333-5701 or BarberTheresaL@sau.edu. Lunch is provided.
Mock Trial Camp
June 10-11, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
A two-day summer program for students in grades 8-12 focusing on how to present the various parts of a mock trial case utilizing actual case materials. Learn how to make your openings and closings better, how to use the rules of evidence, and how to be a better witness. The camp will conclude with competition, feedback, and awards. Lunch is provided.
LEGO Sumo Camp
Session 1: June 15-18, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Session 2: July 13-17, 1:00-4:00 pm
Get ready to build, code, and compete! Join us for this engaging hands-on summer experience using LEGO Mindstorms robots and Scratch programming. Students entering grades 5–9 will explore engineering and robotics through guided lessons and creative challenges as they design, program, and battle autonomous robots in epic LEGO Sumo showdowns. No prior robotics experience is needed - just creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to learn! Daily snacks are provided.
Coding Adventures Camp
Session 1: June 8-12, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (grades 1-4)
Session 2: June 8-12, 1:00 - 4:00 pm (grades 5-9)
Get ready for an exciting summer of coding! In this camp, students entering grades 1-4 and grades 5-9 will explore the fundamentals of programming through engaging, hands-on projects. Younger students will start with fun, interactive coding games to learn the basics, while older students tackle more advanced concepts, building their own animations, games, and digital stories. This camp fosters creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork in a supportive, tech-focused environment. Daily snacks are provided to keep everyone energized for a day filled with learning and exploration!
Applied Generative Artificial Intelligence
July 20-24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
This immersive one-week summer camp introduces high school students to how modern artificial intelligence systems actually work, using industry-grade tools from NVIDIA. Students explore generative AI technologies such as large language models and image generation through hands-on experimentation, learning how text and images are transformed into data, how models learn patterns, and why GPUs are critical to modern AI. Beyond building and testing AI-powered applications, students examine ethical issues including bias, privacy, misinformation, and responsible use. No prior programming experience is required. By the end of the week, students will be able to explain, evaluate, and responsibly use AI systems while gaining insight into real-world AI careers and pathways.
