Microscope Adventure Camp 2026

High School Microscope Adventure Camp

At this camp, you will observe and understand an "invisible" microscopic world revealed by light microscopes and Hamline's state-of-the-art scanning electron microscope. You will also use photomicrography to present and explain your scientific observations.

Space is limited to 20 campers, so we encourage early registration. Enrollment is open through May 31, 2026.

At camp, you will:

• Interact with local experts to learn the principles of light microscopes, electron microscopes, and photomicrography, as well as their applications in fields like the environmental science, forensic science, life science, and materials science.
• Conduct hands-on experiments with light microscopes and our state-of-the-art environmental scanning electron microscope.
• Work with a team to use microscopy and microanalysis techniques to create, edit, and present images, and share scientific findings to different audiences.

Camp details

Who: Students entering or in grades 9–12

When: July 13 - 17, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: Hamline University's Saint Paul campus

Cost: Before April 30, $598 per person; After April 30, $698 per person. The cost includes 5 lunches, lab materials and supplies, a water bottle, and a T-shirt.

Refund policy: Before April 30, we will charge you a $100 cancellation fee and then refund the remainder of your registration cost. After April 30, we will refund you 50% of your registration cost. After July 12, we will no longer offer refunds.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available based on financial need and are awarded on a first come, first served basis. We are a participant in the Summer Academic Enrichment Program, which will cover the full camp tuition for those who qualify. The scholarship application deadline is March 30, 2026.

To apply, take a few minutes to fill out this form and obtain the following two documents from a school official: (1) confirmation that the student’s household receives one of the following benefits—SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR (or mail physical copies of the family's 2024 tax forms to Dr. Lifeng Dong via USPS); and (2) verification that the student has an overall “C” average or its equivalent in their most recent academic term for Science. Please send these documents to Dr. Lifeng Dong at [email protected] no later than April 15, 2026.