Youth Programs

Summer 2026 Registration is now open!

For questions, please reach out to [email protected]
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Summer Youth Programs are part of the Barbara Shineman Summer Scholars sponsored by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation. We provide the option for flexible drop-off and pick-up beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. for all programs. Please visit each individual program webpage for more information about our offerings.

At SUNY Oswego, we believe in the power of early inspiration. Our youth programs give local children hands-on, fun experiences in science, technology, engineering, math, art, and environmental learning, guided by SUNY Oswego’s expert faculty, k-12 educators, and community partners.

Through these programs, children enjoy a welcoming campus environment where they can explore, experiment, and begin building a connection to the possibilities of higher education. As part of our commitment to being a proud hometown university, we offer need-based scholarships and flexible scheduling to support the schedules of working families.

Exploring Nature at Rice Creek

Explore, learn, and play this summer at Rice Creek Field Station’s 350-acre natural area with its five miles of trails skirting forests, fields, ponds, and streams. Our enthusiastic staff of certified K-12 teachers will guide youth in grades K-9 through hands-on investigation, observation, and creative activities in nature. With nearly 100% of time spent outdoors, this program offers a safe environment for learning and fun. Learn more about Exploring Nature.

JULY 6-10, 2026

July 13-17, 2026

Sheldon Institute

Make new friends, learn something unexpected, and dive deeper into your favorite subjects and hobbies! Grades K-4 will have a set program that includes activities, and sessions related to the arts, humanities, and STEM areas. Grades 5-9 will engage in sessions related to leadership, arts, sciences, technology, career development, and wellness. Read more about the Sheldon Institute.

July 20-24, 2026

July 27-31, 2026

STEAM Camp

If you’re looking for ways to engage your child in new and exciting experiences this summer, you’ve got to check out SUNY Oswego’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Summer Youth Program. Children imagine, collaborate, explore and create, all while learning STEAM skills that will help them in school and beyond. Youth in grades K-9 will explore and discover robotics, virtual reality, gaming, circuitry, green screening, book creator, break out rooms & more. Learn more about STEAM Camp.

August 3-7, 2026

August 10-14, 2026

Winter Youth Program

The Winter Youth Program is an intensive, week-long enrichment initiative hosted by SUNY Oswego's Division of Extended Learning Youth Programs on SUNY Oswego’s campus for students in grades K–5. By bridging the gap between the university’s world-class facilities and the natural curiosity of local youth, we transform our campus into a "living laboratory." Engaging in hands-on exploration and fostering a sense of belonging on a college campus years before their first day of higher education.

Application Instruction Sheet
Instructor Application

Check back Fall 2026 for Winter Programming updates

Division of Extended Learning
337 Sheldon Hall

Contact

Chelsea Ginett
Youth Program Manager
Sheldon Institute for Barbara Shineman Scholars Director
STEAM Camp Director

Phone: 315.312.2726
Email: [email protected]

Hours of Operation

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday