High School Summer Programs

2024 Summer Program registration will open late February 2025. Join our mailing list to be notified when programs launch!

This summer, Geering Up is offering week-long programs for high school students at UBC Vancouver, UBCO Kelowna, and South Surrey! Our high school summer programs inspire and challenge youth through fun, innovative, and hands-on experiments and projects. We will be offering engaging day programs this year for our high school students.

instructor teaching student to code
  • Weekly from JULY through AUGUST
    4 HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM OPTIONS
  • 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    PACIFIC STANDARD TIME
  • UBC (Vancouver), UBCO (Kelowna),
    and South Surrey
  • Grade Levels: entering grades 8-12
    VARIES BY PROGRAM THEME AND LOCATION
  • Program Pricing: $410 – $480
    VARIES BY PROGRAM THEME AND LOCATION Every person should be able to participate in our programs. Please see the information regarding our camp bursaries.

PAST HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM THEMES:

Please note that each camp theme in the same grade level will feature the same curriculum each week. As such, we do not advise taking the same camp more than once throughout the summer.

Integrated Engineering Jr

Did you know that UBC has 14 streams of Engineering you can study? This program is a week packed with different Engineering disciplines. Uncover the intricacies of mechanical engineering, explore the digital universe of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and delve into the mysteries of Chemical and Biological Engineering... there’s something for everyone! Join this program to develop an appreciation for all parts of Engineering, spark your curiosity, and inspire innovation – come be a part of the exciting journey into the world of engineering with us!

Join this program if you are interested in exploring a variety of fields within engineering, including 3D Modelling, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical & Biological Engineering!

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

Biomedical Engineering Jr

Traverse the intersections of medicine and engineering, where innovation transforms healthcare! In this program, you’ll unravel the complexities of the human body and explore breakthroughs in the field of Biomedical Engineering. Engage in hands-on experiments, collaborate with students and industry experts, and immerse yourself in the engineering design process. From genetic discoveries to inventing medical imaging machinery, no problem is too big or too small for Biomedical Engineers.

Join this program if you are interested in Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, or Medical Devices! 

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver, South Surrey

Software Engineering Jr

Dive deep into the exciting world of code and web design! This program is for beginners and experienced coders alike, so join us for an introduction to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Algorithms, and more. Come explore the fundamentals of coding and computational thinking. We’ll bring our ideas to life and work to design and create a week-long coding project by using web development tools that you’ll learn to master throughout the program. Get ready for a week of coding, creativity, and innovation!

Join this program if you are interested in Computer Engineering, Web Development, or learning how to code.

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

Aerospace Engineering Jr

It’s a bird — It’s a plane — It’s an interstellar exploration! Your passion for engineering will take flight in this week-long journey through the galaxy. Experience the wonders of Aerospace engineering and learn to think like an engineer through hands-on design challenges. From the largest vessels to the smallest cellular structures, we’ll challenge your creativity and problem-solving skills as we embark on daily missions.

Join this program if you are interested in Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Physics, or Space Exploration. 

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

All Girls* Explorations in Engineering Jr

Here at Geering Up, we believe that Engineering is for everyone. This week-long program is designed to provide girls* with a safe space to experience and learn about the pathways of engineering. From hands-on projects and interactive workshops to campus and facility tours, participants will gain valuable skills and insights into various engineering disciplines. Our undergraduate student instructors will guide participants through engaging challenges, provide a glimpse of life in university, and foster a passion for innovation and critical thinking.

Join this camp if you want to experience UBC Engineering and connect with students, mentors, and exciting hands-on content!

Mentorship and representation have a positive impact on girls* decisions to pursue Engineering. This year, Geering Up is providing intentionally curated camps for high school girls* to further amplify the impact of our programs. Girls* thrive within a focused space to discover, explore, and cultivate their love for science and engineering. Geering Up holds All Girls* camps during our All Girls* week every summer to encourage girls* and inspire the next generation of women* scientists.

*We use the words “girls” and “women” with an asterisk (*) to intentionally include students and stakeholders who are underrepresented in STEM fields. Cis girls/women and trans, genderqueer, or non-binary people are welcome at our All Girls* programming. For more information, visit our All Girls* page.

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

Electrical Engineering Sr

Harness your creative energy (and maybe a little voltage) to discover the fields of Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, and Programming! While you won’t be building a functional hydroelectric dam in this camp, you will get to explore prototyping electrical circuits with breadboarding, microcontrolers, sensors, motors, and more. If you’re curious about electronics and want to build your own projects with expert guidance, join this electrifying camp to get a jumpstart.

Join this program if you are interested in the fields of Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering. 

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

Vitamin E-ngineering Sr

Get ready to spice up your summer with our newest program! Dive into a week of adventures as we uncover the spectacular science behind your favourite foods. From the secrets of vitamins and minerals to mind-blowing science behind food processing and composition, we’re turning the kitchen table into our very own science experiment! Explore wild experiments in Chemical Engineering and through our week-long project you will explore the mysteries of the dynamic Vitamin E cycle that fuels our bodies with surge of energy. This program isn’t just your average class– it's a thrilling rollercoaster of fun, delving deep into the captivating science and engineering that brings your favorite eats to life!

Join this program if you are interested in the fields of Chemical Engineering, Food & Nutrition, or Chemistry.

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

Quantum Computing Sr

Dive into the wonders of Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence in a beginner-friendly exploration. No coding experience required! Uncover the mysteries of quantum states, algorithms, and machine learning through interactive games and coding activities. Craft your Quantum-Inspired AI Algorithm in a week-long project with the help of our instructors. Join us on a mission to explore the frontier of our next-generation computing technology!

Join this program if you are interested in the fields of Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, or Software Engineering! 

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

Biomedical Engineering Sr

Evolve your understanding of Genetics and Biomedical Engineering in this new camp theme! Conduct hands-on experiments to unravel the world of DNA and dive into how we learn from our bodies to create new medical devices. This program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging participants to envision the future of healthcare innovation.

Join this camp if you’re interested in Biomedical Engineering, Genetics, Medical Devices, or Medicine.

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

All Girls* Explorations in Engineering Sr

Here at Geering Up, we believe that Engineering is for everyone. This week-long program is designed to provide girls* with a safe space to experience and learn about the pathways of engineering. From hands-on projects and interactive workshops to campus and facility tours, participants will gain valuable skills and insights into various engineering disciplines. Our undergraduate student instructors will guide participants through engaging challenges, provide a glimpse of life in university, and foster a passion for innovation and critical thinking.

Join this camp if you want to experience UBC Engineering and connect with students, mentors, and exciting hands-on content!

Mentorship and representation have a positive impact on girls* decisions to pursue Engineering. This year, Geering Up is providing intentionally curated camps for high school girls* to further amplify the impact of our programs. Girls* thrive within a focused space to discover, explore, and cultivate their love for science and engineering. Geering Up holds All Girls* camps during our All Girls* week every summer to encourage girls* and inspire the next generation of women* scientists.

*We use the words “girls” and “women” with an asterisk (*) to intentionally include students and stakeholders who are underrepresented in STEM fields. Cis girls/women and trans, genderqueer, or non-binary people are welcome at our All Girls* programming. For more information, visit our All Girls* page.

LOCATIONS: UBC Vancouver

HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM POLICIES & FAQ

Please read the information below regarding our policies in place for programs this year.

Registration Deadlines: Registration for each camp will close at 11:59 PM on the Sunday the week before the camp begins.
(i.e., if the camp begins Monday, July 25th, registration for it will close on Sunday, July 17th)

Geering Up operates as a non-profit organization and incurs substantial fees for each cancellation. The later the cancellation, the harder it is for us to fill the spot with somebody on the waitlist. To offset these costs, our cancellation and transfer policy is as follows:

Date of Cancellation Amount Refunded
More than 7 business days before the program’s start date: 100% refund of program price, minus a $35 cancellation fee
7 business days or less before the program’s start date: 50% refund of program price
After 9am the Friday before the program’s start date: No refund provided

Program Hours: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Recess & Lunch: Participants will go outside for a 30-minute recess and a one-hour long lunch each day. Parents can select "Lunch Release" in registration to allow their youth to leave the program group during the lunch period to purchase food.

Activities: In our programs we will have a variety of activities including engineering building challenges, coding projects, experiments, creative design projects, and more.

Lunch Program:The lunch program is an optional purchase when registering for your programs. Participants receive a main course, side, and drink for their lunch each day. The lunch program costs are for each day of the camp week.
*Only our UBC Vancouver location offers a lunch program.

Geering Up programming is deigned and intended for individual participants, not groups. Having a group (local or visiting) register for our programming greatly impacts the quality of the individual participant's experience; something that is extremely important to us. As such, group registrations are prohibited.

Please note that Geering Up will withdraw all participants without a refund who are found in breach of the group registration policy at any point before or after programming begins.

Each location's camp schedule can be found on our location pages and will be published when programs launch in late February 2025.

Unfortunately, Geering Up will no longer be offering Overnight Camp Programs. We apologize for any inconvenience.

There is no difference! We are working to curate our programs and portray them in a way that appeals to high school students. While our programs are not considered a "course", we also feel that "camp" does not quite capture the essence of these programs. We can assure you that the content and approach remains the same, despite the change in language.

Have more questions?
Check out our FAQ, or reach us at highschool.geeringup@ubc.ca.