Every year, as undergraduate life on BYU campus ebbs and the tranquility of spring semester takes over, campus becomes a staging ground for a different kind of learning. New faces—young faces—pop up in one- and two-week increments. Halls fill with the sound of music, of dancers’ feet hitting ballroom floors, and of well-cracked jokes and the laughter they bring. Less tests are taken; more sketches are written. Less essays are turned in; more plays are performed.
It’s camp season. BYU’s youth programs are as diverse as they are numerous, and they’re changing lives by the thousands. Breaking boundaries, expanding worldviews, connecting in grief, and preserving nature are all part of the equation. Let’s take a look at a few of this year’s many stellar youth programs that are having a big impact!
Life After Loss for Teens
Since 2023, the annual Life After Loss conference has been a space for healing to happen, relationships to form, and love to be felt. This year, thanks to a little divine intervention, the program’s teen-oriented sister conference is set to take place for the first time.
The two-day event—held in the Wasatch Mountains over Memorial Day weekend—gives grieving teens a space to connect with peers who understand them. It’s all about healthy communication, strengthened faith, and effective coping strategies. “[The camp] is going to be uplifting, inspiring, and hope-filled,” says Heather Patterson, the program’s administrator. Read more here.
Chip Camp
"I like watching stuff explode,” said one BYU Chip Camp attendee. That quote perfectly captures the spirit of the camp. Immersing youth in the commercial applications of engineering and technology, the camp ignites participants’ passion for everything tech. BYU students active in the IMMERSE mentoring program run the camp, bringing youth face-to-face with experts in the field. The camp also promotes diversity and inclusion in electrical and computer engineering—a field that’s typically over 90% male.
During the camp, youth get their hands dirty. Building video game controllers and LED-lit Frisbees, operating catapults, creating chemical concoctions—it’s a hands-on experience, perfect for anyone passionate about computers, circuitry, and their applications. Two sessions of the event are slated for 2025: June 24–26 and July 1–3. Register here.
Living Legends
Living Legends isn’t your typical dance camp. Forget the ballroom and ballet; this three-day camp is all about diving into diverse cultures from the Americas and Polynesia. Taught by BYU Living Legends dancers, attendees master the basics of a wide range of styles and connect with millennia-old heritage. It’s a vibrant, exciting, fun way to grow as a dancer, make friends, and develop cultural literacy.
The camp is taking place this summer from June 30 to July 2. For dance enthusiasts, aspiring BYU students, and lovers of diverse cultures, it’s a can’t-miss opportunity. Register here.
Range and Wildlife Camp
For those who have a passion for the outdoors and a curiosity about wildlife, BYU's Range and Wildlife Camp is the perfect summer adventure. This camp focuses on hands-on learning and outdoor exploration, igniting attendees’ love for nature and conservation. Experienced professionals from BYU make the camp a world-class experience.
The camp provides participants with the opportunity to study local ecosystems in a conservation context. Campers will engage in activities such as tracking animals, identifying plant species, and learning about sustainable land management. This year, the camp runs from July 15 to July 19. Find out more here.
BYU's youth camps offer a unique blend of learning, creativity, and connection, making a lasting impact on participants. Whether it's through healing, tech exploration, cultural dance, or wildlife conservation, these programs are shaping the future one camp at a time. Get involved this summer at youth.byu.edu!
