Vandal Kids Camps
Our full-week summer camps at the Student Rec Center provide a fun, active and safe environment for kids ages 6–11. Each camp is packed with exciting activities like rock climbing, outdoor adventures, sports, science experiments, stunts and acrobatics. Youth are encouraged to explore new interests or dive deeper into their favorite activities through a variety of themed camp options.
Vandal Kids Camp registration opens each spring. To learn more, reach out to Katie Doman at vkcamp@uidaho.edu.
Sports Week
This multi-sport camp (for ages 6-8) focuses on exposing young athletes to a variety of sports and activities while bringing out the best in each individual athlete. We’ll be rotating through a different selection of court-based or field-based sports each day. Kids of all skill levels and abilities will enjoy this high-energy, high-excitement program that promotes sportsmanship and teamwork.
Camp dates: Summer 2026 dates TBD
Cost: $250
Adventure Week
Join us for a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational pursuits and adventures. During this camp, kids will learn the basics of hiking, climbing, paddle boarding, kayaking and birding while also playing fun and educational nature-based games.
Camp dates: Summer 2026 dates TBD
Cost: $275
Space Week
This week we will be blasting off into outer space. We will be learning all about the solar system and other interesting topics like different NASA programs. Kids will also have time to craft their own rocket ships, stars and planets.
Camp dates: Summer 2026 dates TBD
Cost: $275
Art and Science Week
Science is an adventure — an amazing opportunity to explore the world around us. This camp is jam-packed with loads of fun activities that are also educational. Your kids will be having a great time and keeping their science learning experience active during the summer.
Camp dates: Summer 2026 dates TBD
Cost: $275
Rock Climbing Week
Learn the basics of indoor and outdoor rock climbing. No experience is necessary. Activities include group games, technique lessons, route reading basics and a fun competition. In addition to our focus on fun, this camp promotes awareness and understanding of climbing safety. Kids will gain a sense of self-reliance and accomplishment, as well as a passion for climbing.
Camp dates: Summer 2026 dates TBD
Cost: $275
Cheer and Dance Week
This week is jam packed with tumbling basics, learning how to stunt from U of I cheerleaders and taking some of our jumping skills to the pool. This skill-based camp allows kids to explore all types of new experiences in a safe, fun environment. Each day is filled with stations to teach and build skills individually and with friends. No previous experience is required.
Camp dates: Summer 2026 dates TBD
Cost: $250
Vandal Kids Camp FAQs
Where do the campers go during the day?
Vandal Kids Camp will be held in the Student Recreation Center on University of Idaho’s main campus. Activities will be mostly held at this location, however there are times where we will go on field trip to areas in the local community.
What should my child bring with them to the camp?
Your child should have a backpack with everything they need to be comfortable for the full day.
- Layers in case of inclement weather: long sleeves, rain jacket, extra socks (full change of clothes is recommended in case of accidents).
- Lunch, water bottle, morning and afternoon snack (no peanut ingredients).
- Swimsuit and towel for the weeks with pool activities.
- Optional: sunblock, bug spray, medication (inhaler, EpiPen, etc.).
- Optional: a book to read.
What kind of training do the camp counselors go through?
The counselors will go through a series of training courses before the youth camp begins. The training ranges from risk management, minor protection, CPR and first aid and guidelines from the American Camp Association.
What is the ratio of campers to counselors?
Five children to one counselor.
What does the schedule for a day of camp look like?
While each camp follows its own unique schedule, a typical day at Vandal Kids Camp generally includes the following:
| 8:30-9 a.m. | Check in and free time |
| 9-9:30 a.m. | Group warm-up activity |
| 9:45-10:45 a.m. | Game |
| 10:45-11 a.m. | Bathroom break and snack |
| 11 a.m. to noon | Guided activity, depending on the theme for the week |
| Noon to 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30-1 p.m. | Break: Free play (board games, cards, coloring, etc.) |
| 1-4 p.m. | Guided activities (rock climbing, field trips, small group games, crafts, etc.) |
| 4 p.m. | Pick up |