Looking for a fun-filled educational activity during the summer? Look no further…GEMS Camp (Gains in the Education of Math and Science) will be held in Champaign, Illinois this summer!

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) will be hosting two FREE STEM based day camps this summer. Come experience STEM alongside the scientists and engineers at CERL through a variety of hands-on activities. Plus, see what it is like to have a STEM career within the U.S. Army.

Gems I: Rising grades 9th-12th

Gems II: Rising grades 6th-8th

Near Peer Mentors: Rising Freshmen-Seniors in college (rising 11th and 12th graders will also be considered for GEMS II)

GEMS Goals

  • Cultivate curiosity
  • Encourage students to take advanced courses
  • Engage participants in rigorous and competitive scientific activities
  • Offer opportunities for student interns to conduct research in a working laboratory
  • Provide active learning experiments that merge concept with technical skills
  • Challenge students with advanced protocols

More Information

  • Applications submitted BEFORE or AFTER the registration period will not be considered.
  • Applicants must submit a self-written essay (min. 100 words) as part of their application.

Camp runs 8:30 am to 3:30 pm each day at ERDC-CERL (2902 Newmark Dr., Champaign, IL). 

Important Dates

January 1, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor and Student Applications Open

March 15, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor and Student Applications Close

Interested in This Program?

If you are interested in this program contact CERL Outreach Coordinator by email. We'd love to hear from you!