GEMS 2026 Dates
Penn GEMS is a 1-week day camp
Monday-Friday • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Program dates posted: October 1, 2025
Application opens: January 20, 2026
Application closes: March 1, 2026
The university no longer requires the COVID-19 immunization for non-healthcare students.
Camp Fees 2026
- The application fee is TBD
- The camp fee is TBD.
- Due for accepted campers 30 days after their acceptance to hold their space in camp.
- This fee must be paid by credit card only. Payment instructions will be included in the acceptance notification, along with additional required health and safety forms to be completed at that time.
Penn GEMS Activities
The activities listed below are subject to change, and not all participants will experience every activity. Students will be divided into groups and take part in a variety of experiences. While we are still finalizing this year’s program, here are some examples of activities from past years:
GLOW IN THE DARK SCIENCE
What does a cell in your body look like up close? Through hands-on labs, you’ll learn how cells travel throughout your body and how engineers are actually making body cells that fight disease!
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING IN ACTION!
Mechanical Engineers create everything from cell phones and toys to medical devices and cars. You’ll get to try your hand at the exciting design process by working in a team to build your own structure or vehicle.
IT’S A ROBOT
What do NASA’s Mars Rover and Honda’s ASIMO need to do interact and react in their environments? Learn the basic electro-mechanical principles behind robotics technology and more when you get to play with your own robot.
WHAT IS COMPUTER SCIENCE?
Computers, iPods, cell phones, websites, video games, animated movies, and robots are just a few things created by computer scientists. Learn how to think like a computer scientist and maybe even create a few things of your own!
IMAGINATION TO ANIMATION
Love animated movies and video games? You’ll learn some basic computer programming skills that any animation or game maker needs and leave with something to show your friends and family.
NANOTECH 101
What is nanotechnology and why is everyone talking about it? You’ll experiment with nano-materials, and study how these teeny tiny structures can change our everyday lives.